In my house, and I am sure most homes, the kitchen is one of the most popular gathering areas. We spend family time there, prepare our meals, put together holiday feasts, socialize, and of course wash dishes. Kitchen countertops are a vital part of the appeal, appearance, and functionality of a kitchen. With so many options on the market, how do you choose the right kitchen countertop for you?
First, let’s talk about the different options available. These include natural stone such as marble, granite, soapstone – just to start. You can also explore options such as butcher block (which is beautiful but will require periodic treatment) but scratches and nicks can be buffed out; metal (stainless steel or zinc); concrete (today’s concrete countertops are prefabrication and come in a variety of styles and colors; tile; or Formica laminate. Obviously, in making your choice you will want to weigh your options. Pros and cons should be explored between you and your contractor. Of consideration should be appearance, durability, how well the material will withstand wear and tear, and overall price.
In addition to the countertop, characteristics can be accentuated with a backsplash. Backsplashes are often done in tile and can pull out or highlight your kitchen countertop. The tiles themselves can also be made to match the stone you end up using on your countertop. However, choosing a countertop should be decided based on what works for you. Here are a few things to consider before you commit to a countertop material:
How will the countertop be used?
The most crucial aspect of your countertop decision should be assessed by how you and your family use the kitchen. It’s also important to make a choice that can withstand all varieties of cooking and cleaning that you do without having to make an extra effort to its maintenance. Also, materials that are stain-resistant are amazing if you have toddlers that love to spill their fruit punch on the counter.
Do you agree with its maintenance?
As stated before, you should choose a material that doesn’t demand much maintenance. Many countertop materials come with a chore list of upkeep demands, while some are more resilient. It’s important to be realistic about how much effort you’re going to want to put into the maintenance of your countertop. Don’t just fall in love with a material, if you do not agree with its upkeep routine.
Can your budget handle it?
Kitchen countertop materials vary greatly when it comes to price. A butcher block style of countertop will naturally cost less than solid marble. So, bear in mind the budget that you have and how the ideal countertop fits into it. Though, it’s also reasonable to spend more than you planned, as this is going to become the centerpiece of your home for many years to come.
Our experts at Rudd Builders hope that these tips have kick-started your thinking and directed you closer to finding the best material for your kitchen countertop. Should you need more help, call our offices for a free consultation. Together we will build the kitchen of your dreams.