By Guest Blogger - Tanya Douglas - www.eastcoasthaul.com
Popular Quartz Countertop. Gray vein on white
Whether you plan to renovate your kitchen or build a new one from scratch, you'll have to make some serious decisions. One of the most challenging choices you'll have to make during this process is which countertops you'll put in your new or refreshed kitchen. From functionality to design, there are a lot of factors that will affect your final decision. You'll have to sit down and seriously think about how much you will use the kitchen, what material you like, what design and style you prefer, etc. Therefore, to help you in the decision-making process, we prepared an article that will answer the burning question: How to choose a countertop for your kitchen? Now, let's see what factors you'll have to consider and how to deal with potential dilemmas!
Whether you plan to renovate your kitchen or build a new one from scratch, you'll have to make some serious decisions. One of the most challenging choices you'll have to make during this process is which countertops you'll put in your new or refreshed kitchen. From functionality to design, there are a lot of factors that will affect your final decision. You'll have to sit down and seriously think about how much you will use the kitchen, what material you like, what design and style you prefer, etc. Therefore, to help you in the decision-making process, we prepared an article that will answer the burning question: How to choose a countertop for your kitchen? Now, let's see what factors you'll have to consider and how to deal with potential dilemmas!
Consider your budget
You can't choose the right countertop for your kitchen if you don't know your budget. This is for the sole fact that the prices of materials range widely. For example, pricier options would be marble or granite, and more affordable ones are quartz and laminate. Also, even though some materials are expensive, they are a good investment. This means if adequately maintained, some kitchen countertops can last forever.
So, not only do you have to consider the price when choosing a countertop for your kitchen, but you also need to think about maintenance, durability, and if it's a good investment. Only then will you be able to set the budget. That's why we recommend choosing your ideal countertops and then finding the version of it that you can afford.
For example, maybe the marble countertops are all you ever wanted, but they hardly fit your budget. The best alternative here is to go with quartz - a similar look that's more affordable. However, depending on the variations between your dream countertops and the less expensive alternative, it may be worth spending a bit more on something you'll be living with for years.
A decent rule of thumb is to allocate 15 to 30% of your kitchen renovation budget to countertops. According to experts, if you spend less than 15%, the quality may be lower than the other materials you're utilizing, but if you spend more than 30%, you may be overdoing it.
Factor in the time you spend in the kitchen
When attempting to find the ideal countertops for your kitchen, you first think about how they'll look. However, if you do not choose a material that can survive daily use, your money will be squandered. So consider the following:
How do you and your family use the kitchen?
Do you cook frequently? Do you need to make it extra functional and organized?
Do your countertops show signs of wear and tear from hosting parties or having children in the house?
How long do you intend to stay in your current home?
Getting more than one type of material is one method to accommodate varied purposes for your kitchen. If you slice a lot of food while cooking, you can consider using a butcher's block for a portion of your countertops to create a built-in cutting board. Or perhaps you bake frequently and could work with dough on a marble countertop.
You may also save money by mixing and matching kitchen countertop materials. For example, if you have a huge island, you may select to put a less expensive material there. Then you may spend a bit more money on surrounding counters that are smaller in space.
How much maintenance are you willing to put up with?
If you want to choose a countertop for your kitchen that will serve you well, you need to ask yourself another question - how much maintenance are you willing to do in the kitchen? We suggest being truthful with yourself here because if you're not - you can cost yourself a lot of money.
So, before you fall in love with the aesthetics of the material, learn about the maintenance requirements. Remember the following:
Porous materials such as marble, limestone, and granite must be oiled and sealed yearly.
Other materials, like quartz, require only a simple wash-off.
Butcher block is long-lasting but must be regularly sealed to avoid deterioration.
Quartz is a popular kitchen countertop material since it does not require any care. It is non-porous and long-lasting. Granite is also popular, although it is gentler than quartz and may need to be refinished.
Which materials please your aesthetic wishes?
And now for the ever-present question: what will look best in my kitchen? Rather than an exact match, use a tone that complements or contrasts with the cabinetry. For example, brown countertops on natural white oak cabinets provide a harmonized effect, whereas black granite on painted white cabinets creates a contrast. Now, ask yourself whether you want framed or frameless cabinetry, etc.
Here is a list of questions to consider when deciding which kitchen countertop material and color will complement your style:
Do you have a favorite countertop color?
How do your choices contrast with the existing kitchen walls?
Do you think your paint and hardware preferences will change?
Do you like your present kitchen style or wish to change it?
We recommend going with a versatile color. Paint and accessories might vary over time, so having counters that can match anything is a smart idea. Choosing a material with veins or splashes of color can also help you keep your options open.
Keep your belongings safe during the renovation
Once you choose a countertop for your kitchen, you'll have to start preparing the space for the renovation. This includes finding the best way to protect your belongings during remodeling and letting constructors have room to work their magic. The best option here is to rent a storage unit. Fortunately, NY is full of great companies that offer excellent storage services. So, all you have to do is find the best one for you!
How to choose a countertop for your kitchen: Final words
As you can see, you have many choices when it comes to kitchen countertops. Therefore, you'll have to carefully think about what you need and want to make the right decision. In addition, there is a wide range in prices, so you'll have to factor in your budget before you choose a countertop for your kitchen. And don't forget you can always mix and match materials. All we have to say for the end is - happy renovation!
A combination of quartz in the kitchen and wood on the bar