The average American kitchen has about 25 square feet of counter. This can seem like a lot of new countertops to put in if you’re considering a remodel, but know that even a minor kitchen remodel can have more than 82% return on investment. While putting in new countertops is an investment, it’s a worthy one. The kitchen is just about the most important room in the house, and having the right materials for your new countertops is crucial. Which new countertops are right for you, though? There are so many options to choose from that it can be daunting to consider this aspect of kitchen redesign, especially if you’re also busy trying to choose a new cabinet design or types of vinyl flooring. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you choose those new countertops.
How Much Maintenance Can You Handle?
If you hate doing housework, you’ll want to choose a product that doesn’t require much maintenance. Laminate, quartz, engineered stone, and stainless steel don’t need much to stay in excellent condition. In fact, a quartz counter can handle heat up to 400° Fahrenheit, making it very unlikely to crack or be ruined by heat stains. However, if you don’t mind putting a little work into your countertops, granite countertops, or even wood and concrete countertops might be a good option for you. Whatever type you choose, you will have to periodically seal it.
How Much Do You Cook?
If you are eating most of your meals out, then you can choose your new countertops almost entirely based on looks, design, and cost. If you cook most of your own meals at home and will constantly be using your new countertops, you’ll probably want material that is fairly easy to clean. This would include porcelain, quartz, glass, laminate, or resin. If you choose a laminate countertop, be sure to use plenty of hot pads.
What is Your Budget?
Your family situation an overall budget will affect what you can afford. If you have kids, know that marble, granite, and wood can stain easily, especially if they are not regularly sealed. This can actually cost you more money in the end, particularly if you want to sell later. If you have a larger budget, concrete, quartz, or some other natural stone are great options. They look great, they’re very durable, and they are less likely to stain than other types. In fact, of homeowners planning a kitchen remodel, 93% of those doing the countertops are choosing natural stone these days. If your budget demands mid-range options, recycled glass countertops, tile, and wood could be good options for you.
What’s Your Stance On Eco-Friendly Materials?
In recent years, it has become more common to use recycled materials in countertops. Recycled glass countertops are made with up to 90% recycled material, and recycled paper, wood, metal and even particle board can be found in many of today’s recycled countertop options. Be aware that recycled countertops can sometimes require more maintenance than other types.
How Important is Color?
Some people just want a plain white, black, or metal counter. Some people, though, prefer new countertops that reflect their style or which match an overall interior design strategy. Certain countertop materials offer more choice when it comes to color and style. Recycled glass countertops have a beautiful sparkle, and no two kitchens made with it will ever look the same. Solid surface countertops come in many colors, and quartz countertops are not only elegant, but can also be pigmented in any color you can ask for. Porcelain countertops come in a variety of color options, although they can look dull after heavy wear and tear. If you prefer a natural look but still crave a bit of variety, wood comes in many hues and patterns as does granite.
Ultimately, the kitchen countertops you choose need to fit your budget, fit your style, and be useful to you and your family. If you’re looking to put in new countertops, look for suppliers in your area who can help you make the right choice for your needs.
