t’s important to choose kitchen countertops that fit the style and atmosphere of your kitchen. Your cabinets, paint color, and floor may make a big difference in your kitchen, but if you haven’t found a countertop that fits your budget, style, and tastes, you’ll be less likely to enjoy the rest of the improvements. With so many options (granite, marble, wood, laminate, etc.), how do you choose among the many options available?
When you choose your kitchen countertop, pick a material that will suit you well in the long run. Do you prefer granite or quartz? Granite countertops are more durable and expensive than quartz countertops. Quartz countertops are a great option if your budget is limited. Does the color of your cabinets make you want to pick a lighter or darker tone? The following can help you decide which countertop is right for your kitchen.
Here are 4 Simple Tips on Choosing the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen.
1. Consider your budget
Like any home improvement project, the cost-effective kitchen remodels budget is one of the most important things to consider, and there are several factors. The price of countertops varies greatly depending on the type of material. Will you have enough space for the new countertops? Are you looking for something more traditional or modern? We understand the desire to splurge when faced with NKBA's recommended 10% budget earmarked for countertops. After all, these surfaces are practically the focal point of your kitchen. But if you're going to spend that much money on one surface, the countertop should look and feel just as good over time.
Solid surface countertops are much more expensive than engineered stone countertops, especially when you factor in the cost of backsplash tiles or solid kitchen surfaces. According to Home Advisor, solid surface countertops are priced between $15 per square foot and $70 per square foot, while ceramic tile, on average, costs $1 per square foot, and the least expensive marble countertop will cost $190 per square foot.
Many countertops can work for your kitchen based on your needs and priorities. For example:
➤ Consider a butcher-block countertop if you're working with a small kitchen but still want to fill the space with an ample, bold countertop that adds style.
You can have these large slabs cut down to size. There are also lighter versions on the market that serve as an attractive backsplash.
➤ Solid surface countertops like Corian and Caesarstone can be an excellent option for those looking for traditional countertops but who want a little more variety in colors and patterns.
➤ Think about getting engineered stone countertops like Quartzite or Silestone with patterns for something more modern and eye-catching.
➤ If you like to cook and entertain in your kitchen, then granite or quartz might be the right choice for your countertop.
These durable materials are easy to clean, which is a huge plus when you have a busy household.
The important thing is to consider what works best for your budget and kitchen needs before making any purchase decision.
💡 TIP: Once you've figured out the size of your countertop, try to find out if the seller needs to cut the material to fit your space before you buy them—you don't want to end up having extra cuts made once they're installed and need to pay more for that service.
2. Think about durability.
Have you ever wondered what kind of countertop would best fit your kitchen? You want something that will last because it's a significant investment, and you'll be living with it for years to come. Here are factors you might want to consider.
If your kitchen countertop sees a lot of action—maybe you're into hosting dinner parties and have a big family who tends to eat in—you'll want to consider one of our more durable options. Top picks for these kitchens include granite, quartz, and marble. These materials can withstand the wear and tear from knives, hot pots and pans, spoons, and more without damaging or staining.
These countertops also add extra value to any home because they naturally resist stains and heat. Sanding down scratches in quartz and granite countertops makes them unnoticeable, and the marble countertop is just… marble! It's gorgeous no matter what it looks like—and regardless of whether or not it has taken a beating.
➤ Granite countertops is an igneous rock with a unique sparkle and shines that no other material quite matches. It's durable enough for use as a countertop, but it's also perfect for tabletops and other decorative uses. It's not cheap, though—granite is among the pricier options available to homeowners.
➤ Quartz countertops are quite popular. It has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it won't crack or pop out of its frame when it freezes.
➤ Marble countertops has been popular for centuries, so it's no surprise that it's very popular as a kitchen countertop material.
With the less-durable options, you'll have to take extra care when using sharp utensils because their surfaces will scratch easily. But if you choose from among some recommended materials—laminate, solid surface.
💡 TIP: Remember, one material may have different varieties, and prices differ. It's best to consider all possible options. At the same time, consider comparing each material, for instance, Quartz vs. Granite.
3. Consider the maintenance of your kitchen countertop.
You don't want to replace your countertop because it's too hard or expensive to maintain. When you set out to buy a countertop, you have a lot of choices. Sure, the look of the material is essential. You want your countertop to be easy on the eyes and even complement your kitchen's décor. But what about functionality? When you're deciding between granite, quartz, or concrete countertops for your home, it's essential to consider the maintenance of each material and whether it will fit in with your lifestyle.
Several things can damage kitchen countertops, but one of the most common types of damage is scratches. You can purchase a marble and granite sealant to help protect the countertop from minor wear and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
➤ Granite and Marble countertops are naturally porous, meaning it absorbs liquids, so you need to seal them to prevent stains.
➤ Quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning any bacteria or other nasty stuff can't hide in them.
➤ The stainless steel countertop is very durable and requires very little maintenance so that you can wipe it down with a damp cloth.
➤ Laminate countertop is the easiest to maintain. You can wipe it down with a wet cloth and use dish soap to clean it.
💡 TIP: Sealing should be done before installation. And depending on the product used, this will ensure several years of quality performance.
4. Find out the aesthetic you are going for.
Choosing a material that complements your lifestyle makes sense when you think about how much time you spend in your kitchen. Before deciding on what type of countertop to install in your kitchen, you need to first decide on the aesthetic you are going for.
So before you start comparing prices and figuring out where to shop, make sure that you have an idea of what you want! Here are some questions to ask yourself to figure out what countertop aesthetic is suitable for your kitchen. The look you choose should have an impact on what material you choose. Do you want to go all-out on some crazy design and then work around that, or do you want something more subdued and straightforward? Is it modern? Traditional? Classic? Or maybe a more rustic look that still feels modern?
➤ White Quartzite Countertops for a sleek or clean look in the kitchen. It has all of the benefits of granite without the price tag.
➤ Marble Countertops for the high-end elegance you’re after. The luxurious coloring of stone provides a stylish backdrop to your kitchen design.
➤ Soapstone or Natural Wood Butcher Block Countertops for rustic country chic home designs, this countertop provides an element of earthiness unlike any other choice today.
The first step to getting your ideal kitchen countertop is to dig in deep and learn about all of your options to make an informed decision that best meets your needs and matches your tastes. Browsing through these options should help you get an idea of some of the top countertop materials on the market today and how they can enhance your kitchen design. Overall, the best kitchen countertop is the one that fits your kitchen design, material preferences, and budget.
