The kitchen is an integral room in the home. Everyone loves to eat and this is where the deliciousness comes from.
A poorly done kitchen, while it may work on a basic level, won't inspire culinary works of art. Of course, you might not be a world-class baker creating delicacies every day of the week. But you do want a space that inspires you to make scrumptious meals for your family.
The right kitchen countertops are vital for this inspiration. The right material can facilitate your work and make cleanup and maintenance a breeze. And the right aesthetic is what serves to inspire.
Your kitchen should be so beautiful that you want to spend time in it.
Wondering how to select the right kitchen countertops to make this happen? Read on to learn how to do it.
Durability
When choosing the material, durability is a huge factor to consider. You want countertops that will hold up to the rigors of daily use — and look amazing while doing it.
Every material has its pluses and minuses. There is no perfect material for all kitchens. How you plan to use your kitchen has a big impact on which type is best for you.
Do you have a large family and there is always someone cooking up culinary creations throughout the day? You may want to choose something more durable like quartz or granite even if it is a little more expensive upfront.
Do your kids enjoy doing art projects with you in the kitchen while you cook? Marble, though durable, may not be the best choice as it is prone to staining.
For a lightly used kitchen where durability isn't as important, basic laminate is a great choice when saving money is a big concern. And don't worry, while it wasn't necessarily that attractive in the past, modern laminate is much classier and there are plenty of looks to choose from.
Maintenance
Another thing to consider is the maintenance that your countertops will require. While no countertops will require copious amounts of maintenance, many materials benefit from extra care every once in a while. Without it, they may lose part of their durability and they certainly won't stay looking as sharp.
For example, wooden countertops benefit from a light oiling a couple of times a year. Porous materials, (think natural stone like granite, limestone, and marble) will need to be sealed about once a year. Without this seal, they will begin to soak up spills, which can lead to staining.
Solid surfacing and quartz countertops both offer the big advantage of being virtually maintenance-free. However, each has its downsides.
Solid surfacing isn't as durable and may scratch and burn, although a good sanding can remove the blemishes. Quartz is more durable and a prettier option (though not quite as gorgeous as natural stone) but is more expensive.
Aesthetics
If you want your kitchen to inspire you, it needs to be gorgeous in your eyes. The good news is that with the variety of options available today there is something to match everyone's style.
Do you want bright, bold kitchen countertops? Go for solid surfacing which is available in a huge variety of colors and patterns. The point of solid surfacing is not to imitate natural materials, so you can get more creative with it.
Tile is another inexpensive option with many colors and patterns to choose from. You can let your creativity go when working with tile by incorporating patterns into the backsplashes, mosaics, and more.
Natural stone materials are often prized for their beauty but they can be more expensive. Plus, natural stone requires resealing to prevent stains. Even so, marble, though supremely elegant, is prone to staining even with proper sealing.
For this reason, people will often use marble in small areas of the kitchen to add its elegance without the expense or headache of caring for it.
Budget
The amount that you can spend on your kitchen cabinets varies widely. Laminate is at the inexpensive end of the range at just $10 to $30 per square foot. Tile is another great option ranging from $10 to $80 per square foot.
The price can rise significantly from there, however. More expensive options include granite, solid surfacing, and marble which can all run upwards of $100 per square foot.
A rather new option, paper composite, is also available made from paper fibers mixed with resin. The look is very modern, and the material is surprisingly durable. Though this eco-friendly option might seem like a budget option, it is not with the price running between $85 to $125 per square foot.
Other ultra-modern options include stainless steel, which is excellent for preventing bacteria growth, and concrete, which is easily customizable. However, neither comes with an inexpensive price tag and you should expect to pay between $65 and $125 per square foot.
The Right Kitchen Cabinets for You
As you can see, the choices you have are nearly endless when it comes to selecting your kitchen countertops. In this article, we've tried to give you an idea of what you should consider as you are picking them out. Every material has its pros and cons, and which material is right for you will depend on your needs.
Still not sure which kitchen countertops to choose? Why not ask the experts?
Contact us here at Solid Construction Design. We specialize in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms and can help you turn your house into the home you've always wanted. With our extensive experience, we will listen to your wants and needs and help you choose the perfect kitchen cabinets that will inspire you.
