Countertops are the workhorses of any kitchen and a critical factor in how well your home functions. It is essential to choose the right countertop for your lifestyle and needs.
You will also need to consider your aesthetic preferences and the overall look of your kitchen. This will determine the kind of material that you will want to use.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Countertops are the hub of a kitchen, where all food prep happens. So it’s important to think practically about how you’ll use them and your kitchen lifestyle.
If you’re a cook who spends much time in the kitchen, you’ll want something durable to handle heat and heavy use. A good option would be granite, quartz, or engineered stone. These are hard surfaces that can be scratch and stain-resistant.
If you have kids, you might be better off with a low-maintenance material such as a solid surface, laminate, recycled glass, or concrete. Many of these materials can be resealed easily and don’t need much upkeep to maintain their beautiful appearance. If you don’t mind some extra work, porous stones such as marble or limestone may be a good fit for your home. Some of these require resealing regularly to keep them looking their best.
Take a Look at Your Space
Countertops are the foundation of your kitchen, so choosing a material that fits your lifestyle and design aesthetic is essential. Durability is also an important factor to consider. Some materials, like marble, require high maintenance to keep them looking great. Others, like quartz, offer a more durable option at a more affordable price.
Consider how much space you have available to work with when selecting a countertop. Larger areas will allow you to accommodate a more extensive variety of materials and designs. On the other hand, smaller spaces may limit your options.
For example, stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look and is incredibly durable. Still, it’s not ideal for families with young children because it can show fingerprints and water spots easily. On the other hand, classic wood countertops can stand up to heavy use but are susceptible to stains.
Think About Your Budget
Countertops are one of the most expensive items in any kitchen remodel. The type of material you choose can help you keep your costs down and find something that fits your budget.
The aesthetic you want to achieve in your kitchen should also impact your countertop selection. For instance, you could try quartz countertops with Surface Cladding for a modern or contemporary look. This engineered material mimics the look of natural stone and can be used in various colors to fit your design scheme. This material is also nonporous, making it less susceptible to staining and other issues plaguing other countertop materials.
Another option is stainless steel, which is becoming more popular in kitchens. This is an affordable choice that offers a sleek, industrial look. However, it quickly shows fingerprints and water spots, so it’s not ideal for families with young children. Other more durable choices include butcher block and Corian solid surface.
Consider Your Needs
From chopping and cooking to crafting school projects and dropping your keys as you walk in the door, countertops are where life happens. That’s why it’s essential to consider how you use them before choosing your countertops.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for modern kitchens. It’s durable, easy to clean (using a product formulated specifically for the surface), and resistant to stains. However, it can show fingerprints and water marks and isn’t a good choice for homes with young children.
Quartz is an excellent option for families because it’s stain-resistant and nonporous. It also looks like natural stone but requires less maintenance than porous materials that must be resealed regularly. It’s available in various styles, including colors that mimic granite and marble and can be combined with other materials for a custom look.
