Countertops play a demanding role in your home. They need to be durable as well as resistant to scratches, staining, heat, etc. while also looking great. With all these features needed for today’s countertops, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right countertops for your kitchen remodeling project. Homeowners can use this guide to help narrow down countertop choices and find the best option for your kitchen!
Think about how you and your family plan to use and clean your kitchen. The type of countertops you choose will rely heavily on this information. If you have kids, you may be looking for a durable material that is resistant to stains and can withstand various cleanup styles, whereas if you don’t do as much cooking or live alone, you may only need countertops that are resistant to light wear and tear.
When it comes to countertops, there are materials that require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking great, while others are more resilient and require less maintenance. While considering what type of countertops you want, be realistic about how much effort you can put into caring for your countertops. For example, porous countertop materials such as limestone, marble, and granite will require sealing at least once a year.
If you find a material you like, be sure to learn about what it takes to maintain that material and make sure you can commit to it.
While shopping for countertops, you will need to have an idea of how many linear feet of countertop you will need. You will also need to have any required dimensions for your space that are beyond the standard.
With this information, you can get a rough estimate of the cost for each type of material you are interested in and compare them to find what is best for your budget. In some cases, whether it be for design or budgetary reasons, you may decide to use two different materials, choosing one for the countertops, such as marble and then choosing a lower-cost material such as wood for your kitchen island. This helps to create a contrast in textures, while also saving money for your kitchen remodel.
Pricing for countertops can range anywhere from $22 per square foot for basic plastic laminate up to $250 per square foot for high-end granite or marble. The cost for kitchen countertops varies and depends on your local builders and suppliers.
Keep in mind, purchasing a good kitchen countertop is a great investment because if you maintain them correctly, they will last for many years to come. The best course of action is to find your ideal material and get the version of it that suits your budget. You will live with the decision daily for many years, so in some cases, it is reasonable to spend more, within reason, than you planned to on countertops to ensure you get the right material to suit your needs.
Another major factor in choosing your kitchen countertops is the style you are looking for. While you can’t select a countertop based on beauty alone, the way your countertops look plays a major role in the appearance of your kitchen.
Think about the materials you are drawn to and consider the pros and cons of each material. You may love the look of marble countertops, but you don’t want to have to worry about red sauce or red wine stains marring the surface, so instead, you may opt for an alternative such as Quartzite, that is durable, lower-maintenance with a cheaper price tag. You may also decide you love the look of marble and can handle the upkeep.
Either way, it is important to treat your countertop decision like any big investment. Be sure to take the time to learn about the material options, find what suits your style, and determine your budget before jumping to a decision.
With over 30 years of experience in kitchen remodeling and strong relationships with top suppliers and manufacturers for kitchen countertops, Kitchen & Bath Galleria can help you find the best countertops for your kitchen remodel! Contact us today to learn more about our kitchen remodeling services in Latrobe and how we can help bring your dream kitchen to life!
Greg is the owner of Kitchen & Bath and has been providing designing and building services since 1986. With that much experience, he's become an expert in several types of home renovations.
