You use your kitchen countertops to prepare meals, place kitchen appliances, and more. As a result, your countertops are prone to wear and tear over time due to frequent use. If your kitchen counters look dilapidated, it might be time for an update.
But with numerous kitchen countertop options available, how do you know which option is right for you? If you’re unsure where to start, here are some essential tips when updating your kitchen countertops.
Consider Your Style
Do you want a kitchen with a modern appearance, a traditional one, or a mix of both? When updating your kitchen countertops, you must consider the look you want.
While some countertop materials offer a contemporary appearance, others give a more traditional vibe. For instance, stainless steel may be an excellent option for a modern look, while you may prefer wood if you want a traditional feel. On the other hand, granite and quartz may be excellent options if you want flexible styling options, as they come in various colors and patterns.
Consider Maintenance
Do you live in a busy household? Do you have young children? Do you prepare meals frequently? If you answered yes to all these questions, choose an easy-to-maintain countertop material.
Natural stones such as granite and marble are porous. This means they allow liquids to penetrate their surfaces, making them susceptible to staining due to wine and coffee spills. As a result, they require regular sealing to protect them from stains, making them difficult to maintain.
On the other hand, counter materials such as quartz, solid surface, and stainless steel are non-porous, making them easy to maintain. Therefore, you may prefer them if you don’t want to keep up with constant maintenance.
Consider Durability
Some countertop materials are more durable than others. If you use your countertops frequently, you’ll want a long-lasting material. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a durable countertop material:
Heat-resistance: Some countertops are prone to burns. If you occasionally place hot pans or pots on your counters, choose a material that can withstand heat. Some great heat-resistant options include granite, quartz, and tile.
Scratch resistance: Some countertops are susceptible to scratches. If you often prepare ingredients on your counters, choose a material resistant to knife scratches. Some excellent scratch-resistant options include granite and quartz.
Water resistance: Some countertop materials aren’t waterproof. For instance, wood is prone to rotting because it isn’t waterproof. Choose a water-resistant counter material if you don’t want to update your kitchen countertops frequently.
Besides these factors, choose a material that doesn’t chip or peel easily. Generally, quartz is the most durable counter material, as its heat, scratch, and water-resistant and doesn’t chip or peel.
Consider the House Layout
Depending on your home’s layout, one countertop material may better suit your kitchen than another. If you have an open-plan layout, you’ll want to choose a countertop material that matches the style throughout your home. For instance, stainless steel kitchen countertops may complement your home’s overall aesthetic if you have an industrially styled open-plan home.
On the other hand, if you have a closed kitchen layout, you may have more flexible styling options. Nonetheless, even if you have a closed kitchen design, try to maintain a uniform style throughout your home.
Consider Your Budget
Kitchen countertop prices vary from one material to another. While some countertop options can be pretty costly, others are relatively inexpensive.
Consider granite or quartz if you want premium options that are great value for money. Both materials are durable and have high ROI. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, consider laminate. It’s easy to install and requires minimal maintenance.
Just bear in mind that a high price doesn’t guarantee durability. For instance, while marble is fairly costly, it isn’t a durable countertop material because it’s prone to scratches and stains.
Check Trends
While trends come and go, some countertop materials seem to never go out of style. Check out what’s trending to ensure you pick a countertop material in style instead of one that feels like a throwback to a bygone era.
For instance, laminate was once a popular countertop option, but it can feel outdated in modern homes.
Consult Experienced Countertop Installers
If you perform a quick online search on “how to update countertops,” you’ll receive lots of information. While the information you get online can be helpful, nothing compares to first-hand information from seasoned countertop installers.
When you consult professional countertop installers, you’ll get insightful information on the right countertop material for your kitchen remodel, project costs, countertop maintenance tips, and more.
Updating Your Kitchen Countertops Made Easy
Choosing a suitable countertop material can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Use these tips to select a suitable countertop material for your kitchen, or contact us today to learn more about how to update your countertops.