Selecting the Perfect Countertop
Let’s be honest. One of the first things you notice when walking into someone’s kitchen is a dazzling countertop—not its durability or even what it does/doesn’t do for the environment. No, what we notice is the look of the counter and the overall feel it gives the kitchen. A banged up, out-of-date countertop is the equivalent of wearing sneakers with a prom dress; it’s just hard to look past. When you have finally come to terms that it’s time to replace this part of your kitchen, the options may seem limitless. But what works best for you?
It’s Not Just About Looks
First things first, it has to look attractive and spruce up your current kitchen, right? But as we all know, it’s not enough for a countertop to just look cool. It needs to function and also fit within your renovation budget. Current countertops are more functional and technologically advanced. Start by deciding what your needs are and the level of upkeep you are willing to put into maintaining your surface.
What are Your Needs?
A high-traffic kitchen (one with a large household, kids, pets, and lots of cooking going on!) can benefit from materials such as tile, concrete or butcher block. Keep in mind that butcher block will need to be refinished and sanded down as part of maintenance. Quartz is another great option for relatively low maintenance, style and durability. It’s no surprise that granite still reigns supreme when it comes to popularity, due to its style, ability to resist scratches, high temps and stains. Just make sure you remember to seal it periodically.
Consider Your Budget
Selecting the perfect countertop for your home ultimately may come down to budget. For the most bang for your buck, ceramic tile, natural stone tile, shalestone and concrete are all popular (and attractive) options.