When you’re renovating a kitchen, choosing countertops can feel like a daunting task. There are so many options and so many things to consider that the entire process can feel overwhelming.
To make your life a little easier, we’re going to share five simple tips to help you find the best kitchen countertops for your home.
1. Plan Your Kitchen Layout
If you haven’t done so already, plan your kitchen layout. Consider the layout of the rest of your home when you’re planning.
If you have an open concept home, make sure that the flow of your kitchen works with the rest of your space. For example, an L-shaped kitchen with a center island will work well in an open concept living, dining and kitchen area. The island will help separate the space while still allowing all of the rooms to flow together.
Keep the size of your kitchen in mind and choose a layout that will work for your family.
2. Consider Kitchen Style
Now that you’ve planned your layout, it’s time to start considering the style you want. There are many different types of kitchen countertops, including:
- Quartz kitchen countertops
- Marble kitchen countertops
- Granite kitchen countertops
- Soapstone kitchen countertops
- Butcher block kitchen countertops
Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Consider not only aesthetics but the long-term care of the material and its cost. Don’t forget to consider the rest of your home as well. Does the material complement the other materials and colors in your space?
Keep all of these points in mind when choosing a style. Ensure your decision carefully. Don’t choose a color or material because it’s on-trend. Make sure that this is a look you will enjoy for years to come.
3. Consider Your Budget
Of course, you have to keep your budget in mind when choosing your countertops. Costs can easily get out of hand if you don’t have a strict budget. Be realistic when setting your budget and understand that this will be an investment.
If you’re unsure of which materials will fit into your budget, reach out to a professional. They can help you determine which options you can afford.
Your budget will likely dictate which material you choose and may narrow down your choices considerably. That being said, if you have a particular material that you really love and it’s not within your budget right now, it may be worth considering putting off the renovation until you have the money to get what you truly want.
Remember that kitchen renovations are expensive and time-consuming. The last thing you want is to settle on a material or style that you will regret in the future.
4. Consider Countertop Maintenance
Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing their countertops based on aesthetics alone. However, it’s important to consider other factors, like maintenance. Some materials are easier to maintain than others.
For example, granite and marble countertops have to be sealed because the material is naturally porous. Sealing will help prevent staining and keep the stone looking its best for years to come.
Other countertop materials, like quartz, require very little maintenance. A simple cleaning with soap and water is all that’s necessary.
Along with routine maintenance, think about the costs of repair if necessary. For example, some natural stone options, like granite, can be quite costly to repair if they become damaged or stained.
5. Don’t Forget The Sink
When choosing your countertops, don’t forget to consider your sink. How do you want your sink to be mounted: over or under?
- An over-mounted sink is also called a drop-in sink. The edges are placed over the countertop. Installation is quick and simple.
- With an under-mounted sink, the edges of the sink are mounted below the countertop to create a seamless look.
If you prefer an under-mounted sink, you’ll need to choose your material carefully. Marble, concrete, quartz and granite are well-suited for this sink style, but other materials may be a poor fit.
Use these five tips to choose the best kitchen countertops for your home. Don’t forget to consider your lifestyle as well. If you have a busy schedule and may not have the time to put into countertop maintenance, then consider a material that’s easy to clean and repair.