Kitchen Remodel: Let’s Talk Countertops

When planning a kitchen remodel, one of the first things to consider is your countertops. There are factors that will come into play when making the decision as to which countertop you will need, so read on to discover the best option for you.

The Different Kinds Of Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen countertops come in a variety of materials and thickness, such as:

• Granite

  Granite is great for when you know you will be very busy in your kitchen, or if you like the rustic look. Its’ grades vary from one till five, and it comes in different colors, thickness and patterns as well.

• Tiles

  Yes, you can choose to have tiles for your countertops, and this is a great option for you if you want a unique spin on the look of your kitchen. It comes in different sizes, shapes and patterns as you can imagine, but the downside is that they can crack and what’s more, they need grouting!

• Laminated Countertops

  Laminated kitchen countertops is a material you can choose if you’re going for a fast kitchen renovation, and there are different colors and themes to choose from – including a Granite look-alike. The surface is plastic covered so it may not be a good option if you’re very industrious in your kitchen as this may lead to cut marks as well as peeling over time.

• Engineered Stone

  Engineered stone is quite strong and may serve your kitchen needs quite well, thanks to its non-porous character. Engineered stone also comes in different colors so you won’t be left too bored, and thanks to its’ quartz-based composition, cleaning up won’t be too much of a hassle either.

• Stainless Steel

  Stainless steel is by far the best option if you’re looking for easy cleaning and heat resistance, but will scratch over time which means you will need to have a chopping board on every counter! This countertop won’t suit a period home or kitchen though, so if you are on the traditional side rather steer clear as it does look quite modern. Stainless steel is also one of the more expensive options.

• Concrete

  This is another material which offers durability. The nice thing about a concrete countertop is that it can be cast and prepared in your kitchen or off-site, and comes in different colors as well. More suitable for a modern kitchen, this material is also resistant to cracking and wear and tear.

• Recycled Glass or Mosaic

  This type of countertop is for the more artistic amongst us. You need to keep in mind however that this may not be as utilitarian friendly if you are going to be very busy in your kitchen or if your countertops will undergo heavy traffic. On the upside there are a myriad of colors and patterns to choose from, so you can really have fun with this option.

• Other Options

  Other options include marble, which is aesthetically pleasing but needs maintenance; Wood, which needs to be checked to ensure it has been sealed and varnished properly; and also Soapstone, which requires regular maintenance, but does bring character to your kitchen.

Factors To Take Into Account When Choosing Your Countertop

When thinking about your kitchen countertop, always consider the theme that you’re trying to achieve – a modern kitchen in a period home may not be what you are looking for, depending on your tastes. The countertop material will essentially create the ambience of your kitchen so do think it through. You also need to be aware of your budget as some countertops are cheaper (such as Laminates) than others (Stainless Steel for example). Another important factor to consider is if you may be starting a small business from your kitchen or if you are renovating your kitchen for industrial purposes such as a home catering company or a residential crèche. In such cases a strong, durable option such as Stainless Steel or Engineered Stone is most appropriate.

Speak to professional home improvement contractors about getting the right kitchen countertop for your needs by contacting Miller Construction & Design, who will be able to help you with all of your countertop needs.