Kitchen remodeling can spruce up your home and add value to it at the same time. Great countertops in particular can add a wow factor to your kitchen, but with all the different styles and materials to choose from, picking out the right one can be a daunting task. So how can you be sure you’re making the perfect choice?
Consider your lifestyle
The kind of countertop you choose largely depends on how you use your kitchen. Do you spend a lot of time cooking? Do you rarely cook but want a stunning kitchen nonetheless? If your countertops are likely to get messy, for instance, you’ll want something durable. If you don’t use your kitchen that much, then durability won’t be as important of a factor.
The types of countertops
There are plenty of countertop materials out there, all of which come in one of three types:
Natural stone
This includes granite, marble, limestone, quartzite, and soapstone. These are materials that are quarried directly from the earth and cut from a slab for your kitchen. They’re more expensive and require periodic sealing, but their look is irreplaceable.
Engineered stone
Engineered stone is another name for quartz countertops. These are 100% man-made, but they look exactly like natural stone, just without the extra cost. They’re extremely durable, and they can come in practically any color or texture that you desire.
Solid surface
Finally, there’s solid surface. This material is part-engineered, part-natural, making them a cheap, no-hassle option for people who don’t spend much time in their kitchens. They’re not as durable as other options, but they’re non-porous, meaning you don’t have to seal them.
Think about aesthetics
Form matters just as much as function. If your countertops don’t match the rest of your kitchen, you and your guests are going to notice. So, before committing to a specific countertop, bring a sample of it home to see how it looks in your kitchen and if it complements your cabinetry and backsplash.
If you’re looking to replace or install new kitchen countertops and you live in the Western NY area, Ivy Lea Construction can help. We provide quality kitchen remodeling with strategic planning and development that won’t break your budget or disrupt your schedule. Check out our gallery to see our beautifully remodeled kitchens and jumpstart your inspiration.