Kitchen Remodeling 101: Choosing The Right Countertops
One of the biggest decisions that you will make when remodeling your kitchen is the choice of countertops. Your kitchen counters see a lot of activity, perhaps the most activity out of all of your kitchen elements. That's why you should never make a rash decision about the countertops you want to use. Here are some of the things that you should consider when you're choosing counters for your remodeling project.
Put Function Before Aesthetics
When you remodel a kitchen, you probably have visions of the finished product. You may be considering marble countertops for an elegant appearance or stainless steel for a modern look. Remember that your countertops are more utilitarian than decorative. Do you have a large family and spend a lot of time cooking in the kitchen? Are you raising teenagers and worrying about staining on your counters from typical teenage food preparation behaviors? Things like this should be prioritized before appearance when choosing countertops. Look for something that meets your functionality and durability needs first and then tailor the look to the design you're envisioning.
Don't Be Afraid To Mix It Up
You might think that every countertop in your kitchen must be the same material. That can limit your options if you have a lot of counter space and a moderate budget. It's important to remember that you do not have to install the same countertops everywhere in your kitchen. For example, a butcherblock would work well on a center island even if you have marble, granite, or stainless steel countertops elsewhere in the kitchen.
Consider The Upkeep Requirements
One thing that many people overlook when choosing countertops is the time that they have to devote to maintaining those counters. If you choose natural stone, marble, or wood countertops, there are maintenance requirements. Stone countertops need to be sealed periodically and must be cleaned regularly to keep them from staining. Wood countertops must be sanded and oiled periodically to keep the wood in good condition and protect it from drying out. These factors matter if you lead a busy, demanding lifestyle and have little time to devote to upkeep.
These are just a few of the factors to consider if you are installing new countertops as part of your kitchen remodel. Talk with your remodeling contractor about the countertop options available to you so that you can get the right material for your functionality and aesthetic preferences.