There is a lot to consider when you are upgrading or even completely changing your kitchen. One aspect that might not seem that important at the beginning is your choice of countertop. However, as you will quickly see, this is a huge choice to make; apart from the cabinet fronts, the countertop is actually what will be seen first, and if it doesn’t work with the rest of the kitchen and looks out of place, you’ll always begrudge it and wish you had made a different choice. With the importance of your kitchen countertop in mind, here are some helpful pointers on how to choose the best one for your kitchen.
Functionality
Kitchens are used for in many different ways these days, and not just for cooking. What you use your kitchen for is what will help to give you the main hints about which kind of countertop will be best. For example, a kitchen that involves a lot of food prep and where you are keen to ensure the best hygiene might benefit from a stainless steel worktop. If you’re more a baker than a cook, marble can often work out well because kneading dough is best on this kind of surface. Or maybe the kitchen is where the family spend a lot of time, in which case, whatever surface material you choose will need to be harder wearing; granite is a good example.
It can be confusing, which is why it’s always a good idea to find a countertop expert such as Legacy Countertops to talk you through your options. You’ll be able to narrow down your choices easily if you do this.
Cost
Your budget must always be taken into consideration when you are choosing the right countertop for your kitchen. Some materials are a lot more costly than others, but if your budget can’t obtain them, then it’s best to look for the next most cost-effective idea. There is no point in spending more than you can afford, as you simply won’t be able to enjoy the kitchen if you do.
Work out your budget well in advance of the when you need to choose your countertop (or any other aspects of your kitchen) so that you don’t want any time looking at options that just won’t work for you. There are some excellent countertops in all budget brackets, so don’t worry that you won’t find the one that suits you just because your budget is smaller.
Materials
There are many different materials to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. Granite, for example, is very hard-wearing, and will last for decades. It’s also entirely natural and each piece of granite is unique because of this. However, it’s also a more expensive option.
At the other end of the scale is laminate. Laminate is a cheaper option, and it’s also more versatile. Laminate countertops can come in many different colors and even patterns because they are man-made. You can even get them in wood or stone finishes. However, these materials don’t last as long as others, so you might have to replace them or at least try to get chips repaired during their lifetime.
