There are many reasons why people decide to update their countertops. Sometimes they want to go with a more updated and contemporary look. Other times, it becomes a necessity, especially for homeowners who are dealing with existing countertop surfaces that are cracked, peeling, chipped or exhibiting signs of discoloration or water damage.
Adding new countertops can increase the value of your home. There are many different styles and materials to choose from. You can go online to find out about the different options that are available. You can also comparison shop and get pricing information at your local big box or specialty retailer.
Here are eight things to consider when it’s time to buy new countertops for your home:
1.Price
Price is one of the most important factors to consider. Some materials anywhere from a few dollars per square foot to a few hundred dollars or more. Material pricing usually depends on the type of material, the quantity, and the location that you buy it from. Another component of the price is the total costs for installation and labor. Some types of countertops like wood or laminate you can install yourself. For other heavier materials, you’re better off hiring a professional to get the job done right. You should also take into account the length of time it should take to complete the project. Most do-it-yourself countertop installs can be done in a few hours or a few days. There are choices of going down the DIY route to install the countertops yourself. The other option would be to get in touch with a Covington Granite Countertops installation company, for example, to get it done professionally and hopefully get better results.
Professionally done jobs can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the type of material and the time required for each job.
2.Materials
There are many different kinds of materials that you can choose from. Wood, laminate, granite, marble.com, ceramic tile, concrete and stainless steel are just some options to pick from. You can even try product samples from different retailers to find a color and feel that’s just right for you. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and your budget. The type of product that you choose should depend on the type of look that you want, the budget that you have in mind and the amount of regular maintenance that you’re willing to put in if necessary.
3.Think about recycled materials
You can choose from different kinds of recycled glass, paper, porcelain, and aluminum products for your kitchen countertops. These items can give your kitchen a unique look and save you money on material costs. They are a green alternative that works well in any home, and they are customizable for just about any layout and decor.
4.Edges
There are many different options when it comes to your countertop edging. There are beveled edges, bull-nosed edges, square edges and more to choose from. If you have a busy household with lots of people coming and going in your kitchen, you may want to think about rounded edges. They are a contemporary look and a good safety feature. With rounded edges, there are fewer chances of people or pets running into sharp corners and possibly hurting themselves.
5.Mixed materials
If you don’t want to choose from just one certain type of material or are tired of seeing the same kinds of materials used, you can decide to use mixed materials for your countertops. You can try using wood and laminate, or natural stone combined with granite, concrete or quartz, for example. You can play around with color and material contrasts as much as you want. Mixed materials can give your kitchen a look and feel quite unlike any other. The only limits are your own imagination!
6.Durability
There are some countertops that are great at handling any kind of stains, moisture, weight, and other conditions. They stand the test of time and with a little cleaning, they look just as good as new for many years after they were first installed. Others are made from materials that can be susceptible to discoloration, cracking, chips, breakage or water damage. Materials like laminate, stone, and bamboo, for instance, are great choices but can require more maintenance and regular cleaning than concrete or steel. Stone and granite countertops may also need to be resealed from time to time. When selecting materials, you’ll want something that both meets your design needs and works for your busy lifestyle. If you lead an active lifestyle, then you may want to choose stainless steel or granite for their endurance. However, if you like to tackle home remodeling projects on your own, you may elect to choose laminate, wood or other similar products if you’re okay with repairs and replacing segments when necessary.
7.Warranties
Check with your material supplier or contractor about any warranties that may be available. Warranties are usually offered by either the manufacturer or the reseller. If something goes wrong during the installation or shortly thereafter, it’s comforting to know that the materials are covered. It can also take the headaches out of figuring out to repair chips or cracks in granite, stone or other kinds of countertop materials. Some companies offer limited or even lifetime warranties on materials and construction.
8.Your overall satisfaction
Your kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home. It’s used to host family dinners and other special occasions. It’s a central gathering place, and it should be both effective and appealing. It can take some time and a bite out of your savings, but designing and installing kitchen countertops that you are satisfied with are well with the effort and expense.
These are just some of the many things to think about when it’s time to replace your kitchen countertops. Take as much time as you need to come up with ideas, review materials pricing and set a timeframe for the installation. Before long, you’ll have kitchen countertops that you’ll be proud to use and display to family and friends. They add value to your home and are an important aspect of one room in your house that you’ll be sure to spend a lot of quality time in with family members and friends for many years to come.
