Today's countertops play a demanding role as both a workhorse and a showpiece in the kitchen. They are expected to be long-lasting, beautiful, and cost-effective as the site of all food preparation. It's no surprise that selecting a countertop material is a difficult task. But it doesn't have to be so difficult. Instead of being seduced or intimidated by the marketplace's endless options, start by asking yourself the right questions and establishing your priorities. Here is a list of important questions you should ask yourself before making a commitment.
- How Will You Use Your Countertops?
The most important aspect of your countertop decision should be based on how you and your family use your kitchen. For example, if you have two teenage boys and your countertops see a lot of active duty on a daily basis. Not only you do a lot of family cooking, but your sons are constantly in the kitchen preparing "in-between" meals. As a result, it was critical that your choice be able to withstand a variety of cooking and cleaning styles—without requiring you to be extra vigilant.
- How Much Maintenance Can You Handle?
Many materials have a long list of maintenance requirements, whereas others are extremely durable. Be honest with yourself about how much effort you're willing to put into maintaining your countertops. Porous materials, such as marble, limestone, and granite, require sealing at least once a year. Danish oil should be applied to wood countertops at least twice a year. As a result, before falling in love with a material, thoroughly consider the requirements of living with it.
- What Are Your Kitchen Requirements?
It's extremely helpful to know how many linear feet of countertop you'll need, as well as any non-standard dimensions for your space. As you collect data, you can create your own ballpark figures for each material and make comparisons. You may decide to use two different materials for design and budgetary reasons: for example, if you have an island, you may use an affordable wood top while the adjacent counters are in budget-devouring marble or granite.
- What’s Your Budget?
The cost of a kitchen countertop varies greatly and is also affected by local suppliers and builders. Given that a good kitchen countertop, if properly maintained, will last indefinitely, it's better to start with your ideal material and then look for a version that fits your budget. It's often reasonable to spend more than you planned; after all, you'll be living with this decision every day for the next few years.
- What materials fascinate you?
Aesthetics cannot be ignored by the design-obsessed. It would be a shame, however, to choose a countertop solely for its beauty, only to discover after installation that it is not the right fit for you. Understanding why you prefer certain materials over others will help you make an informed decision. For example, you might be drawn to white Carrara marble countertops but don't want to deal with red wine stains. Quartzite, a white stone material that is durable, low-maintenance, and less expensive, could be the ideal choice. Or, if you decide you want the warmth and personality of Carrara marble, you'll be willing to overlook its flaws.
Bottom Line
Consider your counter-decision as a large investment. Take your time looking around, narrowing down your options, counting your pennies, and then taking the plunge.
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