From sleek marble finishes to dependable quartz, choosing your perfect countertop can feel like a minefield. After all, it is the focal point of any kitchen and bathroom, and often the setting of life’s most memorable moments, from serving up a storm every birthday to gathering the family around during the holidays. You may think you know exactly what you want, but to avoid charges and upkeep later down the line, research is key. There are numerous aspects to your new countertop to consider before making your final choice:
Step 1: Find an expert in your area. Seeking recommendations from those in your local area is vital to finding a reputable company, coupled with those all-important glowing reviews. It is at this point that you should start to toy with the idea of price point. When on the lookout for countertops Vancouver, a free instant quote provides a valuable resource in determining the right provider for you. If you are finding that your dream countertop is out of your price range, a countertop specialist will be able to provide you with lookalike options for a fraction of the cost.
Step 2: Before selecting that beautifully-rustic hardwood countertop, consider how much durability your home requires. Do you have children, who will seldom go a day without spilling their orange juice? Do you consider scratches and chips inevitable? Or maybe you just want something low maintenance? It’s important to do your research into each material, although granite, quartz, recycled glass and concrete are renowned for their durability.
Step 3: Another important characteristic to consider is heat resistance. If you’re somebody who loves the social aspect of cooking, a heat-resistant countertop is key for those ‘chat-and-cook’ evenings with your loved ones. Engineered stone, granite, quartz and stainless steel are all known for their fantastic heat-resistant properties, whereas laminate tends to discolour when met with excessive heat.
Step 4: Your cleaning methods need to be taken into account when choosing the surface where all of the chopping and searing will take place. If you don’t feel content unless you can scrub away at your countertop, quartz, laminate and stainless steel are stellar choices. Porous surfaces, such as granite and marble, require more upkeep than their nonporous counterparts, as excess water and bacteria can make their way into the small holes and cause damage. A good sealant is necessary for the longevity of porous surfaces.
Step 5: Decide whether sealing maintenance is too much upkeep for you. Porous countertops can be relatively high maintenance, for example, glass countertops require re-sealing every six months. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance stone, quartz and many granite countertops are popular choices as sealing is not necessary.
Step 6: For your peace of mind, checking that a warranty is in place before purchase is recommended. It’s a significant investment for most people, so ensuring you are left with a perfectly-cut, beautifully-finished countertop is vital. Warranties for natural stones aren’t standard practice, but some companies will provide guarantees of all scopes, so it’s always worth asking the question.
Step 7: Now, this is the step you have probably been thinking long and hard about. Your kitchen aesthetic. With a wealth of materials, shades, designs and looks on offer, it may be difficult to choose, however seeking the guidance of an expert will help soothe those qualms. For example, if your heart is set on a sprawling marble countertop but your budget isn’t quite there, experts can point you in the direction of stones with a similar look, such as granite or quartz. We’d always recommend a chat with an expert before taking the plunge. You never know what hidden gems you may uncover!
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