KITCHEN REMODEL IDEAS: CHOOSING THE PERFECT COUNTERTOP

ELEVATING YOUR HOME DESIGN

Home renovations can be difficult to navigate. Understandably so, we all want our homes to be a reflection of ourselves but sometimes our tastes can be hard to know where to start and sometimes it is hard to bring inspirations to life when remodeling on a budget. A kitchen, along with a living room, is commonly known as one of the most important areas of any home. Kitchens in particular, when designed appropriately, can bring a lot of value to a home overall. From the top to the bottom, there are many significant aspects that go into a quality kitchen. The countertops are an especially essential element, however. This is primarily because they serve as a foundation for most food preparation actions, but they can also be a reflection of our personalities.

Countertops should be functional and resilient as there will be a lot of work here. It also, of course, helps if they are aesthetically pleasing. Finding the right material for your countertops can be tedious as there are plenty of options to choose from. Here, we're going to explore some various material options and assess the pros and cons that may come with them:

Granite Countertops

One of the most popular choices around when it comes to kitchen countertops is that of granite. The reasoning is very simple as it is an incredibly durable natural stone. It is also very resistant to heat. It naturally comes with a lot of different colors and patterns so this becomes a very versatile option when discussing kitchen designs. It meets the needs of many different ideas and lots of different personality types. It typically can avoid scratches and proves to be a very reliable choice for most homeowners.

They are pretty easy to clean and maintain and tend to be resistant to bacteria. Granite countertops do tend to require periodic sealing in order to prevent damage and stains. If you're someone that enjoys variety and patterns, the aesthetic aspect of granite may be perfect for you as no two slabs are identical. It can be slightly tedious to work with if you want a systematic and patterned look. If you want to add a little patterning to your kitchen, are comfortable with periodic maintenance, and you have room in your home renovation budget, then this style may be a good fit for you!

Marble Countertops

Marble is a highly sought after material for countertops as it possesses a very luxurious and elegant aesthetic. It is likely that you have seen this material used in many homes if you frequently watch home improvement tv shows or follow interior design companies. The most popular styles tend to be white, gray, and black, but they come in a variety of different shades and patterns. Marble has been around for a very long time and is noted as a timeless classic. They are very heat resistant, which makes them perfect for cooking and preparing food.

Marble, with its beautiful simplicity and veining, tends to be a choice that the majority of people put at the top of their priorities list. They do tend to be prone to scratching and staining while being somewhat porous, but regular maintenance isn't that much of an issue to deal with.

The use of marble in your kitchen requires decent room in your home renovation budget, but if you are hoping to have a neutral and sophisticated design, marble would be an ideal choice for you. Marble countertops tend to be an extremely popular choice due to the functionality and overall look.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is becoming increasingly popular as the years go by. This is mainly due to the low-maintenance nature and durability. Quartz countertops are also highly resistant to scratches and heat, however, it is still advisable to use trivets or pads as long term exposure to heat could result in damage. In terms of the look and design, quartz countertops come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. They are a truly versatile option for any personality and any kitchen design.

Quartz countertops are non-porous and as a result, are highly resistant to the likes of germs and bacteria. There's also no real need for periodic sealing, polishing, or anything of that nature. The fact that they require very little maintenance and come in a variety of colors and patterns makes them a very appealing option.

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Butcher Block Countertops

If you are a homeowner that enjoys the warmth and natural feeling that wood brings, butcher block countertops are a magnificent option. Made from strips of hardwood, they are glued together and made in a way that is pretty easy to maintain. When it comes to cleaning, their low-maintenance nature means no real stress or worry is necessary. They have a durable and functional surface for pretty much any kind of food preparation. If you want to change a few things, you can sand and refinish in order to provide a new aesthetic.

They are an extremely customizable option as they come in a variety of wood species. Whichever design you wish to have, things can be manipulated and stained to match your desire. They can be pretty prone to the likes of scratches and dents, which is not ideal, of course. They are also not as heat resistant as the other options we have already provided. Overall, butcher block countertops can be a budget-friendly and durable option that brings opportunity for you to let your personality shine through your kitchen.

Concrete Countertops

If you enjoy a modern, minimalist, or even industrial style, a concrete countertop could be a very good option for your kitchen. As you'd expect, it's a mix of cement, water, and aggregates that can be manipulated into any shape or size. It's a very trendy option and one that can be customized in a variety of different colors and textures. They are a great option for any homeowner as they are heat-resistant and durable And their typical neutral coloration can be easily styled in a lot of different directions.

After a while, they may be prone to cracking or staining, but a little bit of regular maintenance can prevent any significant issues. Concrete countertops can be a popular option for homeowners that aren’t afraid of DIY projects. They can be formed in place, in the kitchen through various techniques, but if created off-site the installation process might be a bit tedious as the concrete would be very heavy. It's usually a very straightforward addition and one that can improve the look of any kitchen area.

Stainless Steel Countertops

A lot of businesses use stainless steel for their workplace, and it has typically been used as more of a commercial kitchen option. If you are looking for an option that is more unique, stainless steel may be a material to consider. Stainless steel is highly durable, hygienic, and is also heat resistant, which helps an awful lot during day-to-day tasks. They’re easy to clean and maintain and they have a very simple yet pretty appearance.

While you may see stainless steel surfaces used on islands more often than an actual, full kitchen countertop, they are an appealing option if you are interested in a durable and neutral choice. They can come in a variation of styles and if you are looking for the color and sheen of stainless steel but prefer to have a bit more texture, you might consider a hammered finish.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are one of the more budget-friendly options on the market. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, bringing almost endless possibilities for design. While laminate countertops can be durable, if not treated with care, they can be damaged over time and accumulate scratches and markings. Laminate can also be prone to chipping and peeling.

Conclusion

Your home renovation budget will play an obvious role in your decision making, but choosing the perfect countertop material also comes down to finding the right reflection of your personal style. Granite and marble would be excellent as they offer natural beauty and durability for anyone who has the room in their budget. The low maintenance and lower budget options may also offer the style that you are looking for. If you are struggling to find the right option for you, it would be beneficial to consult an interior designer, a company skilled in home renovations, or even a multi-faceted handyman service. When designed well and installed appropriately, any of these countertop options could bring you joy while also raising the value of your home.

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Home & Hahn offers quality and reliable home improvement services to the Mid-Michigan area. Contact us today to talk about your next project!