A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT COUNTERTOPS FOR YOUR KITCHEN
There are several factors that go into the selection process when buying kitchen countertops. You want them to fit into categories of stylish yet durable, functional yet within your budget. It can be a tricky process, and as general contractors, we understand that! To help you along that journey, here’s a guide to how best to make the perfect selection for your home:
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
Durability, versatility, maintenance: these are all great factors to consider in the first part of your selection process. You want to first think about why you're upgrading your countertops in the first place or what your main needs are when selecting new ones for your kitchen. What factors and qualities are most important to you? Some questions to ask yourself in this first step of the process:
Are having low maintenance countertops a huge need for you?
Do you want something highly durable?
Is the main goal of this project to have countertops that are visually appealing?
Step 2: Explore Materials
Ensuring you are doing your research or consulting with a professional about material options is essential. It’s totally okay if you don’t know exactly what material is going to best fit your needs; that’s what the professionals are for! Some popular options for countertops include: granite, quartz, marble, laminate, butcher block, and concrete. Each material has unique characteristics that provide lists of pros and cons. Finding one that aligns with your needs set out in step 1 is the objective in this step of the selection process.
Step 3: Assess Durability and Consider Maintenance
In this step, you’ll want to evaluate the durability of your potential material based on factors such as scratch resistance, heat resistance, stain resistance, and impact resistance. You’ll want to make a selection that aligns with the demands of your lifestyle. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the level of time and effort you want to dedicate to the maintenance of your countertops. Some materials like granite and quartz are low maintenance and only require regular cleaning while others, such as marble may need more attention and periodic sealing.
Step 4: Ascetics
The design portion of picking out your countertops can often be the most fun. You’ll want to evaluate the overall ascetics of your kitchen and find a material that compliments the style and color scheme. Take into account factors such as color, texture, pattern and finish to ensure harmony with your cabinets, backsplash, and flooring, and appliances.
Step 5: Setting a Clear Budget
Now establishing a budget can be the not so fun part of any home renovation process, but an essential one at that. Come up with a clear budget that outlines costs of materials and takes into account labor. It’s important that you also account for any additional expenses such as sealing or edging. Keep in mind that some materials like natural stone are going to cost more than others.
Step 6: Review Warranty
Before making a final selection ensure that you review the warranty offered by the manufacturer. This is often an overlooked, yet essential part of the buying process. Your countertops are an investment and you want to make sure all terms and considerations are carefully looked over.
Following these steps will allow you to carefully consider your options to enhance the beauty and functionality of your kitchen, while jointly staying within your budget and lifestyle needs. Selecting the right countertops for your home can be fun and exciting, but we also understand for someone who is new to the process it may seem overwhelming! Coastland Collective General Contracting would love to be a part of this home renovation process to guide you and ensure you are making the best possible selection for your home’s wants and needs. GIVE US A CALL TODAY!