Kitchen Countertop Design
When dealing with any new kitchen remodeling in Belmont there are a few things you might want to change right off the bat. One of the biggest "items" to get changed or fixed in a kitchen are the countertops. Countertops tend to be a big focal point of a kitchen, even if they are not always THE main focal point. You tend to spend a lot of time in your kitchen with your kids, cooking dinner, maybe having dinner parties or people over for a small dinner get together. It’s important that the walls, floors and countertops make a brilliant statement in the kitchen. The problem most people have is what material to use for their kitchen design when it comes to countertops. Well, thankfully you can read articles like this one to help you along the way. Here, we will be speaking about some of the materials you can use, as well as colors/styles and of course the pros and cons of each material.
Quartz Countertops
While granite has always been #1 in the ranks for countertops, quartz is not surprisingly always second best and for good reason. Quartz is a popular material because it’s practically maintenance free. It’s also engineered to be stain resistant, acid resistant, scratch free as well as heat and impact resistant. Quartz also has something else on granite and that’s the fact that it’s a non-porous materials which means it does not need to be sealed like granite and other stone countertops. Quartz is available in a wide range of colors too such as gray, white, black and rust, as well as new vibrant colors like blue, green, orange, red and brown just to name a few.
Granite Countertops
As mentioned above, granite is still the #1 choice for homeowners when it comes to kitchen countertops. Traditional granite offers a look that nothing else to compare to. Some have called it High End while others call it luxurious and warm. No matter how you define granite, one thing is for sure; it’s #1 for a reason and has continued to be #1. Not only is granite durable as a prep surface, but it can also add a certain look that no other material can and it can also help add value to not only your kitchen, but your home. It’s probably the reason why when most people are getting ready to sell a home, they take out a less expensive option like Formica and add Quartz or granite. Because granite is a natural stone material the patterns do vary. This adds character, but it’s also a pain for some people to line or match the slabs up to make it look organized and symmetrical. Granite and Quartz are comparable in price, however, granite tends to need a little more maintenance and care. You will also need to reseal your granite countertop at least once a year.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is not the material it was once known to be. It used to be that when people had laminate countertops it looked somewhat tacky in style. These days however, you can find all sorts of reasons to use laminate countertops. First off, they look good. Laminate allows you to have the ability of having a wood, stone or solid look, without the price. One of the best "looks" as far as faux material goes, laminate definitely represents itself when it comes to a wood-look. Secondly, laminate is incredibly budget friendly. Most of the time you can find laminate countertops that look like wood, granite or marble and you can see the price is a fraction of what the real thing costs. These countertops are pretty easy to take care of which also makes them a good option for home remodeling, however, they are not heat resistant by any means. Put a hot pot on one of these countertops and it will bubble and melt almost immediately. Also because these tend to come in 1, 2 or 3 pieces depending on the size of your countertop, if an edge gets clipped off or it cracks, then that whole piece will need to be removed and reinstalled with a new piece. Something to think about when it comes to your options.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops are an overlooked material, though I’m not really sure why. Overall they have and are everything you need. They are great for people that love to cook in the kitchen because they are very versatile. Beyond just using them as a countertop, you can use these as so-called butcher blocks to chop meat, veggies and fruits on - as long as they are properly sealed. Unlike laminate you can place hot pots and pans on the surface and not worry about bubbling or melting the countertop. They are also very budget friendly - and you can even DIY if you really have the time and the patients to do so. While most people overlook this brilliant and fine material, the people that do have wood countertops in their home, also tend to use other mixed materials as well so it’s not just one giant wood piece.
Marble Countertops
Not only does marble have an aesthetically pleasing look to it, but its design also helps to hide or conceal some lighter stains. Marble gives a kitchen remodeling a timeless look that is both classy and luxurious, but the cost can be the same of granite - which tends to be considered high end and comes along with a somewhat hefty price tag. Also, marble is a porous material so stains will happen and they will happen often if you are not careful. In order to keep it bright and creamy looking a regular seal will be needed to prevent stains, to keep the luxurious look and to prevent etching in the natural stone.
Stainless Steel Countertops
If you like a more modern look, stainless steel will definitely suite your needs. The only real negative that comes with stainless steel is that it only comes in that one specific color, however, it does coordinate with other colors on walls and other counterpaces quite well. It’s easy to keep up with, it’s multi-versatile - being used as a cutting board is one great option that people love. It’s also very easy to clean, just some simple soap and water and you are finished. It’s by far one of the most coveted countertops for kitchen design when it comes to the most hygienic countertop that's for sure,
Glass Countertops
Beyond just the sleek look glass countertops have, they also have a variety of benefits. First off, since it is glass it can literally be cut into any shape or size. Secondly, the colors are amazing. Think of a color you like; pink, red, blue, yellow, green, black and chances are you can find it in this material. Glass is a pricier or more expensive option over something like laminate or stainless steel, but it can give your kitchen a very modern look. Glass is also very easy to clean and you don’t need a ton of maintenance to keep it looking new and shiny and its one of the best materials if you have children because it is stain resistant and very hygienic. If you really want to keep the durability factor, try to buy glass that is at least 1 inch thick and tempered!
Concrete Countertops
Concrete, as one would assume, is incredibly customizable. You can choose almost any color and any stain that you could want. Also, concrete mixes really well with different types of glass and marble, so you don't just have a slab of concrete, you have a customizable piece that is yours and yours alone. Perhaps you have reds in your kitchen as accent colors, you can add red glass to the concrete mix as a focal point of the kitchen. Very vibrant and stunning, this piece would catch anyone's eye! Beyond just being customizable, it’s also energy efficient. The biggest worry you need to think about is the weight of this material. Installers might charge extra for the weight alone.
Soapstone Countertops
This might be one you have not heard about before, but it’s a good one too start thinking about. This material is highly stain resistant and bacteria resistant because it’s a non-porous natural stone. Its colors are limited, but that’s sort of what you expect from soapstone. Colors tend to be from light gray tones to dark and all the pieces will have a subtle vening design in the stone. This stone also does not require yearly sealing, but monthly applications of mineral oil will have hide any scratches.
Quartz Countertops
While granite has always been #1 in the ranks for countertops, quartz is not surprisingly always second best and for good reason. Quartz is a popular material because it’s practically maintenance free. It’s also engineered to be stain resistant, acid resistant, scratch free as well as heat and impact resistant. Quartz also has something else on granite and that’s the fact that it’s a non-porous materials which means it does not need to be sealed like granite and other stone countertops. Quartz is available in a wide range of colors too such as gray, white, black and rust, as well as new vibrant colors like blue, green, orange, red and brown just to name a few.
Granite Countertops
As mentioned above, granite is still the #1 choice for homeowners when it comes to kitchen countertops. Traditional granite offers a look that nothing else to compare to. Some have called it High End while others call it luxurious and warm. No matter how you define granite, one thing is for sure; it’s #1 for a reason and has continued to be #1. Not only is granite durable as a prep surface, but it can also add a certain look that no other material can and it can also help add value to not only your kitchen, but your home. It’s probably the reason why when most people are getting ready to sell a home, they take out a less expensive option like Formica and add Quartz or granite. Because granite is a natural stone material the patterns do vary. This adds character, but it’s also a pain for some people to line or match the slabs up to make it look organized and symmetrical. Granite and Quartz are comparable in price, however, granite tends to need a little more maintenance and care. You will also need to reseal your granite countertop at least once a year.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is not the material it was once known to be. It used to be that when people had laminate countertops it looked somewhat tacky in style. These days however, you can find all sorts of reasons to use laminate countertops. First off, they look good. Laminate allows you to have the ability of having a wood, stone or solid look, without the price. One of the best "looks" as far as faux material goes, laminate definitely represents itself when it comes to a wood-look. Secondly, laminate is incredibly budget friendly. Most of the time you can find laminate countertops that look like wood, granite or marble and you can see the price is a fraction of what the real thing costs. These countertops are pretty easy to take care of which also makes them a good option for home remodeling, however, they are not heat resistant by any means. Put a hot pot on one of these countertops and it will bubble and melt almost immediately. Also because these tend to come in 1, 2 or 3 pieces depending on the size of your countertop, if an edge gets clipped off or it cracks, then that whole piece will need to be removed and reinstalled with a new piece. Something to think about when it comes to your options.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops are an overlooked material, though I’m not really sure why. Overall they have and are everything you need. They are great for people that love to cook in the kitchen because they are very versatile. Beyond just using them as a countertop, you can use these as so-called butcher blocks to chop meat, veggies and fruits on - as long as they are properly sealed. Unlike laminate you can place hot pots and pans on the surface and not worry about bubbling or melting the countertop. They are also very budget friendly - and you can even DIY if you really have the time and the patients to do so. While most people overlook this brilliant and fine material, the people that do have wood countertops in their home, also tend to use other mixed materials as well so it’s not just one giant wood piece.
Marble Countertops
Not only does marble have an aesthetically pleasing look to it, but its design also helps to hide or conceal some lighter stains. Marble gives a kitchen remodeling a timeless look that is both classy and luxurious, but the cost can be the same of granite - which tends to be considered high end and comes along with a somewhat hefty price tag. Also, marble is a porous material so stains will happen and they will happen often if you are not careful. In order to keep it bright and creamy looking a regular seal will be needed to prevent stains, to keep the luxurious look and to prevent etching in the natural stone.
Stainless Steel Countertops
If you like a more modern look, stainless steel will definitely suite your needs. The only real negative that comes with stainless steel is that it only comes in that one specific color, however, it does coordinate with other colors on walls and other counterpaces quite well. It’s easy to keep up with, it’s multi-versatile - being used as a cutting board is one great option that people love. It’s also very easy to clean, just some simple soap and water and you are finished. It’s by far one of the most coveted countertops for kitchen design when it comes to the most hygienic countertop that's for sure,
Glass Countertops
Beyond just the sleek look glass countertops have, they also have a variety of benefits. First off, since it is glass it can literally be cut into any shape or size. Secondly, the colors are amazing. Think of a color you like; pink, red, blue, yellow, green, black and chances are you can find it in this material. Glass is a pricier or more expensive option over something like laminate or stainless steel, but it can give your kitchen a very modern look. Glass is also very easy to clean and you don’t need a ton of maintenance to keep it looking new and shiny and its one of the best materials if you have children because it is stain resistant and very hygienic. If you really want to keep the durability factor, try to buy glass that is at least 1 inch thick and tempered!
Concrete Countertops
Concrete, as one would assume, is incredibly customizable. You can choose almost any color and any stain that you could want. Also, concrete mixes really well with different types of glass and marble, so you don't just have a slab of concrete, you have a customizable piece that is yours and yours alone. Perhaps you have reds in your kitchen as accent colors, you can add red glass to the concrete mix as a focal point of the kitchen. Very vibrant and stunning, this piece would catch anyone's eye! Beyond just being customizable, it’s also energy efficient. The biggest worry you need to think about is the weight of this material. Installers might charge extra for the weight alone.
Soapstone Countertops
This might be one you have not heard about before, but it’s a good one too start thinking about. This material is highly stain resistant and bacteria resistant because it’s a non-porous natural stone. Its colors are limited, but that’s sort of what you expect from soapstone. Colors tend to be from light gray tones to dark and all the pieces will have a subtle vening design in the stone. This stone also does not require yearly sealing, but monthly applications of mineral oil will have hide any scratches.