Without a doubt, your home’s kitchen brings you one of the biggest returns on your investment. According to the 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, homeowners who invest in a $30,000 kitchen renovation can expect a 67% return during resale of their home—that’s big bucks! So just what should you focus on in a kitchen remodel to obtain that 67% ROI? Invest in quality countertops.
There are some key factors to consider when choosing countertop material. Be sure to keep these in mind for your next kitchen remodel.
Lifestyle
It’s best to begin your countertop search by thinking about you and your family’s lifestyle. How often do you cook at home? Is your kitchen used for entertaining? Does your family do activities like homework on your kitchen surfaces? Are you a person who doesn’t mind high maintenance surfaces or do you prefer low maintenance surfaces? The answers to these questions will help take you to the next phase of decision-making.
Budget
Budget is undoubtedly a huge factor in choosing countertops. Certain materials can take up your entire budget! If your budget is large, then pricier countertops like concrete, granite, quartz, Corian, or stainless steel are great options. Average-priced options include solid surface products, tile, some woods, and recycled glass countertops. For those on a limited budget, affordable and beautiful options are still within reach. Countertops like a butcher block, laminate and even tile (especially if you could install the tile yourself) go super easy on the wallet.
Appearance
Of course, you’ll want to take the overall look of your soon-to-be completed kitchen into consideration when choosing a countertop. Luckily, natural stones, woods, tiles, and other types of countertops come in various shades and colors. Consulting design magazine, and the occasional Pinterest board, will help you get great ideas for which countertop colors compliment your cabinets and backsplash best.
Types
Natural Stone – Much like the name describes, natural stone countertops come from natural raw materials that are unmodified except for some cutting and shining. These materials include granite, marble, soapstone and slate. These tend to makeup the most expensive types of countertops.
Solid Surfaces – While these materials may contain some natural stone, they are artificially modified—and therefore very durable and more affordable. Quartz is one of the most popular solid surface types. Corian, Wilsonart’s Gibraltar and Avonite of either acrylic, polyester or a mix of the two. All of these are highly resistant to stains and scratches, and completely renewable and repairable.
Plastic Laminate – Often referred to by its tradename, Formica, plastic laminate is a very durable and affordable product. It is made from kraft paper and resins, and typically sold in sheets. It is important to note that only general purpose laminate is suitable for countertops.
Ceramic Tile – While ceramic tile is becoming less and less popular as a countertop choice, it is still a great affordable option. Ceramic tile is usually applied to a plywood substrate or directly over existing plastic laminate countertops.
Wood – Quickly becoming a countertop favorite, wood is an affordable, durable, and hygienic option for homeowners. So hygienic in fact, that is is the only countertop surface recommended for cutting, slicing, and chopping. The most common woods used are rock maple, teak, walnut, cherry and oak.
Concrete – Often easily dismissed, concrete can actually be a very beautiful countertop option. Once installed, concrete needs to cure for several weeks before it is sealed. Cracking is always a concern with concrete, and fabricators often use wire mesh, metal rebar or fiberglass fibers to strengthen the counter.
