Designing and buying a new kitchen can be a daunting task. You want to choose the kitchen, appliances, and material, which will stand the test of time and be best suited to you and your needs. Kitchen’s do not come cheap, and they are a big project that you will probably only embark on once a decade, at best. So you want to be sure you get every aspect right and that you don’t settle or compromise on something you wish you hadn’t.
One of the most significant decisions you will make when choosing your new kitchen is choosing the right countertop. Countertops and benchtops, whether they’re granite or porcelain or caesarstone benchtops, can change the look and feel of a kitchen entirely. Not to mention, they can be costly and impractical if you don’t get the decision right.
Kitchen countertops are available in multiple different materials, so you need to think about the type of material you’d like your kitchen countertop to be made from. Do you want laminate countertops? Solid wood countertops? Granite? Marble? All have their pros and cons, so set yourself a little list of things to consider. Here is some inspiration and information about the pros and cons of each material type to get your list started.
The look.
Whilst it may not be the most important feature for some, it remains an imperative part of the design process. Perhaps you have a traditional kitchen, in which case the ultra-modern Corian countertops probably wouldn’t be the best fit. However, if a modern and sleek look is what you’re going for, then quartz options such as Alpine Mist from Caesarstone could match your kitchen’s aesthetic perfectly. Fortunately, there are so many types of solid surfaces out there you are bound to find a design, color, and texture that suits you and your kitchen, whether it is a chic grey or purple with sparkles. If you do not like pieces from a certain seller, you always have the option to hunt for your favorite material elsewhere! One of the most varied styles of countertops available is quartz countertops. Quartz kitchen countertops can be easily customized as there is a wide range of quartz colors and textures available. They’re strong and resilient with low maintenance. As they’re made out of waste material, they are a great option for the eco-conscious. They aren’t, however, the most heat-resistant surface available, and they’re on the pricier side for countertops.
Photo credit; Pixabay from Pexels
Budget.
Sadly budget constraints are a fundamental factor behind choosing the right countertop, but the good news is there are worktops to fit pretty much any budget. Shop around, get an online quote (or five) and look for special offers – you might even get a countertop you weren’t bargaining on. Some of the more affordable countertops include laminate, ceramic, and wood. All worktops are priced per square foot, so it is worth brushing up on your figures when you start worktop shopping.
Installation.
Installation is a significant consideration not to overlook. You may be a dab hand at DIY and can install a kitchen with ease but installing countertops is not for the faint-hearted. Countertops have to be precisely cut and made to measure, and given the cost of some of the countertops, it may be a challenge you don’t wish to accept. Again this will be something you want to consider when planning the budget available for your countertops and the amount of time you have available to install the worktops.
Daily use.
Think about the use for your countertops and the type of kitchen user you are. Do you need heat resistance surfaces? Are you guilty of putting hot pans down on your existing surfaces? And is that likely to change? Granite worktops are great heat-proof surfaces. Granite is a great strong material that will be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but therefore it is expensive and needs bi-yearly maintenance. The maintenance of your countertops is something else you need to factor into your decision-making. Are you going to maintain them properly to ensure their longevity and value for money? For a more affordable heat-proof surface, you might want to consider ceramic.
What about spillages? Some worktops can be easily damaged through spillages. For households with young children who like to try and make their own drinks having spill-proof countertops is essential. If spillages are your key concern, then the affordable laminate option may be for you.
One last thought
Although it may not be a deciding factor, there may be a couple of other things that may still have some bearing on your decision-making. For example, you may be swayed by the affordability and easy maintenance of laminate worktops. You can get some excellent laminate worktops that work perfectly in many kitchen types. However, you may encounter some difficulty if you have a Belfast or other under-the-surface mounted sinks as laminate doesn’t always work well with these sinks. So, what is more important? Your sink and taps or your worktops?
It may also be worth taking a trip to a showroom to view the countertops. Get an idea for the look, texture, and feel of each different type of worktop you are considering. Compare quartz worktops to laminate and Corian to granite. Decide what suits you and go from there.