Kitchen Countertops
How To Choose Kitchen Countertops
I saw a great video from Today’s Homeowner on choosing kitchen countertops. Naturally choosing countertops is more than just countertops. It is part of your kitchen ensemble complete with functions and features that need to work with the flow of the kitchen. This of course includes your countertops, kitchen flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, and more.
Kitchen Countertop Materials
You can mix kitchen materials. While it is not as simple as just choosing one color or material for all your cabinets, counters, and flooring, it can add sophistication. Modern kitchens are blends of designs, materials, ideas, and functions. Coming up with a hybrid kitchen countertop design is often a good complement to this.
Check your design
Like all things, there is a catch. When you are mixing multiple kitchen countertop materials there is a chance that your vision can turn into a mess if design principles are not considered. This is definitely an area where you want to have a professional designer weigh in. Balancing color, texture, and aesthetics is an art form. At the very least a professional kitchen designer can you show you a composite of what your kitchen will look like.
Is your kitchen design functional For counters And cabinets
Sometimes the need to have something be different can detract from the fact that your kitchen focus in not on how you will actually use it. Don’t forget to focus on features and function. Then coordinate your needs with the design. Better yet, coordinate your kitchen needs and designs with the designer.
You CAN Mix multiple materials
This is not to discourage you from mixing materials. But like all things it is important to at least make sure you are going to get what you thought you were going to get, without unpleasant or visually horrifying results.
Understand the limitations of the material
When choosing countertops for your kitchen, or cabinets, appliances etc, make sure you understand the limitations of the materials and colors you are choosing. Every material will have maintenance requirements. It is important to consider this, as excess maintenance may detract from the functionality of your dream kitchen remodel, kitchen countertops, and kitchen cabinets.
Just because it is expensive does not mean maintenance free
I stress kitchen countertop maintenance again because it can be overlooked. Do not make the assumption that high end means less maintenance. Higher end surfaces like stone or granite can be porous. This means they need to be sealed and maintained or they can stain.
Man Made Countertops Do Not Mean Cheap Or Low Quality
Don’t assume that a man made countertop is inferior in quality or prestige. Many of these options offer stunning results with easy maintenance. This can mean a lot more value and beauty is maintained in your newly remodeled kitchen for years to come.
Consider cost
Different materials can come with a hefty price tag. This may not be a price tag you need. See what fits your needs first before feeling compelled to add in features or materials that will blow up your kitchen remodeling budget. A designer can help you with this.
More on how to select a counter top for your kitchen
I saw another great presentation on how to select a countertop for your kitchen. Many of the points in the video were similar to the other one. Nevertheless it is always good to get a second opinion, and to hear new insights.
See The Kitchen Countertop Showroom
Chips of color and designs are nice but there is no substitute for a kitchen showroom. In the showroom you see the full dimension of countertop materials. You also see how they will look when combined with cabinets and appliances. This is important as it is not just the countertop design, but overall composition of the kitchen design.
Laminate Countertop
Laminate is the man made standard that has been around forever. While it may not have the prestige of natural stone it is very functional. It also comes in a myriad of colors and designs, giving you a lot of flexibility with your design.
Wood Countertop
The article mentioned wood countertops. Like any material there are maintenance requirements so consider that when you pick out your materials for your kitchen countertop project.
Stone Countertops
Stone is the most prestigious choice. Unfortunately you have to maintain it regularly. If you do not it can be ruined by stains. It is also the most expensive. A solution is a man made stone product where pieces of stone are reconstituted to give you the feel of stone without the maintenance requirements.
Check Out The Countertop Stone First
Back to the showroom visit. Visit the showroom and see the natural stone you are getting before you buy it. There are lots of variations in natural stone and it is important to make sure you see the piece you are getting.
Looking For Kitchen Countertops In Virginia Beach Or Chesapeake?
Let one of our kitchen designers give you a quote and mockup of your dream kitchen and dream kitchen counters. The quote is free and fast. Also visit our showroom on Virginia Beach Boulevard near the Central Public Library in Virginia Beach.
Here are some links
Looking For More Kitchen Remodeling, Refacing, Or Kitchen Cabinet Information
Check out our articles on this subject to help you save time, save money, and reduce stress
Kitchen Remodeling Articles
Selecting A Kitchen Countertop
Check out this article with even more tips to get the right countertop. The article reviews and summarizes some countertop basics to keep you in the know.
Tips to select a counter top for your kitchen
Smart Kitchen Countertops
https://www.accentkitchensandbath.com/kitchen-renovation-virginia-beach/
Kitchen countertop cleaning wand
References
HOW TO CHOOSE A COUNTERTOP
In-text: (YouTube, 2018)
Your Bibliography: YouTube. (2018). How to Choose a Countertop. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAaEkZyY_IU [Accessed 23 Aug. 2018].
HOW TO CHOOSE COUNTERTOPS For Your Kitchen
How to Choose Countertops for Your Kitchen | Today’s Homeowner. (2015, March 4). Retrieved from https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-choose-a-countertop-for-your-kitchen/
