If you are thinking about buying new countertops for your kitchen, there are some important things to do before making a purchase. The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you gather with friends and family to share a meal, enjoy each other’s company, and of course plan for the future. Your kitchen should be a place that makes you feel good about yourself and your life. However, if your countertops are outdated or damaged, they could be ruining this experience.
You might spend hours researching what type of materials and colors would work best in your kitchen before even thinking about where to buy them. From the feel of a kitchen to the way it looks, countertops are an integral part of any kitchen.
The following list outlines 5 things that you should consider before making a final decision:
1. Types of Kitchen Countertops
There are several types of kitchen countertops available in the market, including Granite, Quartz, Marble Countertops, Butcher Block Countertops, Laminate Counters, and Tile Counters.
- Granite is extremely durable and can last for decades with proper care. Even though this material is very strong it is sensitive to heat and scratching.
- Marble is often used in bathrooms and on countertops because it’s easy to clean, durable, low maintenance, and stylish.
- Quartz is similar to granite but usually lighter in color with a more consistent pattern throughout the stone.
- Butcher block counters are made of wood which may require regular care over time while still offering an elegant look that can really improve the look of your home.
- Laminate countertops are inexpensive, durable, and very low maintenance. They’re also available in a wide range of colors which makes them great for small kitchens with limited storage space where appliances might get more wear than normal.
- Tile counters can be a really unique way to add color or patterns to your kitchen while being easy to clean and highly durable.
2. Kitchen Countertop Alternatives
When it comes to kitchen countertop alternatives, there are many options to consider. These days you can purchase kitchen countertops made with a wide range of materials, giving homeowners the freedom to choose their favorite features and colors while adding style and character to any home. Some popular options include:
- Stone counters: Stone is one of the most common choices for counters in kitchens across Canada because it’s durable, low maintenance, easy to clean, and very stylish.
- Stainless Steel: A very durable material that is easy to clean, highly resistant to heat and scratches.
- Corian: A synthetic solid surface countertop that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Wood Counters/Boat Counters: Durable but require regular care over time. They can be sanded down if damage occurs as well.
- Concrete: A strong material that is popular in modern kitchen design.
- Resin Countertops: Durable and easy to clean but can be susceptible to scratching. They’re also much more affordable than natural materials like stone or wood while still offering a unique style with many of the same benefits as other countertop materials. Resin countertops are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes making them an attractive option for modern or contemporary kitchens with limited storage space. They’re also low-maintenance and durable making them great for busy households where the counters might see more wear than usual such as open-concept homes that have multiple people cooking in the kitchen daily.
3. Kitchen Countertop Height
Countertops should be tall enough to comfortably fit kitchen appliances under them so they don’t block access. However, too much height can make it difficult for shorter people such as children and elderly family members to reach the sink or stovetop – making this a factor that’s important to consider with every design plan and renovation project.
Essentially, the typical height of kitchen countertops in many Canadian households is between 820 mm to 960 mm, but this will vary depending on your personal preferences, the location of major appliances, and fixtures such as sinks and dishwashers, furniture plans for the kitchen area, and accessibility needs.
For example: if you have a dishwasher located close to your sink in one corner of the room, it might make more sense to choose a countertop height that is slightly shorter.
4. Kitchen Countertop Colors & Patterns
As discussed, kitchen countertops come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns – making it easy for homeowners to choose something that suits their style needs.
For example: if you have an open-concept kitchen with plenty of space available for design features like built-in seating or decor elements – then choosing light finishes with dark accents can be a great way to make the space stand out.
However, if your kitchen is on the smaller or more compact side of things – it might be better to opt for something simple and traditional like classic wood countertops instead since they’re likely to blend well with other design elements in your home.
5. Kitchen Countertop Budget
Kitchen countertop materials vary in price from very affordable to incredibly high-end. So, it’s important to consider how much you want to spend on your counters, as well as what features and benefits are most important for you.
For example: if a low maintenance surface that is easy to clean is essential, laminates or resin countertops are a popular choice. On the other hand, if you want to choose your own color and pattern for more unique counter designs that reflect your personal style, granite is one of the most affordable options in this category.
The best approach is usually to plan ahead by making decisions about crucial features like budget or material before anything else – so it’s essential to know how much you can spend on your new countertop before moving forward with a renovation project.
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