When looking for countertops, whether the kitchen or bath, you should consider a few things.
But let’s consider each point first.
1. What type of material do you want?
Deciding on the counter material will take a bit of investigating. You have granite, quartz, tile, concrete, and silestone or even a laminate to name a few. Check into the pros and cons of each possible surface. How to maintain and life span of the new surface are just a few questions to ask yourself.
2. What color?
This can be a daunting task for many. Color choice is very important since the counter is usually fairly permanent and many of us will only replace them once. Cabinet and flooring will play a very large factor in deciding color. Remember you won’t need to ‘match’ everything; just blend into a cohesive color scheme.
3. How do you want to use it?
Determining the space for usage will allow you to choose the right type of stone. Each one has its own unique benefits as well as pitfalls. Take Carrera marble for example. While it creates a beautiful counter, it needs to be sealed periodically for protection as it can stain easily from many things.
4. What’s the budget?
This is where many of us find the sticker shock. Buying slabs to make the counter surfaces can again be a daunting feat. Research is key here. I mentioned before you can purchase a slab of stone for a few thousand dollars or find ready-made pieces which are already to about 24 x 91. I’ve found a few that can start at a few hundred dollars. Just know you’ll need to allow for fabrication and installation on top of the materials.
Once you’ve answered each of them, it’s time to source for your materials.
I hope these few quick tips will help when it’s time to choose the right countertops for you. And as always, enjoy!