Kitchen Countertops: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Material
The countertops in your kitchen are the centerpiece of the décor. Is it making it a good impression, none or worse – a bad one? If your kitchen countertops are speaking volumes of your style and taste, then it’s time for a kitchen upgrade.
And this is especially true if your countertops aren’t functioning properly. By functioning, we mean allowing you to apply heat, perform easy maintenance and chop your produce without worry. If your counters are easily damaged by cooking and prepping foods, then it’s a good idea to consider something more suitable.
In this quick guide, we’re going to cover some of the varieties of materials you can opt for. Let’s review some ideas to give you inspiration.
Slab Granite is the Safest Bet for Your Kitchen Countertops
If you’re looking for a kitchen countertop that’s beautiful, functional and not overly priced, then granite slabs are the way to go. These are fabricated by the installers at Fairfax Kitchen and Bath. Some contractors will also cut it into tile, modular and slab sizes.
However, the most popular are the stone slabs because they have fewer seams. What’s also great about granite stone is that it boosts the value of your kitchen. If you plan to resell your property in the future, then this will help.
The fact the slabs come with little to no seams, you don’t have to worry about issues with cleaning and maintenance. The prestige of granite countertops makes it a great top choice for many.
It’s best to have it sealed professionally to ensure longevity. Granite is hard to scratch, stain and crack, so this shouldn’t be difficult to maintain over the course of decades.
Tile Granite for Kitchen Remodeling Projects
If you’re really in love with granite, but want the tile look, you can always opt for slabs that are cut into tiles. However, do keep in mind it’s not as smart of an idea as granite slabs. The main reason being all the seams. This makes it easier to stain and will make cooking prep harder.
Some opt for this because of the unique look it provides. However, if you’re an avid cook, then you may want to skip this option.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops for a Natural Stone Look
Here’s another great option for your kitchen countertops. If you’re in love with the look of natural stone, but don’t want to deal with the regular resealing requirements, then you’ll want to investigate engineered quartz.
This is partly natural – about 90%. The rest of the composition is created with resin and pigments. The resin acts like a sealant, which makes the surface tougher against stains, scratches and burns. The beauty of quartz is that it looks a lot like marble and granite slabs.
However, it does come with a wider array of color options. The price tag associated with quartz is higher, but worth every penny because of the long-term benefits it can offer to your kitchen.
Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops
If you’re not looking for natural stone counters, then solid surface may be a good option. This is made with acrylic polymer-based materials. Corian counters are the most popular of the solid surface options.
Some like this option because it’s cheaper than the granite and quartz options. One issue is that it’s easily scratched. However, you can sand or buff it out. It’s also prone to scorching.
Keep in mind that if you’re trying to save money, consider whether you want to save money upfront or in the long run. Solid state may be one of the cheaper material options, but it’s going to need repairs and possible replacement much sooner than quartz and granite.
Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Here’s another cheap preference for kitchen countertops. Laminate is a material used to top particle board bases. It’s a smart buy because it’s affordable. However, if you’re looking to bring value to your kitchen and home price, then this isn’t the way to go.
A lot of people look at laminate as cheap, but not in a good way. Therefore, it’s not preferred if you’re trying to boost the value of your home for a resale. It’s also easy to peel, chip and scorch. The surface has a hollow feel, unlike with the solid feel of natural stones.
Choosing a Contractor for Your Kitchen Countertops Installation
When it comes time to remodel your home with new kitchen countertops, it’s important to choose a licensed professional. The contractors at Fairfax Kitchen and Bath are all licensed, bonded and insured.
For many years, we’ve assisted homeowners with their kitchen upgrades, which include the fabrication and installation of countertops. The craftsmanship of our product installations is always on point, which is why many of our customers love us.
Why opt for Fairfax Kitchen and Bath?
Fairfax Kitchen and Bath isn’t just a kitchen countertop installation company. We also have a variety of countertop materials for sale. We offer natural and engineered stones from a variety of manufacturers, which include Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria.
The stones we have available include marble, engineered quartz and granite. Our professionals will both fabricate and install it to your property. This process is quick and seamless, much faster than ordering from a big box store.
We’re a local company with a showroom you can visit to select the products you want for your kitchen remodel. You can find an assortment of items, which include carpeting, tile, bathroom vanities, hardwood, backsplashes, sinks, faucets, knobs & pulls and cabinets.
In other words, we’re a one-stop shop for all your kitchen and bathroom remodeling needs. We offer free estimates to our customers. So, contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
