Kitchen Counters 101

Are you looking to refresh your kitchen, or are you planning a complete renovation? If you are, get ready to make many decisions, from layout, design, and space planning to cabinets, flooring, counters, appliances, lighting, paint, and accessories; there are a million little things to think about and plan for.

These days, most of us consider the kitchen the heart of the home, and because our kitchens have become not just meal prep areas but social gathering, homework, and home office spaces, a well-designed kitchen should be functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Today, I want to touch on the myriad of kitchen counter options that are available to choose from, as they are one of the most essential elements of a kitchen and deserve special attention. Counters provide a workspace for food preparation and contribute to the kitchen's overall design, function, and feel.

With so many different materials, selecting the right countertop for your kitchen can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when choosing kitchen counter material:

Durability: The countertop is one of the most heavily used surfaces in the kitchen, so choosing a material that can withstand daily wear and tear is essential. Some of the most durable materials include granite, quartz, and concrete.

Maintenance: Different materials require different levels of maintenance. For example, natural stone countertops like granite and marble require regular sealing to prevent staining and etching. On the other hand, quartz and solid surface countertops are relatively low maintenance.

Appearance: The countertop can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Consider the material's color, pattern, and texture and how it will coordinate with other design elements in the space.

Cost: The cost of the countertop can vary significantly depending on the material chosen. For example, natural stone countertops like granite and marble can be expensive, while laminate countertops are more budget-friendly.

Below is a list of some of the most popular kitchen counter materials and their pros and cons.

Granite: Granite is a natural stone that is durable and heat-resistant. It is available in various colors and patterns, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops. However, it requires regular sealing to prevent staining.

Quartz: Quartz countertops are made from engineered stone and are highly durable and low maintenance. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns and are resistant to stains and scratches.

Marble: Marble is a natural stone that is highly sought after for its unique veining and luxurious appearance. However, it is softer than other natural stones and is prone to staining and etching.

Concrete: Concrete countertops offer a modern and industrial look and are highly durable. They are available in a range of colors and can be customized with decorative aggregates.

Solid Surface: Solid surface countertops are made from synthetic materials, highly durable, and low maintenance. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be seamlessly integrated with sinks and backsplashes.

Laminate: Laminate countertops are one of the most affordable options and are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. However, they are not as durable as other materials and can be prone to scratches and chips.

I always advise clients to ensure that the counter material relates to the floor - especially if you have tile on the floor.

When it comes to choosing a counter for your new kitchen, don't skip the obvious.... does the counter work with the floor? Both the counters and the floor occupy much real estate in the kitchen and while it is super important that the counter look great with the cabinets and backsplash, people often underestimate the importance of the relationship the counter and floor have to each other and the result ends up being sort of ..... meh...

The best way to test countertop samples

Once you have narrowed down your counter options, it's time to bring some samples home and see how they work in the space, with the cabinets, and, of course, with the floor. The best way to test the samples is to place the countertop sample on a piece of white paper and then lay it on top of the floor material and also the cabinet material. Placing the material on a piece of white paper makes it easier to see the undertones at play in the samples.

Keep the samples for a few days or weeks, even before making your final choice - they are expensive and not easily replaced once installed. Take your time...choosing countertops is a big decision and involves considering a range of factors, including durability, maintenance, appearance, and cost. By weighing these factors and selecting a material that meets your needs, you can create a functional, stylish, and timeless kitchen that you will love and enjoy for years to come.

That's it for today!

xo,

Tracey