As a homeowner, it can be difficult to know when it’s time to replace your countertops. Many homeowners have the sentiment that a kitchen is a place of constant upkeep, but when it comes to countertops, you may be surprised to find out that you can have the same ones for 10-15 years. When deciding whether or not to replace your countertops, there are a few things to consider. This article will go over some of the things you should think about before deciding to buy new countertops.
1. What type of material will you buy?
There are many types of materials to choose from when buying new countertops. The most popular materials are Kol Marble & Granite, quartz, and marble. Other materials include butcher block, stainless steel, and laminate.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone, making each one of its slabs unique in color and pattern. According to Consumer Reports, granite earns excellent ratings for heat resistance and abrasion. Additionally, it does a great job in maintaining a stain-free exterior, which is important especially if you apply makeup in the mornings and/or evenings.
Granite is a more expensive countertop option, but it can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. To keep your granite looking new, seal it every one to two years with a quality sealant.
However, granite does a bit more maintenance than say, some other materials on the list. It’s important to reseal your granite countertop every so often to ensure its durable quality. A way to test for this is to see whether water sinks into the surface as opposed to beading at the top.
Laminate
Laminate is the least expensive countertop material, and it’s easy to install yourself. It also requires little to no maintenance. However, it can be scratched or stained and is not as heat-resistant as some other materials.
Nowadays, laminate countertops are chameleon-like in their ability to convincingly pass as marble, granite, wood, or leather. They’re made from plastic layers bonded to a particleboard core.
The plastic layer can be printed with a wood grain, marble design, or any other desired effect.
This material is great for those of us on a budget and is both heat- and stain-resistant. On top of that, laminate is sturdy against chipping and cracking, but might be more prone to getting scratched up.
Quartz
If you’re looking for a countertop that resembles natural stone but is a little less expensive, quartz may be a good option for you. This material is engineered with a blend of quartz and other types of stone, mixed with pigments and resins to imitate the appearance of natural stone.
Like granite, quartz should be sealed every one to two years to protect it from staining.
Unlike natural stone slabs, however, quartz countertops are actually lower maintenance and more durable— they don’t need to be sealed at all.
Quartz is also resistant to heat, abrasion, and staining.
2. Establish Your Budget
The first step in choosing new countertops is to establish your budget. This will help to determine the range of materials you can afford. It is important to consider not only the initial cost of the countertops, but also the cost of installation and upkeep.
Choose the Material
There are a variety of materials to choose from when selecting new countertops. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Stone countertops are durable and can last for many years. However, they can be expensive and require regular upkeep.
Laminate countertops are affordable and easy to install, but they are not as durable as other materials.
Wood countertops are beautiful and unique, but they require regular upkeep to prevent warping and staining.
3. What is your style?
Countertops come in a variety of styles to match your personality and home décor. If you are looking for a modern look, you may want to consider quartz or stainless steel. If you are looking for a more traditional look, you may want to consider marble or granite.
Once you have chosen the material for your new countertops, you need to decide on the style. There are a variety of styles to choose from, and each material has its own unique look.
Stone countertops can be sleek and modern or rustic and traditional.
Laminate countertops come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
4. What is your color preference?
Countertops come in a variety of colors to match your style and décor. If you are looking for a neutral color, you may want to consider Kol Marble & Granite or quartz. If you are looking for a bold color, you may want to consider marble or butcher block.
5. What is your installation preference?
Countertops can be installed by the homeowner or a professional. If you are comfortable with DIY projects, you can save money by installing the countertops yourself. If you choose to have a professional do the installation, expect to pay more.
