Which Countertop is Right For Your Kitchen?

A Kitchen or Bath remodel is one of the most costly and rewarding investments a homeowner can make. The return on investment is usually high, but much of that depends on the quality of products you put into the project. One of the key factors is a countertop. There are a variety of different surfaces you can use from very popular ones such as granite, to more unique choices such as wood. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of many top pics.

Let’s start with granite. It has become increasingly popular over the last decade and has a sleek look. This natural stone comes in a variety of colors, and patterns. Some have subtle specks while others have vivid veins. Its formal appearance is striking, while offering the scratch resistant durability most homeowners seek. A negative feature is that granite is porous and needs to be resealed. It also shows seams and is not heat resistant.

A more economical choice is laminate. With the most popular brand name being Formica. Laminate is made of many layers of kraft paper that are topped with a printed decorative layer and a coat of melamine. There is a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from. It can be done from a very earth tone, to unique fun colors. It is easy to clean and on the down side, also easy to damage. It chips, is not heat resistant, and scratches easily. Many buyers think of laminate as the base level of countertops, and do not think this surface is an upgrade.

A less popular but beautiful appearance is wood. Available in cherry, maple, walnut, bamboo or other hardwoods, this surface is sealed to protect it from water. Many people use wood for an island or small surface because it doesn’t match up great at joints with new wood. But don’t cut on these surfaces. They scratch easily!

Lastly let’s look at Quartz. This engineered product is nonporous, and won’t scratch or burn easily. It is stronger than granite, but can still chip at the edges. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, but generally in natural earth tones.

Remember to talk to a professional when picking out the right countertop for you. Your lifestyle, budget and function could play a key role in your choice. Each has a different appearance, but some will have a larger presence in reselling your home. The countertop is a major factor in the success of your remodel. You want to make sure what you pick, will give you the greatest return on your investment and provide the functionality your family needs.