Appearance is important to many homeowners, but other factors should also be considered, such as required maintenance, a material’s durability, and, perhaps most important, cost, when deciding on kitchen countertops. Chaska MN homeowners have to examine both the aesthetic and practical benefits of their choice when in the market for a kitchen remodel.
A Good Fit
Homeowners need to closely examine their lifestyle before determining which countertop surface is best for them. White granite, for example, may not be the best choice if they have three kids and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the countertops every day.
In addition, a quality kitchen counter makes a statement that is visual in nature about the home in general—it can make the room feel cozy, lively or elegant. The choice should reflect your daily activities in the kitchen and the desired projected image.
Choices for Kitchen Countertops
Homeowners that may have their hearts set on a certain look but find that the material does not suit their lifestyle can usually find a material that does.
Granite is the most popular choice in kitchen countertops. It is available in a variety of shades such as green, beige, coral, white and black and each piece is unique. It can have a polished finish which makes it shiny and often darkens the appearance of the stone or have a softer, matte finish. Costs for granite kitchen countertops depend on finish, color and the origin of the stone.
Marble and soapstone are other choices for natural stone materials. As they are not as hard as granite, they need to be used more delicately and require greater care.
There are also engineered stone countertops which are available in more colors than those of natural stone countertops. In addition, they are easier to maintain and are more durable. Their cost is about the same as that of granite.
Mix and Match
The same material does not have to be used throughout the kitchen. For example, marble can be inserted into a material for baking as can butcher block for chopping.
Before making a decision on the countertop material, see what the surface looks like face-to-face, such as in a showroom or having a salesperson bring samples to the home.
