Choosing Kitchen Countertops

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Changing out the countertops gives your shabby looking kitchen new life. Choosing the right countertop material comes down to use, maintenance and budget.

Basic materials

When choosing new countertops, the first thing you need to know is what materials are available. One of the most common countertop materials is laminate. Laminate is a plastic material adhered to particle board, and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Other common materials include stone countertops like granite and marble, stainless steel and butcher block. Poured-in-place and pre-cast concrete countertops are also very popular. If you are interested in a "green" solution, companies like Alkemi offer countertops made from recycled metal shavings embedded in a hard resin material.

Use, maintenance and style considerations

Consider your kitchen space carefully, as well as the kind of use and abuse your countertops are likely to endure. The website handyamerica.com has a great list of pros and cons of each of the most popular countertop materials. The style of your kitchen is also a major factor in the type of countertop you choose. Granite and other hard-surface countertops have a classic look that suits almost any kitchen. They are a major selling point for home buyers in the current market. Wood surfaces create a warm, homey feeling, while stainless steel and concrete countertops are a beautiful addition to a modern, industrial-style kitchen.

Any major kitchen renovations can take several days; prepare to order take-out!

Cost

Obviously budget considerations play a large role when choosing countertops. Measure the square footage of space and calculate the base cost for the materials. Remember to factor in the estimated lifespan of each material, any associated maintenance costs and installation costs. You might find that for your kitchen, a more expensive material with lower maintenance and installation is just as financially feasible as any other material.

Your new countertops give you a renewed love of your kitchen. If you plan carefully, and choose a material appropriate to your lifestyle, it is easy to have the kitchen of your dreams and stay within your budget.

Factor in the estimated lifespan, maintenance costs and installation costs