Countertops serve a practical purpose in your kitchen, but they also impact your design style in a major way. When you’re remodeling, the type of countertop material you choose should complement both the function and appearance of your kitchen.
However, there are numerous kitchen countertop options, which makes it difficult to narrow down which one is right for your specific home improvement project. A few factors to consider that can streamline the decision-making process include the size and shape of your kitchen and its overall style statement. You also should think about how often your kitchen is used and for what purposes. Do you cook at home frequently and what meals do you make? Does your family use the kitchen for doing school projects or professional work? Do you often host guests in your kitchen? Finally, you’ll want to consider your budget, both for the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance, as well as what level of upkeep you can commit to.
Every household has its own structure, rhythm and lifestyle, which means what’s optimal for one family won’t necessarily be optimal for another. Designing your dream kitchen is about customization and figuring out what characteristics are most important to you. For example, if you have young children, durability and easy maintenance may be top priorities when selecting various kitchen materials, whereas if you enjoy hosting elegant get-togethers or simply relaxing in your kitchen, style is equally important.
To help you select the best countertop material for your kitchen remodel in Delaware, here is a look at what options are available and how they differ:
Granite has secured its place among the best countertop materials for some time, thanks to its strength, durability and visual appeal. Even a small kitchen can be elevated with the installation of beautiful granite countertops. There are also hundreds of different colors and styles available, which makes it easy to find one that matches your kitchen aesthetic. Additionally, granite is nearly impervious to heat and is easy to maintain when sealed properly. While originally one of the more expensive kitchen countertop materials, granite has become more affordable because of increased supply and the advent of engineered stone.
Quartz, an engineered stone product, is another high-end kitchen countertop material to consider. It was originally created as a more adaptable and higher-performing alternative to marble and granite. For example, quartz doesn’t require annual sealing like natural stone and it’s also resistant to staining and scratching. You can find quartz in a wider range of colors and styles than its upscale counterparts. At the same time, quartz countertops possess a more convincing natural appearance than solid-surface countertops. The only downsides to quartz countertops include the considerable expense and heavy weight.
Another kitchen countertop trend in 2021 is to use solid surfaces, which balance performance with aesthetics. If you want an all-white or solid-color countertop to further enhance the sleek, streamlined appearance of your kitchen, your best option is to select a manufactured material, such as Corian or Caesarstone. These materials are designed to be stain-resistant, and damage can be easily sanded out, which helps maintain the visual appeal of your Delaware kitchen over the long term. Additionally, solid-surface countertops have virtually invisible seams and you can find units that feature an integrated sink.
Among the various types of countertops, laminate remains a popular budget-friendly option. As a plastic-coated synthetic material, laminate offers a smooth surface that is easy to install and clean. Laminate materials are also available in hundreds of colors, patterns and styles. Recently, they’ve seen a resurgence as part of retro designs, such as for mid century modern kitchens. On the flip side, laminate countertops can be scratched or chipped easily, and the damage is difficult to repair. Plus, the seams are always visible.
Wood has a classic, timeless appeal that makes it a good fit for your kitchen countertops, regardless of your design style. Butcher-block countertops are ideal for a warm, rustic space, while classic wood countertops can be painted or stained to complement other colors and materials in your kitchen. If you opt for a butcher block, you get the added bonus of being able to prep food directly on the surface. When properly cared for, wood countertops can last a long time. Plus, you can sand and reseal the material as needed.
Concrete can also be used for your countertops, but it definitely bears a distinct look that is best suited for an industrial- or eclectic-style kitchen. In terms of price, concrete countertops are considered a midrange-level material. It is durable and long-lasting, although it will also stain somewhat easily. To mitigate the impact of the porous surface, you’ll need to seal the material regularly. However, concrete adds a touch of unique sophistication to your kitchen.
Terrazzo—comprised of chips of quartz, marble, granite, glass and other materials—was wildly popular in the 1980s and it’s experienced a revival in the past couple years. You can use the material for both your countertops and flooring to crate a sense of continuity and cohesion. Terrazzo is also available in tile format. The material is a good fit for your kitchen because it is highly resistant to heat and cools down fast.
As with every other component in your kitchen remodel, it’s important for your countertops to satisfy your particular tastes, preferences and lifestyle. When our team at Bromwell Construction Company helps you with a kitchen remodel in Delaware, we are committed to creating a custom space that serves the unique needs of your family while also augmenting the overall value of your home for years to come.