The Best Kitchen Materials: Comparing Cost and Upkeep
A great way to spruce up or transform the whole atmosphere of your kitchen is by choosing a new material for the flooring, cabinets, or countertops when remodeling the space.
The materials you use can give your kitchen an entirely different feel while also serving a specific purpose and addressing issues related to their various functions. If you plan to include new flooring, countertops, or cabinets in your kitchen remodel in Delaware, you should consider several factors when deciding which materials to use. These factors include the volume of traffic in the kitchen, durability, kitchen size, maintenance demands, and cost, to name a few.
Choosing the Right Countertop Material
When you look past the various brands on the market, there are only a handful of different materials to choose for your countertops when renovating your kitchen. One of the popular categories of kitchen countertop materials is natural stone, which includes granite, marble, soapstone, and slate. Granite and marble are both durable, heat-resistant materials that make good work surfaces for common kitchen activities. The cons, however, are they can be expensive and they must be sealed periodically to resist stains and cracking.
When compared to natural stones, engineered stone – made mostly of quartz – is a popular alternative. Today, you can find this composite material in a wide range of colors and patterns to match the design of your kitchen. While still relatively expensive, quartz countertops are equally durable and require extensively less maintenance than natural stones. The material is longer-lasting, stain-resistant, and doesn’t present mold issues in humid regions.
Flooring Materials Comparison
Flooring also has a significant impact on the aesthetic and maintenance of your kitchen. When it comes to kitchen flooring options, you can choose between vinyl, hardwood, tile, linoleum, and even less common materials, such as bamboo and cork.
Tile Flooring
Tile remains a popular flooring material used in kitchens. You can select either natural stone, porcelain, or ceramic tiles, all of which make for a luxurious-looking floor. Porcelain tile tends to be the most durable option for kitchen flooring. Because the coloring is consistent throughout the material, you won’t notice chips and scratches as much. Additionally, porcelain is impervious to water and stains, which means it requires less maintenance. Under normal conditions, it can hold up for numerous years without its appearance or function diminishing. Natural stone tiles, on the other hand, are porous and susceptible to staining and water damage. To remedy this issue, you must apply a quality stone sealer regularly. Ceramic tile, which is glazed and fired, has several of the same benefits as porcelain in that it is nonporous and durable. However, if ceramic tiles chip, the underlying clay color will be exposed, making them less suitable as flooring in high-traffic areas such as kitchens but still an attractive option for walls.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is another durable flooring material but, like natural stone tiles, has its limitations in the kitchen, where moisture and liquid stains are an issue. Modern sealers and polyurethane finishes are helpful in addressing the problem, but you will still see degradation over time, which is unappealing when you take into consideration the higher cost of hardwood flooring.
Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is one of the most versatile kitchen flooring solutions. Not only is most vinyl flooring entirely moisture-resistant and highly durable, but it is available in styles and colors that mimic other materials. It is comparatively cheaper than hardwood and tile, easy to install on your own, and holds up well in a space frequented by your family.
Natural vs. Composite Cabinets
Cabinets are another key factor that define your kitchen’s character, so you want to choose the right style for your space. Your material options are more limited when it comes to cabinets: You can opt for solid wood cabinets or an engineered wood, such as fiberboard, particleboard or plywood. Since natural wood has a tendency to warp, engineered woods are preferable for a kitchen remodel. They are cheaper but equally reliable.
Another decision you must make is whether to use production or custom cabinetry. While custom cabinets are more expensive than stock cabinets, they can be built to your specifications so they fit the exact dimensions of your kitchen and there is no wasted space. Additionally, they are built by skilled carpenters, making them a higher quality and long-lasting.
Kitchen Remodel: Cost Comparison
A kitchen are a great place to begin remodeling your home. When it comes to the cost of a kitchen remodel, an advantage is labor can be cheaper since multiple crew members are able to work in the larger space at the same time. What will have a greater impact on the cost of your project is which materials you choose for your flooring, cabinets, and countertops. As you think about how your kitchen is used and what sort of environment appeals to you, it’s also important to consider how much maintenance you are wanting to do. Our team at Bromwell Construction can give you more information on various materials, as well as the estimated cost based on current market rates to help you budget for your kitchen remodel while creating your vision for the space.
