One of the first elements anyone notices when they visit a home is the kitchen countertop. The kitchen is the center of the home as it is where people congregate during holidays or hosted events, where simple meals are shared with friends and family, and where experiences are shared over homecooked meals and baked goods.
As the kitchen is the center to a home, the countertop is one of the most noticeable features of a kitchen as it is one of the largest, so choosing the right countertop for your home’s center can be difficult.
So, what should you think about and consider when choosing the right countertop for your kitchen?
The first consideration should be the usage of the countertop followed closely by the countertop’s durability and maintenance requirements. The countertop should also fit the aesthetic of your home, elevating the entire kitchen’s appearance. Also, as much as we might wish it not to be so, price is one of the most defining and limiting considerations of all.
We will discuss these four considerations in more detail below to ensure that you are choosing the right countertop for your home.
Countertop Usage
Certain countertops are better suited for certain activities. If you plan on using your countertops most of the time for cooking or entertaining, then one that is more durable such as granite or marble may be a better choice than less durable options. Durable countertops are also perfect if you have children and are teaching them to cook. However, if you eat out a lot or do not plan to use your countertop very often, less durable and cheaper options may be perfect for you.
Countertop Durability and Maintenance
Durability and maintenance are also major considerations when choosing the correct countertop. Again, if you plan on utilizing the countertop often, you will want one that is more durable. However, durability does not always mean lower maintenance. Granite is one of the strongest countertops available, but it does require you to apply a fresh coat of sealant every few years to keep germs, moisture, and stains from absorbing into the stone’s pores. Quartz, on the other hand, does not require this sealant. It all depends on the level of commitment you are planning to put in to maintain the countertop.
Overall Countertop Appearance
Countertops are a statement piece, especially if the countertop is on an island in your kitchen. You need a statement piece that is visually appealing to you and fits into the aesthetic you are trying to achieve with your home. Most countertops such as marble, granite, and quartz have an endless variety of colors and patterns for you to choose from but choosing the appearance that speaks to you while meeting your durability, maintenance, and pricing needs can be a little tricky. By taking the time to review all options thoroughly, you can ensure that you will have a countertop you love.
Countertop Pricing
We all care about price, as much as we wish we did not, and it can be the end-all be-all when it comes to choosing your countertop. You may love the durability and appearance of a countertop, but its expense is out of your price range. On the other side, you may find a countertop that is more economically priced, but the durability is poor and it requires a lot of maintenance. It is important to find a happy middle ground of the durability and appearance that meets your needs but is also within your budget.
The Choice is Yours Overall
Finding the right kitchen countertop is not an easy task. The first step is to understand what your needs are in a countertop. What will you typically use it for and how often? What is the style you are going for? What is your budget? Once you understand your requirements in a countertop, then you can start the searching process. The search may take a little time, but if you put in the effort, you can find a countertop that fits your home and you will love for years to come.
Wisconsin’s Best in Countertop Installation, Remodel and More!
Visit our countertop store in Oak Creek for the best selection of granite, quartz, and marble countertop solutions. At Wisconsin Granite Design, we have been creating beautiful kitchens and bathrooms throughout the Milwaukee area for decades and love what we do.
If you are thinking of updating your kitchen, our designers are here to help you through the process. A great way to start is to visit our beautiful showroom for an impressive countertop selection and displays that will spark your imagination.
We specialize in granite, marble, quartz and provide exceptional quality, service and delivery. Call us today for a Free Countertop Consultation!