New Countertops Can Change the Entire Look of a Kitchen

A glossy new surface can change the look of a kitchen and make it seem more modern. Countertops are popular because they're easy to clean, durable, and simple. There are several options, from wood to tile to stainless steel. When buying countertops, one must consider all the different styles and materials because each style has unique design benefits.

Countertops can have an immense impact on the overall look of a kitchen. For example, if one wants to install a granite or wood countertop, they can make the kitchen look like a restaurant. Stainless steel is easy to clean and care for, but it doesn't have the same rich look as other materials. Also, consider what one's surroundings are like.

Countertops can also be a big expense. The decision to place it in one's kitchen will affect the entire room. Before making a financial commitment, one needs to understand the different options and benefits.

Countertop Materials

After deciding on the countertop material, it's time to look at their prices and the benefits of each material.

1. Natural Materials - Wood - This is a durable and cheap option. If one has a kitchen with a lot of natural light, one can get a countertop with wooden cabinets. The wood is easy to clean, especially depending on what type one chooses.
2. Stone - Granite and Marble - Stone countertops are very beautiful and stylish. They're a little more expensive than some other materials but worth the price for their shiny look. They're very durable and easy to clean.
3. Tile - Porcelain, Ceramic, and Natural Stone - Tile countertops are a good option if one wants a more traditional look for their kitchen. They're durable and easy to clean. The countertop may break if one drops something heavy on it, though. One can find ceramic tiles in many different designs and colors. Natural stone tiles are beautiful but expensive and heavy to lift.
4. Fiberglass - Formica, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), and acrylic - Fiberglass may be a more modern choice for one's countertop. It's lightweight, so lifting it is quick and easy. It's also fairly inexpensive compared to other materials. Using Formica or MDF in a kitchen can be expensive. Still, ideally, one could paint their countertop the same color as their cabinets. Acrylic is lightweight and can give a futuristic look to one's kitchen.
5. Stainless Steel - Granite and Corian - Stainless steel is durable and uncomplicated to clean. It's a great choice for those who want stainless steel countertops but don't want the expense. To give the kitchen a more modern look, one can use granite or Corian to match the rest of their appliances. The difference between granite and Corian is that Corian has a glossy finish while granite has a matte finish.

Getting a Contractor to Install Countertops

After choosing the countertop material, it's time to find an installer. There are many contractors out there, so be sure to ask friends and family who they use and ask for referrals. Keep in mind that one's kitchen style will influence the installation type.

Find out if the contractor has any experience with countertop materials. It's a good thought to get multiple estimates from different contractors. Ask to see any work they've done in the past. It's important that one likes the style and design of their countertop.

There are a lot of kitchen renovation companies out there. They can help one pick the best material for their kitchen and get the project started. It may be less expensive to do it alone, but it will be much more difficult if they're not skilled with a hammer or saw.

One may ask the contractor what they recommend for the best look, durability, and cost. They can also ask if they provide a warranty on their work. If one ever has any questions, they should be able to answer them.

If one is not certain to pay for the project upfront, they can ask if the contractor can work with a payment plan. Depending on their situation, this might be a good option. It would help if one also considered whether or not the contractor will take lead responsibility for any damage to their countertops during installation and beyond.