If your kitchen is starting to look dated or worn, it may be time to make some upgrades. One of the best kitchen upgrades to consider is new countertops. Countertops are an important practical feature of any home, but they can also provide style and class. If you would like to learn more, check out these four questions you should ask yourself before getting new counters.
1. What Type of Material Do You Want?
Some of the best materials for your counter include granite, marble, soapstone, and quartz. All four of these options have a beautiful and unique appearance that can make your home look modern and stylish. They are also heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on the counter without leaving a burn mark.
Marble and soapstone are softer materials, so they may scratch and dent more easily. Quartz and granite are less likely to dent, but because they are made of a harder material, they may be more prone to chip or crack at the corners.
Sealing a countertop helps it resist staining. Any counter can benefit from sealing, but it is a must for materials like marble and granite. Soapstone and quartz generally do not require sealing.
2. What Type of Countertop Edge Is Best?
Once you've chosen the material you want, you need to pick the right countertop edge. This is important for style, but there are other factors you should consider. For example, since quartz and granite are prone to chipping, you may want to avoid sharp edges like those on a square countertop. Beveled, bullnose, and other edges that curve or bend may be a better choice.
If you have kids, curved edges can also provide less risk of injury if your child hits their head against the edge of the countertop. Similarly, kids often make messes. A bullnose edge has no angles, making it less dangerous for kids, but the design causes liquids to follow the curve, which may increase the risk of damage to cabinets.
3. How Much Will New Counters Cost?
Stone countertops have many benefits. Despite these benefits, however, they may not be as overpriced as you may assume. In general, a granite, marble, soapstone, or quartz counter may cost from
$45 to $150 per square foot.
Compare this to tile and laminate counters. Depending on the quality, tile countertops, however, can range from $18 to $35 per square foot. Laminate, which is usually the cheapest, can cost between $15 and $40 per square foot.
Depending on the material you choose, you may only have to pay for new countertops once. Granite is so durable that as long as you maintain it, it can last as long as you stay in the house. Even marble counters can last up to 20 years, with soapstone lasting 20+ years. Quartz, however, falls a little short. Even with good maintenance, your quartz counter may only last 10 to 15 years. Even laminate counters last longer, at 20 to 30 years.
4. Does the Backsplash Match?
After you change your countertops, you may notice your backsplash no longer matches. In some cases, you may not even have a backsplash. Most people view the backsplash as an extension of the countertops, so you want to choose something that complements the counter or seamlessly matches it.
If you don't have a backsplash, consider installing one. They are a great way to protect your walls against grease and stains. Plus, they serve as an extra barrier between your food and pests.
A new countertop may be exactly what your home needs to advance to the next level. Stone countertops are durable and don't require much maintenance, except sealing. If you would like to learn more, or if you want a quote on countertops for your kitchen,
contact us at Best Marble & Granite Company.
