How to Choose the Right Countertop for Your Modern Kitchen

Your outdated kitchen is about to be a thing of the past! If you’re ready for a kitchen renovation, you’ve probably given a lot of thought to design and décor. But don’t get too comfortable yet; there’s a lot of materials you’ll need to choose and things you’ll need to do before demolition day.

Bringing your kitchen into the 21^st century comes with a lot of fun decisions, like what kind of new cabinets, appliances, fixtures and the type of flooring you’ll choose. These are all important elements to consider, however, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when you’re updating your kitchen is the type of countertop to have installed.

Deciding on the right countertop for your home is easier when you take a few important factors into consideration, including budget, style and durability. Great countertops come at all different price points, designs and levels of quality, so you will have to weigh all of your options before you make your final decision.

Do you need a heavy-duty countertop that will withstand careless cooks, hot pans and rough and tumble kids? Or how about a show-stopping beauty to really add luxury and value to your home? There’s a great modern solution for every homeowners needs, from natural stone materials at the high end like marble all the way down to super affordable solutions like laminate.

If you think you have an idea of what kind of countertop you like, but aren’t sure whether it will really work for your needs, a little research can go a long way. Kitchen countertop upgrades are a big decision and can last you the lifetime of your home if you choose wisely, so read on and we’ll give you some great tips to follow so you can start your project with confidence.

Consider Your Costs

Cost is one of the biggest factors when it comes to upgrading your kitchen, so make room in your budget for this essential addition. If you’re trying to flip a home, then there are many affordable laminate options to choose from that won’t break your budget.

Nowadays, laminate countertops have far more attractive finishes than they did decades ago, and could create a nice, temporary solution to modernizing a home. Tile is also another option, though many homeowners have shied away from tiled countertops due to how difficult grout lines are to keep clean.

If you’re really looking to get the best return on investment for your home, now or in the future, you’ll want to invest in a quality material like quartz. Engineered stone (quartz) comes in a variety of finishes these days that can mock the look of higher end materials. Quartz is designed to be super durable, and these type of countertops are becoming more and more sought after by home buyers. While quartz isn’t the least expensive option, it is more affordable than most natural stone and will still pack a real punch in terms of style and performance.

All in all, think about how you will be using these countertops to help you determine exactly how much of your budget you want to spend, and you’ll have an easier time deciding on materials.

Settle on a Style

If you’re looking to modernize your forever home, then the kitchen is a great place to make an investment. If style is what you’re looking for, then higher-end materials like marble, slate and quartz are going to be your go-to. Gleaming white marble, dark rich slate or sparkling quartz can add a level of luxury to your kitchen like no other material.

Deciding on your home décor style can also help you to figure out the type of countertops you should choose. If you’re trying to achieve a rustic, farmhouse style in your kitchen, then butcher block countertops could be an excellent style option.

If you want to create a sleek, minimalist look then poured concrete could be the right kitchen countertop surface for you. Want to create an industrial feel? There’s even stainless steel countertops for that. If you have a unique kitchen style that you are trying to achieve, then unique countertop materials can go a long way towards bringing that décor vision into full view. If you are still looking for more information on what type of countertop to choose please visit slabmarket to view a great selection of excellent modern options.

Decide on Durability

Marble countertops are beautiful, no doubt, but they require a lot of maintenance and care. Though they are the darlings of every TV home renovation show, marble countertops require regular sealing, and are easily stained, scratched and chipped.

If you know you’ll need to modernize your kitchen with countertops that can withstand some wear and tear, then you’ll want to pass on marble. Slate is also a soft, porous stone, but chips can easily be buffed out and darker finishes can help to mask staining. So if you’re set on updating your kitchen with natural stone, but know that it will get a lot of use, consider a darker finish for better long-term wear.

When it comes to durability, quartz is one of the best options that homeowners can choose, and that’s because it was engineered that way. Consisting of about 90% natural stone and about 10% resins, quartz is resistant to scratching and chipping and retains its beauty from year to year, plus it’s less likely to chip, crack or break during the installation process. The only down side to choosing quartz is that its vulnerable to direct heat, unlike natural stone. If you decide to upgrade with a quartz countertop, be sure to keep trivets and pot holders at hand.

Choosing a new kitchen countertop is a big decision that homeowners shouldn’t take lightly. There’s a lot to consider beyond style, and you may decide after doing some research that the type of countertop material you thought you wanted isn’t really right for you.