What to Think About When Choosing Kitchen Countertop Material

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  If you think about it, the kitchen is where you eat the majority of your meals.

According to reportlinker.com, 98% of Americans prefer to cook and eat their meals at home. Of course, time constraints force many of us to dine elsewhere, but when we have the time, nothing beats making a home cooked meal.

Unfortunately, many homes do not include the optimal place to cook and eat home cooked meals.  Many homes are missing a kitchen countertop.

Source

Why a Kitchen Countertop Makes Sense

Do you eat home cooked meals at a cramped table tucked away in the corner of your kitchen? By installing a contemporary countertop, you create a place where you set the table for several people, from family members to friends attending a dinner party. When you embed a grill or stove within a kitchen countertop, you become an instant Food Network star by dazzling guests with your culinary skills. A kitchen countertop increases the space you have for preparing meals, as well as offers another area to store kitchen equipment and accessories. You can use a kitchen countertop to feed the family breakfast and then set the countertop up later in the day with several vases full of freshly cut flowers.

Above all, installing a kitchen countertop increases the value of your home.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Kitchen Countertop Material

Virtually every type of kitchen benefits from the installation of a kitchen countertop. The valuable home décor feature often represent the cornerstone of major kitchen refurbishing projects. The question is not whether you should add a countertop in your kitchen, but what factors should you consider before choosing a kitchen countertop material.

Here are eight popular types of countertop materials, with each material requiring the same set of factors for determining which material to choose.

• Wood
• Natural Stone
• Concrete
• Solid Surface
• Ceramic Tile
• Plastic Laminate
• Glass
• Stainless Steel

Location

Where you place a kitchen countertop is an important factor in determining the best material to use. Some materials present a head turning appearance that allow homeowners more placement flexibility. If you want to install a rectangular countertop in the center of the kitchen, then a more conservative look produced by materials such as wood and glass are solid choices. A more attention grabbing material like granite or marble makes the ideal material for a countertop located adjacent to one of the kitchen walls.

Maintenance

Kitchen countertops are an expensive home improvement addition, even if you decide to install the countertop yourself. The last thing you want to do is fork over a considerable amount of cash to repair dents and scratches, as well as power wash the surface to remove tough to eliminate stains. High-end materials such as granite and marble must be sealed to prevent bacteria from tainting freshly cooked food. How much maintenance you want to perform goes a long way in determining what countertop material to select.

Ambiance

What kind of mood are you trying to create in the kitchen? Do you want a high-energy ambiance that charges up guests? Is your kitchen décor more subdued or does it invite the sun in for an extended visit each day? The mood you want to establish in the kitchen plays a huge role in selecting the right kitchen countertop material.

Kitchen Function

How do you utilize your kitchen? This an important question to answer in figuring out what type of material to choose. Do you frequently spend time cleaning the kitchen? Do you cook meals every day? How often do you invite guests over to dine in the kitchen? Answer these questions and you are heading towards a kitchen countertop material decision.

Durability

Many home improvement experts believe this is the most important factor for deciding what type of material to select. Materials that resist prolonged exposure to heat and humidity ensure you get the most out of a kitchen countertop. You also must consider the damage caused by burns, dents, and scratches. Since a countertop is often a costly home improvement investment, you want to choose a material that withstands the daily punishment delivered by frequent cooking and dining.

Health

Kitchens are incubators for the growth of fungus and bacteria. From standing water that develops mold to food spoiled by exposure to the room temperature for hours on end, you need to select a material that prevents fungal and bacteria growth. Avoid materials that possess grooves, since the spaces allow the growth of fungus and bacteria. Materials that are hard to wipe clean can produce fertile areas for fungal and bacteria growth.

Cost

We can’t escape the fact that the cost of a countertop material represents an integral factor in choosing the right material for your kitchen. The material you use is by far the costliest component of adding a kitchen countertop. You should create a budget for installing a kitchen countertop by starting with overall cost. Then, break down the cost of adding the countertop by using a kitchen countertop estimator.

The Value of Kitchen Countertop Estimators

The Internet has a myriad of tools to help homeowners budget for home improvement projects. One of the most effective online home remodeling cost estimate tools is a kitchen countertop estimator. You can also visit a nearby home improvement store and ask one of the experts on staff to generate an estimate using an in-store tool.

Most kitchen countertop estimators consider the following six factors to calculate a cost estimate:

• Edge
• Size
• Color
• Project complexity
• Addition of equipment
• Material

As we mentioned, the last cost factor is a biggie, which means you should make material the first factor to consider when you want to install a kitchen countertop. Ask for help by consulting with a home improvement professional.

Installing a new kitchen countertop will enhance the value and appearance of your home. Just make sure to take the time to perform the research that leads to selection of the right material.

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