How to Shop for New Countertops
Making a decision on something they gets as much attention and use as your countertops can be an intensive process. The first step is to consider your budget. Laminate countertops are going to be your cheapest option, with more premium options such as stone or porcelain several times as much.
Decide what you want as far as looks. There are always going to be fads coming and going, but also timeless styles that you don’t have to worry about fading out. There are nearly infinite styles to fit every kitchen and preference. If you are struggling with making a decision, consider your cabinets, appliances, floors, etc, and how the new countertops will pair. Using a kitchen or bathroom visualizer can help you get a good idea on what sort of style and color will be best for you. Visualizer tools let you see what different stones could look like, paired with your chosen color of appliances, flooring, and cabinets.
Choosing a material for your countertops may leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Each different material is going to have an array of pros and cons. Laminates are cheap and easy to install, with a variety of colors and styles, but are low on the durability scale. Natural stone is extremely durable, coming in a variety of colors, but is one of the most expensive options, and requires some maintenance. Engineered stone comes in the widest variety of colors and styles of engineered stone, is extremely durable, requires little to no maintenance, but is one of the most expensive options, and has little heat resistance, depending on the stone.
Purchasing your countertops can be done in a few different ways. The most common method is hiring a fabricator to quote, template, program and custom make your new countertops and either install for you, or have ready for you to pick up and install yourself. Some materials require special fabricators that are specialists in the material such as concrete. If you have the confidence and knowledge, it is possible (with certain materials) to cut and install countertops yourself.
Your countertops are an investment that will last for years to come. Take the time to be confident in your decision. Visit local showrooms and fabricators to look at different materials to learn more about what countertop material is going to be the best for you.
