U.S. homeowners spend an average of over $26,000 remodeling their kitchens.
The kitchen counter is often the centerpiece of it all. From the timeless charm of marble countertops to the durability of granite (great for bathroom counters), every counter adds its own unique flair and flavor to your favorite living spaces.
And it can seem daunting to make the right choice, knowing your new counters could stick around for decades.
Keep reading to learn how to choose the right countertop design for your budget.
Countertop Design: Popular Options for Any Home
The world of countertop design is awash with innovative designs and exotic materials.
How do you choose between them?
What makes a marble counter better than one made of quartz? That all depends on your tastes. Quartz is perfect for a modern minimalist look. A wooden countertop has a traditional, cozy vibe.
Marble is synonymous with luxury and opulence.
But before you head to your local countertop store or start hunting around for countertop installation, there are several factors you need to consider.
Chiefly, your budget.
Countertop Materials for Any Budget
Some counters, like marble and granite, can be pretty pricey. Others, like laminate and tile, are more budget-friendly.
Yet cost isn’t the only factor you should think about.
Another consideration is the maintenance required for your new counters. Some materials, like natural stone, need regular sealing to prevent staining. Marble is resistant to damage, but can show signs of wear and tear that affect its glossiness.
And if you need heat-resistant, durable surfaces for your new counters, granite or quartz might be a solid choice.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are the types of counters known for their high durability and unique beauty. Every slab is different, adorned with unique colors and abstract patterns.
It’s also heat and scratch-resistant but does require regular sealing. In terms of cost, it’s a high-end countertop option.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete is the lean, budget-friendly counterpart to granite.
Concrete countertops have a modern minimalist, almost industrial vibe to them, and they’re easily customizable to fit any space. As you’d expect, they’re highly durable and resistant to damage and heat.
However, like granite countertops, they too require regular sealing. Price-wise, concrete countertops are considered mid-range; more affordable than natural stone, but more expensive than tile.
Wooden Countertops
Often made of hardwoods like oak or maple, wooden countertops never go out of style. They’re relatively durablebut will sustain damage from heat or moisture if poorly maintained.
They also fall into the mid-range pricing category.
Marble Countertops
Marble is a symbol of elegance and luxury.
Like granite, each marble slab has a completely unique style that makes your countertop one-of-a-kind. The exquisite veining and high sheen on the material can really make a statement. However, while heat-resistant, marble tends to be more susceptible to damage.
It requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty and comes with a high price tag.
Tile Countertops
The most affordable option on this list, tile countertops can nonetheless look visually appealing if you mix and match colors and patterns. Tiles are heat and scratch-resistant.
However, the grout lines between the tiles make them notoriously difficult to clean.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are a popular alternative to natural stone. Made from engineered stone, they’re incredibly durable and require no sealing. They’re also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Quartz countertops fall into the mid to high-end price range.
Enhance Your Kitchen’s Appeal
Choosing a fitting countertop design for your kitchen or bathroom is a significant decision – and a substantial investment.
With so many materials to choose from, it’s essential to consider your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to consult with a professional or visit a countertop store to get a better idea of how your new counters will look.
Above all, remember there’s a perfect countertop for you out there.
RSK Stone has improved and enhanced countertops throughout New England for over fifteen years. View our interactive kitchen visualizer to try out exciting new designs that suit your tastes!
