Choosing countertops
Choosing countertops is an important decision when building or remodeling a house. You want to make sure you get the right countertops for your lifestyle, taste, and market.
The following are the areas you want to consider when choosing countertops:
- Maintenance: Like any other part of a home, your countertops will need care and maintenance, however, some materials need more maintenance than others. For example, granite countertops only need to be resealed every year or so to keep them strong and looking great. Sand stone countertops on the other hand must be wiped with mineral oil at least once a month for a year, then every few months after that. Then you have countertops like Corian that you do nothing with after installation except be careful of too high of temperatures as it can cause cracking, but is rare. So, you will need to consider your lifestyle and how much time and energy you will have to devote to maintaining your countertops. If you want low maintenance, cross off some of the options from your list of possibilities.
- Durability: You care going to use your countertops for a variety of things, you throw your keys on them when you get home, you chop food, you prepare food, you display food, you may store toasters etc. on them. The truth is, you use your countertops a lot, and they take a lot of abuse. Unless you want the expense of replacing your countertops regularly, you will want to choose a countertop that can withstand the amount of abuse you will put it through. Marble and granite are high end, highly durable choices, and quartz and some of the other stones fall not too far behind. However, laminates, and softer stones, and some tiles wear, and will not last as long.
- Resale value: Unless you intend to live in your home forever, and even if you do, there will come a time when what someone else wants is important to you. So, consider that now so you do not have to change things later. Consider what the popular countertop choices of the day are, and what they are likely to be in the future. Choosing modern but classic colors and styles, as well as material will benefit you in the long run and help you with resale value. When the time comes to sell your home, you can rest assured that you chose something people will like. So, go with the higher end stones.granite, marble, etc. Or go with a classic color of corian. You may love lime green, but chances are, the next home owner will not be as fond of it, and so choose countertops that do not limit your potential for buyers.
- Your budget: Obviously we would all probably love to have marble or high end granite countertops, but not everyone has room in their budget to do that. So, what you really need to do is evaluate your budget and determine what the highest end material countertops you can afford are. Honestly, it is wise to spend a little more here upfront. You will not regret paying a small price for an upgrade. Also review your project budget and see if there is anywhere else you can take from, and move some funds to your countertop fund so you get a better countertop material.
- Your personal taste and style: Last but certainly not least, you want to choose a material, color, and style you are comfortable with and love. This is your home, your kitchen, your bathroom, etc. So, make sure that you choose the right countertops for you. You are the one who will be looking at them each day for the duration you live there, so make sure you are happy with them.
Like this article? Then Digg It
or
add it to your Del.icio.us Bookmarks!
Tags: countertops granite marble quartz soap stone corian tile counters choose
