A few observations that will help ease the stress of choosing.
It's Tuesday, and I'm back with countertops on my mind.
Conversations around countertops come with many opinions attached. Builders and fabricators have favorites, Instagrammers share tips, and bloggers post about their DIY experiences. I've followed and read along and am now doing the posting.
What I've observed is that countertops are very personal.
We begin and end our days in the kitchen. The countertop is in the background or a tool used while prepping and cooking. You wipe the surface more times than you keep count and lean against them during conversations.
Maybe, without realizing it, countertops became a part of our memories: the feel, the sound, the color.
So, what do I recommend? What countertop is right for you?
I have lived in homes with each of these countertops.
In my childhood home, the perimeter countertops were white laminate, with a butcher-block island. And in my present home, I have stone countertops.
I am happy to use either countertop and am familiar with the feel and sound of each. However, I have made some observations.
What I have observed ...
Laminate countertops are great:
They are inexpensive and pretty durable. (In the hundreds range for materials.)
Use hot pads, trivets, and cutting boards.
They come in endless colors, stone patterns, and edge profiles.
They are very simple to replace.
Butcher block countertops are great:
They are inexpensive, durable, and require oiling. (In the hundreds range for materials.)
Use hot pads, trivets, and cutting boards.
They look really neat after you have used them for a while.
They are very simple to replace.
Stone countertops are great:
There is a wide range of pricing. (In the thousands range, with most average kitchens landing at $4,000 and above for materials.)
Although most stone is highly heat-resistant, you might still need to use hot pads, trivets, and cutting boards for some.
They are BEAUTIFUL and require quality upkeep and care.
Replacement and installation are processes that involve multiple fabrication steps and wait times.
Best ROI value.
And, as someone who enjoys baking, I happily discovered that stone countertops provide a great cold surface for rolling out dough.
My best recommendation is to understand your countertop wants and price range. I truly don't think you will go wrong, as I haven't come across a countertop that has disappointed me.
I will always encourage gathering information, whether that be from reading articles or meeting with professionals. So, if you'd like to chat about your remodeling plans, fill out our simple contact form!
Cheering you on,
Shandra
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