The Right Fixtures for Your Kitchens

Countertops are one of the most important elements of a kitchen, and choosing them can be confusing and time-consuming. One helpful tip when navigating home renovations is to ask yourself some key questions. Here are five questions to ask when choosing kitchen countertops.

What Are the Dimensions of My Kitchen?

When choosing your kitchen countertops, you have to take measurements and be completely sure of the dimensions of your kitchen. Knowing your kitchen’s dimensions will help when drawing comparisons between different materials you think of using for your counters. If you decide to hire a designer during your kitchen renovation process, you should at least have an estimate of your dimensions ready. This information will assist you and the designer as you discuss which materials are in your budget based on how many linear feet of countertop you would need to order.

Which Materials Do I Like Best?

We get it; Those stunning marble countertops would look incredible in your kitchen, but there are many factors to consider when choosing your kitchen countertops. While you may feel sure that you want the same counters you saw in a magazine, chances are you’ll feel differently once you see them installed. This is why you should take your time when choosing kitchen countertops, and ask yourself questions like, “Which materials do I like best and why? What’s the most important quality in a good counter? Do I care about stains more than design? Do I care about aesthetics more than practicality? Which materials suit my budget best?” After pondering through these concerns and researching different materials, you may come to change your mind entirely about the materials you want for your kitchen countertops.

Are They Family-Friendly?

Choosing kitchen countertops for a busy family of five is much different than selecting counters for yourself. One of the most important parts of deciding on kitchen countertops is taking into account every family member who will use those counters regularly. Cooking for your family every night or having small children coming into contact with your kitchen countertops makes a huge difference in your thinking process, so don’t forget this part. Make sure to research as much as you can about which counter materials are durable and heavy-duty. Ask yourself, “Can these counters withstand food without staining? Do these kitchen countertops scratch easily?” At Stone International, our countertop experts highly recommend quartz, and we have a wide variety of colors and patterns in quartz to fit into your kitchen perfectly.

Do These Countertops Require Maintenance?

Certain kitchen countertops require more maintenance than others, so take into account how much time and money you’ll have once you install the counters of your dreams. While materials like granite, marble, and limestone are porous and need sealing at least once a year, non-porous materials like quartz and laminate do not require sealing or much maintenance at all. Wood countertops, on the other hand, require Danish oil at least twice a year, so keep all of these factors in mind. Before choosing kitchen countertops, make sure you are fully able to take care of them.

How Big is My Budget?

Just like with any home renovation, sticking to your budget is crucial. Depending on your local suppliers, materials can vary in price, but certain materials are notoriously known for always being more expensive than others. Nevertheless, choosing high-quality, long-lasting kitchen countertops that you can maintain will add value to your home. It’s all up to what your plans are for you and your family. When it comes to budget, be realistic, but plan for unexpected costs and last-minute changes.

Our team at Stone International prioritizes your individual needs and is here to help. We would love to hear any questions or concerns you have about your kitchen countertops, so give us a call!

Your new countertops will play a pivotal role as a functional and aesthetic addition to your kitchen. When you prepare food, eat, or spend quality family time, you want a beautiful, durable, and cost-efficient option to experience. Below, we uncover the critical questions you should answer before picking kitchen countertops.

We can transform your kitchen and bathrooms in a snap with the modern elegance and durability of quartz. Quartz countertops lend a luxurious appearance to any surface while also being low-maintenance and renowned for their longevity.

How Much Maintenance Do I Want to Deal With?

Various countertop materials will require different maintenance demands. Some options are resilient, while others will require much more time and upkeep.

Porous options like limestone, granite, and marble will require a sealing treatment annually. If you go with wood countertops, you will need to clean them with Danish oil at least two times per year.

Before you make your final purchase decision, it’s important to make sure that you evaluate the long-term demands of having it in your kitchen. The upfront costs of the countertops are something to consider, but you must also analyze the time and additional maintenance expenses going forward.

What is My Budget?

Countertops can range anywhere between $22 and $250 per square foot. If you wish to spend on the low end, you may want to look at laminate, wood, or tile. Countertop materials on the more expensive side include granite or marble. Depending on your local builders and suppliers, the kitchen countertop cost could vary.

It’s good to keep in mind that a quality kitchen countertop will be a smarter investment in the long run if you maintain it correctly. When you go through your buying decision, consider your optimal material, and choose a version that adheres to your budget.

What Materials Do I Prefer

You’ll likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen, so the aesthetic and design are vital. How the countertop looks may be important to you, but you also want to make sure it is a functional material that satisfies your needs. As you narrow down your choices, ask yourself why you preferred these options over the others.

While you might prefer marble countertops, you may not want to worry about stains. If that’s the case, you could then choose a lighter stone material like quartz, which is durable, cost efficient, and low maintenance. Overall, the best approach is to treat your buying decision like any massive investment. Take your time looking through all the options, carefully evaluate the alternatives, and make the final product fit your budget.

How Will I Utilize the Countertops

One of the essential things to consider is how you and your family will use the kitchen space. If you have a large family and intend on cooking a lot of meals, you will need a stronger surface. A sturdier countertop option will also withstand the countless messes and cleanup that a typical kitchen counter sees.

As you make your purchase decision, focus less on the scratches and more on how the countertops will react to food stains. The strongest countertop choices include granite and quartz.

What Are the Measurements and Requirements of My Kitchen?

Just like any big piece of furniture or appliance, you should have a clear idea of how it will fit into the room from a measurement standpoint. Once you study the room, you will need to analyze how much countertop you will need in linear feet.

Once you have this information, you can start budgeting for each material and make educated comparisons. The upfront investment will play a big role in the buying decision, so this measuring step is critical.

Who Should I Call to Begin This Project?

Are you looking for a quality company to partner with in transforming your kitchen countertops? Contact Marble Granite World to schedule your free consultation today.