Whether you want to only improve a small part of your kitchen or you want a complete makeover, a new countertop can instantly update the look of the room and adds value to your home.
Before you start ripping your kitchen apart, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration. One of the most important things to keep in mind are your cabinets. Kitchen counters are almost always placed on top of cabinets or cupboards, so make sure you are happy with the look of the ones you have before you install the countertop.
Your next consideration when looking for a new counter is the cost. Laminate countertops are often considered the most affordable, and come in many styles and colours. However, you may be looking for something with a bit more pizzaz.
Corian countertops come in a variety of colours to match your kitchen décor, and are stain, heat and bacteria-resistant. Silestone countertops are a quartz and resin composition with the look and feel of natural quartz. This is a very resilient and maintenance-free countertop that combines beauty and brawn. Marble or wood topped counters are also an excellent choice, and are available at most hardware outlets, (including Home Depot and Home Hardware stores.)
While many of these choices look absolutely stunning, they can also stun your bank account! The best way to avoid this is to list all the areas you want to change first, and the replacement or remodeling costs. If you mistakenly spend too much money on your countertop materials, you won’t be able to refinish the rest of your kitchen and remain on budget.
Obviously, you need to do some homework before deciding which style is right for you. Checking online or in one of your local home improvement stores will give you a wide selection of materials, designs and styles. Browsing at the store where you plan on buying your remodeling supplies is a great way to get price estimates, and keep you on track.
Once you have decided whether to go with a traditional laminate, marble, or one of the other great varieties available, you will need to decide how your countertop will be installed. Personally, I would choose to have a professional do it for me. Most companies or stores guarantee their workmanship, and the cost involved would be considerably less than my mistakes would cost! However, there are some homeowners who are knowledgeable and willing to do it themselves, and for the uninitiated, but headstrong do-it-yourself-ers, there are instructions and kits available, even if you do not have any home improvement experience.
Regardless of which method you choose, both you and your home will reap the rewards of your hard work. You now have a beautiful new look to your kitchen, the satisfaction of a job well done and the knowledge that your improvements have boosted the equity in your home. I’d say that’s a win-win situation!
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