Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 2: Countertops

The items in your kitchen that will definitely see the most use, if you cook at all, are the countertops. You chop, clean, serve and mix there. The kids sit and watch you work your culinary magic, coffee gets spilled and sugar sprinkles the surface. Sweet smelling pies are on display, and hot pans are ready with dinner for all (sure hope you used a hot pad!).

With all this wear and tear, there is no doubt that deciding what countertops to put in your newly designed kitchen can be a daunting task. Generally, there are four factors that come into play when looking to choose your new countertops:

• Cost
• Visual Appeal
• Maintenance
• Durability

As you start looking at the available options, ask yourself which of these factors are a priority and what makes them important to you. You also need to know specifically what you’re looking for in each category.

For example, if you have little ones around the house, time is precious and highly limited, therefore, choosing to go with concrete countertops, even if they’re the next best thing, may not be the option for you because they require a lot of maintenance.

Let’s take a look at the types of countertops that HA Construction can use to revitalize your kitchen.

Everyone’s Favorite – Granite Countertops
Everything from black and brown to green and coral is available in granite. The rumors are true however, this is usually the most expensive option. The actual cost depends on the color you choose, the finish, and where the stone is from. For example, if your top choice of granite is imported only a couple of times a year, then it’s going to be much more expensive than something that is readily available.

Granite comes with two surface finishes:

• Polished – This finish is, of course, shiny with a darker color tone
• Honed – This is a matte finish with softer color tones

Stone Countertops
There are several options for other natural stone counters at varying degrees of cost and durability. However, it’s important to note that natural stone is a softer material and many will need sealant on occasion. As a general rule, only clean natural stone with mild soap, water and a soft cloth. Avoid using cleaners containing bleach or ammonia as well as scouring pads. Always use a coaster and hot pads.

Natural stone options include:

• Marble Countertops
• Limestone Countertops
• Sandstone Countertops
• Quartz Countertops

While natural stone adds more value to your kitchen remodel, engineered stone is also available. Engineered stone is much more durable than natural stone and comes in many more color options. Unfortunately, however, it’s just as expensive as the real thing.

Concrete Countertops
The newest trend that continues to grow in popularity is the concrete countertop. Don’t think for one moment that you’re limited to the gray color of most city sidewalks (though that may be what you’re looking for); pigment additives allow you to choose any color you want for your kitchen.

Unfortunately, as great and modern looking as concrete countertops are, they are pretty high maintenance, as far as counters go. Quick and/or extreme temperature changes may result in warping. Spilling something acidic, such as orange juice, or leaving something wet on the surface will cause discoloration. Preventative maintenance includes adding sealant quarterly and waxing every other month.

There are three concrete counter top finishes:

• Smooth – known as “trowel”
• Sanded – known as “ground,” this exposes the sand aggregate
• Pressed – the veining, which looks somewhat like marble, is exposed

Wood Countertops
This is ofter butcher block countertops, and has many benefits, such as easy use as a cutting board and the ability to sand out scratches from that use. They do need frequent oiling to protect from water damage.

Solid Surface Countertops
Seamless, a multitude of color choices, stain resistant and scratches are easy to repair – it’s no wonder that solid surface countertops are also a popular choice. The only main concern is the risk of damage caused by hot pans, so be sure to use hot pads, trivets or keep hot pots, pans and bakery on the stove.

Laminate Countertops
Truth be told, laminates are the most popular for smaller budget kitchen renovations, and, due to their affordability, may be your best option when you hire HA Construction to do the job. Most laminates are made to look like all of the above options, so you have a pretty vast selection for whatever design you may choose. Of course, laminate countertops aren’t as durable as granite, but they’re reliable for the price.

Other Considerations
As you make your countertop decision, you’ll be faced with choices regarding the types of edging you want. Edging options (depending on the material) include:

• Bevel – Like beveled glass, a beveled countertop has a sloping edge
• Bullnose – rounded edge similar to a half-circle (full bullnose) or a sloping plain (half bullnose)
• Eased – also known as “flat” or “square,” this edge has no design elements, it is just simple flat at a 90 degree angle
• Egg – a molded, decorative edge that has a half egg shape
• Ogee – a tilted “S” shape to the edge
• Radius – an edge with rounded corners

HA Construction can certainly help you decide which countertop type, color and edging fits within your budget, aesthetic approach and needed durability. And, if you’re having a hard time deciding between a pair of options, ask Andy what you can do to fit them both in, such as solid surface countertops and a granite topped island.