Top Tips for Choosing Kitchen Countertop
It can be a tough decision when trying to choose the right benchtop material for your new kitchen. There are endless possibilities available and there is always that debate between something that is aesthetically pleasing versus something that will stand the test of time. Being a chef, I am always on the prowl for the best benchtop materials that are both beautiful to look at and hardy at the same time. Have a look at these Top Tips For Choosing The Best Kitchen Countertop For Your Home.
- Think About Your Budget – How Much Are You Willing To Splash Out?
The amount you are willing to spend is an important factor to consider in choosing the benchtop material of your dreams. Those with a bigger budget and who want to splash out may consider investing in natural stone counters – materials that both look and feel expensive. According to some kitchen renovation experts, natural stone countertops are unique, heat resistant and very durable. They are very easy to clean and can definitely withstand wear and tear. Keep in mind that Marble scratches easily, so if you have a household full of children, it is best to opt for a different natural stone for your countertop.
If you are not feeling as generous or just want to keep your budget in check, Laminate countertops are a great cost friendly option to consider. Laminate is durable and stain resistant, but the one downside to it is that it is not heat-resistant, so you will have to be careful when placing hot pots, pans and trays on your countertops. Another inexpensive option is Ceramic Tiles, which come in a wide variety of finishes and colours. The downside to this option is that although it is cost effective, it is also prone to chipping.
- Think About The Purpose Of Your Countertop
Sometimes, it is easy to forget about all the things we end up doing on our countertops. If you are an avid baker, you will probably want to have countertops that are heat resistant such as natural stone, should you accidentally place a piping hot tray down right after you take it out of the oven. No one wants to damage their beautiful countertop!
For those who do not cook or bake very often, it would be safe to say that options such as Tile Or Laminate will suffice and be a suitable option for your less utilised kitchen. These countertop materials are perfect for plopping the groceries down on, having a quick breakfast on or just simply for sitting down and entertaining guests.
- Are You Trying To Be Eco Friendly?
GIven that everyone is more conscious about how our actions affect the environment and planet, it is wise to consider eco friendly materials for your kitchen countertop. Bamboo is a great option for countertops, particularly for those who want a rapidly renewable resource to contribute to their countertop. Bamboo is naturally harder than most woods, making it very sturdy and durable.
Bioglass is also another common eco-friendly countertop material. Bioglass is made out of recycled class, has an almost magical translucent appearance to it and is made of 100% glass. The downside to a surface like Bioglass is that it is not knife-friendly, so you are not able to chop your vegetables and fruit directly on the surface.
Yet another common and surprisingly eco-friendly material that is often seen in kitchens is Stainless Steel. Made of 60% recycled content, it has top-notch durability and is almost always utilised in commercial kitchens due to its cleanliness and durability. The downside to stainless steel is that it is sometimes hard to keep looking fresh and unscratched, and also holds watermarks quite easily.
- Return On Investment
Lastly, return on investment is something to keep in mind if there is a possibility of you selling your home in the future. It is always good to ensure that the value of your finishings match the value of your home. A snazzy and expensive countertop in a modest home will almost guarantee a low return on investment. On the flip side, expensive homes demand good quality and pricier finishes, ensuring that your choice of higher end materials pays off in the long run.
With these top tips for choosing the best kitchen countertop, you will be able to make an informed decision on what material best suits your home and needs!
