Choosing the best kitchen countertop for your lifestyle can be a daunting task. The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s important to get it just right. And selecting a countertop is one of the most important elements in the design process, so it pays to take time to do your research and select a material that best suits your needs. But how do you decide which countertop is best for you and your lifestyle? To make the right choice, there are a few key considerations you should keep in mind.
Lifestyle:
First, you need to think about how you’ll be using the countertop. If it’s going to take a lot of wear and tear, choose a durable material that can support high-volume kitchen traffic. Granite is one of the more durable surfaces and is easy to clean making it a solid choice for anyone with a high-traffic kitchen.
If your kitchen is mostly used as a showpiece, you can go with something more decorative like Soapstone, but requires more intensive upkeep. Soapstone is a dark, beautiful natural surface that is heat-resistant, but can scratch easily. For upkeep, you can expect to smooth out scratches with sandpaper, but that will likely change the color. If you can monitor any potential knicks, it’s worth the deep, dramatic mood it provides in a kitchen.
Theme:
Secondly, think about the overall theme of your kitchen. You want to choose a countertop that complements the colors and textures of the rest of your kitchen. What overall vibe are you going for?
If you are looking for something more high-end with old-world charm, marble will offer that luxury look and feel, although the care and upkeep will keep you busy. It can easily stain and needs to be resealed annually but if kept well, it can be a good investment.
Budget:
Third, consider your budget. Different materials have different price points, so make sure you find the one that’s best for your finances.
One of the more affordable options that offer a modern, Scandinavian vibe is Butcher Block. If cared for properly, you can cut directly on the surface, however, be sure to quickly wipe away any water spills as moisture can quickly stain the surface. This surface provides a cool alternative to granite, marble and other popular surfaces.
Get Creative:
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative. There are many great options out there, so don’t be afraid to explore different materials and find the one that’s perfect for you. Don’t just create an average kitchen, make it special with something that fits your aesthetic and personality.
If you are eco-friendly, you can get very creative with finishes like recycled glass, a surface that is heat and scratch resistant and also reduces the amount of glass waste that winds up landfills. There are so many color options offered with different materials, so explore them!
With the right countertop, your kitchen will be the heart of your home. Need some assistance with choosing the perfect design for your kitchen? We would love to help! Send us an email at, liz@dovetailpgh.com and we will get right back to you with a complimentary consultation!
