Kitchens and bathrooms require a versatile design that can stand up to some of the most demanding environments you can create at home. In addition, the materials must combat moisture, grease, food particles, and your dog deciding that it’s time to steal the muffins stored in the cabinets.
Once you’ve settled on your design elements, it’s crucial to select a countertop that fits your lifestyle. With so many different materials available right now, there is more than granite or marble to consider.
If you’re ready to review what could work for your spaces, here are the elements of countertop design and installation you’ll need to know before getting the work scheduled.
What Are the Elements of Countertop Design?
Countertops are a big deal. They’re a notable design feature covering a sizable amount of space in each kitchen and bathroom. However, when you start looking at your options here, you’ll find that color, cost, and durability are only a few elements of the design to manage.
Here are the other issues during a countertop design or installation session.
1. Countertop Coordination
When you start planning a kitchen or bathroom, you’ll want to think about coordinating the entire room around the countertop. It works better to choose surface materials that work with the other structures and textures in that space.
Since you might have multiple installations to manage, it also helps to ensure that each countertop slab is consistent as with all the others. Even if you choose marble, one piece might have different color streaks than another – and that could change the aesthetic of your room.
2. View the Materials Personally
Although it is relatively easy to order countertops online today, it’s usually better to see the different slabs and pieces personally. Natural stone products might have similar labels, but the visual movement and overall detail can be highly variable.
Before you start shopping for countertops, it helps to know the exact measurements you’ll need for the project. This information makes choosing a specific vein, color detail, or movement pattern easier because your vendor can quickly verify its availability.
3. Think About the Installation Point
When choosing a countertop for your home, it’s better to select materials based on how you intend to use them. For example, if the installation is in a mudroom, use an affordable laminate since it’d be easier to clean. On the other hand, you could opt for that or entry-level granite counters in the laundry room for the same reason.
If you’re installing a new countertop in your kitchen, you’ll discover that today’s designers love to use quartz, marble, and butcher block designs. You can agree with their choices or go in a different direction. Concrete has become a popular choice for some interior design plans.
4. Think About the Qualities of Each Material
If you’re thinking about using granite at home for your new counters, its durability and low maintenance can help you achieve an excellent result. However, you might find that a repair might not be possible should it get chipped.
Some homeowners might opt for quartz to save some money, especially if they need a durable product. Since it’s an engineered countertop, you won’t need to seal it as thoroughly to avoid stains and liquid penetration. However, it’s also not as heat resistant as other materials.
Your installer should take you through the pros and cons of each material choice so that you can make an informed choice.
5. Think Outside the Box
Tile countertops were popular in the 1980s because the materials were heat resistant and easy to clean when you sealed the grout. Imagine being able to put a hot pan on the counter’s surface without needing a trivet to prevent damage! The argument against tile is that it makes a kitchen look dated, which can drive the asking price down a little in some markets.
Several countertop materials are usable, even if they aren’t as popular as marble, quartz, or granite. For example, you could try stainless steel, use soapstone, or try another solid-surface option.
A Final Thought About Countertop Design and Installation
Countertops can be one of the most expensive additions or renovations for homeowners to manage. It’s better to think of them as an investment instead of a direct cost.
Most homeowners can recoup up to 75% of the product and installation cost of new countertops through additional equity in their homes.
If you have any questions about a current or future project that involves countertop installation, be sure to reach out to our team so that we can get you the answers you need!
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