More than 10 million homeowners have their kitchens remodeled each year in America. This is one of the most popular home improvement projects right now, and it’s among those with the highest returns on investment. Besides the potential financial value of a kitchen remodel, this type of improvement can certainly keep people happier with their homes. Homeowners cite several reasons for being unhappy with their kitchens with excessive wear, outdated appliances and fixtures, and a lack of space being some of the most common.
When you remodel your kitchen, several considerations will come into play from the new layout of the room to which appliances to have installed. Your new color scheme, which fixtures to incorporate, and what type of flooring would work best for you also enter the mix. One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is the type of countertops that would best meet your needs. An array of options is available in this category alone. Take a look at some of the best and most popular countertop materials to help you choose.
Limestone
Limestone is a highly popular material for countertops. It’s a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors. Most limestone countertops have neutral, earthy hues, like ivory, beige, off-white, gray, brown, and tan. This stone can also come in yellow, red, or blue tones though those are a bit more rare. It also has lovely veins and patterns running through it, and no two pieces of limestone are exactly the same.
Aside from appearance, some of the benefits of limestone are heat resistance, durability, longevity, and affordability. It can be vulnerable to acid, though, so it’s important to use mild cleaners on it and quickly clean up any acidic food or beverage spills. These countertops need to be resealed on a regular basis to maintain their appearance as well.
Granite
Granite is also a highly sought-after material for countertops. It’s neither the most nor least expensive material on the market; it offers a balance of cost and durability. As is the case with other natural types of stone, it comes in an array of colors and fits in with a variety of styles. It’s resistant to stains, scratches, heat, and constant use. It’s also easy to clean. Like limestone, granite requires regular sealing, and it’s best to use mild cleaners on it.
Quartz
Quartz is a wonderful choice for countertops as well. Though it comes in several naturally occurring colors, its hues and patterns aren’t generally as bold as those of other types of natural stone. While its cost can vary depending on its quality and source, it’s typically more expensive than many other options. That being said, quartz countertops last a long time, and they’re highly resistant to stains, wear, and other hazards. They’re not recommended for outdoor kitchens because UV exposure can cause them to fade over time.
Choosing the Right Countertops for Your Kitchen
Those are only a few of the materials available for kitchen countertops. Numerous other types of natural stone make fantastic choices. Synthetic materials like laminate, concrete, and stainless steel are commonly used in kitchens. Wood is also a popular option though it requires a great deal of maintenance. Consider your budget, the style of your kitchen, longevity, and durability to help you decide which one might best meet your needs.
