It’s not every day that you want to add or change something in your kitchen. However, if you are planning to add something new or replace a part of your kitchen, you may want to look into changing your countertops. While it may sound expensive, there are a lot of affordable materials that you can choose from. With the options we’ve found, it’s really up to you if you do it on your own or with the help of the experts.
So let’s start choosing a new countertop for your kitchen, shall we?
1. Engineered Quartz
Quartz may sound expensive but it’s really not. It’s engineered stone or man-made and is the materials are composed of broken stones. These are then mixed with colors and resins.
Design-wise, there are a lot of colors and pattern options on countertops made from quartz. Also, it’s popular among homeowners and designers because it’s really tough. The material is an excellent long-term investment, and it’s easy to maintain, too.
2. Wood
Wood countertops are another great option when you’re looking for something affordable but stylish. Designers love wood because it’s half the price of most stone and metal countertops.
The downside of choosing this material is maintenance. It requires a little bit of work maintaining wood such as you have to sand and reoil it regularly.
Designers suggest choosing from either maple or walnut. These are fantastic choices because of their tone; however, maple can be a bit expensive, so make sure to find the best deals.
3. Granite
Granite is a pure stone material. It’s original design and form formed by time and weather conditions makes it a unique material as a countertop.
It became a favorite by homeowners because it has various beautiful colors and patterns. You can choose light to be dark red to blues, which you can match on your current kitchen design.
To maintain it, you need to reapply a sealant every ten years. It’s also affordable, and its cost can start at $75.
4. Laminate
It’s also known as Formica, which is a famous brand name for laminates. The price starts at $12 per square foot, which is way cheaper than wood or granite. So, if you’re looking to save more but still have a quality material countertop, then a laminate is a great choice.
Aside from the price, this material is a favorite because it has more than 300 patterns and colors. It’s impossible not to find a design that doesn’t fit your current kitchen color or interior.
5. Stainless Steel
It’s a favorite by a lot of designers and architects because it’s not only affordable, but it’s also durable. It’s also a stylish material that goes well with a variety of interior design.
Another reason to choose stainless steel is that it’s easy to clean and maintain. One of the most inexpensive stainless steel countertops is a brushed sheet and seal the edge with multi-ply plywood.
6. Solid Surface
This is a great option, especially if you’re looking to change your countertops on your own. It’s a solid surface that’s often made of Corian or Silestone. It’s a man-made material that’s composed of 66% minerals and 33% binding resins.
One of the reasons why it’s a favorite material by designers and homeowners is that it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. You don’t even need to seal the countertop. It’s also great because it’s nonporous and easy to clean.
It’s essential to choose the right countertop for your kitchen, especially if you do a lot of cooking. More importantly, the material you use must also be within your budget and your current kitchen design.