Over-the-counter advice
Published Friday October 30th, 2009
What to consider when choosing countertops
A major component of your kitchen and bathroom schemes is the countertop. There have been a lot of changes to the options available for counters in kitchens and bathrooms over the last eight to 10 years.
It used to be a matter to choosing the colour you wanted and away you went. Now you need to think of things like cost, function, durability, texture and colour and choose from many materials such as laminates, granites, marbles, solid surfaces and quartz. The choices can seem endless and can become overwhelming very quickly. Here are some pointers to help guide you to the right choice for you.
First, think about your budget and how much you would like to spend. There is a pretty big variation in the cost of the different materials so you need to know which range in which to look. If you are looking for a less expensive change, a laminate could be a good choice for you. There is no point tempting yourself with something on the higher end of the price spectrum, such as granite.
Next, consider the function of the countertop and make sure the material fits the application. For instance, marble is not the best choice for a kitchen in which you do a lot of cooking as it can be affected by oils and acids. However, it can be great for baking. That said, though, a well-loved worn marble can sometimes look better than fresh, shiny marble. Granite and quartz are harder and less poreous if you are looking for a material that will keep its polished shine. Research your choices online, talk to friends or hire an expert to aid in your decision-making.
You should also consider the time period you anticipate having the countertop. Your choice may be much different if you are planning on moving in the near future rather than building your dream kitchen where you expect to stay for some time. You could easily have a quartz countertop for the rest of your life, where you would expect to replace a laminate top within XX years, depending, of course, on wear.
Your countertops will cover a pretty big area in your kitchen or bathroom so another important aspect to consider would be colour. You want to make sure your countertop is doing what you want it to do in terms of the overall scheme. You may want a calm, serene space. In that case you would choose a countertop colour that blends nicely with its surroundings and does not create too much contrast.
If you are looking for that contrast, on the other hand, make sure you pick a colour that stays within the same tone of the surrounding palette. There are so many different colour choices. With all of the materials you can choose something that will be perfect for your taste and scheme.
Along the same lines as colour is texture. It is both visual, like colour, but also tangible. A smooth, glossy quartz gives a more formal feel, where a rougher textured top, like slate tiles, would feel more relaxed. Laminates come in almost every colour and texture, making them a good choice if on a tighter budget.
Also, consider the pattern. If your flooring has a busy pattern, try to pick a counter with a quiet feel so the two don’t compete with each other.
If you are not ready for an entire kitchen or bath renovation and your cabinets are still in good shape updating your counters can be a great way to add interest and value to your kitchen or bathroom. If you are building an entirely new kitchen, take some time to look at all your options as the counters are such a big part of the space and picking the right colour, texture and material will ensure that you will be happy with your room now and in the future.
Interior decorators Becky Geyssen and Jill Madore are kitchen designers at Design By Valley Dream Kitchens on Hampton Road. Questions or comments can be sent to becky@window-shop.ca or call 849-1010.
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