A full-scale kitchen remodel is certainly no easy task, but it’s necessary to meet modern home improvement standards. From cabinetry, lighting, appliances, and islands, all the way to kitchen countertops, there’s just so much to choose from, and the possibilities are nearly endless.
Kitchen countertops have always been an essential part of any kitchen layout, as most of the handy work is done on their surface. Not only do they need to look the part, but they also need to be sturdy and easy to clean. They must also possess heat, scratch, and stain-resistant properties. This makes finding the right kitchen countertops a bit of a nuisance.
SemBro Design & Supply is here to help. Join us as we explore the many types of countertops you should consider to achieve that embellished kitchen look your home has always needed.
Primary Considerations
When choosing the countertops for your kitchen remodel, your primary deciding factor will most likely be the appearance. Of course, you’d want them to be in complete harmony with all of the other elements. However, before making a purchase on that pair you’ve been eyeing for a while, make sure that they check every box on the following list:
- Maintainability. Since you’ll do most of your food preparation on the kitchen countertops, you want them to be easy to clean. Modern countertops utilize a flat, polished surface that can be cleaned using little to no supplies.
- Heat Resistance. Those blazing hot pots and pans that you do your cooking in have to stay somewhere while you prepare the rest of your meal. Your countertops should have heat-resistant properties in order to avoid burns and stains from cookware.
- Stain Resistance. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your loved ones or opening a bottle of your favorite wine to share with your significant other, spills are inevitable. The surface of your countertops shouldn’t acquire any stains, even with delayed cleaning.
- Scratch Resistance. If you’re like most, the cutting board isn’t a close friend of yours. Many tend to do most of their cutting directly on the countertop, which is something you should keep in mind when choosing the next one for your kitchen remodel.
Among all the above, we mustn’t forget the price. A good rule of thumb for fair countertop pricing is anywhere between $40 and $100 per square foot installed. This, of course, depends on the type of material you want your countertops made out of and who installs them.
Types of Kitchen Countertops
There are countless different materials that can be found on top of a kitchen counter. Now that we’ve established which properties you should be looking at, it’s time to go over your best options, which will brighten up your dining area for years to come. Let’s jump in.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a top-performing contender in most kitchen layouts worldwide. Its sleek, polished surface allows it to feature some of the most unique, mesmerizing color patterns,
With granite countertops, you can expect heat, stain, and moisture resistance, as well as scratch and chip resistance. These types of kitchen countertops typically come with a life expectancy of around 30 years. The material is considered quite budget-friendly; however, prices can vary depending on the thickness and square footage of the slab.
If you’re looking for the finest granite countertops in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, SemBro Design & Supply can be your trusted partner. With us, your choices aren’t at all limited, as we offer over 100 colors to choose from for your granite countertops. Natural stone polishing is also an option.
Quartz Countertops
If contemporary elegance is what you’re striving to achieve with your kitchen remodel, we definitely recommend quartz countertops. You can find them in nearly every upscale, or rather, luxurious kitchen out there. The quartz aesthetic is simply a timeless classic, brightening up every element in the dining area in 46% of US homes.
Offering consistency throughout the entire slab, the material is quite easy to clean and bears all the resistance properties on our checklist. If you want a luminous space that will make you smile every time you walk past, quartz kitchen countertops are your best bet!
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are more likely to be used in a kitchen remodel if a thin budget is the deciding factor, though their aesthetic isn’t to be overlooked. They can pretty much resemble all other countertops but also boast vast amounts of design options with their color utilization.
Laminate countertops are stain-resistant and durable. However, they’re quite vulnerable to heat and scratches, and repairability is on the weak side. When installing laminate countertops in your kitchen, you can expect a lifespan of about 10-15 years. At SemBro Design & Supply, you’re sure to find laminate countertops that fit your style and your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
Maintaining laminate countertops requires no trouble or extra work. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent any unnecessary damage. This includes ensuring hot cookware and sharp knives aren’t in direct contact with the surface. Cutting boards are also a worthy consideration for this type of material, or any type of material for that matter.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface kitchen countertops are comprised of a combination of acrylic, resins, pigments, and mineral dust, typically derived from marble. You can expect moderate durability with scratch and stain-resistant properties throughout the entire slab, although they’re not heat-resistant. With proper care, solid surface countertops can serve you for more than a decade.
Design-wise, they can provide a flawless aesthetic. They simply look fantastic and offer endless design possibilities. Solid surface countertops are another budget-friendly alternative, which is their biggest advantage. You get a gorgeous look and somewhat enhanced durability without a significant investment, which is a jackpot for any homeowner looking to remodel.
If solid-surface countertops piqued your interest, SemBro Design & Supply can provide you with some fine specimens at an affordable rate. What’s best, these countertops don’t require sealing.
Choosing the Perfect Countertops with SemBro
Remember, the right countertop can transform your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a centerpiece of your home where both daily meals and special gatherings are enjoyed. With SemBro Design & Supply’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust us to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. Let us help you make your kitchen remodel a success with countertops that are not only visually appealing but also built to last. Start your journey with us today, and see how your new kitchen becomes a source of joy and pride for years to come.
