Choosing the perfect kitchen countertop
To compete in today’s real estate market, your home must have all the perks, including a top-notch kitchen. Even if you plan to stay in your home for a while, kitchen improvements will add value to your home at any time. However, sometimes creating the perfect modern, stylish and functional space can be expensive. Whether you’re on an unlimited or tight budget, knowing what needs to be changed could save you a lot of money. Simple cosmetic changes, like changing the countertop, can make a big difference in the appeal of your kitchen.
Before choosing a new countertop, familiarize yourself with the variety of materials available. A popular choice today is natural stone, such as granite and marble. Granite is by far the more popular of the two, primarily for its durability; While both are porous and therefore susceptible to stains and bacteria, marble is slightly more porous than granite. However, they both offer a sleek, modern, and expensive look to any kitchen.
For budget buyers, laminate is a great option. Although it is not a natural stone, the new varieties of laminate offer the same appearance of stone. Laminate is also convenient because it is manufactured in sheets and can be cut to any specification and installed easily. Maintenance is also easier than stone because household cleaners won’t damage the finish and laminates never need to be resealed. The downside is that the surface can become scratched or worn over time, and if it is damaged then the entire section must be replaced.
A third option for the countertop is concrete. As a regularly used material in construction, poured concrete countertops are becoming fashionable, especially with those with a more modern aesthetic. The main benefit is the low cost of materials; however, installation is not easy. Above all, a concrete countertop will give your kitchen a unique style that will catch the eyes of all your guests when they enter your home. Whether you choose traditional materials or off-the-shelf products for your kitchen countertop, make sure it makes a lasting impact on you and potential future homebuyers.