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Oct

5 Factors To Consider When Buying Quartz Kitchen Countertops And Other Kitchen Countertop Materials

Whether you are looking to install quartz kitchen countertops or any other types of countertops, you need to consider several factors that include:

Your budget

This is the first thing to think about. How much money are you planning to spend on the project? If this is the first time installing the units, sit down with an experienced contractor who will help you in making the calculations. When making the budget, think about the hidden costs such as the cost of transportation, the cost of the contractors, and other costs.

The worst thing you can do is to start a project and end up stopping in the middle or be required to take a second loan. Don’t rush to the stores and buy the countertop materials without fully understanding the amount of money you need.

Countertop materials

There are plenty of countertop materials in the market to choose from. The most common ones are:

Granite: A natural stone with plenty of colors to choose from, granite is preferred by many homeowners due to its ease of maintenance and durability. Granite countertops hold up excellently to regular kitchen use, and when you install them, you don’t have to worry about the surfaces getting burnt or scratched.

Marble: Marble is known for its soft and elegant look. Unlike granite, marble is high maintenance, stains, and etches easily. Despite these drawbacks, the stone has a unique veining and beautiful look. Due to the way they interact excellently with dough, Marble countertops are an excellent choice for bakers and pastry chefs.

Laminate: Laminate is the go-to countertop material for people operating on a tight budget. In addition to being affordable, it also comes in a wide range of patterns to choose from.

Wood: Made from wood strips, wood butcher block countertops give any kitchen homey warmth. While the countertops are susceptible to water damage, they are easy to refinish; therefore, you can easily maintain the new look for long. When they scratch or develop gouges, you only need to sand them.

Solid surface: These materials are ideal when you are looking for a seamless countertop surface. Made from a combination of polyester, acrylic, and pigments, solid surface countertops feature grooves that easily fit together, giving the surfaces a smooth look. To eliminate the seams, you only need to sand and buff them.

The look of the countertops

How do the countertops look in your kitchen? You need to think about it before you make the purchase. Many homeowners make the mistake of buying the countertops after seeing them in the stores. Remember how the pieces look in your kitchen depends on plenty of factors such as the design of the kitchen, the color of the tiles, among many other things.

Regardless of how beautiful the countertops look in the stores, don’t rush to place a large order. First, take a few slabs and go with them to your home. Place them on the counters and observe how well they blend with the kitchen. Only buy those that accentuate the look of the kitchen.

Durability

No one wants pieces that will come apart after a few uses. Your new kitchen countertops should last for a long time. They should hold up to spills and knife marks. Concrete countertops are quickly gaining popularity as they are durable and stylish. They are also resistant to cracking and chipping.

Natural stones such as quartz and granite are also durable. Unfortunately, they are prone to staining.

Cheaper materials such as laminate are stain-resistant, but they are easily damaged when exposed to kitchen knives and high heat.

When buying the pieces for the first time, consult an experienced contractor who will guide you on the right pieces that are not only durable but also will give your home a stylish and elegant look.

Ease of maintenance

The last thing to think about when making the purchase is how easy it is to own the countertops. The more the care you need to give to the countertops, the more expensive they are going to be in the long run. To ensure you know what you are getting yourself into, research thoroughly, and even consult granite companies Rockville and other professionals on the amount of care you have to give the various countertop materials.