4 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Countertops

1. GOING OVER BUDGET

It all starts with budget.  Ensure you select a countertop that is in line with your established budget.  If you don’t have a budget, work with a professional kitchen designer, interior designer or countertop expert to help you create an achievable budget.

There are typically 2-3 pricing levels for each material (Low, Medium, and High). Remember that high-end Quartz or Granite can add up to a +750% price increase over entry level Laminate countertops.

2. CHOOSING THE WRONG MATERIAL

We know it sounds obvious, but this happens more often than you think.  This is typically a result of not listening to the inner voice.  Opinions from design shows, magazines and social media can also make choosing the right countertop material very difficult.  Remember, it’s a fine balance between fashion and function.

Here is an easy guide to help you along.

• LAMINATE/FORMICA:

WHY CHOOSE LAMINATE?  This is the best selection if you are on a Budget.

Choose laminate material if you are on a budget and want many colour and texture options.  This is the best overall value for your dollar and perfect if this isn’t your forever home.

• QUARTZ:

WHY CHOOSE QUARTZ?  This is the best selection if you like Consistency.

Choose Quartz countertops if you are looking for something that is maintenance free and virtually stain resistant.  With Quartz you will never have to worry about water penetration.  Quartz is a very long-lasting material and is perfect for your forever home.

• GRANITE:

WHY CHOOSE GRANITE?  This is the best selection if you appreciate the Artistic side of life.

Choose Granite countertops if you appreciate a natural material with artistic beauty because no two slabs are alike.  Granite comes in many budget, colour and texture options.  Granite can require a bit of maintenance and sometimes will require a sealer.  We always recommend chatting with your countertop supplier/fabricator for specific information based on your final selection.  Granite is also perfect for your forever home, so ensure you LOVE your selection.

3. CHOOSING THE WRONG COLOUR

We recommend not choosing a countertop colour that is too busy that competes with your flooring.  This can result in a very busy looking space.

We have also seen a few design disasters when two different countertop colours are used in the same space to “tie it all together”.   This can sometimes have the opposite effect, resulting in a look that makes your space look like you got a deal on that one mismatched piece.

When choosing the edge profile for your countertops, we advise you select an edge that compliments your cabinet door pattern.

Let’s face it… ugly is ugly, which is why we always recommend seeking the advice of a design professional.

4. STONE COUNTERTOPS ARE INVINCIBLE?…..RIGHT?

We hate to spill the beans, but Granite is porous, can scratch and is not heat proof.  Oh yeah, Quartz countertops can stain.

CUTTING:  Remember to always use a cutting board with Granite and Quartz.  Scratches are not always able to be repaired and will dull your knives very quickly.

HEAT:  Granite is heat resistant, but not heat proof.  It is also more heat resistant than Quartz.  Heat pads and trivets are always recommended to protect your investment.  It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry.  Lastly, not following the above rules will most likely void your supplier’s warranty.

Click here for more information on taking care of our Quartz surfaces.

SUMMARY

• Always work with a professional.
• When in doubt… Ask. It’s best to have all of your questions and assumptions answered.  Assume nothing!
• Stick to your budget.
• Fashion vs. Function? Know which is more important to you.
• Is this my Forever Kitchen? It’s always good to consider how long you want your countertops to last.