Design Approach
Your kitchen counters can have a dramatic
impact in establishing the mood and tone in your kitchen. Are you an
amateur or professional chef who needs a space that's perfect for
cooking, or are you a homemaker who loves to share baked goods with the
family? Do you need minimal cooking space to prepare a sandwich, or do
you need enough surface area to prepare multiple courses at once? By
understanding your unique needs, you can design your kitchen counters to
simplify your daily tasks.
A streamlined design plan can help you keep your space cleaner. If
your counters are covered with pots, pans, dirty dishes, and other
clutter, your kitchen time may feel more like a chore than a fun
activity or hobby. On the other hand, if your counters are clean, and if
you have a streamlined plan for your stuff, you might actually enjoy
preparing a meal after you come home from work in the evenings.Cooking Space
At the very least, you should expect to use your countertops as a cooking area. Regardless of whether you are an experienced or novice chef, you want to have enough space to prepare meals efficiently and comfortably. Otherwise, you may find yourself fighting through clutter to do make even the most basic dishes. Think about it: if it's taking you more than five minutes to prepare a sandwich, then you might need to make some changes.Usually, two to three feet of continuous counter space is sufficient for cooking. If you are going to be cooking multiple dishes or if multiple people will be collaborating on meals, you will probably need more space.
The cost of installing new kitchen counters will vary based on the material that you choose and the size of your kitchen. Solid surface counters can cost as little as $3,600 or as much as $7,200 for approximately 90 square feet. Natural stone can cost as little as $3,600 and as much as $7,200. Wood counters cost between $2,700 and $9,000. Stainless steel counters range between $4,500 and $14,000.
How to Find the Right Kitchen Counters
While ceramic and porcelain tiles are standard in most homes, you actually have a number of options when it comes to choosing a material for your countertops. Be aware of the options that are out there so that you can choose a surface that fits with your needs. The five options below provide an introduction to the materials that are available:
Butcher's Block
Do you enjoy cooking, and do you tend to use lots of space when you prepare meals? If so, consider installing butcher's block on one or multiple areas in your kitchen. Butcher's block can be used as one large cutting board where you can cut your vegetables and meats. They are made from wood and can help create a space where you can dice and slice more efficiently.They are sanitary and easy to clean and can be sanded down every so often for deep cleaning and stain removal purposes. Periodically rubbing mineral oil on the butcher's block can help maintain a glossy finish. One of the major disadvantages of butcher's block is that the wood requires continuous protection from water. You need to keep it dry and finished to the best extent possible. Otherwise, the wood can become damaged. If you're a cooking enthusiast, then butcher's block is probably ideal for you. Just be prepared to put a lot of work into cleaning, sanitizing, and long-term maintenance.
Granite
Granite countertops are elegant and luxurious kitchen classics. Unfortunately, they are also expensive. Despite the high price, you may find that granite countertops are a worthwhile investment for your home because they are durable, and they might increase the resale value of your home. Granite counters are great long-term options for three reasons: (1) they do not crack, (2) they are stain and scratch resistant, and (3) they are easy to maintain. Any homeowner or potential buyer will be drawn to the benefits of this high quality material.If your granite countertops appear worn or dull, you can use a non-yellowing paste wax to help the kitchen counter retain is vibrancy. They are easy to clean and are heat resistant, and you will not have to worry about long-term damage from hot pots and pants. When you install your granite countertops, you can control the texture of the material, and you can choose from rough, choppy, smooth, or rounded edges.