Is investing in a designer countertop for your kitchen really worth it?
There are hundreds of different countertop styles currently on the market. From granite to laminate, to marble, there are countertops for every budget and home design preference. The only question is, what material is really best for your kitchen?
Designer Countertops Vs. Cheap Countertops
Choosing the right countertop for a kitchen isn’t always easy. Prices for granite, marble, and quartz countertops can be prohibitively expensive. At the same time, natural stone is far more durable than even the best laminate alternatives.
The first thing to think about when choosing a countertop is how you plan to use your kitchen.
When Not to Choose a Cheap Countertop
Are you a passionate foodie who loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen? If so, investing in a cheap laminate countertop won’t always be in your best interests. As for why this is there are several reasons.
- Laminate countertops can burn when surfaces come into contact with hot pans and baking trays.
- Laminate countertops are not scratch-resistant.
- Despite being cheap, laminate countertops are not easy to repair and will often need replacing if burns or scratches manifest.
As a rule, laminate countertops will also only last for 10 to 20 years. All this being the case, cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful.
Pros and Cons of Designer Countertops
Because of their many shortcomings, even homeowners on tight remodeling budgets try to steer clear of laminate countertops. Doing so is also smart if you see remodeling as an investment in your home.
Materials like granite have an average usable lifetime of up to 100 years. That is a stark step up from just ten or twenty. Designer countertops made using natural stone also add value to kitchens. However, there are still some pros and cons worth considering.
Granite Countertop Pros and Cons
Granite is a fantastic material to use in kitchens. Pros include the fact that granite has fantastic longevity and is available in a wide variety of colors and styles. There is just one problem.
As we’ve already gone to an effort to mention, granite can be prohibitively expensive for some homeowners. The good news, though, is that by being so long-lasting, a granite countertop can amount to a one-off investment over the course of your lifetime.
Marble Countertop Pros and Cons
Granite is durable and can be beautiful. However, if you want to add a touch of glamour to your kitchen, your material of choice will be marble. Marble resonates with luxuriousness, and for the most part, marble is durable. However, marble does have some drawbacks.
Unlike other stone countertops, marble can absorb stains and is a relatively soft stone. This means that marble needs resealing every two years and is prone to chips and scratches.
Quartz Countertop Pros and Cons
Like marble, quartz is a phenomenally beautiful material to incorporate into a kitchen. Quartz is also almost as indestructible as granite. As a stone, quartz isn’t porous. This prevents staining; unlike marble, quartz does not need to be periodically resealed.
Sadly, there are still some negatives to think about when choosing a quartz countertop.
First and foremost, it is possible to damage a quartz countertop with excessive heat. Sink options when using quartz can also be limited. This is due to regular sink inserts being known to cause cracking.
How to get a Cheap Countertop Makeover on a Budget
Because some designer countertops have similar drawbacks to cheap laminate countertops, many homeowners opt for neither option. Instead, they choose alternatives like composite resin (granite effect), butcher’s block (wood), and even recycled glass countertops.
Most alternative options still come with certain pros and cons. In most cases, though, alternative materials are more budget-friendly. You can read more about different countertops, materials, and styles here.
Get Expert Designer Countertop Advice and Support
Are you in the market for a new kitchen countertop? If so, find out what options might be best for your budget. Reach out to 800 Remodeling and discover what material choices might best complement your budget and lifestyle.
