As the owner of a custom design-build company, my goal is simple – I want you to love everything about your home. The way it looks, the way it feels, the way it works for your lifestyle and meets the changing needs of your family.
Riddle me this:
Which part of your home takes the worst beating, is used every day, and adds to the overall ambiance of the room?
You guessed it! Your countertops!
Countertop replacement may not seem like a very glamorous topic, but it is a vital part of creating a kitchen that is functional and beautiful. After all, an old and damaged countertop:
- Makes your kitchen look dated
- Can be a health hazard
- Is hard to work on
However, if you are considering a countertop replacement, you very well may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options available to you. What material should you choose? How much will it cost? And is it the sort of project you can DIY?
Don’t panic. We are here to help you come up with a countertop replacement solution that works for you, your lifestyle, and your budget!
When Should You Replace Your Countertops?
If you are looking to make a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen, replacing your existing countertops might be the solution you are working for. But is it really worth it? We think so!
Here are just a few of the reasons to replace your countertops:
- Resale Value – If you are considering selling your home in the near future, adding new countertops is a great way to increase the resale value of your home. An updated kitchen is one of the things that homeowners prioritize when looking for a new place to live.
- Hygiene – As countertops age, it’s normal for them to develop little nicks and dents from use. Not only are these not pretty to look at, but they can actually create a hygiene issue by being difficult to clean.
- Stains – Many countertop materials are porous, which makes them highly susceptible to stains. While there is nothing functionally wrong with a stained countertop, it isn’t particularly pretty and can decrease your overall enjoyment of your kitchen.
- Dated – Just like all things, countertop styles often follow the trends of the eras. This means that by keeping your original countertops, you may be unintentionally dating your home. There are much sturdier and more modern options available these days.
9 Countertop Styles to Consider
When it comes to investing in new countertops, the first step is to pick out what material you want for your new kitchen. These days there are tons of options, each with its pros and cons. Here are some of our favorite materials:
1) Marble Countertops
When it comes to luxurious countertop material, nothing tops marble! Marble is one of the most high-end countertop material choices due to its gorgeous looks and durability.
Marble is characterized by its unique “veined” look and can be purchased in a variety of colors, with the most popular being white. It is a popular choice for home bakers, as the smooth surface is ideal for kneading dough.
It’s a supremely durable material that can stand up to high levels of heat and rarely cracks or chips. You’re more likely to deal with scratches and stains though, so be mindful of that.
2) Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices for a kitchen countertop replacement. Granite is a more affordable option than marble but has a more utilitarian look. It is slightly more scratch resistant than other stone countertop options.
Many homeowners love this natural stone material because it is so versatile. It can be purchased in a variety of different colors and lasts for years.
3) Butcher Block Countertops
Love the look of a farmhouse kitchen? One of the best ways to create that look is by adding in butcher block counters!
Butcher block is a great countertop material for those who are on a budget, as it is very affordable. It’s also perfect for those looking to go the DIY route since you can install it on your own.
That being said, it requires more maintenance than some other materials. Wood countertops are susceptible to knicks and scratches in a way that sturdier materials aren’t. In order to keep a natural wood countertop looking good, you’ll want to be sure to regularly rub it down with food-safe oil. On the bright side, when you take good care of it, you can kiss your cutting boards goodbye and cut directly on the counters!
4) Quartz Countertops
Love the look of stone countertops but feel like it is a bit out of your budget? You might want to consider quartz.
Quartz is a type of engineered stone that is much more affordable than other stone countertop materials. It is typically mixed with other minerals in order to make it incredibly durable and nonporous. This allows it to be more resistant to staining and exceptionally easy to clean.
Keep in mind, though, that, unlike granite or marble, quartz countertops should not be exposed to high heat from things like pots and pans.
5) Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops have fallen out of style over the past few years, but don’t let that deter you. In fact, if you are looking for the perfect material for your DIY installation, laminate is it!
Laminate is typically comprised of a combination of resins, plastic, and particleboard, which comes together in a lightweight design that is easy to work with. It’s great when you want a mold and stain-resistant surface that can be purchased at an affordable price. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Laminate is one of the least durable choices for kitchen countertop material.
6) Solid Surface Material
Solid surface material is a top choice for homeowners who want a modern, sleek look. Made from resins and acrylic particles, it creates a shiny, smooth material that looks good in almost any style of kitchen. You can purchase it in virtually any color, including faux-stone looks.
While it is very versatile, it is not heat resistant, nor is it impervious to heat damage.
7) Ceramic Tile Countertop
If you want a stand-out kitchen, go bold with ceramic tile! Ceramic tile creates a cool, geometric look that can be as simple or as fancy as you want.
That being said, it is definitely not the most practical countertop material. Not only is tile prone to cracking, but it’s also not a very smooth material and can be hard to clean.
8) Stainless Steel Countertops
You won’t see a lot of stainless steel countertops in a residential home. However, it is the go-to choice for most commercial kitchens, and it is easy to see why. Resistant to heat, mold, and staining, it is designed to work hard for a long amount of time. It’s great for speedy cleaning and helps to give your home a modern, industrial feel.
9) Concrete Countertops
If you are thinking about replacing kitchen countertops and want something cool and unusual, concrete countertops could work great for you. We love the industrial look of concrete and that it works well with a variety of colors.
Concrete countertops need a certain amount of maintenance. As a porous material, you’ll want to make sure that you are keeping it regularly sealed in order to protect it from moisture or mold growth.
10) Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is one of the lesser-used stone countertop materials. It has a rustic look that is perfect for homes looking to incorporate natural-looking elements. It’s also very durable and stands up well to staining and heat. However, it scratches more easily than other types of stone and comes with fewer color options.
How Much Do New Countertops Cost?
A new countertop is a significant investment, and the overall costs will vary greatly based on the type of material that you choose and how large your kitchen is. The national average for countertop replacements lands somewhere between $2,500-$4,000. That can change as you look into more high-end materials like marble and stainless steel. This can raise the average price of your countertop installation to $4,000-$7,000.
Can You Install Countertops By Yourself?
If hearing those prices makes you feel tempted to pull out your own sledgehammer and install the countertops on your own, hold off for a second! A DIY countertop installation can definitely be possible if you are picking a simple material, such as laminate or butcher block. However, know that for most countertop materials, you will need the expertise that comes with professional installation.
Get the Professional Help You Deserve!
For countertop installation that you can count on, call on the experienced team at Thomas Buckborough & Associates. For over 30 years, we’ve been completing expert remodeling projects and are ready to help you get the kitchen countertops you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today to set up your consultation!