The kitchen countertop is the core of your cooking space. You use this area as your work station where you cut and chop vegetables, mix your recipes and garnish your dishes. It is also the area where you place your kitchen knick-knacks and pots and pans once you are done with the cooking. So practically, almost everything that you do in your kitchen has the countertop involved. Does this area not deserve extra attention when it comes to the choice of material? Whether you are building your home for the first time or planning a kitchen renovation project, do make sure that you make the right choice for the countertop material.
Natural stones are great for countertops because they have the right combination of strength, durability, and aesthetics that you would want and also offer much more. With options like granite, marble, soapstone, quartz and more, you are bound to be confused. All these materials excel in the fronts of looks and durability, making it difficult to shortlist one. So what are the things that you should bear in mind while selecting one that would be a perfect choice for you? Let us share a few tips that can help you to choose the best natural countertop material for your kitchen.
Select a versatile color
To start with, you need to consider the aesthetic value of the stone. The color matters the most in this context because you would want one that matches your taste and is versatile enough to align with your kitchen’s décor. Versatility is the key because some colors have a timeless appeal that makes them apt forever-changing design trends. For example, natural and earthy tones are desirable because they match a majority of décor ideas and you may not need a complete strip off if you visualize a makeover a few years later. White and black are other timeless options in stone colors that will always be in trend.
Choose a stone that adds to the property’s value
As a homeowner, you may want or need to sell the place sometime in the future. There are several factors that add to your property’s value and the material used for your kitchen countertop is one of them. Granite and quartz, for example, are considered as the value-adding options because they enhance the beauty of the kitchen and look new even after decades, provided that you follow a good care and maintenance routine. So if you need to resell later, a high-quality countertop material can help you command a good price for the property.
Consider the maintenance requirements
Another factor that you should bear in mind while choosing a countertop material is the maintenance requirements it has. Look for one that is easy to clean and maintain so that you need not invest much effort in keeping it looking new and shiny over the years. For example, a simple care routine includes opting for daily cleaning with soap and water or using a specialized cleaner that cleans and renews most
natural stone surfaces without damaging them. Besides this, annual sealing is a step that is a part of the maintenance routine for most natural stones.
Ensure that it matches your lifestyle
Your lifestyle is another factor that influences the choice of countertop material for your kitchen. For example, stones that are heat resistant make the right choice for busy mommies who are habitual to putting hot pots and pans directly on the surface and forgetting it. Similarly, discerning homeowners who have all the time in the world to give extra care to the countertop can prioritize aesthetics over everything else.
Determine your budget
As a homeowner investing in a new kitchen or a makeover, you would probably have a budget for the project. Do check the pricing of various options and find the one that matches your specifications but is within your budget as well. You can browse through websites to explore your options or consult expert interior decorators for their advice. Considering the immense variety out there, you will be surprised to find multiple alternatives that fit into your budget and match your preferences too.
These useful tips can go a long way in helping you make the right choice for natural stone kitchen countertops. When you opt for material, do pay attention to the average lifespan of the stone because you would not want to bear the expense and inconvenience of replacement every second year. Also, choose something that you really like because this is an area where you are going to spend a considerable amount of time every day.
