HelpHive Kitchen Remodeling Series

Part I:  Kitchen Remodeling: Where to Start
Part II: Kitchen Remodeling: New Countertops
Part III: Kitchen Remodeling: Lighting & Electrical

New or refurbished cabinets are admittedly the most noticeable part of a kitchen remodel. New countertops though, often hold second place, competing with appliances and flooring for the spot. Replacing cabinets without new countertops often gives an unfinished look.

How do you decide what best fits your kitchen design and lifestyle? How can you prioritize your spending? Countertops perform two functions: utility and art. Ease of upkeep and how they assist daily tasks on one hand and at times stunning beauty on the other. Countertops are both basic function and an element of style that work with the layout, cabinets, floors, faucets, lighting, appliances, and paint.

Sometimes the main need in a kitchen remodel is the countertops. Cabinets and appliances may be of high quality and in great shape. Perhaps the countertop has been damaged or is a dated look that doesn’t fit overall design goals. Much more often countertops are replaced as part of a larger project involving other major items such as cabinets and any decisions are linked to the overall budget of the entire project. Since many countertop choices are relatively expensive establishing a budget range early is helpful. Soon you’ll want to check with some local countertop experts.

Quartz and Granite

Contemporary styled and more expensive kitchens commonly have very nice cabinetry and expensive appliances. In keeping with that look and that budget level the current popular match is a quartz or granite countertop. By these we mean manufactured products. The quartz product is 93-95% ground quartz crystals bound with resin binders and coloring agents. While granite is available in natural cut slabs most “granite” countertops are manufactured with ground granite and resins. These run $65 to $90 per square foot installed.  Countertop depth is usually 25 1/2″, not two feet, and both the extra 1 1/2″ and the backsplash are counted. Additionally your edging is priced at $2 to 6 per inch. Yes, inch. While these costs can add up very quickly, it is difficult to think of a nicely done kitchen remodel in this class without a quartz or granite countertop.

Other options:

• Solid surface. These are acrylic resin surfaces that run closer to $50 per square foot and may have a standard edge at no additional charge. A client of mine, who wanted to investigate this option to save a few dollars said, “It looks plastic-y.” Still in the right application it can be a “smart look.”
• Laminate. The non-romantic description is plastic over particle board. Running around $25 per square foot, and sometimes less, the extra 1 1/2″, backsplash and standard edging are all included. Advantages include low cost, durable surface, hundreds of color choices, and even DIY possibilities. To avoid a dated or cheap look take care in selecting a custom edging and inserts such as oak or manufactured quartz. The very best I’ve seen in laminate is the use of natural stone or vibrant colors with tile, oak or quartz backsplash and a custom edge.
• Concrete. Poured in place concrete counters run the gamut from parking a sidewalk in your kitchen to polished terrazzo looks. Some have gotten the look they wanted and even saved money. Quality levels and prices are all over the place.
• Glass. Solid tempered glass is available for contemporary motifs. Recycled glass is a completely different feel. It often has embedded stones, sometimes metal–even seashells. Design options are divergent.
• Stainless. Stainless steel may seem at home only in a commercial kitchen but it is amazing how adaptable it is to differing architectural styles and time periods. Worries of a cold look are easily offset by adventurous paint choices and the vibrant colors of the produce in your kitchen.
• Butcher block. No, not the fave laminate choice of the 70’s, but real 2″ thick solid wood butcher block. Beautiful. Upkeep is real, with daily disinfecting required, but not impossible.
• Tile. Tile has two problems: grout lines and a dated look. Two ways of mitigating grout lines are to use larger tile or to use a smaller grout space. Two advantages of tile are that it is economical when compared to quartz or granite, and the possibilities for a truly custom look are high. Spending the extra to create a pattern using different size tiles and custom inserts such as metal or glass tiles can yield tremendous results.

Next:  Part III: Kitchen Remodeling: Lighting & Electrical