Posts Tagged "best kitchen countertops"

Trendy Vs. Timeless Kitchen Style – Choose Elements That Stand the Test of Time

November 30, 2016

As a company that specializes in home remodeling and restoration, we have a unique perspective on style. Over the last 35 years we’ve enjoyed a front row seat, watching trendy colors, materials, and designs enter the scene, peak, and fade away.

While trends can be fun to ride, the problem is that they’re, well, trendy. And, unlike a pair of pants from the 1970s, you can’t exactly hide kitchen cabinets, flooring, or bathroom fixtures. When they aren’t cool anymore, you still have to face them every single day.

What’s the solution?

We are big believers in craftsmanship that flies right over the fickle weather of passing trends. You can make choices as you invest in your home that will truly be timeless, leaving you with superior function, beauty, and long-term value.

And, this is true perhaps most of all for the kitchen.

Truly Timeless Kitchen Features and Design

#1 Shaker Style Cabinets

The Shakers were interesting people in many ways, and exceptional craftsmen. They believed in simple, clean designs that offered no frills but rather let the natural beauty of the piece shine. Shaker style cabinetry does just that, offering a timeless simplicity and elegance. Nothing edgy, nothing trendy, but always gorgeous.

#2 Custom Cabinetry

It may cost more initially than prefabricated options, but custom cabinetry offers unparalleled value and function. A carpenter can help you maximize your space to its full potential, adding unique storage solutions, special designs, and options that adapt to any quirks that your kitchen may have. This is especially important in older homes where one size certainly does not fit all.

#3 Stone Countertops

Granite is of course the go-to option for many updated or custom kitchens, but it’s far from the only option. From soapstone to marble, copper to concrete, there are stunning materials available that each carry their own set of pros and cons (take a look here for a more in-depth look at these options!). A beautiful stone countertop in particular will really never lose its value and luster.

#4 Subway Tiles

There are numerous stunning options for backsplashes, but subway tile tenaciously hangs on as one of the top choices. This really is because it performs so well, adds style while still being neutral, and injects a gentle texture into the kitchen. If you want to mix things up a bit, ask about installing them in a herringbone pattern, or using an alternate grout color for extra contrast.

#5 Focus On Function

Sometimes trendy kitchens look phenomenal, but really aren’t designed well.

Kitchens absolutely must be designed with a focus on function, being ready to work and entertain. As you embark on the remodeling process, talk with your builder about how the space will be used, what kind of cooking you do, your appliance needs, and any other extra details that will elevate the design from awesome to spectacular. For a little inspiration, take a look at these kitchen features suggested by Better Homes & Gardens.

Remember, Quality Is King In Kitchen Design and Remodeling

We totally understand working within a budget, but a kitchen is the worst room for cutting corners. Quality shows, endures, and will pay you back over time, especially if or when you sell the home.

Enjoy the process, and here’s to a beautiful kitchen you can enjoy for decades to come!

Pros and Cons of Today’s Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials

November 6, 2015

It’s easy to take your countertops for granted.

They collect your mail, hold your keys (although you may forget you put them there), and support countless cooking triumphs… and failures. They’re spilled on, leaned on, and relied on, from breakfast through supper.

You could say your counters are the strong, silent type.

If you have ever tackled a kitchen remodeling project, you know that suddenly countertops call for more attention than you maybe have ever given them before. There are seemingly endless materials, styles, and colors to choose from, ranging from quiet and unassuming to packed with natural character and unpredictable patterns. In fact, there are a huge number of popular kitchen features to decide on and evaluate in general, adding to the complexity of the process.

You also might start experiencing another common part of the remodeling process: “helpful” advice from friends. If you don’t keep firm footing you can easily get washed away in a flood of tips and stories, all tinted with their unique experiences and situation.

Advice is great (in small doses), but the simple truth is that you need to make your countertop choice on your own. It all comes to down to your needs, taste, budget, and interest in maintenance. We’d like to take you on a quick tour of a few of your options, and offer what we hope are helpful considerations.

Our goal isn’t to be just another voice in the crowd, but rather to help you cut through the noise and find what will work best for you.

Popular Countertop Materials

First, let’s zoom out a little and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of your options. After that, we’ll zoom back in and take a closer look at a few of the most popular countertops being used in today’s kitchens.

  • Granite
  • Marble
  • Manufactured Quartz
  • Soapstone
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Tile
  • Laminate
  • Concrete
  • Stainless Steel
  • Wood

Pros and Cons of Granite Kitchen Counters


Granite has become synonymous with the idea of quality countertops, and an immediate feature of interest for home builders, buyers, and renters alike. Let’s take a closer look at this popular option.

PROS:

  • Style – Granite has earned its place as a countertop frontrunner for good reason. It’s stunning, timeless, and can find a happy home within a wide variety of kitchen styles. It also offers character, meaning that it has a story to tell in every natural swirl and color explosion across its surface.
  • Price – We’ve put this in the “PROS” category because pricing is highly-dependent on the color of the stone, the thickness of the slab, how rare its qualities are, and seasonal considerations. Talking with your remodeling professional about your specific goals and needs is the best way to determine if it is the right material for your budget.
  • Longevity – With care, this is a choice that can last a lifetime.
  • ROI (Return On Investment) – Granite counters are a quality feature that adds tremendous “wow factor” to your home. Investments in kitchens and bathrooms offer high ROI, making this a material choice that will likely pay you back someday.

CONS:

  • Natural Look – Let’s take one of the benefits listed above and turn it around. Because of its natural qualities and aesthetic, there is a lack of predictability with granite. If you are looking for a consistent, uniform finish, granite likely is not the right option for you.
  • Maintenance – Because it is a natural material, it does require light maintenance. This typically includes regular cleaning and sealing it 1-2 times per year.
  • Delicacy – Granite may last virtually forever, but that doesn’t mean it is indestructible. You will need to be cautious of scratches, harsh cleaners, staining, and contact with high-temperatures (such as a hot pan being placed on the counter).

Pros and Cons of Marble Kitchen Counters


Marble counters are not quite as common as granite, especially in the kitchen, but they are a well-loved option.

PROS:

  • Beauty – Marble goes beyond “style” and steps into a world of true beauty. Available in a stunning array of colors and patterns, it offers a soft, timeless elegance, and adds an air of class to any space.
  • Unique – Every slab is different, so your counter is guaranteed to be one of a kind.
  • Withstands Heat – Unlike granite, marble is capable of withstanding a tremendous amount of heat without experiencing surface damage.

CONS:

  • Price – While this may be more of a consideration for some than others, the price is still substantial.
  • Staining – As cold and hard as marble may seem to be, it actually is porous. This means that it is very susceptible to stains, absorbing liquids that are left standing on the surface.
  • Durability – Marble just isn’t cut out for life in an active kitchen. It can be chipped, cracked, and scratched fairly easily, making it less than ideal for most homes. This is why it is primarily used in bathrooms, or in display areas like a mantel over a fireplace.

Pros and Cons of Engineered Quartz Kitchen Counters


Engineered quartz is made from ground, natural quartz, bound together by resin. In recent years it has received huge recognition, making it a heavy contender in the countertop popularity contest. Let’s take a closer look at some of its benefits and drawbacks.

PROS:

  • Price – While certainly not a cheap option, manufactured quartz is cheaper than high-end granite and marble.
  • Style – Because it is an engineered material, it is available in a nearly limitless array of styles. You can definitely find the look you’re looking for.
  • Strength – It is stronger than marble and granite, offering a high level of durability.
  • Low-Maintenance – It never needs to be sealed, and it’s scratch and stain resistant.

CONS:

  • Quartz does not handle intense heat well.
  • Because of its incredible weight, installation can be a tricky process. Also, you need a building or remodeling professional to ensure that your home can handle the load, especially if your counters are on a second floor.
  • While beautiful, it does not quite have the recognition and “wow factor” that granite does.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Kitchen Counters


For many years laminate counters have been the go-to product for budget-conscious kitchen remodelers. Are they the right option for you?

PROS:

  • Cost – Laminate counters are a low-price option, allowing you to save money as you update your kitchen.
  • Style – While not exactly sporting natural beauty, laminate options are incredibly diverse.
  • Installation – Laminate materials are easy to work with.
  • Maintenance – Certainly no sealing is necessary, and you can confidently use any cleaners you would like without risk of staining.

CONS:

  • Easily Damaged – You have to be careful of scratching, gouging, or burning the surface. Repairing a laminate countertop is not easy.
  • No Resale Value – Because it is the cheapest option, there really isn’t any “wow factor” or long-term value offered.

Pros and Cons of Soapstone Kitchen Counters

A photo posted by Melanie (@ranchhouserehab) on


Circling back to a naturally-occurring material, let’s talk for a minute about soapstone. This smooth, rich, quarried stone is becoming more and more popular for a few distinct reasons.

PROS:

  • Style – Character abounds in this almost silky stone, and that character only develops as the surface grows older.
  • Heat-Resistant – A hot pan won’t scare a soapstone counter.
  • Low-Maintenance – Non-porous, durable, and water-resistant.
  • Resistant to Bacteria Growth – What’s not to love about that?
  • Lasts Nearly Forever

CONS:

  • The surface can be scratched, but it’s possible to buff the damage out with sandpaper.
  • Limited color options

So, How Do You Pick the Right Kitchen Countertop?

Having so many options is both a blessing and a curse. It can be difficult to narrow it down, and to keep on track with your goals when that specific slab of marble starts to call your name.

Just like it’s a bad idea to grocery shop when you’re hungry, it can be a bad idea to shop for counters without a specific plan in place and a determination to stick to that plan.

Here are a few helpful questions to ask yourself:

  1. What is my budget? – Stay as true to this figure as possible.
  2. What are my priorities? – It may be that you can afford a pricier counter, but that might mean that your budget needs to be cut down somewhere else. Is your countertop worth it?
  3. Is this your “forever home”? – If you’re planning to sell in a couple of years, investing in a more marketable option that increases home value might not be a bad idea.
  4. Are you willing to maintain a counter? – Options like granite or wood that require occasional sealing and care may be attractive, but they are a commitment.
  5. How much use does your kitchen experience? – If you are an avid cook, a more decorative option like marble is definitely not right for you. If, on the other hand, your counters won’t hold much more than a coffee pot and a take-out box, a more fragile stone might be completely appropriate.
  6. How busy is your home? – If there is a high level of wear and tear, picking a more durable, scratch-resistant surface would be a wise choice.

The key is to look down the road, evaluating your long-term needs rather than simply picking a material because of its beauty. That can be more easily said than done, but it is important!

Align Yourself with a Trustworthy Building and Remodeling Professional

Our last suggestion is to work with people you trust. Find a professional who can you help you navigate your options, and is really interested in actively discussing your needs.

If you live in the Westchester County, NY, or Fairfield County, CT, area, we hope that you might reach out to us at Gerety Building and Restoration. It would be a pleasure to serve you!