If you’re a first-time homeowner, especially if you’re building a new home, you have a lot of choices to make. Or maybe you’ve owned your home for a while and want to invest in a major countertop upgrade for the first time.
Either way, if you’ve never gotten to choose your kitchen countertop before, this is a great opportunity that can even be fun! But you have a lot to consider– and that’s what we’re here for. At KG Stevens, we love helping people find the perfect countertop and can guide you through every part of the process.
Balancing Durability and Maintenance
A kitchen countertop must handle constant use, from meal preparation to entertaining guests. Some materials offer exceptional resistance to heat, stains, and scratches, making them ideal for busy households. Others, like marble, require regular sealing to maintain their appearance and prevent damage.
Homeowners who prefer minimal upkeep may lean toward non-porous surfaces that resist moisture and bacteria, like quartz, while those who value natural stone’s unique beauty may be willing to invest in occasional maintenance to preserve its elegance.
When it comes to stone countertops, you have two choices at first: natural or engineered stone. Engineered stone like quartz is lighter weight than natural stone, comes in more colors than natural stone, and does not need to be sealed.
Natural stone, like granite, marble, and quartzite, has a very specific look that is hard to replicate, and while it does need occasional sealing, natural stone is extremely durable and will last for years in your home. Your fabricator will be able to talk to you about your specific needs and how they can be met by different types of countertop.
Considering The Look
The countertop serves as one of the most visible design elements in a kitchen, influencing the overall look of the space. Whether the goal is a sleek, modern feel or a warm, traditional atmosphere, the right material and color choice can bring the vision to life.
Some options feature bold veining and dramatic patterns, while others offer subtle variations for a softer, more understated effect. A polished finish creates a glossy, light-reflecting surface, while a honed, chiseled, or leathered finish provides a textured appearance that can help hide fingerprints– which is often appreciated by parents with small children.
You should expect to make at least one, if not more, showroom appointments with your fabricator, and ask if you can take samples home so that you can see how different stone samples look in your home’s lighting.
Customizing the Details
Beyond material and finish, additional design choices refine the look and functionality of a countertop. So you need to think about edge profiles and countertop thickness! Edge profiles, for example, range from simple, straight cuts that suit contemporary kitchens to rounded or beveled designs that add a classic touch.
Waterfall edges, where the countertop extends down the sides of an island, create a striking visual effect while offering extra protection against scuffs and spills.
Selecting the right thickness can also influence the overall feel, with thicker slabs making a bold statement and thinner profiles offering a more subtle, lightweight appearance. Depending on where your countertop is and what it will be used for, your fabricator will likely have advice about the thickness of your slab.
Making a Long-Term Investment
A well-chosen countertop provides lasting value, offering both beauty and practicality for years to come. So when you invest in a new kitchen countertop, you need to make sure it’s just right for you!
High-quality materials maintain their appeal through daily use, resisting wear while enhancing the kitchen’s design. By considering durability, maintenance requirements, and personal style, you can make a confident decision that suits your needs and elevates the space. And don’t feel like you have to do this all on your own!
Here at KG Stevens, we have your back every step of the way. Reach out to us for a free consultation today!