How To Choose The Best Countertops

Upon making the decision to remodel your kitchen, you should have already decided whether to remodel the whole kitchen or only certain areas. If you have decided to leave the primary design of the kitchen in tact and only remodel certain areas, maybe you should consider starting with the countertops. Some of the best countertops are made from real stone. Granite, quartz and marble are the most durable and will last a lifetime. Although plywood with a laminate overlay can cost less, when you are talking quality, price should not be a factor.

Depending on the materials you choose for you countertop, you can expect to pay between $10 and $90 per square foot. The higher end of this ballpark figure is for the best countertops available which are granite, quartz and marble. These have to be custom made to fit the counter so they are priced by the foot instead of being able to purchase them in lengths like laminate countertops. Wood is another more expensive countertop weighing is at around $30 to $50 per square foot. These too must be custom built for your counter. If you are remodeling with the idea of fixing the home up to sell it, you are smart to purchase laminate or vinyl countertops.

Most countertops must be professionally installed with the exception of the cheaper priced ones. You can get instructions to DIY for these and that too cuts the cost of the countertop. Other forms of countertops must have custom or professional installation to ensure they are properly installed in order for them to be warranted. For instance the VTI Fine Laminate Countertops 10' Milano Amber Laminate Countertop found at Lowes.com is easy to install by the homeowner. It sells for about $100 for a ten foot length and if you want professional installation, it will cost you about another $50.

Some consumers are concerned with the functionality of the countertops. They want to know if it is safe to cut on them, roll dough on them and place hot pots on them. Without listing each material separately, granite is the most durable for these purposes. Quartz and marble can be damaged by cutting and placing hot pots on them. Wood can be cut on but they are not recommended for rolling dough because they can be host to a multitude of bacteria. It is not recommended you do any of this on a vinyl countertop.

When you are ready to purchase your countertop, if money is a concern, compare prices before committing to one specific brand or type. It is always wise to consult a general contractor before making any type of remodeling changes in order to ensure you are getting the right materials and products for your uses. They can even help with the installation of your new countertops. In many instances they get a discount on the materials they purchase while on a project. You may pay a little more for the work they do, but they can save you in the long run in cost and materials.