Form vs Function – Things to Consider When Deciding on Custom Countertops

Custom countertops can be a big investment. The right custom countertop design can help your kitchen or bathroom look beautiful for years to come. Investigating different countertop selections and knowing what factors to consider when choosing your countertops can help you decide which products will meet your needs. Below are the factors that you should consider when trying to choose your countertop design.

Everyday Usage

Some people only use their kitchen counters to support their takeout bags, others use their counters to make four-course meals. In the bathroom, some people lay hot hair irons on their counters, while others only use counters for holding shampoos. If you’re hard on your counters, a more durable material is more appropriate. If you use your counters rarely, a more delicate material may suffice.

Durable materials include quartz and granite. These countertops are perfect for homeowners who are constantly subjecting their counters to potentially damaging activities. If your counters are more for looks than for function, then a more delicate material like marble may be for you.

Aesthetic Considerations

Every countertop material has its own look. Granite can come in a range of colors and could be speckled or solid. Soapstone generally comes in shades of gray or beige streaked with white, darker gray or beige. Marble is often a soft white color with hints of gray, while quartz can be almost anything you want. What are you seeking in a custom countertop? What colors and patterns appeal to you? More importantly, what will look good in the room surrounding your counters?

Cost

Cost is always a consideration when trying to decide what type of counters are best for your home. Know what your budget is before contacting a countertop material supplier. Stay within your budget, but work with your contractor to find a material that is right for you. Before you can decide which materials are most affordable, you’ll have to know the cost per square foot of the different materials you’re considering, as well as the square footage you’ll be installing.

Most homeowners only replace their counters when they remodel their kitchen, which means that counters are just one expense in a long list of expenses. If this is the case for you, your contractor likely included an allowance for counters in your kitchen remodel bid. Read the contract to find out how much is budgeted for counters, then work with your supplier to find an appropriate countertop material.

Maintenance

Not all countertop materials need the same level of maintenance. For example, marble may need to be resealed or polished periodically, while quartz does not. Talk to your countertop material supplier to find out which materials require a level of maintenance that works for you.

Interested in what it takes to maintain your stone countertops? We have written several guides:

Removing Hard Water Stains from Marble and Granite

Preventing Stains and Etching on your Marble Countertops

How to Remove Stains from Marble Countertops

Want to Speak to a Custom Countertop Professional?

At Seacoast Stone, we help homeowners like you choose the custom countertop material for their kitchen and bathroom remodel. For more information about our quality products, contact us.