If the kitchen is the social heart of the home, then countertops are the lifeblood of the kitchen. It’s one of the most used materials in your home, so it makes sense that may homeowners spend hours struggling to select the perfect countertop material—and that countertops can be one of a kitchen remodel’s biggest expenses, depending on the material you choose. But there are ways to ease both the selection process and the cost burden. Follow these 12 tips to find the perfect countertop—and save some cash while you’re at it.
Waste Not
When most people think of countertops, they imagine large slabs of stone. Because most stone showrooms insist that you buy the entire slab as one piece, you’re usually getting more material than you’ll need. With a little foresight, though, you can use this excess in a smart way. Leftover stone can be used to cover a backsplash, as a durable finish for the sides of an island, or even as a flooring transition between the kitchen and dining room.
Dig in the Yard
You can also benefit from homeowners who aren’t as creative at using the leftovers of a stone slab; these remnants are often left behind at stoneyards, where they’re put into an area called the “boneyard” and sold at deep discounts. If you’re not picky about color, you can often find gorgeous remnants for a fraction of the price. This is a great solution for small kitchens, where you may only need 40 to 60 square feet of countertop.
Plan for Seams
Countertops tend to be long, thin strips of material, so at some point, you’re usually going to need a joint between them. Certain materials, such as Corian, allow you to fill in the joints and make them disappear, but natural products like concrete, stone or tile will require a visible joint. By planning for these joints and ordering smaller lengths of countertop to accommodate them, you can reduce the cost of fabrication and delivery. (Tip: Try to imagine the size and weight of each piece being carried easily by two people to help determine the ideal slab size.)
Go Thin
A thick edge along the countertop can be beautiful, but it comes at a cost: The thicker material can double your price. Plus, the added weight may require extra bracing in your cabinets. You can get a similar look while eliminating the extra cost and hassle by using a thinner material with a mitered edge to give the illusion of a thick slab.
Mind the Edges
Countertop edges can be finished in a dizzying array of options, but adding a French cove, ogee or waterfall edge could cost you, depending on the type of material. Simple straight or rounded edges might not be as eye-catching, but they are generally less expensive. Compare prices of various cuts ahead of time before you fall in love with that special chiseled edge.
Mix and Match
There’s no rule that all of the countertops in your kitchen must match—in fact, many designers will tell you that they shouldn’t. A better approach is to select complementary countertop materials based on the function. For example, install nice granite around the sink, but concrete in the work areas. By mixing and matching materials based on function, you open up more opportunities to use salvaged, remnant or leftover materials. Or you can use a small piece of an expensive material in one special spot (like white marble for a small baking area), and cover the rest of the countertops with a less expensive option.
Cutting Shortcut
Most stoneyards will provide cutting and fabrication services, but you aren’t required to use them simply because you purchased the material there. Shop around for a bargain: Sites like Yelp, Angie’s List and The Blue Book will help you find local fabricators. Be sure to get all estimates in writing before you have the material cut—you only get one shot to get it right.
Fake It
In recent years, the granite countertop has become such a status symbol that real-estate agents often mention it as one of the selling features of the house. So it’s not surprising that it’s spawned some convincing imitators: Engineered products can provide the appearance of stone with extra durability and some recycled content. But keep in mind that not all stone is created equal; some may emit radon. Be sure to ask where the stone was sourced, and don’t just buy the cheapest stone available.
Salvage Surprises
Your local salvage yard can be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon looking for a countertop reclaimed from an old house, which will cost you a fraction of what you’d spend buying the same material new. Be sure to check back regularly, as they frequently get new shipments of old items. Restaurant supply stores are another great alternative—a stainless steel commercial work table offers a different look and will be cheaper than a traditional island.
Think Long Term
The lifespan of the average kitchen is about 10 to 15 years until it gets remodeled. By selecting durable finishes for your countertops and maintaining them properly, you’ll ensure that they won’t have to be replaced during the life of your kitchen. For example, while marble is beautiful, it scratches easily and is stained by wine, fruit and vinegar. Wood will show hard dents, while laminate will yellow from hot pans. Take the time now to learn how to maintain your countertops.
Try New Materials
Nothing makes a kitchen pop like an unusual countertop choice. By opening your mind to some creative possibilities, you (and your budget) will be delighted by the results. Concrete provides a unique, durable and flexible counter surface. Painted glass, such as Think Glass, can add a singular flair and serve as a conversation piece. Letting go of the standard stone countertop formula can open up a whole world of possibilities.
Go Green
Another attractive (and usually cheaper) alternative to granite or marble is sustainable recycled material. Recycled glass countertops are stunning and come in a wide range of options. You choose the color of the glass and the color of the cement, so there’s virtually infinite number of possibilities. Recycled paper countertops, on the other hand, are surprisingly durable and provide a warm, neutral look.
As a Design+Build General Contractor, I offer my clients a one-stop shopping approach to all of their home remodeling projects. I work with my clients from initial conception of a project through its completion. Every aspect of the job is managed by me and my professional crew. You will be included in every step of the design process until the final drawings are completed. No detail is left to chance. General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Remodeling Throughout the Los Angeles area.
Written By:
Offer Steuer
President
OTM Designs & Remodeling, Inc.
For more information you may contact us via email at service@otm1designs.com or you may call us at 888-981-1415. Our website is www.otm1designs.com.