How to Compare Kitchen Counters

 Counters are an important part of your kitchen, and deserve some consideration before you decide which ones you would like to have installed. They should be both functional and visually pleasing, and all have their pros and cons. Budget, usage, and atmosphere are all factors that will help make your decision.

1. Choose your budget. Countertops come in many different price ranges, so no matter what you are willing to spend you will have options to choose from. Tile counters have the broadest price range, and can be purchased on any budget. Laminate and corian range from about $6 to $80 per square foot. Granite, quartz and wood are typically $20 to $150 per square foot. The most expensive are concrete, stainless steel, and marble, which cost $75 to $250 per square foot. 


2. Consider how much you cook, and decide how durable your counter should be. If you aren't a heavy cooker, durability won't be as important and you can focus on visual effect. If you make dinner every night, you'll want something that's heat resistant, and not easily scratched. Granite, quartz and stainless steel are resistant to heat, and with the exception of stainless steel they don't scratch very easily. Marble, laminate, corian and wood can all be damaged if subjected to high temperatures, so use caution. 


3. Consider the other decor, and what you want the overall result to be. It may not be as important as cost or durability, but can't be ignored. If you're aiming for an upscale and elegant cooking space, you won't want to use laminate. Similarly, if you want a retro diner look, a marble counter top would ruin the effect.


4. Can you install it yourself? If not, are you willing to hire someone else? Some countertops, like quartz and granite, can be difficult if not impossible to install yourself. If you want to do it yourself, and don't want to contract a professional, consider using an easier to handle material.


5. Shop around. No matter what material you choose for your counters, always look in multiple places before making a purchase. Selections, prices, and services included will vary from place to place so make sure you know, and want, exactly what you are getting.