Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or even adding a bar, a countertop serves as both a beautiful accent piece and a key functional space. You want to select something that is not only aesthetically appealing, but is also durable and will add long-term value to your home. If you need help with how to choose a countertop, the experts at Straight Line Construction are here to help. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through each step of picking out the perfect countertop for you and your space.
Choose Countertop Materials
The biggest decision you’ll make when it comes to choosing a countertop is the material. The most common countertop materials are granite and quartz. Both are high quality options that are durable and will add value to your home. But what’s the difference between granite and quartz? Granite is made up of one piece of polished stone, while quartz is a man-man composite of stone and resin. In terms of look, both are stunning and it can be difficult to tell the difference with the naked eye. Granite will be a truly unique stone that will have distinct natural markings, while quartz will have a more uniform pattern. However since quartz is man-made it is offered in a much larger variety of colors and patterns. In terms of durability, both materials are resistant to bacteria, staining, and heat.
Consider the Countertop Color
Once you’ve decided for yourself whether you’re team granite or quartz, you can narrow down how you want your countertop to look aesthetically. One tip to consider: keeping your countertop more neutral will prevent it from becoming outdated quickly. Try to select a color that would work with a variety of paint options—you’re more likely to repaint before you replace your counter again.
Select an Edge Style
Countertop edges can get overlooked in the planning process, but they make a big impact on the look of the final product! Keep reading to learn about some of the most popular countertop edge types and why they’re strong choices.
Eased Edge: The eased edge is almost square, but with the tips slightly rounded. This creates a more modern look while maintaining the thickness of the countertop.
Bullnose: This is a rounded edge countertop that curves along the top and bottom so the furthest out point is the middle of the edge. This creates a sleek look that is also ideal for spaces where little heads could potentially get bonked.
Half Bullnose: These have a slope along the top with a flat bottom, making them ideal for cleaning up.
Ogee & Cove Edges: These edges use grooves to create a luxurious effect that adds depth to the countertop.
And remember, these aren’t the only options! They’re just the most popular.
Do You Want a Backsplash?
Now that you’ve decided on your countertop material, you may want to add a backsplash to complete the look. The benefits of adding a backsplash include resistance from staining and water damage, increased home value, easy cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. But if you’re working with a budget, a backsplash will add to your final cost. Using matching granite or quartz material as a backsplash creates an attractive seamless look, but is often more expensive. You can use tile as an affordable option to achieve a complementary look.
Find Your Countertop at Straight Line Construction
If you need to find a new countertop we’re here for you. Browse our selection of quartz and granite countertops, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. The experts at Straight Line Construction are always happy to help.