How to choose the right countertop for your kitchen or bath

Whether it’s for the kitchen or bathroom, selecting countertops will be a significant decision in any remodeling. From a design point of view, it is what sets the atmosphere of an area. It creates a focal point, especially when the backsplash or accent wall wraps around it, making it one of the first things people see in a home. It keeps us organized, provides storage, and has to be strong enough to withstand heat and dropped items. Here’s a guide to selecting the right ones for your kitchens and baths.

They not only need to provide enough space for food preparation and storage, but they also need to be scratch, stain, and heatproof. Then, on top of that, they need to be beautiful enough to become the ultimate design tool! The best place to start is to make a list of your needs and style. Ask yourself such things as whether you prepare large meals or every kitchen gadget on the market. Do you have kids and friends who come over to eat and spill peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and Kool-aid? Do you use heat appliances in the bathroom, such as curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers? Most importantly, what is your budget?

Your countertop material options range from wallet-friendly laminate in many vibrant colors, designs, and patterns to tiles, which is still the most popular choice. Solid surfacing, a combination of epoxy, acrylics, and polyester, has a marble-like appearance. Natural stone is always popular: marble, granite, soapstone, limestone, quartz, slate, and travertine. Other choices are concrete, stainless steel, and even paint.