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A Guide to Buying Countertops

Choosing a countertop is no small task; it is an investment in your kitchen or bathroom that should last long, look beautiful, and be sturdy enough to endure the wear and tear of daily life. Before you begin your quest to find the right counter material for your home, read these tips to help make your decision.

Tips for choosing your countertop surface:

• Ask your designer to take you to a stone yard or showroom that offers a wide selection of natural and handmade materials. Viewing large samples makes it easier to envision how the materials will look in your home. Each slab is unique, so seeing a variety of options for each material will help you narrow down to your favorites. Remember, when it comes to sample size, bigger is better!

• Decide on what material characteristics you want in your home to narrow down your search. Consider different textures, colors, and shades. Do you want a warm or cool look? Consider thickness and edge options as well.

• Why choose just one material? Have confidence in mixing and matching surfaces and colors for a unique, individual look. We love a butcher block island with a tile or granite perimeter. Your designer will help ensure that the material combination flows and that they complement each other.

• Ask about the differences in material quality and lifespan. You may have a longer list of needs for your kitchen if you cook daily – for example, you may want a material that is the least likely to collect bacteria or that absolutely won’t stain. On the other hand, if you use the kitchen less frequently, you have a wider variety of options and can base more of your decision on looks rather than functionality. Your designer and contractor should be able to answer all of your questions and point you in the direction of the best material for your specific needs.

• Ask about a warranty for each countertop you are considering. In general, man-made materials have warranties while natural surfaces do not, but you want to check. Some materials tend to chip or crack, so a warranty is a major bonus.

• Tip for saving money: If you want to invest in a beautiful, more expensive material such as marble, but are worried about the high cost, limit the use of the material to your kitchen’s island only. The island is the focal point of the room and is a great place to showcase such a gorgeous slab. Then, you can invest in a moderately-priced surface for the perimeter of the kitchen, which is the majority of the counter space. You will get more bang for your buck while showcasing a star-quality material!

Choosing your surface material is one of the most exciting parts of your home remodel. With the help of your designer and a bit of input of your wants and needs for your space, you will find the perfect surface for your project. To get started on the kitchen or bathroom remodel of your dreams, call Zieba Builders Inc. today at 562-439-5294.