Renovating kitchens requires that you know a little something about countertops. Here is what I’ve learned over the years…….although laminate has come a long way it still isn’t coveted the way stone is, and quartz is a fabulous alternative but only if you pay for the better grades so “level up.”
Granite still reigns supreme in the kitchen. Most homeowners love it but that doesn’t mean that all stone is created equal. Do not get the cheapest because like so many other things in life, certain patterns and types get dated quickly. I advise all my clients to go for a classic look, nothing to taste specific.
I say this for 2 reasons: (1) You may have to sell your home one day; and (2) you may tire of the spectacular granite that looked like the earth from the space shuttle! (think shag carpet and avocado appliances). Pick something that has some “staying power.” Marble-like granite and light neutral colors will serve you for years to come and will probably work with whatever changes you make to your kitchen decor.
I love the granite stone yard. I love walking the aisles and seeing all the different colors, patterns and now textures that you can get in granite, but just because I can appreciate the beauty of all the different varieties doesn’t mean I would recommend it to every client because hey, it’s expensive and those trendy colors come and go.
So what’s the point here? I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t get caught up in all the bells and whistles. Take a moment and really assess your wants, needs and budget and then choose a stone that you will be happy to live with for many years. And for those of you who love marble – and who doesn’t? – there are many granite varieties out there that mimic marble without all the issues of the soft stone. So you can have that marble look and still have the low maintenance of granite.
(One such granite is Super White Quartzite and the other is White Macaubus Quartzite)
And just for fun here is a picture of my favorite granite guy using his fancy machine to measure for new countertops. Can’t wait to show you this budget kitchen, it’s going to turn out fabulous!