The tone for a kitchen is often set by the countertops that are used, so materials should be selected that not only reflect personal style but how the kitchen is used.
Countertop Material
A popular feature often seen in the kitchen is granite countertops. Shakopee MN homeowners often have granite at the top of their list.
Granite is available in several grades or ratings depending on where it is purchased, colors, patterns and thicknesses. The factor which affects the cost of granite the most is the thickness. Granite countertops that are three-quarters of an inch thick rather than an inch and a half are much less expensive and will provide the same return on investment at resale.
However, another option that is replacing granite in high-end kitchens is engineered stone products made primarily of quartz. Many find that quartz, which has a sleek-looking surface but is durable and resistant to stains, also fulfills their lifestyle and aesthetic requirements.
Marble is also becoming increasingly popular. It has an elegant and classic, timeless beauty and the brightness of its white color is not typically available in marble. It can also be one of the least expensive natural countertops.
Finding the Perfect Granite Countertops
One of the primarily considerations when using granite countertops is their cost. Several factors contribute to the cost of a granite slab. One is the color as the more common colors cost less than those of slabs with scarcer hues.
Another is the availability of the stone and access to it as political unrest in some countries where granite is found or seasonal quarries can restrict its accessibility and drive up the cost.
Finally, working with a trustworthy and reliable supplier will ensure that only the amount of slab that is needed it used and that a slab can be selected early and worked into the kitchen design.
Some Tips
It is best to shop for countertops early in the remodeling process of a kitchen so that the use and design potential of the slab is optimized. This can enable a particularly lovely portion of the slab to be featured or the coordination of joints in order to reduce their appearance.
Viewing the template process, where the fabricator lays out the countertop sections can also ensure that a favorite area is not omitted where the sink would go and is instead featured elsewhere in the kitchen, such as in the center of the island.
