Remodeling the kitchen remains one of the best investments a homeowner can make in their home. Looking at recent data, a well-planned kitchen upgrade can recoup 80-90% of your investment in the first year or two. This does not include the overall personal feeling of well-being and enjoyment that you, the owner, will gain upon walking into your newly remodeled kitchen. Since countertops are one of the main components of a kitchen, selecting the surface that best suits your needs and that matches your kitchen decor is key to making a good investment. There are many different countertop surfaces on the market today and reviewing all the options within your budget is important in selecting the best surface or surfaces for your personal use and enjoyment.

Standard countertop surfaces in today’s kitchen include today’s popular granite, modern stainless steel, multi-color laminate, wood or butcher block, and ceramic tile of all sizes. Each of these countertop materials has market acceptance, with granite being one of the best choices for both builders and repair and renovating investors. Granite countertops are truly the bling of kitchen countertops this year. A stainless steel countertop, while trendy, is a less common option and is typically selected by homeowners who spend a lot of time in their kitchens creating wonderful gourmet meals for family and friends. Laminate, wood, and ceramic tile are proven surfaces that have been used for decades, and manufacturers continue to improve their quality, durability, and appeal.

There are other, less conventional kitchen countertop surfaces used by homeowners and builders alike. When selecting a new counter top, these materials may also be something to consider. Specialty surfaces such as marble, slate, and limestone are similar to granite in cost and durability. They will require a professional to complete the installation to ensure the countertops are properly sealed and the final look complements the kitchen. Concrete is another possible countertop selection. It is flexible in its installation, allowing different surface textures, shapes and colors to be created, giving you multiple customization options. It should also be installed by a professional and if you choose concrete plan to keep it for a long time as the removal process can be a long and dirty job.

The look, feel, and overall functionality of a kitchen countertop is all down to personal choice. There are many surfaces to choose from, those found in every kitchen and those that set the trend. We tend to focus and select a single type of countertop material to cover all surfaces in our kitchen. A combination of several materials could be ideal, since it would allow selecting the best surface for each specific work area in a kitchen. As with any home remodeling project, large or small, the goal is to improve the home aesthetically and functionally, creating an environment that meets your individual needs.