So you’ve made the decision to go with stone kitchen countertops. Congratulations! Great choice. Now, the hard work begins. You can’t make a commitment without doing your homework first. Whether you’re considering granite, limestone, quartz or some other stone type, it all starts with a lot of thinking and a lot of research.

Here are some tips on how to start the selection process.

Function First

Because every house and family is different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all material that works for everyone. Maybe you’re a budding chef who slices and dices every night of the week. Or maybe you host cocktail parties at the bar area or serve up family dinners around the island. Perhaps your kids tend to spill orange juice and smear globs of jam on the counter every morning. You will have to rank the importance of factors such as stain resistance, durability,  and ease of maintenance. This will help you decide which material is best for your family and what level of maintenance you are prepared to do.

Signature Style

Next, you’ll have to consider which surface you find most appealing, from the look and feel to texture and shades. Do you want it warm or cool to the touch? How important are vibrant colors, integrated sinks, and seamless appearance to you? Take into account the details, too, such as overhang, thickness and edge options. The end result should be something you love and that complements your kitchen and lifestyle. Making these tough decisions now will ensure you make the right decision you can live with for years to come.

Mix It Up

Every countertop material offers its own unique strengths, from ease of cleaning to heat resistance. They all come in such pretty shades and combinations, too. So how can you settle on just one? Well, you don’t have to! Some homeowners like to mix a variety of materials and colors for a complementary appeal in their ideal kitchen. This will depend on your space requirements and unique needs, of course, but you may want to go with a stone-topped baking center offset by a butcher block island for prepping and chopping. Maybe you want your countertop in one stone and pattern, and your backsplash in another. The possibilities are endless.

Establish Your Budget

OK, so this part isn’t the most fun. But it’s very important. Knowing how much you can realistically spend will help you settle on a stone countertop that won’t break the bank. Take into account your material costs, labor costs, delivery fees, and custom details such as integrated sinks, edge treatments, and backsplashes. Always pad your budget a bit so there are no surprises later that will stretch you too thin. Any home improvement project has the potential for going over budget, even if you’re very careful in the beginning about costs. Be prepared for these and you will have a seamless experience.

Contact Granite Guy

Start your research with us! We can guide you through the process of selecting the best type of countertop for your kitchen. Contact us at 508-460-7900 or fill out our online form for a speedy reply.