Your kitchen must function equally well for all members of the home as well as the guests you invite to share your space. That’s why choosing the right countertops for your kitchen remodel is a must.
But let’s be honest: there are a lot of options to choose from. So many, in fact, that it can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve combined our many years of experience in completing a vast array of kitchen remodel projects here in Billings and created a list that may save you a little time and a lot of confusion.
Natural/Engineered Stone Countertops
- Granite: Granite countertops have gone from being exclusive to high-end Billings kitchen to making a fairly frequent appearance in homes of all sizes and price ranges. It’s beautiful, comes in a wide variety of colors, and looks and functions beautifully. On the downside, granite is fairly heavy, meaning base cabinets may require a bit of extra reinforcement to support the weight. It also should be sealed regularly to prevent staining.
- Engineered quartz: Quartz is rapidly growing in popularity—and for good reasons. Made of crushed natural quartz that has been blended with resins and color pigments, you can find it in virtually any color. There are a number of quartz countertops on the market that even mimic the look of granite or marble. The surface is super-hard, resistant to scratching and heat and is low maintenance. Its non-porous surface offers anti-bacterial benefits, too.
- Marble: A favorite for serious cooks for years, this cool, natural stone is both timeless and beautiful. Though it is scorch resistant, it can stain, scratch and chip. This will give a gorgeous patina over time but is definitely out for those who prefer a flawless finish for years to come.
- Soapstone: The characteristics that made soapstone popular in laboratories also make it a great choice for the kitchens in older and cottage style homes: a soft feel and subtle beauty. It is heat resistant and non-porous; however, regular oiling is needed to maintain the depth of color and the overall classic look.
Wood Countertops
Although we don’t see as many wood countertops in Billings homes as often as other surfaces, wood countertops can be beautiful when done well. Hardwoods like mahogany, maple or cherry create warm and cozy looks that grow more gorgeous with and can be easily refinished. Bamboo or other sustainable woods can help create a more modern feel, while butcher block is an appealing choice for country or cottage-style kitchens—and is often chosen as a complementary surface on a kitchen island.
Wood does generally require oiling several times a year, and one downside is that if not properly cared for it can swell or contract when exposed to moisture.
More Popular Countertop Options for Your Kitchen Remodel
Metal
Bring the shine with stainless steel, copper or zinc countertops, which offer a sleek commercial look in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Heat resistant and hygienic, this finish is great near cooktops for the placement of hot pots and pans, or on a center island where food preparation and service are done. Embossed, patterned and hammered finishes are just a few of the options available.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops revolutionized kitchen remodels 20 years ago. Made of acrylic, solid surface countertops are still popular because it’s easy to clean, resists heat and moisture, and can be easily repaired by buffing. While it lacks the shiny sophistication of natural stone, it comes in a plethora of colors and can be seamlessly integrated into a sink or backsplash.
Concrete
Concrete countertops are gaining popularity in Billings, especially because of the variety of colors and artistic effects it provides. It stands up to heavy, frequent use and can be stained to match almost any look or décor. Sealing is recommended to prevent stains, and concrete countertops can be damaged by extreme heat or foods high in acid.
Laminate
These aren’t your grandma’s laminate countertops. Today’s high-end laminates are designed to capture the look and feel of natural stone, but without the high pricetag. It’s low maintenance and easy to maintain, and the options are almost mind-boggling. While more likely than stone, metal or solid surface countertops to scratch or burn, it remains a popular, cost-effective option to bring a bit of “wow” to Billings homes.
Even though we’ve shared some key facts and ideas about countertops for your kitchen remodeling project, you may still be questioning your options. As a design-build contractor with a skilled designer on our team, we can help you decide which of the many choices available are right for you and your family.
Ready to start your remodeling project? Contact Freyenhagen Construction today.