You might think that countertops are one size fits all, and you can get just about any material for any sized kitchen. You’re not completely wrong, but you do need to consider many things when choosing a countertop be it quartz, marble, or granite countertops. If you live in an apartment, here are some things you need to know about choosing the right countertop for your kitchen.
Is The Material Durable?
This is probably a no-brainer, but you need to get a material that is at least durable, if not long-lasting. You don’t want to get something that will last you for a couple of months, because replacing countertops that too in a small kitchen can be a huge hassle and you don’t want to go through that.
This is why you want to choose a material based on durability. It is going to leave you feeling free from worries because you really won’t have to handle it with kid’s gloves all the time.
Assess Your Space
The next thing you want to consider when choosing a countertop material for your condo kitchen or apartment kitchen is how it will fit in the small space. Usually, condo kitchens are bigger than kitchenettes, but they are still not as big as compared to house kitchens, so you need to evaluate the space that you have and then figure out which material and what type of countertop will go in the space.
Will slabs do better or are tiles a better option? These are things that you need to go over before you make a decision because everything will fall into place in the end perfectly if you plan things.
Prefabricated Or Custom?
Another thing that you want to go over is whether you want to go for a prefabricated slab or have it custom-made. Prefabricated slabs are slabs that already have holes and cavities for everything you need, including the sink.
The designs are quite general and you can get something that fits your space like a glove. Those are more affordable too, especially if you can find something that fits like a missing puzzle piece. If not, then you’ll need to go down the custom-made route and that is quite expensive because it is designed for your kitchen only.
Is It Easy To Maintain?
The next order of importance is the maintenance of the material. You want to go for something that isn’t as demanding. Sure, it doesn’t mean that you need to find a material that doesn’t need maintenance at all, but you still have to choose a low maintenance material because maintenance does take up a lot of time, energy, and money, to be honest.
So, you want to choose something that requires monthly or quarterly maintenance, and not something that needs to be taken care of all the time.
Is It Expensive?
The next thing is your budget. You need to have a certain amount of money decided in your mind that you’re willing to spend on a countertop in a condo kitchen. If you’re living in a condo, chances are that you’re renting it out, and that means that you’ll move out eventually.
So, it’s not wise to spend a lot of money on a countertop that you’ll have to lug around with you at the time of moving. So, stay in the middle lane and neither spend too much nor too little on a countertop. But if you own the condo, then you can splurge.
The Material Should Be Aesthetic
You also need to get a material that is at least pretty to look at. Yes, looks aren’t everything, but they are something and it doesn’t hurt to make your kitchen look good. So, when you’re choosing materials for your condo kitchen, you want to put some emphasis on the appearance of the countertop too.
It should be classy and beautiful in a minimal way that will add more life to your apartment. It is something that will make you smile when you look at it, so don’t knock the looks off just yet.
Kitchen Countertop Materials For Condos
Well, now that you know what things to consider when choosing a kitchen countertop material for your condo kitchen, the next thing you need to ponder over is what material you should go for. Here are some choices that will make the decision easier and you will surely know by the end of it which one you want to go for.
Granite
The first option is a crowd-pleaser and that is granite. Dark, veiny, and slightly shimmery, it is a natural stone that screams “expensive” and it is, but since you are buying it for a condo kitchen, it is not going to break the bank. You’ll be able to get your hands on good quality granite that will last you for a long time, without thinning out your wallet a whole lot. It’s a popular material so it can increase the resale value of your condo.
Marble
Marble is yet another natural stone and it is one of the more elegant options. It is truly a beautiful material with a light background and veining that speaks to your soul. Yes, it is a maintenance-heavy material, more so than granite, but it is going to last you a long time if you take care of it. If you love lighter and more neutral countertops, then you’ll be all over marble.
Quartz
Quartz is a man-made option and it is just as durable as granite if not more, so you are definitely in for a treat. It is also less expensive than granite and the color options are to die for. It is a hybrid of marble and granite, but without all of the fuss, so, this is a material that you should try and see if it wins your heart.
Laminate
Laminate is a less expensive alternative to all of the natural stones and man-made options out there. Sure, it’s not the most durable, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t do its job. It is ideal for condos. Laminate countertops can also be called faux granite countertops Raleigh NC because you can choose any design and there are many designs that look like natural stones.
Solid Surface
Solid surface is deceiving but in the best way. It mimics the appearance of natural stones, but it is made from an entirely different thing. Polymers, resin, and shaved and pulverized materials – to be exact. The look is so gorgeous that you can’t help but fall in love with this material.
It is also durable, almost as much as the runner-ups in the world of kitchen countertops, so it is a great option to go for if you want to try something different than the mainstream materials.
Tile
Tile is a very easy-to-install material, so much so that you can even do it by yourself. It has a very different and almost refreshing look, as compared to thick slabs, but it also means that you’ll need to be careful around these bad boys because they shatter faster than glass itself.
Conclusion
A condo kitchen is usually small and the countertops usually double up as either breakfast bars or even a dining table, so you need to choose carefully when it comes to small spaces. Consult expert countertop replacement Durham NC services for countertops materials and installation.
