Replacing your kitchen or bathroom countertops can transform the room, so choosing the right one is crucial. At Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, we focus on simplicity and efficiency. Our goal is to make your remodel as easy and quick as possible, while answering all your questions. We’ll never rush your decision because we know you’ll live with it every day. Our experienced team prioritizes quality, treating your home as our own. If you’re in the Cincinnati, Mason, or West Chester area, we can quickly meet, discuss your project, and schedule installation.
COUNTERTOPS FOR YOUR KITCHEN OR BATHROOM
Your kitchen and bathroom countertops probably get more wear and tear than any other feature in your home. Countertops and Cabinetry by Design have many different surface styles from which to choose. Our kitchen and bathroom visualizers can help you get an idea of what you may be looking for. Consider your lifestyle and let us help you pick your style and surface today!
WHAT THINGS SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING MY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS?
Countertops are both functional and aesthetic in your kitchen or bath. They need to be durable enough for daily use while still looking great. If you’re replacing them, it’s important to carefully consider your options, as the right choice can significantly impact the overall look of the room.
Replacing countertops is often a key part of remodeling. Start by measuring your existing countertops and sharing these with a designer. Together, you’ll choose from options like granite, quartz, natural stone, or solid surface. The designer will provide a price estimate based on your measurements. Solid surface is usually the most affordable, while other materials vary in cost depending on the color. Your budget and desired look will ultimately guide your decision.
You will also need to think about your current countertop material and how easily it can be replaced. Since laminate and solid-surface countertops screw into place, this makes them a bit easier to change out. Think about your current cabinets—if you are changing out a plastic laminate countertop for stone, you must ensure your floor and cabinets are able to support the additional weight. The plumbing in your kitchen or bath will also have an impact on your choice of countertop materials, as you may need to replace your sink and faucet as well.
If you are replacing your kitchen countertop, you are also likely replacing your backsplash, and you want the two to complement one another. If you have under-cabinet lighting, you will also have to consider how the lighting will look with a new countertop surface, particularly if that surface is a highly polished stone surface. The design team at Countertops and Cabinetry by Design can answer any questions you might have, helping you choose the best countertop for your overall design.
Specific Considerations When Choosing Kitchen or Bathroom Countertops:
Budget
Your budget will, of course, have an impact on the type of countertop surface you choose. Quartz and granite tend to vary widely in price, depending on the specific color, while other natural stone varieties, such a quartzite, tend to fall at the higher end of the range. Solid surface is usually the least expensive option, but you can find granite and quartz options to fit almost any budget.
Type and Quality
As noted, there are a number of countertop options. Quartz mimics the look of stone, yet requires less maintenance. Stains are not usually a problem with quartz, nor is heat, and quartz usually comes in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns, many of which look like marble or granite. The edges and corners of quartz can potentially chip, requiring a professional to repair them.
Granite is one type of natural stone. Granite’s biggest draw is that it is unique—no two slabs are alike. Rare colors in granite, as well as veining in the granite make some colors of granite more expensive. Granite is fairly resistant to heat, cuts, and scratches, with polished and matte finishes resisting most stains once it is properly sealed. Granite countertops do require periodic resealing, and if an edge or corner chips, it must be professionally repaired.
Quartzite, Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble are other natural stone materials. Like granite, each slab of natural stone is unique. Quartzite is harder than granite, but it is also more porous, which can make it more susceptible to staining if not properly sealed. While soapstone is not as common as granite, it is exemplary at resisting heat damage, and small scratches can be repaired with fine-grit sanding paper and an application of mineral oil. Limestone and marble are natural-looking stones which usually have no heavy veins or grain. Both limestone and marble tend to resist heat fairly well, although marble can be damaged when a very hot pan is placed on the surface.
Solid surface countertops are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Solid surface countertops create a seamless look because any joints necessary are virtually invisible. Solid surface countertops are resistant to stains, and if a small nick or scratch occurs, a professional installer can usually repair it. Even so, a cutting board should always be used with solid surface countertops. Additionally, solid surface countertops are less heat resistant, so you have to be careful not to place hot pots and pans directly on the countertop.
Maintenance
Granite and natural stone countertops must be sealed—and re-sealed approximately every six months to one year. Quartz and solid surface countertops tend to be more low-maintenance, but any of these materials will last for years to come.
Dimensions
The dimensions of your countertops will determine, in many cases, whether seams will be necessary. This will also be determined by the size of the slab material you choose; different colors of granite, quartz, and natural stone come in different size slabs, which impacts whether seams will be necessary. Solid surface countertops usually look seamless, due to the adhesive used to seam pieces together.
Décor and Style
Your personal style and the décor of your kitchen or bath, along with your budget, will determine the material you choose for your countertops. Natural stone typically has a more delicate, graceful and elegant look, while solid surface countertops come in a wider variety of colors and patterns.
WHAT DOES THE PROCESS LOOK LIKE TO REPLACE COUNTERTOPS?
If you’re looking to replace your kitchen or bathroom countertops, simply send a sketch and measurements to Countertops and Cabinetry by Design for help choosing materials and getting an estimate. Our Cincinnati-based professionals can guide you in selecting the right style and finish, and you can visit our showrooms to visualize your options.
After making your choices, one of our experts will take precise measurements, noting sink, faucet, and electrical outlet locations. If needed, we can temporarily replace old countertops for accurate measurements. A template will be made for a perfect fit.
During installation, the old countertops are removed, and plumbing fixtures disconnected. New countertops are placed on your cabinets—granite, quartz, and stone countertops stay in place due to their weight, while solid surfaces are secured with screws. Any seams are filled and sealed to match the material. Finally, plumbing is reconnected, the area cleaned, and appliances restored to their original position.
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I HAVE PRIOR TO TALKING TO A PROFESSIONAL ABOUT REPLACING MY COUNTERTOPS?
As noted, you will initially provide the basic dimensions of your kitchen countertop area, then later, your Countertops and Cabinetry by Design installer will more precisely measure the area and create a template. It will help your installer if you ensure your countertops are completely cleared prior to the day of the installation, as well as moving anything which would impede the installer’s progress.