How to Choose a Countertop

Q: How do I choose a countertop for my kitchen or bathroom?

A: Selecting a countertop for your kitchen or bathroom can be one of the most challenging parts of building or remodeling. The countertop is often the “crown jewel” of the room and the decision shouldn’t be made lightly.

The first step is to decide on the material. Should you select natural stone, engineered stone, solid surface, laminate, tile, glass or concrete? We’ll discuss this particular question another day. However, once the material is chosen, selecting the actual piece can be quite daunting.

When shopping with my clients, I often begin by letting them quickly scan all the slabs (I’ll use granite here as an example) simply asking them to label each as “love it” or “hate it.” I note all the “love its” and try to find some continuity in the pieces they love. Perhaps they love gold and red tones but hate greens and grays. Maybe they are more attracted to lots of veining and movement and less attracted to the tighter, more symmetrical patterns. Once you discover your preference for colors and movement, then you can begin to pair your granite with your cabinet selection. (Yet another topic for another day.)

Helpful hint: Take your cabinet sample and lay it up against your countertop. Step 10 feet away from the samples and you will see much easier which colors match and which ones clash. It is very difficult to see the colors as they really are when you are too close!

Until next time,

Renovate Kate

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