When it comes to choosing the right kitchen countertop, you have a wide variety of choices to consider. Use this guide to help you make your decision.

Choosing the Material

Perhaps the biggest decision of all is choosing what kind of material to use for your countertop. Of course, is it possible to choose between custom and store-bought countertops, which will also affect the total price you pay for the items. Some popular materials to consider include laminate, solid surface, wood and natural stone.

Remembering the Purpose

Ask yourself what you need to use the countertops for in the kitchen. If they are just for preparation and storage, nearly any material will be appropriate. If you want to use them as a cutting board, consider a wooden chopping block surface.

Consider the Edges

The edges of your counter can be either sharp or gradually rounded, so understand both to decide what will work best in your own kitchen.

By considering the material, purpose and edges you can choose the perfect kitchen countertops for your home.

DirectBuy has a wide selection of kitchen furniture, kitchen countertops and more to give your home comfort, style and efficiency – all at great savings of up to 50% off retail.

Setting a Budget

Countertops can range significantly in price thanks to different materials. Before you begin choosing styles that you like, be sure to commit to a specific price range that you can afford. Remember that installation costs can be expensive in some cases as well, so factor that into your decision.

Choosing Materials

Once you have a set budget, seek out those materials which you can afford. At the high end are materials like granite and quartz. Very popular are post-form laminate, which can be found in any color or pattern you can imagine.

Edges and Seams

Consider that very long countertops will have visible seams. Also, decide whether you want to have rounded corners or waterfall edges along the backsplash and front of your countertops.

By determining the budget, materials, edges and seams of your kitchen countertop, you will have the perfect style for your own home.

Save up to 50% off retail at DirectBuy where you will find a wide selection of name-brand appliances, flooring, countertops, kitchen cabinets and more to help you express your style. You can purchase most everything you need for kitchen remodeling and home improvement at the same savings.

And, as technology improves the materials used in kitchen surfaces, updating your kitchen often requires you to consider updating these surfaces.

Materials – Then and Now

From antiquity, when people used makeshift brick and stone countertops, to the modern granite and composite surfaces of today’s kitchens, hard, durable, fireproof slabs have always provided level work spaces for food preparation.

Kitchen countertops have to be durable enough to resist cuts from sharp knives, non-porous enough to resist absorbing juices from meat, fruit and cleaning agents and beautiful enough to please the most discriminating chef. Popular countertop materials in the 21st century include granite, marble, Corian, stainless steel, laminate and ceramic tile.

Benefits

The least expensive options for cooking area countertops include laminate, such as Formica, and ceramic tile, which is glued to the countertop base and sealed with grout. However, laminate countertops tend to be softer and can be easily damaged and tile countertops must be re-grouted often can can break or chip. The newer stone-based tops are durable and resist scratching and breaking. They are, however, quite costly and can easily double the cost of remodeling your kitchen.

For virtually everything you need to remodel your kitchen , DirectBuy has a great selection of brand name products. You will find top quality kitchen cabinets and other home improvement products to choose from at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Granite Countertops

Why Choose Granite?

Granite countertops offer a distinct look found in a elegant and upscale homes. While the price per square foot may run slightly higher than other materials, it is worth it because of the improvement you’ll see immediately in your home. You can choose a dark color, which hides crumbs and even potential water stains.

How to Buy Granite

Once you have decided that you want to have a granite countertop, you will need to measure out the required space. When paying for it by square foot, be sure not to include the costs of any cutouts such as where the cooktop or even the sink will go. Granite is almost always professionally installed, and should only be attempted by experienced builders.

Choosing granite is a great choice for your kitchen countertops, and will create an elegant and classy look for your kitchen.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of top-quality kitchen remodeling products from leading manufacturers and their authorized suppliers – all at prices that can save up to 50% off retail.

Solid Surface Countertops

One unique type of countertop that has been overlooked is the Formica solid surface countertop. Made from acrylic, these sturdy, but stylish countertops are ahead of the game in almost every category. Formica countertops come in a variety of styles and colors.

Still want the look of concrete, but not the cold, modern feel? Try the Natural Concrete style. It contains specks of stone made of acrylic, just like the rest of the slab, that are molded throughout the depth of the countertop.

The Good and the Bad

The downside? Formica kitchen countertops tend to scratch. The upside? Use a 600 grain sandpaper and the scratches disappear, leaving only the same beautiful pattern that once existed. These countertops only get shinier with age and they have a soothing, warm look and feel to them that granite and concrete countertops don’t display.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of kitchen appliances, kitchen furniture, kitchen cabinets, and many other brand-name kitchen remodeling products from leading manufacturers at wholesale prices that can help you save up to 50% off retail.

TVs

TVs in the kitchen? These days the TV set has been flattened and condensed to the point it will sit neatly on the countertop, be mounted under a cabinet space, or even found in the doors of refrigerators. All wired with the five hundred plus channels on the market today, staying up to date on one’s favorite show while whipping up a gourmet meal just got a lot easier.

Island Mini Bar

The kitchen island has long been a popular trend in kitchen entertaining design, so when the idea came around of turning a portion of that island into a mini bar, entertaining guests in the kitchen just moved up a rung or two in most entertaining rooms in the house. Installing a mini fridge or an ice machine also kicks these mini bar islands up a notch.

Making your kitchen fit within your needs for style and functionality is important. Depending upon your style of entertaining, there are many options for making  your kitchen the most popular room in the house.

Kitchen remodeling is easier when you shop at DirectBuy where you will find brand-name products – appliances , flooring , countertops , kitchen cabinets and more – all at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Cost Comparison Strategy

The cost comparison strategy can also be used with hiring a handyman or contractor. Getting several bids can help you select a crew that will take care of the job at a reasonable price. You should aim at getting at least five bids.

When remodeling, the first step is to decide which items you plan to replace, such as cabinets, counter tops, etc., and then do some comparing of prices from various sources.

Kitchen remodeling on a budget is not as challenging as some individuals may think. Using the cost comparison strategy can help you save hundreds of dollars on your upcoming project.

DirectBuy has most everything you need for kitchen remodeling and home improvement . Not only can you remodel your home and make needed improvements, you can furnish your entire home at direct insider wholesale prices that can save up to 50% off retail.

Location

When determining the location of your island, you need to measure the dimensions of your kitchen from the edge of the countertop. There should be at least three feet between all countertops in the kitchen so there is enough room for all that goes there. Also think about the placement of the island. Is it going to be awkwardly placed on a high traffic pathway between two objects?

Size

The size of the island will be determined by the needs you want the island to fulfill and the overall kitchen space you have. If you have a small kitchen, but you want a little more workspace, think about getting a roll-away island with shelves that can be pushed off to the side when not in use. If you have a large space, you can have a large kitchen island and use it as cabinet space and a place to eat meals as well.

Just remember, size and location determine which island to use.

DirectBuy carries a large selection of brand-name kitchen products to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. You can choose from a wide selection of kitchen appliances, kitchen furniture, kitchen cabinets, and many other kitchen remodeling products at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Clean and Tidy

It’s a fact. The more things you have on the counter, the smaller it looks. To make your counter look large and inviting, keep it clean and tidy. Put appliances away in cabinets when they are not in use and try not to use the counter as a catch-all.

Cutting Boards are Your Friend

Cutting items directly on the counter may be quick, but the damage to the counter can be extensive. In addition to marring the surface, those cuts in the countertop will trap dirt and germs. Your counter will wind up looking dirty all the time, regardless of how hard you scrub it. To keep your counter in great condition and looking clean, use a cutting board every time.

Kitchen counters can be cleaned easily using simple dish detergent. Stubborn stains can be cleaned off gently using a harsher cleaner, following manufacturer’s directions. Be sure to also clean the backsplash to keep everything looking crisp and tidy for a kitchen that is inviting and welcoming.

DirectBuy can help you with your kitchen remodeling on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, there are many ideas for home improvement that will make a big difference in your design.