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.

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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.

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Granite Countertops

Act Fast

There’s nothing worse than allowing a staining substance excessive time to work its evil magic. Most everything that stains will need time to do so, unless you’re dealing with cloth. Clean it up immediately, and you’ve avoided the problem altogether.

Use What Nature Has Given You

Maybe it’s too late. You’ve left the mess for too long, and now you have an ugly stain to show for it. Never fear, just reach into your pantry and grab the vinegar. It just happens to be nature’s stain removal product in addition to a nice salad dressing ingredient. Pour white, distilled vinegar on the stain and let it soak, it should come right out.

Time To Get Serious

Did the vinegar fail? It’s time to head to the grocery store. The stain removal products available there are no joke, they work!

It only takes these few kitchen cleaning tricks to remove stains and avoid them in the future. Use them and keep your surfaces looking beautifully clean.

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Wonderful Clean Countertops

If possible, plan on keeping countertops as free from small appliances and decorative items as possible. This means planning for a place for everything and everything in its place. Uncluttered countertops are easy to wipe down quickly, and they are always ready for prepping a gourmet meal or a peanut butter sandwich. While it is not always practical to keep all surfaces clear, plan on at least one large food preparation area that is intended to be kept clear when not in use.

Quick to Clean Surfaces

Cabinets, shelves, window coverings, and countertops are easiest to clean when they are made of smooth non-staining material. Some luxury surfaces are beautiful but require a great deal of care, such as marble and non-brushed stainless steel; they also tend to show fingerprints. Hard water leaves residue on nearly anything, so consider a water softener.

The easier it is to clean your new kitchen décor, the more likely you and your family will enjoy it.

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Normally, the thickness of a countertop is determined based on its overall size.  The countertop in the kitchen is generally thicker than say a bathroom countertop because its span is greater and it must support not only sinks, but in-counter kitchen appliances.

A Matter of Taste

I’ve often noticed homeowners in the north choose thicker countertops than those in the south.  I’m not sure the reason for this, but can assume much of it has to do with a matter of taste.

Today we can find kitchen countertops ranging in thickness between 2”–5”.  It’s important to remember the thicker the countertop, the more support it will need which can directly impact the construction of your kitchen cabinets.

Thicker cabinets bring an additional depth to your kitchen as well as a unique design.  Consider installing a thicker kitchen or island countertop in your kitchen for an eye-catching design.

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It’s More Than Just Looks

Many people choose a kitchen countertop based on color.  While this is important, you need to have a good understanding of the durability and maintenance of any countertop material and how those characteristics fit into your style of life in the kitchen.

No matter which countertop you choose, there will be options in colors, patterns, and edge styles.  Keep your overall design goal in mind when making your selections.

Take a good look at your lifestyle.  If you are tough on your kitchen countertops, you might need to look at a granite or engineered stone rather than marble.  Have a good understanding of a material’s durability and characteristics before making a final selection.

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Tips for Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Kitchen countertops of quartz have become increasing popular because of their scratch resistance and non-porous quality.  Keep these tips in mind to maintain your quartz countertop:

1.    Warm, soapy water will do the trick most every time.  Clean your quartz top with warm, soapy water and a sponge or non-abrasive cloth.

2.    For tough spots, use an all purpose cleaner.  The label on the bottle should indicate if it is appropriate for quartz.  Again, use a soft sponge or cloth.

3.    After cleaning with soap or all purpose cleaner, go back over the top with plain water.  This will remove any residue left behind.

4.    To eliminate streaks or smudges, dry the countertop with a soft cloth.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a countertop easier to maintain than quartz.  Follow the cleaning tips above or those recommended by your manufacturer to keep your new quartz countertop clean and beautiful.

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Material Matters

It’s important to understand the range of material options so you can budget for a new countertop.  On top of the material, you will need to budget for fabrication and installation plus any edge detail you want added.

Unique and exotic materials will cost more.  Granite, onyx, and marble are some of the more expensive materials.  If you just can’t live without that expensive granite for your new countertops, save money elsewhere by choosing less expensive cabinets or flooring.

Getting the kitchen countertop of your dreams isn’t unachievable.  You simply need to make it the top item in the remodeling budget and move the other items down on your list.

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Most Common Edge Profiles for Kitchen Counter Tops

Countertop edge profiles range from simple to ornate.  You should ask to see all the profiles offered when purchasing your new countertop material.  Most merchants or installers have detailed drawings or actual samples of the edging they offer.  Here are a few of the most common types of edge details:

1.    Straight Edge
2.    Single Bevel Edge
3.    Double Bevel Edge
4.    Radius Edge
5.    Ogee Edge

Investigate all the edge options for your new kitchen countertop material.  It will play an important part of the end design and look.

For your kitchen remodeling needs, DirectBuy has a wide variety of top-quality products, such as countertops , flooring and furnishings and more to help you create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of – all at great savings for your budget!