What type of kitchen countertop is in style? With all of the different choices for kitchen countertops, one of the most important questions to ask yourself when planning your kitchen renovation is “What will look best in my kitchen?” Even if you are planning on a do-it-yourself kitchen renovation, there are a few things to consider when choosing your new kitchen countertops. A kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house and one that you want to not only keep clean, but also be able to show off to family and friends.
Kitchen design trends have shifted towards natural materials over the past several years, and wood kitchen countertops have been at the forefront of this movement. In the past, wood kitchen countertops were a sign of elegance and quality, but today the trend is moving towards organic materials that are as durable as wood, but cost much less. This leaves a lot of consumers with a difficult decision to make between the old and the new, and what they might actually prefer. Today we’ll take a quick look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of wood kitchen countertops to help you decide what type of countertop will work best for you.
The first thing to think about when considering wood kitchen countertops is your budget. The cost of natural stone has come down dramatically over the last few years, but you will pay more for durability than ever before. Natural stone is now so incredibly popular that manufacturers are crafting custom pieces made just for the countertop buyer. For this reason, durability may be the biggest factor you are weighing against wood kitchen countertops.
While durability may not be a big issue for some people, some others prefer the appeal of a smooth, glossy finish over the natural look of wood. For this latter group, laminate wood kitchen countertops may be the perfect choice. These are made of sheets of plastic (or sometimes glass) that are installed over your existing wood. While you can still stain and finish these laminated wood countertops, they won’t have the same appeal as those created from real wood.
Another thing to consider when looking for the right type of wood kitchen countertops is the finish. Some homeowners prefer a matte, natural look, while others like the glossy look of a darker finish on their countertops. If you have a granite countertop, you may also want to consider using that in your design. Laminate countertops can be purchased in a variety of looks, and this is one area where you can really let your imagination go wild.
The third factor to consider when choosing wood kitchen countertops is the maintenance level required. As with any surface, you need to take care of your wood countertop if you want it to last for many years. You should wipe down the surface on a regular basis using a moist rag or paper towel and check for signs of staining or other wear. Laminate countertops are very easy to clean, because they are generally sealed in an electrostatic charge to help protect them from moisture.
Choosing the right color is another aspect of the overall design element. In general, lighter colors help to open up the kitchen and create a more spacious appearance. In contrast, darker colors can make your kitchen feel cramped. Before making your final decision, think about the other appliances you use in your kitchen, and match the color scheme of your cabinets and countertops to the colors in your room. The final result will be a kitchen that is unique and stylish, but which is functional and convenient at the same time.
While it is true that what type of countertops are in style may have an effect on how you decorate your kitchen, you do not have to follow the latest trend if it does not suit you. In fact, many people choose to keep their old countertops, but update their appliances. Others choose to totally redesign their kitchens and replace everything. If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for, many home improvement stores carry a wide variety of options. You may also find that you can customize your own countertops with granite, marble, or wood. No matter what you decide on, the most important thing to remember is that your kitchen is a place where you spend a lot of time, so it only makes sense that you make it as comfortable as possible.