Four Things You Should Know Before Buying Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are the most important part of the kitchen. You spend a lot of time washing, cooking, and preparing your food on your kitchen countertop. What’s more, it reflects the style of your kitchen. There is a wide range of kitchen countertops which are available in the market right now.

Choosing the right countertop is one of the most crucial decisions in a kitchen remodel. This is because it will have a considerable impact on the whole style of the kitchen. It can either make it look modern or traditional, depending on the choice you make. To make the process easier for you, we have come up with 4 ground rules which will help you choose the perfect countertop for your kitchen.

1. Kitchen Countertop Height

The standard counter height is related to the average Indian height which is generally between 820 mm to 860 mm. The countertop should ideally be a few inches above your waist length to avoid spills from the cooking surface. Also, ensure that the distance between kitchen cabinets and the countertop should not be too much as the upward it goes, the more difficult it is for you to reach the upper shelves.

2. Countertop Material

Broadly, there are 6 kitchen countertop materials that are widely used in the Indian market:

• Granite: If chopping and cutting is a regular feature in your kitchen, you can opt for this material as this withstands spills, scratches and is easy to maintain.
• Marble: Besides being a sturdy material, it is one of the classiest materials to go for given its looks and durability.
• Tiles: Hard to clean but available in different patterns and colours, this is the choice for those who are more into instant cooking methods.
• Laminates: Available in many colours, it is lightweight and an economical option for many homemakers today.
• Steel: Strong yet expensive, this is typically used by chefs for its modern and professional looks.
• Solid Surface: If you like to go by traditional designs, solid surface is your bet as this natural stone to is available in varied colours.

For a comprehensive guide on the kitchen countertop materials, click here to know more.

3. Kitchen Countertop Colour Options

Getting the perfect colour for your kitchen countertop will depend on the following factors:

• Kitchen Cabinets: If your kitchen cabinets are in the wood, you could choose granite texture to blend well with the overall kitchen theme. However, if your cabinets and shelves are in single colour say red or blue, you could either choose a complete contrast like white Marble or team it up with a different shade of the same colour.
• Material: If you’ve already decided on the countertop material, your colour choice will be dependent on the colours available in that material. While marble and steel have limited colour options; laminates and granite offer a wide gamut of patterns and colour palette.

4. Kitchen Countertop Budget

Know the net countertop cost before making a deal based on the material you choose, your countertop cost will be defined by that. However, a standard granite countertop will cost Rs.550 per square foot but it can vary depending on the pattern, thickness of the material. Remember that if you are getting it done from a carpenter, the net cost of kitchen countertop is not just confined to buying the material but also installing it as per your kitchen size, labour and freight charges.

So, the next you go shopping for the right countertop for your kitchen designs, you know what points to keep in mind before making the final call.

Make your best buy of countertops for the kitchen from HomeLane. They provide hard, durable and stain-resistant countertops made from a range of materials you can choose from. Build your space with the choice of your materials and let your kitchen reflect your taste.