Style & Design

9 Ideas for Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

Karen Donovan

Does your home need an overhaul? If you have any of the following then it is time for a renovation: a lot of dirt, out-of-date décor, or cracked countertops. If you nodded your head to any of these, then get in touch with a contractor of your choice, consider your options, and get the job done soon.

Whether you want a comfortable home to live in for the rest of your life or you want to renovate your home to increase its value upon sale, you should give your kitchen and bathroom an update for 2020 and beyond. This is the best way to ensure that you can get the best price possible. Sure, it will require some dollars, time, and resources, but this is an investment that will pay dividends.

Unsure what to do? Well, let’s get started with the kitchen. Here are nine ideas for kitchen & bathroom countertops:

Idea #1: Granite countertops

If your are trying to re-design your kitchen & bathroom counters, then granite may not be up your alley. Granite remains one of the most popular slabs for kitchens everywhere.

A granite slab is one of the best investments a homeowner could make. Granite countertops are durable and unique, serving as a premium for property owners. It does require some maintenance, such as periodic sealing to shield it from stains, but this does not demand too much of an investment.

Idea #2: Soapstone countertops

Soapstone has only recently become a favourite among developers, contractors, and homeowners. It is really a unique material that offers you a warm feeling in the kitchen, mainly because soapstone provides an antique atmosphere.

Of course, the main attraction point is that it resists stains and is quite easy to clean. However, soapstone can be easy to scratch or gouge, and it does need to be oiled once a year.

Is money a factor? Then soapstone will cost you more than granite.

Idea #3: Quartz countertops

Quartz is a tremendous manmade countertop material that can withstand anything because it includes quartz crystals and other natural elements. Although it is a bit on the high side in terms of cost, quartz does add to the resale value of your home for its durability, look, and style (you can choose from multiple colours).

Idea #4: Reclaimed wood countertops

Installing new or reclaimed wood countertops is a great conversational starter because of how unique it is to find in kitchens.

At a time when homes are trying to be environmentally friendly, wood countertops might be one of the most appealing countertops available in the market. Repurposed from barns, flooring, siding, and old wood counters, these countertops provide a nostalgic to your home. And it is quite cheap, too!

Too good to be true? Well, if you do not take good care of the countertop, then it could harbour bacteria that can be a danger to your food and overall health.

Idea #5: Slate countertops

Here is a natural stone that has everything you could possibly want: affordable, stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant, durable, and pleasant to the eye. Is this some magical countertop? Not quite. It is just called slate.

The drawbacks might be that they only offer a few colour options and they are gritty, which could affect your cooking preparation day in and day out.

Now, out of the kitchen and into the bathroom.

Here are four ideas for bathroom counters:

Idea #6: Natural stone countertops

When you’re in the market for a bathroom renovation, then you should consider your natural stone options. We have listed some of your choices in the kitchen section, but to give it another look, here is what you can install in your bathroom:

  • Slate
  • Soapstone
  • Limestone
  • Granite
  • Marble

Yes, these do come with a premium, but no two countertops are alike. This means your neighbour can’t copy you anymore!

Idea #7: Laminate countertops

Laminate countertops have really evolved in recent years, distancing themselves from the ugly and cheap looking design from years ago. Today, laminate countertops are lightweight but durable, friendly to your budget and your DIY desires, and eclectic in design.

You can expect to pay as little as $7 per square foot. That’s not too bad when you are already spending a fortune on a state-of-the-art toilet and a new bathtub.

Idea #8: Concrete countertops

Concrete in the bathroom? You would think that is a cold and sterile experience. But concrete countertops are popular for a reason: they are texturised, durable, and strong. The issue, however, is that if there is a crack then you need to replace the entire countertop.

And, if you are on a tight budget, then get ready to pay as much as $150 a square foot.

Idea #9: Porcelain countertops

Porcelain tiles are usually the go-to countertops for homeowners. There are hundreds of designs, they are affordable, and most projects are easy to do. Of course, if you have ever come into contact with porcelain countertops, then you know first-hand how easily the grout lines stain and discolour, requiring you to do a lot of elbow grease.