Other than cabinets, countertops are perhaps the most eye-catching feature in a kitchen and should therefore receive extensive consideration during design. When it comes down to it, though, your countertop selections, which should make up about 7 percent of your kitchen budget, can suffer from a lack of inspiration. Many homeowners turn to a popular stock material, granite, for a clean, elegant look. Others may resist the price or simply want to buck the trend. Luckily for homeowners and designers, there are seemingly endless options for kitchen countertops in terms of material and style. Here, we’ll try to debunk some of the most important kitchen decor myths, while also providing some new ideas.

1) A granite or stone look is too expensive for my budget

Granite is priced at different levels, with less exotic patterns hovering around $50 to $65 per square foot, but if a slab is out of your price range, it doesn’t mean you have to give up the upscale look. Granite tiles cost considerably less than a slab, between $25 and $50 per square foot. Depending on the color of grout you choose, a tile countertop can look a lot like a solid surface.

In addition to granite tiles, there are other materials that can effectively mimic the elegant look of natural stone. Engineered quartz, such as Silestone or Zodiaq, is a durable material made from crushed quartz and resin binders. It’s as hard as granite, but it’s also stain resistant, antimicrobial, and nonporous, so sealing isn’t necessary. Quartz countertop comes in hundreds of colors, so you can achieve a granite look or go in a completely different direction. For a slightly lower price, acrylic solid surface (Corian or LG HI-MACS, for example) achieves a similar look and comes in just as many colors, though it’s not as hard or heat resistant as other options.

2) Concrete is for sidewalks and driveways only (and it has to be gray)

Concrete is, in fact, a recently popular kitchen countertop material, largely due to its eco-friendly properties. Concrete can be made with large percentages of post-industrial resources and other recycled materials such as paper and glass. The styling options for concrete surfaces are more numerous than you might think. Pigments can be added to the mix to create colors from brown or black to cream, and even some more vibrant shades. The best feature of concrete is that it can be cast on site and customized to your space. It’s easy to create freeform shapes and even place other unique materials on the slab, such as pieces of glass, metal, or stone. A concrete countertop will require an epoxy sealer to prevent staining and may need to be resealed from time to time. Make sure your installer is experienced with concrete countertops, to ensure that the end result is a solid and beautiful build.

3) The entire kitchen countertop must be of the same material

An easy way to create interest in your kitchen is to vary the materials you use. Don’t be afraid to introduce one or two different types of countertops without losing the cohesiveness of your design. An especially striking material on a center island will add a “wow” factor when guests enter your home. You may want to feature a piece of reclaimed wood or spectacular copper, or just vary the color used on the rest of the counters (black vs. white, for example). Many homeowners like to designate a certain area of ​​the countertop for a special material that is useful for chopping or kneading, such as butcher block or marble. Displaying a stylish material in one area of ​​your kitchen is also a great way to make a statement while staying on a budget. By finishing the rest of the countertops with a less expensive material in a similar color or something different, you’ll save more money than if you finished the entire kitchen with exotic granite.

Do not hesitate to do something different in your kitchen! As long as you get all the information on cleaning, sealing, and maintenance to maximize the life of your counter, there are plenty of options available to you. Easy, budget-conscious touches of personality will ensure your space is one of a kind.

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