If your kitchen is old or you want a different look, you need to consider these tips for the project to be a success:

Begin with the countertops

Kitchen countertops have the most significant impact on the design of the kitchen. They also cost a lot, especially if the kitchen is large. For you to avoid wasting money and create a look you love, begin your project by thinking about the type of countertops you will install.

Visit the local stores and find out what is in stock. For you to be content with your project, you need to be happy with the countertops first; therefore, ensure that you choose the right ones. Countertops vary in material, quality, size, among many other things. Choose the ones that fit your project.

Aim for quality

Kitchen renovations are costly, and you can’t be doing them after every few months. To do them once and properly, go for the best quality materials possible. In addition to the high-quality cabinets and appliances lasting for longer, they also have a high resale value.

You don’t have to buy new materials. If you don’t have deep pockets, consider going for used materials. They might be used, but still in good condition and of high quality. Some of the best materials are those bought from a business selling reused building materials.

If you are unlucky in these stores, try your luck online. Find individual sellers selling high-end items at affordable prices.

Pay attention to the layout of the kitchen

The kitchen needs to be practical and functional. How you lay it out depends on your priorities and needs. Think about the look you want to create and the people that will be using it. If it’s more than one person, incorporate more than one workstation.

If you have a large kitchen, add a kitchen island or get a wheeled cart that you can move around and put away when you aren’t using it.

If you aren’t sure of what will work with your household, make use of the classic work triangle; arrange the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular pattern.

Have a realistic budget

Most large renovation projects end up taking more time and money than you anticipated; therefore, it’s wise to have extra cash on the side in the event the project goes over. A good rule of thumb is to have 10-20% more money for unplanned expenses.

The last thing you want is going to the bank to get another loan in the mid of the project. Even worse is ending up with a half-finished kitchen because you ran out of cash.

When coming up with a budget, remember to factor in the hidden costs. These include labor, materials, taxes, shipping, and delivery costs. These add up fast; therefore, it’s paramount that you put them into consideration when coming up with an approximation of the amount of money you need for the project.

Make use of all areas

You don’t want to spend a lot of money giving your kitchen a makeover and be left with unutilized areas. Make use of all areas in the kitchen. Use the toe-kick storage beneath the cabinet doors to store items that you don’t use daily. These include linens, serveware, and step ladder.

Using all the spaces gives you the satisfaction that you spent your money wisely. At the same time, it keeps your kitchen counters clutter-free.

Work with the right contractor

Not every countertop contractor you come across is right for your project. You can buy premium materials then end up with ugly countertops after hiring the wrong contractor. Many people end up with the wrong contractor as they are in a hurry to hire

To find the right professional, take your time. Approach several granite contractors Durham and ask for their current license and insurance. Also, ask about their past customers. Don’t just get the names of the customers. Call them and ask about their experience with the contractor.

If the professional checks out in every area, go ahead and draft a contract detailing the starting date, completion date, and any other details of the project.

Different countertop materials have already graced countless kitchens all over the world. On the other hand, cabinetry is also a staple in most household areas including the kitchen. Each option offers its own benefits in terms of functionality, material, and aesthetic value. But how about combining the two?

Apparently, marrying countertops and kitchen cabinetry is already a thing. In fact, there are a lot of countertop-cabinetry combination options to choose from. Imagine having quartz countertops or granite countertops built with high-quality kitchen cabinets. It may be the refreshing change you are looking for in your kitchen.

Choosing a great countertop and cabinetry material combination

It is important to choose the right combination of countertop and cabinetry materials to achieve that aesthetic appeal you are looking for. It also offers several benefits for the homeowner. Aside from enhancing your kitchen’s overall aesthetic value, it can also save you money unlike building entire marble countertops or any other expensive countertop materials.

When matching countertop and cabinetry materials, you can pair them either to contrast or complement each other. Regardless of the options, these can both create a satisfying look to your kitchen. You can also check out different countertop material samples from countertop replacement companies so you can decide which cabinetry material to choose.

Combining countertop and cabinetry in your kitchen can be overwhelming especially if you are not really familiar about it. However, it will be more on implementing good color coordination, striking a good balance between the two materials, and trusting your personal judgment.

In choosing cabinetry material

Choosing the right cabinetry material should not be a chore. On the one hand, there are many cabinetry materials you can choose from. There are also framed and frameless cabinets, and those that can be customized. Framed cabinets are more suitable for traditional kitchens, while frameless ones are more apt for modern and trendy kitchen themes.

There are prefabricated cabinets available that you can simply install and ready to use. On the other hand, there are also semi-custom cabinets that have already basic finishing. It’s up to you to add accessories and paint color as finishing touches. If you want unique cabinetry, you can have a customized cabinet made by a professional carpenter or contractor.

So, here we are in the most important aspect of choosing cabinetry: the material. Among popular cabinetry materials include:

Pine – provides a rugged look on the cabinetry
Cherry – durable and combines well with other wood materials
Maple – ideal for both contemporary and traditional cabinetry designs
Oak – looks good whether dark or light-colored and very durable
Laminate – a good and cheaper alternative for expensive wood cabinetry materials

In choosing a countertop material

Meanwhile, there are also a lot of kitchen countertops materials you can choose from. Among popular ones include granite and quartz. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty. On the other hand, quartz is also a good choice because of its non-porous properties.

However, you can choose other types of countertop materials aside from the abovementioned options. Among these include the following.

Laminate

There are different laminate options that look expensive but are actually at a fraction of the cost. It can also mimic different countertop materials of your choice without spending too much.

Marble

This is one classic and timeless option for an expensive countertop. It looks good in every home and the material is also used for other options such as flooring and bathroom walls. Be ready to shell out extra cash to avail this type of countertop.

Stainless steel

This countertop material looks heavy-duty, yet is also a durable and stain-resistant option. Plus, it is easy to clean and maintain as well as it is hygienic.

Wood

It is another popular countertop material that is ideal for a rustic-themed kitchen. However, it can be a little tedious to maintain as it can be prone to wear and tear over the years.

Tips on combining countertop and cabinetry

Here are some tips to mix and match countertop and cabinetry materials. For one thing, it can make your kitchen look more interesting and practical. Also, adding an accent on your kitchen island or countertop can serve as a focal point and enhance aesthetic appeal. This can work better if your kitchen’s color scheme is on the neutral side.

It is also a good idea to create a balance between dark and light accents and materials. It exudes elegance and classic beauty of kitchen interiors. For your needs for kitchen countertops, it is best to hire professional granite companies in Durham.

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Kitchen Countertops: 6 Kitchen Renovation Tips To Remember