How to Select the Perfect Countertop

Selecting Countertops for your next remodel or new home

Countertops play two critical roles in the kitchen.

1. The first is functional. We understand that countertops are used for preparing meals, baking and as spaces for storing kitchen equipment and utensils.
2. Equally important is the aesthetic role that countertops play.

When working with a designer or selecting a countertop on your own, here are several key factors to consider to help assure that the product you choose makes you smile every time you walk into and use your kitchen.

Take a holistic view of the kitchen. Countertops, cabinets, appliances, faucets, sinks and hardware need to be in tune with one another. No one component of the kitchen should stand alone. The components need to connect with one another.

How countertops make a kitchen look and feel is determined by the material, texture, color, style, form and shape. The way that countertops contrast or compliment other elements have an impact too. We always ask clients,

“What message do you want your countertops to convey, and what emotions do you want the space to evoke?”

Countertop materials will impact how easy the surface is to clean and maintain.

The most popular materials that we specify for clients are:

• Granite: It’s versatile, and tough and offers an almost infinite palate of colors and styles. Granite is easy to maintain and it will last a lifetime.
• Engineered Stone: Products such as Caesarstone and Silestone function and perform in a similar fashion to granite. They are heat and scratch resistant and easy to maintain. The materials will last a lifetime, don’t stain, and offer an almost unlimited spectrum of colors, textures, and styles.
• Stainless Steel: Professional chefs gravitate to stainless steel, in part, because it is impervious to bacteria and heat. Stainless steel requires more maintenance because of its propensity to scratch and show water spots and fingerprints. We often specify stainless steel countertops for clients that want commercial-styled appliances and plumbing fixtures.
• Butcher Block: This is a surface that represents good value if you like the aesthetic. It’s versatile and can work in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Butcher block can scratch and regularly needs to be treated. Also, it is not impervious to heat.
• Soapstone: This material also has a broad range of stylistic options from contemporary to traditional Like butcher block it also requires regular oil applications. Soapstone also is resistant to stains, but it can be more difficult and costly to maintain because fixing cracks can be expensive.
• Solid Surface: Materials such as Corian, Formica and Staron are examples of solid surface countertops. They offer great ranges for colors and finishes and require minimal maintenance.
• Concrete: There are no limitations on concrete countertops. You can create custom textures, colors, shapes and surfaces. They are environmentally friendly and heat resistant. They typically require more maintenance because they need to be sealed to protect the surface from stains, water and heat damage. The cost ranges from moderate to luxury depending on the amount of customization.

Countertop Edges

Selecting the edge for your countertop is one of those details that can make a huge difference, especially in smaller spaces The edge you select should match the style of your kitchen. Generally, speaking, the most common edges are:

• Single Bevel
• Bullnose
• Eased
• Ogee

Single Bevel

A single bevel is often specified for more modern designs. It is characterized by a clipped flat corner cut along the top at approximately a 45-degree angle. The flat design makes the edge easy to clean, but has sharp edges because the bottom edge comes to a point.

Bullnose

Bullnose edges complement any design motif. They are characterized by a smooth round edge that softens the countertop. Bullnose-edged countertops do not have details, so they are easy to clean and do not have sharp edges, making them an attractive option for families with children in the house. A demi-bullnose is rounded on the top side but features a sharper edge on the bottom. Because the top edge is rounded, demi-bullnose edges are also easy to clean and safe for kids. Bullnose edges are a great option for raised bar tops and islands where the edge may be leaned upon while eating or used for other activities.

Eased Edge

Eased edges are commonplace in contemporary designs because they help soften the hard sharp edges found on laminate countertops. Eased edges also are commonly specified in kitchens with oddly shaped counters or countertops with strange angels. The edges are slightly more pointed.

Ogee

Ogee edges are more detailed and commonly specified in traditional design motifs. These edges typically have two curves and grooves. Cleaning is more difficult but the round shape eliminates the possibility of injuries caused by a sharp edge.

If you would like to determine the best countertop material, texture, look feel and edge for your new kitchen and bath or if you have questions about the countertops that will be perfect for your kitchen please stop by either of our showrooms where we have a large variety of countertop material for you to look at.

Click here to schedule an appointment online or give us a call today.

We have Four Colorado Locations to Serve You

JM Kitchen & Bath Design – Denver
2324 S. Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 300-4400
Showrooms Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am-3:00 pm
*Appointments are encouraged, however, walk-ins are always welcome.

JM Kitchen & Bath Design – Castle Rock
1375 Caprice Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80109
(303) 688-8279
Showrooms Hours: Monday by Appointment Only, Tues-Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am-1:00 pm *Appointments are encouraged, however, walk-ins are always welcome.

JM Kitchen & Bath Design – Colorado Springs
4557 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 596-9990
Showroom Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday 10:00 am-2:00 pm
*Appointments are encouraged, however, walk-ins are always welcome.

JM Kitchen & Bath Design – Arvada
Arvada Market Place
7390 W 52nd Ave, Suite A
Arvada, CO 80002
(720) 674-6880
Showroom Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
*Appointments are encouraged, however, walk-ins are always welcome.

Call any of our locations or click here to have one of our designers contact you or to schedule a showroom consultation.