7 KITCHEN COUNTERTOP REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR YOUR DREAM COOK SPACE

There’s no question that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply gathering for a family meal, everyone always ends up in the kitchen. It’s no wonder then why kitchen remodeling Encino are usually at the top of every homeowners Wishlist. After all, it serves not only as a functional space but also as an entertainment hub!

While most homeowners are willing to take on some simple DIYs to create the kitchen of their dreams, a kitchen countertop replacement is a whole different ball game. If you’re planning to replace a kitchen countertop but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Find out the factors to consider, material options and more right here!

FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR A KITCHEN COUNTERTOP REPLACEMENT

The decision to replace a kitchen countertop comes with several factors to consider, all of which you’d be smart not to neglect! Keep in mind the factors below when narrowing down your replacement selections.

Price: One of the most important factors in a kitchen countertop replacement is your budget. Nothing’s worse than finding a material you love only to find it’s out of your price range. Consider your budget for the product, coupled with the amount needed and research each material’s average cost for that amount first. 

Cleanliness: Not all countertops are created equal when it comes to level of cleanliness. Quartz for instance is a very hygienic option as it’s non-porous. More porous surfaces like stone can be used but yearly sealing is a must to keep them safe and clean for use.  

Durability: With different measures of durability, you want to make sure your replacement matches your expectations for longevity. Materials like granite have a great deal of durability, whereas materials like tile are more susceptible to cracks and chips. 

Color: The color of your countertops doesn’t boil down to aesthetic preferences alone; Though the color itself does have the power to mold your kitchen into the design that fits your personal vibe. It’s important to note that darker counters will show more in the way of streaks and food particles.

1. GRANITE

Pros: Granite has been among the most common kitchen countertop replacement options for some time now. No slab looks alike and its wide variety of color options is a huge draw. Differences in the granite veins also give this material a unique look. A non-porous material, it’s a clean surface that holds its own against heat, cracking and the like. 

Cons: There are a few concerns to remember though. Granite is a very heavy material. You’ll have to be sure your countertops or subsurface are strong enough to withstand their weight. Their patterns also vary. Know that when you pick the color and style you like, the product you get might not be an exact match. 

2. WOOD

Pros: If you’re searching for a touch of the natural, wood countertops are for you. They have the ability to create a warm, homey feeling. With a natural antibacterial agent, they make for a safe cutting surface. They’re also one of the most eco-friendly countertop replacement options. Wood also comes at a much lower cost per square foot, making it a more affordable choice depending on the variety of wood. 

Cons: Wood countertops need to be oiled frequently for protection. Even with this protection, wood is still vulnerable to much damage; Including scratches, water damage, heat damage, dents and the like. All of these potential damages require a good bit of time, maintenance, and resources to fix.

3. QUARTZ

Pros: Hands down the most popular kitchen countertop replacement material in recent years, quartz isn’t just pleasing to the eye. Similar to granite in many ways, you can find it in many patterns. Its low maintenance factor makes it incredibly appealing as it requires no sealing and cleans well. It’s also stain resistant and non-porous making it highly durable. 

Cons: Even though the slabs look polished, the fact that the seams are often noticeable are a drawback. These counters do have heat resistance but somehow their level of resistance doesn’t match up to that of granite. Last and maybe the hardest pill to swallow is the cost. If you’re looking for affordability, quartz isn’t your best bet. 

4. LAMINATE

Pros: Laminate can get a bad rap sometimes, but it does have some noteworthy qualities when it comes to a kitchen countertop replacement. Namely, it’s an affordable choice with easy clean up and a stain resistance finish. It’s manufactured in a color that’s sure to suit any preference and usually a quicker install as it only requires simple cuts. 

Cons: Unfortunately, laminate countertops are near impossible to repair. They’re extremely susceptible to wear and tear and they’re not expected to last nearly as long as other materials. Laminate isn’t most people’s first choice either and wouldn’t have a positive affect on your home’s resale value. 

5. ENGINEERED STONE

Pros: You don’t have to worry about engineered stone’s beauty being interrupted with seams as the entire top surface is one solid piece. A non-porous material, it’s resistant to cuts and Knicks making food prep a breeze. With engineered stone you get the gorgeous look of natural stone at a much lower cost. 

Cons: These countertops are super heavy and require a special frame that comes at a high cost. They’re also not entirely heat resistant. This can become an inconvenience in more than one way. Obviously, you’ll want to be cautious about placing pots and pans directly on the counter. Likewise, if you have any countertop appliances, you’ll need to be sure they aren’t producing too much heat at their base. 

6. TILE

Pros: While tile countertops might not be for everyone, they make for a unique and artistic look that won’t go unnoticed. A strong material with endless design and color options, it’s great at resisting stains and wear and tear. Another bit of good news – any cracks and chips are easily remedied with a simple tile replacement. 

Cons: Grout lines can be an issue harboring germs and crud. They’ll require re-sealing in order to reduce this issue year after year. Tiled countertops also tend to be uneven which can become a problem with using cutting boards and such. 

7. MARBLE

Pros: An attractive surface with tons of character, the softness of marble allows for even more detailed cuts than other stones. It’s also a fan favorite in the baking crowd since it naturally stays cool. This makes it perfect for rolling dough! A long-lasting option, it’s sure to draw in homebuyers when the time comes to sell.

Cons: Marble’s beauty comes at a cost that many aren’t willing to spend on a simple kitchen countertop replacement. It requires a lot of maintenance and sealing. Similarly, it does stain more than other surfaces due to its porousness. They can also take on some significant scratching that is very hard to repair. Marble also has the potential to undergo patina, a process where oxidation changes the original color. 

8. CONCRETE

Pros: As you may have guessed, concrete countertops are particularly durable. They’re also easy to maintain, only requiring resealing every few years. One of the best aspects of concrete counters though is their customization. With an impressive number of options, you can select different textures, edges, and even decorative particles mixed in.

Cons: Concrete countertops aren’t as cheap as many may think. The main reason is due to the amount of labor and expertise required. They’re also fairly vulnerable to chipping and staining. They’re definitely not among the mainstream choice for a kitchen countertop replacement. 

9. STAINLESS STEEL

Pros: Offering a polished look (literally), stainless steel creates a bright and clean cooking space. A non-porous surface, it’s water resistant and the arguably the most hygienic countertop option. It doesn’t burn or stain and is very easy to clean and maintain over time.

Cons: If you do decide to place pots and pans on these counters, the contact with metal pans could risk denting and scratching. They’re also on the higher end when it comes to price. Last, they tend to give off a more industrial look in certain situations; Sometimes even unwelcoming. 

kitchen remodeling contractor Los Angeles | What is the standard countertop height for a kitchen?

 

Did you know that the standard countertop height for kitchens hasn’t changed in over one hundred years? According to Scientific American, the average height for people living in the industrialized world has increased by four inches.

If you have a historic home, you know that everything from the door frames, ceiling heights, windows, kitchen cabinets, and counters is lower than today’s building standards. Today we want everything bigger, taller, and more expansive.

ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO ANSWER WHEN REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN IS WHAT IS THE RIGHT HEIGHT FOR THE COUNTERTOPS?

The answer to the questions depends on several issues. Let’s get into it….

The industry-standard height for countertops is 36 inches. This height is considered comfortable for most people to reach from a standing position without bending over while preparing food.

When considering using the counters for different tasks to support people with special needs, or wheelchair-bound then the counter heights will need to be adjusted accordingly.

If you are above average height and renovating your forever home, why not customize the countertop height to your needs? If you are already using custom cabinets, customizing your countertops and island height will not add significant costs to the project.

You will spend an immense amount of time over the years in your kitchen washing dishes, cooking, and preparing food. You may love to bake, can fruits and vegetables, or host wine tastings. You may also use your kitchen to work on the computer. For many of us, the kitchen does double duty as your hobby center.

The standard countertop height for the kitchen may not be suitable for you if you are above average height or below average size. Avoid back and neck aches and pains by having your countertops customized to your needs.

Efficiency experts talk about ergonomics in the workplace so we don’t get carpal tunnel syndrome or give ourselves a bad back, but what about the kitchen? If you use your oven to store sweaters and your pantry for your Star Wars collection, then maybe the kitchen is not very important to you.

But if you or your family members hope to be contestants on “Cup Cake Wars” or be crowned “Star Baker,” you may want to look at your countertop heights!!!

THE STANDARD COUNTERTOP HEIGHT IS 36 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.

Standard kitchen counter height is usually 36″, according to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

Kitchen cabinets are usually manufactured at 34 1/2″ so that combined with a 1 1/2″ countertop; the finished product will reach the 36″ average kitchen countertop height.

Most people keep the standard height the same for their whole kitchen, regardless of the work they’ll be doing on and around those surfaces.

When thinking about customizing your kitchen countertops, you can even have different heights for another function. Stirring big pots on the stove might require a lower height than scrubbing dishes in the sink.

Standard kitchen counter height and depth are generally 36″ high and 25″ deep.

INCREASE THE HEIGHT TO 42 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR FOR A BAR-HEIGHT COUNTERTOP.

According to Bob Vila, Star builder from the PBS series “This Old House,” Bar-height countertops, also known as pub tables, should be positioned 42 inches off the ground (making the base cabinet height 40½ inches off the ground). This height lets you comfortably place beverages on the bar from either a standing or a seated position.

This height recommendation is predicated on the 29- to the 32-inch height of standard bar stools plus clearance of 10 to 13 inches from the top of the stool seat to the countertop.

How do you adjust the standard countertop height for a person who uses a wheelchair?

The Standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act state that a countertop height range from 28 to 34 inches will allow individuals who use a wheelchair to negotiate this work surface. Base cabinet height would need to be adjusted to between 26½ to 30½ inches above the floor accordingly.

SELECT COUNTERTOP MATERIAL THICKNESS ACCORDINGLY.

Keep in mind that not all countertop materials are sold in the 1½-inch thickness assumed in the 36-inch standard countertop height. Marble and quartz slabs are most commonly sold in a two- or three-cm thickness (roughly ¾-inch-thick and 1¼-inch-thick, respectively). To increase the overall countertop thickness to 1½-inches when using thinner stone slabs, lay a foundation of wood “buildup” strips on top of the base cabinets and install the slab on top. The thickness of the buildup strips and countertop material should together add up to 1½ inches. For example, a ¾-inch-thick quartz slab can be laid over ¾-inch-thick buildup strips to achieve the desired thickness.

CHOOSE APPROPRIATELY SIZED CABINETS AND TOE KICKS.

Most pre-built base cabinets already conform to the 34-inch-tall height standard, which factors in a cabinet height of 31 inches and a “toe-kick” area (between the cabinet and the floor) of 3½ inches. If you’re building your base cabinets to conform to the 34-inch height standard, ensure that they measure 31 inches tall, then allocate a clearance of 3½ inches from the floor to the bottom of the cabinet. Avoid increasing the toe kick height, as this will diminish the size of the cabinets and leave you with less storage space.

ENSURE COUNTERTOPS ARE DEEP ENOUGH TO PROTECT YOUR BASE CABINETS.

The standard depth of base cabinets is 24 inches, but the depth of your countertops should be 25 inches when installed. The one-inch overhang is recommended to protect your base cabinets from debris and spills that may fall from the countertop.

PICK APPROPRIATELY SIZED APPLIANCES.

When shopping for a built-in dishwasher, rule out models with a cut-out height (the height of the opening in the cabinet where the dishwasher will go) that’s higher than the height of your base cabinets. For electric and gas ranges, opt for models that are the same height as your countertop so that the top of the stovetop sits level with the countertops on either side of the range (e.g., a 36-inch-tall stove for a 36-inch standard countertop height).

For DIY savvy folks, you thought this sage kitchen advice makes perfect sense, and you can’t wait to get to work designing your dream kitchen. Still, I suspect that many of you are reading this found your eyes glazing over after the first few paragraphs and thinking where the experts are when you need them.???!!!!

That’s why if you are asking yourself the question, “what is the standard countertop height for the kitchen?” you need to speak to the design team at Structura Kitchen Remodeling Company.

Structura is the top Los Angeles Kitchen Remodeling company with more than sixteen years of experience.

Structura’s clients say that the Structura contractors are true artisans and deliver on every detail.

Call today to schedule a free in-home or virtual video consultation. The Structura Design Team will turn your creative ideas into a 3-D vision and deliver your dream kitchen renovation.

If you can dream it, we can build it!

Call Structura today for a free in-home design estimate or a virtual video design estimate.
Structura Remodeling and Design- tops in Los Angeles. No job too big or too small. Let us design and build the home improvement and backyard patio ideas you have chosen to increase your home value.