Updates for Kitchen Counters

The countertop is no less important than the cabinetry in your kitchen. It can also tell the prospective buyer about the age of your kitchen. You have to make sure that it is in tip-top shape as to not distract the buyer from the rest of the kitchen and to not lover the price.

Making a Connection with Countertops

If your kitchen and your dining areas are separated by a wall and could definitely use to appear a bit larger – cut a hole in the wall and put either a small counter over it or give it a quaint window frame. If you are uncomfortable with doing so because you do not want to feel pressured that your kitchen is not clean then install shutters that could be easily closed at your discretion.

More upscale kitchens tend to feature an island in the middle. It provides more counter space – you can make it into a grill-top or just extra space to work on. It is also very convenient for couples who like to cook together.

An Eat-in Counter

There is a growing popularity of being able to eat in one’s own kitchen, and the trendiest thing is an Eat-in counter. It usually tends to be granite, and it is affixed to an empty wall with support at the bottom. Seating is generally provided with bar stools which gives the kitchen a very modern and trendy look.

An Eat-in countertop is very convenient due to the fact that it can be used for preparing the food as well as for quick meals between tasks.

Counters Flaws that Could be Fixed

A quick and easy fix for any unsightly burn or cut marks on an overall good looking countertop can easily be fixed by installing a butcher-block cutting board over it. You can find a 1/2 inch thick, 2-foot square board for under $10. Secure it by drilling holes from the bottom and screw in a few short wood screws.

If you have a butcher-block already, but it looks a bit beat down, you can easily make it look like new. Just use a wood scraper to take off the not-so-attractive layer and fine sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Following that, only apply oil, and it should look just like new. If there are a few minor flaws that can’t be scraped away, make a little pattern with ceramic tiles that could be used as a spot for any hot pots or pans.

If your counters are in very bad shape, consider purchasing new ones from a home-improvement store; they will run about $12 per linear foot. These can be ordered custom cut to include a hole for your sink or range top, but the installation may require a professional. A compromise measure between expensive retiling of an existing counter or total replacement of a countertop is to apply ceramic tiles against the wall behind the counter. This will also create a country-kitchen look and add a focal point which may draw attention away from an otherwise lackluster counter area.

If your counters need a lot more work than a few quick-fixes, you may like to opt for a new countertop. You can find attractive countertops for a very reasonable price per linear foot. If there is only a part of your countertop that needs to be replaced, you may do which will create a “country style” look.

Mistakes to Avoid

You should know that everything below the eye level merges. That means that the countertop should take into account the surrounding objects. It does not have to match, per se, but it should not clash. If you are planning on using anything else but neutral colors, you should be careful and bring home a sample and see exactly how it works in the room and makes sure that it is a color that anyone can live with.

Don’t forget about corbels or wood brackets for support of your countertops. Ideally, they should be planned and purchased ahead of time. Then you will have plenty of stress-free time to finish them to match your kitchen cabinets, and to install them before your countertops arrive.

If you plan on having a kitchen island you might want to consider using kitchen-island legs for support of a countertop overhang