There are many reasons you may want to consider replacing your existing kitchen countertops. For starters, if you’re looking to revamp the look of your kitchen, installing new and modern countertops is one of the best ways to make that happen. This is especially important if your existing kitchen countertops are made of dated materials, such as laminate or tile. New stone countertops can give your kitchen a fresh, high-end look that may even improve the resale value of your home. Not to mention, kitchen remodels provide some of the best return on investment (ROI) of any home renovation project out there. Or, perhaps your existing countertops are simply beginning to wear down. You may notice some scratches, burn marks, or other damage to your solid surface counters—or perhaps the grout in your tile countertops has become discolored and grody-looking. Fresh, stone countertops can breathe new life into your kitchen and provide greater durability that any other material out there. And, of course, if you’re thinking about purchasing a new construction home, you will likely have your choice of countertop material. Stone is a great choice here because it will provide you with that high-end look and long-lasting durability.

As you shop for stone countertops, there are many specific options to consider. Right now, granite is among the most popular types of stone chosen by homeowners for countertops. This natural stone has more than 200 different color choices available, and prices range greatly. You’ll find granite countertops for anywhere from $45 to $125 per square feet installed. Quartz is another popular kitchen countertop option; this man-made stone is manufactured by mixing mineral quartz with epoxy glues to hold the material together. From there, pigments are added to achieve the desired color. One of the main advantages of quartz over granite is that it is naturally stain-resistant. Therefore, quartz doesn’t need to be re-sealed every few years to protect against stains. Typically, quartz costs about $55 to $100 per square foot installed. Marble and soapstone are other stone options that are sometimes used for kitchen countertops. Homeowners who select these options tend to care more about the aesthetics than functionality. After all, while these stones are quite durable, they aren’t nearly as hard or long-lasting as granite and quartz.

If you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or are designing a kitchen for a new-build home, you may be wondering when the best time is to shop for countertops. Generally, countertops are among the first choices you’ll want to make (along with cabinet color) when it comes to designing a kitchen. From there, you can begin exploring back splash tile, sinks and faucets, and other smaller components. No matter where you are in the process, our experts at KC Granite Center Inc. can help you select the right stone and slab to suit your design needs.