Deciding when to save money and when to spend money is a constant struggle for most homeowners. Countertops are one of the areas that a lot of the homeowners we work with get overwhelmed with and have incorrect information on. There are a lot of options, some natural and some man made. There’s a big difference between the options available as well as a long list of pros and cons for each option. Budget is almost always one of the deciding factors for our clients, so we’ve broken down the areas and circumstances for when to splurge and when to save (in our opinion!)
WHEN TO SPLURGE
1/ High Traffic & Well Used Ares:
Kitchens are the number one area that we recommend splurging. Kitchen countertops not only get used daily, but they also get seen by almost everyone who visits your home. Because of the high use and visibility, it's worth investing in a durable material like Quartz, or a high-quality natural stone.
2/ If You Plan To Sell:
This may be contradictory to what you expected, but homebuyers in today’s market are knowledgeable and do their research. A good quality countertop will definitely stand out and bring peace of mind to potential buyers.
3/ Longevity
Some materials, like quartz (a man-made product that tends to replicate stone visual details), are known for their durability and longevity. If you're looking for a countertop that will last for decades, it's worth the investment.
WHEN TO SAVE
1/ Low Traffic Areas
In areas with lower foot traffic, like a guest bathroom or a laundry room, you can opt for more budget-friendly materials without sacrificing quality. Plastic Laminate or a lower grade quartz are great options for these secondary areas.
2/ Budget
If you have a limited budget, it's important to prioritize your spending with some good old fashioned high/low tactics. Consider more affordable options like laminate or butcher block, which can still provide a functional and attractive surface.
3/ Rental Spaces
If you're in a temporary living situation or own a rental property, a high-end quartz or gorgeous natural stone usually won’t make sense. Opt for a more budget-friendly option like laminate or a lower grade quartz
4/ DIY Projects
Unless you are an extremely qualified DIY’er, I wouldn’t recommend breaking the bank on a high-end material. Simply because there’s a much higher chance of something going wrong.
Ultimately, the most important thing is finding a balance that suits your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences. It's also a good idea to consult with professionals or visit showrooms to see different materials in person and get a better sense of their quality and appearance.
A Quick Comparison Between Quartz and Natural Stone
A lot of our clients get Quartz confused with natural stone. There’s never-ending information and details about these materials but the main difference is that Quartz is a mad made material. It’s an engineered stone that is a combination of ground stone and resin.
Natural Stone, like Marble, Granite, Travertine, Etc. is stone taken from the earth in it’s natural form. These stones often require a little more maintenance such as sealing, heat protection, etc. The most visually apparent difference between Quartz and Natural Stone is the look. Nothing quite compares to the stunning qualities of natural stone. Each slab of natural stone is unique - the veining, colour contrasts and distributions, etc. all vary from slab to slab. Its so important when using natural stone to go view your slab options and hand pick them in person to make sure you love your piece. Because Quartz is man made and the patterns and colours are controlled, it's not always necessary to view your slabs prior to purchase other than to make sure you like the pattern scale as sometimes a smaller sample can't capture the full pattern or veining properly.
I hope this helps you as you plan for your renovation or new build. Happy Shopping!
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