Posts Tagged ‘countertop’

 

Cost of a New Countertop

Thursday, August 15th, 2013

Cost of a New Countertop - Handyman

The cost of a new countertop can vary dramatically based on the material you choose and the size of countertop you need. There are, of course, a number of options available in terms of material, and each has its pros and cons. Once you decide on the type of material you want, the next step is to determine price.

Stone Countertops

This is typically the most expensive category of countertop material and includes natural stone products such as granite and marble, as well as engineered stone, which is primarily composed of quartz. Depending on the quality of the marble, granite, or quartzite you choose, the cost could be anywhere from $4 per square foot to a whopping $150 per square foot. Stone slab countertops also fall into a slightly costlier price range of $50 to $150 per square foot. On the plus side, stone countertops are incredibly durable and lend an air of grace and elegance to any space.

Solid Surface Countertops

This material can give you a similar look and feel to stone countertops, but the cost of a new countertop in this category will actually cost you a lot less. Ranging from $40 to $80 per square foot, solid surface countertops are as durable as stone. A typical kitchen countertop in this material should cost you somewhere between $1,200 and $2,500.

Laminate Countertops

This is one of the cheapest countertop materials you can get, with prices ranging from $7 to $30 per square foot, depending on the type of laminate you choose. This means that you could easily get a 30-foot countertop within $200 to $900. Bear in mind that laminate is very durable, and the recent advances in laminate technology allow you to create very realistic countertops that mimic any natural material from stone to bamboo.

Tile Countertops

Tile is a very popular option for countertops, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. There are a number of tile materials available, including stone, ceramic, and porcelain. Stone tiles typically run between $4 and $20 per square foot, whereas ceramic and porcelain tiles fall in the range of $1 to $250 per square foot. Porcelain tiles will generally fall in the higher end of that price range, with ceramic tiles occupying the lower end of the scale.

Wood Countertops

Wood is a very popular option for countertops, especially in kitchens. Depending on the type of wood you choose, these countertops can cost anywhere between $30 and $150 per square foot.

Get A New Countertop Installed

Once you choose the material for your new countertop, chances are you will need a handyman to help you install it. Visit our website today and use TalkLocal’s free online referral service to find the perfect handyman for the job in your area.

Kitchen Countertop Materials

Sunday, August 4th, 2013

Kitchen Countertop Materials - Handyman

When looking for kitchen countertop materials, there are a number of options available, each with its own pros and cons. The final choice comes down to your design parameters and budget, but it is always helpful to understand the benefits of each option before you make a decision.

Stone Countertops

The most popular kitchen countertop materials in this category are marble and granite, but you can also get soapstone and limestone countertops. Stone countertops tend to be the most expensive of all countertop materials, but they are very durable and heat-resistant. However, stone materials tend to be porous and require periodic resealing. They also have a propensity to show stains and cracks, and if installed incorrectly, they can shatter under the stress.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is growing in popularity as a countertop material, primarily due to the fact that it is nonporous, making it highly resistant to bacterial buildup. This type of material is resistant to heat and stains, but it will show scratches and is susceptible to denting.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone countertops are made primarily of quartz, can be custom designed to replicate any pattern or material, and come in a wide range of colors. This material is nonporous as well as scratch- and stain-resistant, but it is not heat-resistant, which makes it a poor choice for a range or stove surround.

Solid Surface

This material is fairly expensive, but it is a popular option, as it stands up well to scratches and can be customized to replicate any pattern or natural material in any color you choose. However, it is neither heat-resistant, nor stain-resistant.

Laminates

For affordability and customizability, this is one of the best kitchen countertop materials around. Laminates are heat-resistant as well as stain-resistant and are incredibly durable. However, they are susceptible to scratches and scorching from hot dishes and are not easy to repair.

Tile

Tile countertops are a great option due to their relatively low cost, their durability, and their resistance to heat, scratches, and stains. They are also entirely customizable, meaning that you can create any design pattern you want.  The only issue with them is that they can chip or crack, and the grout needs to be kept clean to discourage the growth of mildew.

Wood

Wood countertops add a touch of old-world warmth to any kitchen and are available in a number of materials and finishes. While they are highly resistant to scratches and are extremely durable, they are susceptible to staining and damage from heat, moisture, and chemicals.

Get A New Countertop

Unless you are adept at home repair and renovation, it is advisable to hire a handyman to install your new countertops. TalkLocal can help you find a handyman in your area who can help you with your countertop project. Contact us today via our website and get started on your home renovation project.