Finding the perfect countertop in Los Angeles for the most active room in your kitchen can be a challenge. In addition to being durable and stain-resistant, the countertop you choose must be easy to clean and attractive. Think it’s an impossible mission? Keetchen and Cosmos Flooring will give you the rundown on different types of countertops and help you choose the best surface for your kitchen.
Factors to Consider when buying a Countertop
Budget
There’s a kitchen countertop to match almost any budget, with laminate countertops at the lower end of the spectrum and wood or metal countertops among the more higher-priced materials. If cost-effectiveness is an important factor for your project, consider sturdy and easy-to-care for laminate or even solid surface countertops. If visual appeal and style is more important, explore the look and features of natural stone countertops like those from Stonemark® Granite or Silestone® Quartz or the always beautiful NeoLith® as pictured in this article. Neolith® is not damaged by low temperatures, Resistant to scratching and abrasion due to the hardness of the surface and Since the color is 100% natural, it does not deteriorate due to exposure to the sun or extreme temperatures.
Maintenance
Some kitchen countertop materials and styles require little maintenance. When it’s time to clean up, just use a soft cloth and mild soap or detergent and they’re ready for use again. On the other hand, those made from specialty materials like marble and other natural stone surfaces, may require more maintenance.
Lifestyle
How you use your kitchen in Los Angeles plays an important role in the type of kitchen countertops you choose and how they are integrated into your kitchen as a whole. For some, the kitchen is more of a “work” area than a “show” area. If you plan to use your kitchen more as an area for entertaining, there are options in each of our unique surfaces that show off your unique style.
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS
Choosing just the right counter tops can make or break a kitchen remodel. Theses days though there are so many different options available it can be very hard to know where to start! Here though is some information about the most popular kitchen counter top materials available today and their pros and cons:
| Counter Material | Pros | Cons | Cost* |
| Natural Stone | • Durable • Heat-resistant • Many color options |
• May stain unless sealed • Edge treatments can be costly • Can’t be fabricated or modified on site |
• $50 and up |
| Engineered Stone | • Durable • Heat-resistant • Won’t stain • Many color and pattern options |
• Can’t be fabricated or modified on site | • $50 and up |
| Plastic Laminate | • Durable • Non-staining |
• Can be scratched • Can be damaged by high heat • Can’t be repaired |
• $15 and up |
| Solid Surface | • Color all the way through • Minor damage can be repaired • Non-staining • Integral sinks an option • Many color and texture options |
• Doesn’t like high heat • Sharp knives a problem |
• $50 and up |
| Tile | • Great design flexibility • Heat- and stain-resistant • Damaged tiles can be replaced |
• Grout may stain • Countertop surface may be uneven |
• $15 and up |
| Concrete | • Can be dyed and cast in virtually any shape • Heat-resistant and durable |
• May show hairline cracks • Will stain unless sealed |
• $60 to $100 |
| Wood | • Can be used as cutting surface • Resists moderate heat • Surface can be repaired |
• May stain or decay with exposure to water • Open-pored woods may collect food and grime |
• $20 and up |
| Stainless Steel | • Extremely durable • High heat resistance • Non-absorptive surface • Integral sinks and backsplash possible |
• May dent • Commercial look won’t suit every home |
• $80 to $90 |
| Recycled Materials | • Variety of materials available • Appropriate in green-built homes |
• Some must be sealed to prevent stains | • $25 to $150 |
| *Prices are per square foot installed. Prices are approximate and will vary considerably by region. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long does it take to get my new countertops installed?
A: This, of course, depends on many factors. If you are installing your own laminate countertop, you can typically get the laminate sheet goods the next day at a local dealer. If the color you choose is not in stock it could take a week or two for the color to come in. You can probably fabricate and install a laminate countertop yourself in a weekend.
If you are using a fabricator, you will need to place the order and schedule a template. This can take a week or so depending on how hard it is for you and the fabricator to find a time that works for both of you. After template the fabricator must order the material and fabricate the tops. This time period is typically about two weeks, but can take up to three. Installation can be finished in a couple of hours, but you will want to keep in mind that between template and installation you may have to spend a couple of weeks without a counter top.
Q: Is there any particular product that is best for the resale of my home?
A: The first thing to think about is the value of your home. You don’t want to invest more in the counter tops than you can feasibly get back in resale, but if putting in a slightly more expensive top can bring real value to your home you don’t want to overlook this option either.
Always keep in mind when designing for resale that though you may love bright colors and lots of fancy detail, the next buyer may not. Just because it is granite or solid surface does not mean that the future buyer will automatically love the tops.
Q: Why are prices sometimes higher for the same product?
A: One thing you always want to ask is how many seams will be in the top and where they will be positioned. It is usually less expensive to fabricate a top with a lot of seams rather than one or two. So you want to be sure that your less-expensive quote does not use a lot of seams. Some stores cut costs by using remnants to create the top rather than fabricating from a larger slab that will give a better look. When comparing prices, you also always want to check each quote to make sure that the edge profile, back splash, sink cutouts, and other accessories are included. Always make sure you are comparing “apples to apples.”
Q: Can you get other types of surfaces besides the ones listed here?
A: Yes! Ask us for what you are looking for specifically. With the vast number of surface options, we don’t have the space to show them all. But with the number of manufacturers, fabricators and suppliers we deal with we can special order many of these specialty products such as exotic wood tops, soapstone or concrete tops. We’d be happy to find exactly what you need.
Q: Can I reuse my existing sink and back splash with a new top?
A: This really depends on the situation. Tile is easily broken and no installer will guarantee that they can save your existing back splash. It is often best to have a few extra tiles handy in case one or two break and you should prepared for this possibility when replacing a top. Sinks are typically not a problem unless yours has warped with age or use.
Q: How should I prepare for my template and installation?
A: Most fabricators do not include tear out and removal of your old counter top unless you specify this in your request for a quote. Make sure you let your salesperson know if you need help with tear out and removal.
It is also important to have picked out your plumbing fixtures and to have them on site at the time of template so that your installer can take measurements. Some fabricators may want to take the sink or faucet(s) back to the shop with them to be fitted with your top. If you have a cooktop or drop-in range you will also need to have those on-site.
Keep in mind that it is a messy job removing a counter top. Plan accordingly and remove any valuable or breakable items from the area.
Remember that fabricators and installers are not plumbers. They may or may not actually install the sink, and they will not hook up plumbing. You will need to hire a plumber to hook up your new faucet, disposal, and possibly your new sink.
If you are in the hunt for wide variety of kitchen countertop and cabinets, companies such as Keetchen and Cosmos Flooring in the greater Los Angeles area can help you achieve your idea considering your desire and budget. At Keetchen they carry a great selection of countertop materials. You can contact Keetchen showroom in Los Angeles at (833) keetchen or (833) 533-8243.