Weighing Your Kitchen Renovation Options

Your kitchen renovation revolves around two main areas. You must decide whether you want to completely replace your cabinets or just update them. Then you need to choose what kind of kitchen countertop materials to use. These two decisions guide the rest of your kitchen design. Here are some options for each to consider.

Cabinets
Your gut reaction may be to tear out your existing cabinets and start all over with new custom pieces. Before you have your contractor start the demolition process, though, think about how you can refinish the front of the cabinets to make them look new. You can use a new finish to completely change the appearance of your cabinets. Adding trim gives it an upscale look that will make such a difference that frequent guests will assume you’ve had them replaced. Don’t forget the interiors, either. Adding features such as drawer dividers or a lazy Susan can make your storage more useful and efficient.

Countertops
When choosing countertops, there are several factors to consider. Are the kitchen countertop materials durable? Are they environmentally friendly? How will my countertops look? How much will they cost? Your designer can help you navigate all these questions and choose the right material that fits your desired style and budget. Some of the most cost effective options are laminate, tile and butcher block counters. Laminate is the least expensive, but if it is not installed well, the seams may curl when they come into contact with heat or moisture. Tile and butcher block both have signature looks. Individual tiles can be replaced if they get damaged, and resealing your butcher block frequently helps it last longer. Granite and quartz are more expensive, but they are highly durable and thus the cost may even out over time.

Kitchen renovation starts with making two key decisions. Once you have chosen the kitchen countertop materials and the cabinet design you want, you can plan the rest of the room around them.