What are they made of?
Beautiful wood countertops are stunning and bring a great accent piece to your kitchen. Keep in mind that butcher-block countertops are not for everyone. Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses that come along with the beauty and convenience.
Overall, if you enjoy working in the kitchen, you’ll probably love the functionality of butcher-block countertops and other wood countertops. They are great for baking and other types of food preparation. The warmth and beauty of natural wood creates a very inviting space for homeowners and guests. Live your luxury. Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer,
Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.
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Don’t be too excited to run away from those laminate countertops just yet though! With new technology and more options available, laminate countertops come in the widest possible range of colors and patterns currently on the home improvement market. From marble imitative veining, glass-like solid colors, or even the natural speckles and flakes of granite: all of these styles are available in laminate options now. What are they made of? Laminate countertops are typically called “plastic laminate” because the surfaces are made of multiple plastic compounds. Laminate countertops typically contain a hard particleboard core with layers of plastic laminate bonded over the top of it. Many laminates are now made to mimic the look of more expensive surfaces like marble or granite. This has created a greater desire for these kinds of countertops than ever before. What’s the Cost? When getting a quote for your countertops, make sure that your quotes are broken down. This not only is telling you where your money is going, but may help you budget later on, as well. Custom laminate countertops usually cost around $7-$30 per square foot, depending on the brand, color, finish and edge style. A typical kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop area will cost you $210-$900, not including professional installation. As far as professional installation, this price will vary from your contractor, but it should be about $40-$65 per square foot or $1,200-$1,950 for a typical 30 square foot kitchen. Many home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, sell prefabricated sections of laminate countertop for around $50-$200 per section. Sections typically come in different sizes and corner pieces, with backsplashes attached. Though typically cheaper to install, installation is not included in this price. Sheet laminate costs $30-$150 per sheet, depending on the size of the sheet, color, and style of the laminate. Having unlimited options and low prices may seem like the obvious decision, but don’t be too quick on your decision yet. Laminate countertops are not for everyone. Let’s dive right into some of the strengths and weaknesses.
Laminate countertops offer attractive finishes in a range of colors sure to match your décor and they do so at very affordable prices. In the end, this is the best choice for those with a limited budget, a position most homeowners are in, and someone who will be using the surface with the proper precautions. Because of the color selection, affordability and versatility, laminate surfaces are also popular for offices, laundry areas, workshops and other locations. Come back soon for our next installment of “Luxury Kitchens!” Live your luxury. Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.
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