Choosing new countertops is a bigger deal than most homeowners anticipate. With so many material types, colors, patterns, and finishes to choose from, it can be a very overwhelming experience. Often, homeowners come into our Inspiration Gallery thinking they’ll be able to make a final decision that day, which is not always the case!

While our Design Consultants do their best to help you narrow down your choices, the decision ultimately ends up in your hands. After all, you’re the one who is going to have to live with it, right?!

Well, we’d like to lend you a hand before you start your journey by sharing the top five important things to consider when purchasing a new countertop.

NOT EVERYONE’S OPINION COUNTS

When making this decision, you might turn to family, friends, or even strangers (if you’re particularly outgoing) for opinions on your chosen surface design. While getting feedback can help narrow down your choices, remember, this is the space that you’ll be living in, and the opinion that matters the most is yours.

Are you still looking for a little extra advice? Consider subscribing to our Newsletter or viewing the blog topics below!

STYLE & DESIGN

Consider how your surface choice will look within your kitchen and bathroom, as well as your surrounding spaces. Are you more traditional or looking to make a statement? There’s a color or pattern out there for everyone’s style! You can bold with Unique Calacatta Black or keep it classic with Carrara Blanco. Do you like a bit of sparkle? Something like Marin could be perfect for you! The options are endless. 

Not planning on staying in your space for very long? Ice is a versatile yet beautiful option for a variety of applications.

Are you taking on a full remodel and looking for dedicated design advice for every aspect of your project? Consider working with one of our Dealers!

MATERIAL TYPES

There are tons of material options out there for countertops. While Lakeside Surfaces has worked with many materials during its 30 years of experience, our primary stock materials are Quartz, Granite, Porcelain, and Caribou Woodblock. Other popular material types out there include tile, laminate, solid surface (Corian, Wilsonart), marble, and quartzite.

More than just looks, each material type have their own pros and cons. Quartz, for example, is heat-resistant versus Porcelain which is considered “heatproof”. You’ll want to keep in mind how you use your space, if you’re someone who uses heat-styling tools in your bathroom, Porcelain might be a better option for you.

EDGE PROFILES

Sometimes overlooked, edge profiles are important to both the style and functionality of your space. Beyond just considering how the edge profile will look with your intended design, consider how you will use your space as well. While a Flat-eased Edge and ¼” Round over are two of our most popular edge profile options, softer edges like the Bullnose edge or Half-Bullnose can sometimes feel more comfortable for homeowners who lean on their counters often.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Is the space you’ll be installing your new countertops a high traffic area? Are you a no-fuss person and don’t want to spend much time maintaining your tops? Some surfaces, like Granite, require annual resealing. Some softer stones such as Soapstone or Marble may be more prone to scratching.

You’ll want to make sure the care and maintenance required for your new countertop make sense for your lifestyle.