Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Kitchen Countertops in Toronto

Are you planning to replace your kitchen countertop? Be careful. Even a minor error in its selection can extensively affect the room’s overall design.

To pick the right kitchen countertop in terms of both functionality and aesthetics for your Toronto home, you need to know what common mistakes homeowners make in the selection process.

How to Avoid Mistakes When Selecting Kitchen Countertops in Toronto

As kitchen countertops are used often, they should be durable and withstand daily wear and tear caused by cooking and cleaning. Here are common mistakes you should avoid when choosing kitchen countertops.

1. Choosing the Wrong Material: Many Toronto homeowners don’t know which material is most suitable for their kitchen countertop. Each has its pros and cons, so you need to consider your preferred style, the work area, and your budget. Some of the most common kitchen countertop materials are:Quartz: Practically maintenance-free, these engineered countertops are scratch, stain, and heat resistant. Because of their non-porous surface, they don’t have to be sealed like natural stone countertops. Quartz countertops are also available in a variety of patterns and colours, making them one of the most popular countertop options.Quartzite: Quartzite is among the hardest natural stone countertops available, thereby making it resistant to scratches, breaks, or chips. Moreover, it is non-porous so doesn’t harbour bacteria or etch with use. Its maintenance is also easy as it doesn’t require high-quality commercial cleaners. When looking out for quartzite countertops, you may also choose from a variety of colours.

   Marble: Marble is extremely beautiful and durable but requires a little more maintenance. It is also resistant to heat, but it’s best to use trivets when placing hot pots or pans on it to protect its finish. While you might think this stone is always expensive, its price actually varies depending upon the thickness and type of marble you select. Its distinctive appearance comes from impurities in the limestone reacting to pressure and heat which transforms it into marble.

   Granite: Granite countertops are popular amongst homeowners for their durability. This means you don’t have to worry about chips or scratches damaging the surface. However, they need to be sealed to resist stains and extend their lifespan. Moreover, this stone is eco-friendly and preserves its original appearance throughout its lifetime. This countertop comes in a range of style options. Granite countertops are also available in a range of price points, thereby making it an affordable option for everyone.

   Porcelain: Porcelain is a durable, non-porous stone that is a good material option for kitchen countertops. This also means you don’t have to worry about spills and stains caused by regular cooking, or having it sealed annually to maintain its beauty and sturdiness.

   These countertops are also resistant to cold and heat. However, they are prone to chipping and scratching. They are also available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes.

   Since porcelain can mimic the appearance of natural stone you may get kitchen countertops that offer the elegance of natural stone at a lower cost.

   Onyx: The most unique advantage of onyx is that it is translucent. Therefore onyx countertops are good for applications with backlighting. Moreover, it has a long lifespan similar to other natural stones such as granite and marble, if cared for correctly. This means you don’t need to change the countertop regularly, which saves you money in the long run. These countertops are also easy to clean and maintain.

2. Considering Elements in Isolation: When designing a kitchen, never select elements in isolation. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.For instance, appliances, utensils, cutlery, ingredients, lighting, and plumbing all contribute to your kitchen’s functionality and style. Ideally, they should complement one another. A kitchen where some of these elements are more prominent is undesirable.
   When choosing a countertop, pay attention to other elements in the room, such as your cabinets, flooring, and backsplash. And if you want a gorgeous and eye-catching kitchen countertop, make sure that the other features are simpler and less noteworthy.

3. Not Paying Attention to Your Kitchen’s Function : Every family has different preferences and needs. One of the most common mistakes when it comes to installing a new kitchen countertop is not considering how it will be used.
   For example, granite countertops remain strong and durable as long as they are sealed each year. But if homeowners neglect this maintenance, porous granite may suck up oils, juice, or wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also grow inside granite if it is not sealed properly.
   As in a big family where the kitchen is utilized more, this countertop may be damaged if not maintained properly. We recommend quartz countertops for a busy kitchen since quartz is non-porous and therefore easier to maintain.

4. Not Determining Budget: Before your kitchen countertop remodeling begins, you need to determine your budget. If you aren’t sure how much you’ll end up spending, contact us regarding the price of materials.

5. Ignoring Other Costs: Keep in mind the other costs apart from the countertop material. For example, consider installation charges and how much each material costs to clean and maintain.
   For example, you have to re-seal granite countertops annually, while quartz countertops don’t require this yearly maintenance. Consider these recurring costs when selecting your kitchen countertop material.

6. Not Considering Durability: As mentioned, a busy kitchen requires a durable kitchen countertop. Granite, quartz, porcelain, onyx, and concrete are among the most durable materials.

7. Not Picking the Slab: Each slab has its own colour, veining, and quality. That’s why it’s important to pick the exact slab that will become your kitchen countertop. For example, you’ll be disappointed if your white marble countertop turns out to be warmer than what you wanted because you relied on a colour sample. At MaxSpace, we give you the chance to see full slabs rather than relying on colour samples. This allows you to imagine how the finished product will look at home.

8. Hiring the Wrong Company: To avoid these kitchen countertop mistakes, you need to choose the correct stone fabricator and installer. Many have ties to a particular supply store and recommend items based solely on their profit margins rather than the quality of your product.
   If you’re looking for a trusted company for your kitchen countertop remodelling, MaxSpace is with you from material selection through to fabrication and installation. With decades of combined experience, our team is committed to providing custom stone solutions with the best products.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can invest in a kitchen countertop that will allow you to beautify your kitchen and is highly functional. Still have questions? Feel free to call or message our experts.