Confronted with limitless possibilities when kitchen remodeling, some homeowners don’t spend enough time thinking about materials.
No material is inherently good or bad. Actually, they all bring their benefits and pitfalls to the table. It’s all about thinking in terms of daily application: Will this material hold up in the long haul in my kitchen, exposed to the particular strains of my household?
In this blog, we’ll be going over some key points to remember when choosing your materials during a kitchen remodel. These are ways to think about materials in light of how you’ll actually use them day-to-day – because doing so could help you avoid a costly mistake.
Don’t use white marble countertops where you’ll be doing your food prep.
There’s no arguing with the beauty of marble. Undoubtedly, it’s a great choice for certain parts of the kitchen.
But during a kitchen remodel, it could be unwise to install marble countertops in your prep areas. Believe it or not, marble is highly porous. That means it absorbs stains easily, and over time, what began as clean and white turns splotchy and unappealing.
Instead, make use of this material in other areas where it can be seen and enjoyed, like a backsplash.
Do consider metal cabinets over painted wood.
This year, white-painted wooden cabinets have been all the rage. It’s a great look: both modern and classic at the same time.
But if you have a big, crazy family where the cabinets are being banged open and shut a lot, there’s a good chance that paint is going to chip. This is true no matter how many topcoats you use.
Instead, more active kitchens might include a durable metal alternative. It doesn’t have to be stainless steel – there are plenty of other options out there.
Don’t install wood floors if you have big pets.
Everyone loves wood floors. They’re homey and natural, and there’s really a huge variety out there to satisfy every preference.
But during kitchen remodeling, think about your kitchen’s daily routine. Do you have big dogs whose nails go sliding across the floor on the way to the backyard every morning?
If that’s the case, your floors are going to look gorgeous at the outset, but over time probably start to display signs of scratching. Consider using a durable laminate, instead.
Don’t use stone floors if you do a lot of standing in your kitchen.
This is another option that looks beautiful and conveys a sense of earthiness, but one you should think twice about before installing.
Stone floors are a popular choice during a kitchen remodel, but if you spend a lot of time prepping in the kitchen, they can be hard on your feet.
Do think about grout lines before making your decision.
Another point about flooring: Think about grout lines before installing. If you’ve decided to go with stone or ceramic tile, minimizing the space between tiles is really in your best interest, because otherwise grout lines collect dirt (surprisingly fast) and start showing discoloration.
Once again, that beautiful tile could be more practical as a backsplash, where it would still be admired, but with less risk of collecting dirt.
Do remember stainless steel scratches easily.
There’s something appealing about a stainless steel kitchen, especially in homes going for a more modern feel.
But despite its unquestionable strength, stainless steel actually scratches pretty easily, not to mention becomes blotchy with fingerprints.
Homes with busy kitchens might want to go with something less susceptible to wear and tear.
