 It’s every homeowner’s dream - a kitchen design or installation! Maybe you’re designing the home of your dreams from the ground up, working on a house flip project that needs a stellar kitchen, giving your home some TLC with an awesome kitchen re-do, there are some amazing elements that can help you to design the kitchen that you’ve always wanted.
One big part of a kitchen project is based around functionality; we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and so we’ll discuss how you can choose practical and functional design elements that help enhance the quality and usefulness of your kitchen; while countertop installation is really important, there are so many other elements that you want to consider to make your kitchen shine. Thinking about all of the components you absolutely need to include in your kitchen project can be overwhelming. There are so many options and choices in terms of kitchen design, so we’ve created this blog to help you think about all of the key elements that you’ll need to incorporate for the design you’ve always wanted. 1. Think About Your Kitchen’s Function Our kitchen is more than just a kitchen. It’s one of the most-occupied spaces in our house. When you think about the main function of a kitchen, of course the first things that come to mind is preparing, cooking, and maybe even eating food. And you’d be exactly right! Of course we use our kitchen for cooking, and it can easily be argued that it’s the primary function of a kitchen. However, there are many more things that we do in our kitchen; one could even argue that it’s really the hub of a home. Let’s really consider all of the other things we do in our kitchen. What comes to mind? It’s not uncommon for people to work, read, relax, check messages or mail, drink some wine, spend time chatting with friends and family, among other things. So, when thinking about the functionality of the kitchen, here are some items to keep in mind to create your perfect design:
2. Kitchen Layout and Work Triangle If we think about the practical function of our kitchen, the main points that we find ourselves going between include the stove, sink, and refrigerator. Because these are the main function points in a kitchen, there is a “work triangle” rule for making sure that your kitchen is designed with functionality and comfort in mind. The work triangle in a kitchen helps to optimize traffic in your kitchen, so it’s important to keep in mind the space that you have available and not try to overextend. For example, if you’re looking to have a countertop installation that includes a huge island, but only leaves a small gap for people to move around in the kitchen, you won’t be happy with this design. Even if you choose the most beautiful marble countertops you’ve ever seen and have incredible lighting fixtures, you won’t want to spend time in your kitchen, and you certainly won’t be able to use it to its full capability. So, you should keep in mind the kitchen work triangle when thinking about design options. You can also add in more zones; for instance, if you have a bar area, that may be another element to your work zone. In terms of layout, the size of your kitchen countertops and cabinets are going to be key. Also, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough space to move around comfortably with any seating options you choose. If an island is in your countertops installation plan, you’ll need to make sure that it’s the appropriate size for the space you’re working with. 3. Building Materials Choosing the best building materials for your kitchen is also a key element of the perfect design. This is where you’ll need to take into account all of your habits and which building materials will be most practical for you. For example, if you know that you have a lot of little ones running around and banging into surface areas, you’ll need to ensure that you have durable surfaces that won’t be prone to nicks and scratches. For cabinets, this may be something like hardwood, including hickory or maple. In terms of countertops, if you know that you like to place high-temperature objects on your countertops, you may want to consider granite countertops, as it’s very heat-resistant. If you live a very busy lifestyle and don’t want to worry about maintenance, choosing quartz countertops can help you to avoid having to do any sealing maintenance, minimizing the risk of corrosion or bacteria growth. The building materials that you choose always determine how practical your kitchen will be and how long it will last. 4. Aesthetic Another element that you want to keep in mind is aesthetic. What type of look do you want for your kitchen? Do you want a look that is more elegant and luxurious, or are you looking for a more natural look that gives off a homey feel? There are three elements that will help your kitchen aesthetic: your countertop material, your lighting choices, as well as your backsplash and wall design. Let’s take a look at some options for countertop materials:
Giving your space enough lighting fixtures is also really important. You’ll want to consider elements like general lighting, area lighting, as well as accent lighting. Accent lighting can be a great way to give your kitchen a standout ambiance. Pair your countertop installation and lighting fixture installations with the optimal backsplash, and your kitchen will be a brilliant expression of your aesthetic preferences. Wrap-Up: Designing Your Dream Kitchen While there are many moving parts that go into designing your dream kitchen, these 4 aspects can help you get your design up and running, optimizing both the functionality, practicality, as well as the visual aesthetic of your kitchen. Choosing the right countertop installation experts is a make-or-break decision when making your dream kitchen a reality. If you need help with any design elements or material selection for your kitchen design, Vancouver Countertop Installation has a team of experts that’s ready to work with you to make your kitchen dreams a reality!  Getting new bathroom or kitchen countertops is a really exciting home renovation or project! Nice countertops can add a lot of value to your property, and the end result is really satisfying.
But, there’s a lot of controversy around which types of countertops are best; there’s no debate that stone countertops are the best choice for any property, but which stone? Two of the most popular options are quartz and granite. You’ll find either quartz countertops or granite countertops in many beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. But designers and homeowners are at odds -- which one is truly better? It’s also a big topic for prospective homeowners when looking to buy a property, and sometimes they’ll look for a specific type of countertop. But is quality really an issue, or is it more of an aesthetic preference? There are many different factors that you can consider when making a choice for your countertop installation. Let’s take a look and put this matter to rest: granite countertops, or quartz countertops? Granite Countertops Granite countertops are made from pure granite stone; this means that it will be a completely natural stone countertop, which is a draw for many people considering a new countertop installation. It also has slightly fewer carbon emissions in production. In terms of durability, there is an element of natural durability that stone presents. However, because it’s a completely natural material, it will need to be sealed when you get your countertop installation done, as well as resealed over the years with consistent maintenance. If the granite is sealed with resin when manufactured, it will be more durable, but will still need resealing. It could also be damaged by some liquid spills, including certain oils and acids. It does withstand heat well and you won’t see much issue if you tend to place hot objects on the surface, although it’s always better to be safe than sorry and avoid placing hot objects on top of your granite countertops. When considering aesthetics and appearance, there are many different options for granite countertops based on the process that it goes through at the time of manufacturing through the cooling and solidifying of different molten materials. You’ll have virtually infinite options regardless of what type of aesthetic you’re looking for, and each granite slab is completely unique, so you’ll truly have one-of-a-kind granite countertops. Quartz Countertops Quartz countertops are mostly natural with some manufactured elements; quartz countertops usually include roughly 95% natural quartz with 5% polymer resin components. Quartz is almost as environmentally-friendly as granite, so you won’t see much difference there. Because of the manufacturing element, quartz countertops have become so popular because they give the designer so many more options. It’s still mostly composed of natural stone and it can be customized to whatever color scheme or appearance that you’d like; it’s an easier selection process because it’s manufactured. When discussing durability, quartz countertops are one of the most durable that you can find. The material itself is incredibly strong, and because of its resin components, it won’t require the sealing maintenance that other stone countertops will. It also won’t be prone to staining, unless liquids pool up, which can leave residue. Quartz countertops can, however, be more prone to heat damage. It’s important to always protect your quartz countertops through the use of heat pads, or avoidance of placing heated objects on the countertop surface. How Do Quartz Countertops Compare to Granite in Cost? In terms of cost, you can find options to work in your budget for both. Depending on what style and option you choose, and how large of a countertop installation you need, you can find options for granite that are near the pricing of quartz. In general, quartz countertop installation will end up being the more affordable option, but when looking for Vancouver countertops, make sure you talk to your countertop contractors to find an option that is not only practical for your budget, but satisfies you totally. Wrap-Up: Quartz Vs. Granite Countertops So, now we know what the fuss about quartz countertops and granite countertops is about. Do you have a winner yet? Let’s do a final snapshot so you can make the best decision for your countertop installation. Material Granite is a 100% natural material, while quartz is 95% natural, and 5% resin. If having an all-natural look is important to you, granite will probably be the winner here. In terms of environmentally-friendliness, both are relatively green options. Durability While granite is incredibly strong, it can be susceptible to stains from liquids and oils. It is pretty much totally heat-resistant, but you should still take steps to prevent any type of damage and use heat pads. Quartz, on the other hand, is less likely to stain, but will require you to be more cautious in terms of heat damage. Because of this, both countertops have their pros and cons, and you’d want to take into account your habits to know which countertop installation makes most sense for you. Maintenance When considering maintenance, quartz is going to be the winner. While both granite and quartz countertops have a lifespan of over 20 years, granite will need to be sealed at the time of your countertop installation as well as over the years. Quartz, due to its resin component, will not need this maintenance, making it the winner here. Aesthetic Granite is a completely natural stone, and has many options; each piece is unique, which means your countertops will be totally one of a kind. However, sometimes finding the right piece can be a bit more tiresome than with quartz, since it’s manufactured. This makes the selection process a bit easier, and you may be able to find more options. Depending on your personal taste, you may prefer one option over the other. Price Both quartz countertops and granite countertops are in a similar price range, so working with the right countertop contractors to find what you’re looking for can help you to make the right decision for your lifestyle, your aesthetics, as well as your budget. Conclusion So, who do you deem the winner? Quartz countertops, or granite countertops? They both have their clear distinctions as well as their pros and cons. In the end, it will come down to your personal taste, lifestyle, and budget to make the right decision for your home. Ready to get your countertop installation on the road? Contact Vancouver Countertop Installation today and our team of experts can help you start designing your quartz or granite countertops!  The time is near when your much desired stone countertop installation is right around the corner! How exciting. Now that you’ve made most of the decisions that you need for the job, such as which type of stone you’ll be having installed, which edge profile you’ll have, as well as which company will be taking care of your job.
But, is there anything else you should keep in mind? Is there anything you can do to prepare and help your countertop contractors before having your countertop installation done? There are a couple important things that you should do before your installation. No matter if you’re having a granite countertop installation, quartz countertop installation, or a marble countertop installation, you’ll want to make sure that everything is ready to go so that you have a smooth and seamless installation job. Let’s examine what you can do just before the countertop installation and also what you’ll need to do to prepare on the day your countertops are ready to be installed. Pre-Countertop Installation No matter if your countertop installation is going into a completely new home build, or if you’re having your current countertops removed, there are a few key things you should be sure to do. Typically before your installation, you’ll have a template day, which is the day where the countertop contractors come in to do the verifications of measurement and confirm all of the details. To be prepared for this day, there are a few things you can do to make sure your countertop installation is completed exactly as you had in mind: 1. Make Sure Decision-Makers are Present When your countertop contractors arrive, they’re going to need to verify a variety of different elements and if there are any last-minute or unexpected decisions, someone who can make decisions will need to be consulted to make sure that your countertop installation is executed perfectly. The contractors will also confirm all final details. 2. Have Your Cabinets Ready Your cabinets should be level and secured to the floor; if these are part of the remodel or build, make sure that these are already installed before your countertop contractors come in so that they can get the precise measurements. Your faucets and other elements that are going to be part of the installation should also be present for the template, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and make sure all of that stuff is on site the day that your contractors come. Also, if you are doing a remodel and have things on your current countertops, it’s a good idea to clear that off so that your countertop contractors can get more accurate measurements. 3. Ensure All Appliances are in Place For the most accurate measurements possible, all of your appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers, should be in place. That way, all of the final measurements can be executed in a way that incorporates all of the elements of your kitchen remodel, and not just the countertops themselves. So, once your template day is over, you’ll get the final confirmation for your countertop installation. Let’s now take a look at what you can do to have a smooth countertop installation day! Day of Countertop Installation: How to Prepare The day has finally arrived, and everyone is really excited! Today will be the day that you get a beautiful look at your granite, quartz, or marble countertops. Here are they key things you can do to be as prepared as possible for your countertop installation to go off without a hitch: 1. Disconnect Plumbing Your Vancouver countertops team of experts will usually give you information about this in advance. This is usually done by a licensed plumber, but discuss your options with your countertop contractors. Some properties have a shut-off valve at the kitchen sink, but if not, you’ll have to shut off the water for your whole house, so make sure that you keep this in mind in advance. You may also need to consider any electrical needs or reconnections, so discuss this with your countertop contractors to make sure you have a game plan. 2. Move Appliances and Clear the Area While you had your appliances in place during the template, during the installation it’s important that you clear them from the area for an easier installation. Your countertop contractors will need to make a variety of maneuvers to get your lovely countertops in place, so clearing these items can help to make the workspace more efficient and avoid any mishaps. Also, remove all of the items that may be stored within your cabinets and drawers. This will help to make the job easier and also to avoid any items inside becoming covered in dust and debris. 3. Cover Surrounding Area and Furniture Since the job may take a while and there may be some flying dust or debris, covering surrounding areas is a good idea. Shut nearby doors, and cover any vents or surrounding areas and furniture with tarps or cloths. It’s also a good idea to turn off your air conditioner, as debris and dust can be spread around through the vents if they’re not covered or are circulating. This will make the cleanup so straightforward and you’ll be even happier with your countertop installation. 4. Clear a Path to the Kitchen Make sure that you create a smooth and flowing path to your kitchen; if there are furniture or other items that minimize space, try to move them out of the way so that the countertop contractors have the easiest access possible to your kitchen. It’s also a good idea to cover these areas (walls and floors, or surrounding furniture) with tarps or cloth for protection and easy cleanup. A decision-maker or supervisor over the age of 18 should be present for the installation. Wrap-Up: Preparing for Your Countertop Installation So, there you have it-- the best ways to prepare in the time coming up to your countertop installation as well as the day of. Your countertop contractors will make sure to keep you informed and also help you to prepare as the time gets closer, but this is a great start to being prepared for your new countertops. All of these tips work for the most common types of stone countertops -- quartz countertops, marble countertops, and granite countertops, so you won’t have to worry about doing any stone-specific work. If there are any special requirements for your specific property, your countertop contractors will let you know. Stone materials are really popular for most Vancouver countertops installation, so reach out to Vancouver Countertop Installation and our team of experts will be happy to help you design and install the countertops you’ve always dreamed of! |
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