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Countertop Comparison

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Countertop Comparison by RCI - image of countertops

Countertop Comparison

A kitchen or bathroom countertop is likely one of the hardest used surfaces in your home.  When it comes time to choose or replace it, there are a number of factors that should be considered.  Although the aesthetic appeal may feel most important at first glance, ponder the following questions before starting your search.

  • What is my primary reason for purchasing this countertop?
  • What is my maximum budget?
  • What level of durability is necessary for this countertop location?
  • How much maintenance am I willing to contribute?
  • Is there a wide range of options to choose from?
  • Do I have the skills and tools necessary for a DIY installation?

To help simplify the decision-making process, we’re presenting the most popular and trendy countertop options, outlining the pros and cons for each choice, and summarizing the primary reason for selecting each one.

QUARTZ: Quartz is an engineered stone, created to become a better alternative to granite or marble.  It can be custom fabricated with a large range of color options.  It continues as a top trend because it is non-porous (requiring no sealant), is scratch and stain resistant, and is easy to maintain and clean.  Quartz is one of the more expensive countertop options and is typically not DIY friendly.

CHOOSE QUARTZ … if you are looking for the best overall countertop material and you have an ample budget.

GRANITE: Granite is considered a luxury countertop choice.  Although it can be expensive, the cost has decreased in recent years.  With a wide variety of options, it is strong and durable and withstands heat, making it a great kitchen option.  It can be buffed to a glossy shine and adds real estate value to a home.  Because it is porous, it will require occasional resealing, and it can crack if not properly installed.  It is best to hire a professional.

CHOOSE GRANITE … if you prefer a more elegant, high-end look for your kitchen and want to increase your real estate value.

MARBLE: Marble is a wonderfully unique material.  No two sheets are the same, with each having its own unique graining.  While it is waterproof and heatproof, it also scratches and stains easily and can be difficult to repair.  Because of its high cost, it is often used for just a section of a kitchen, such as an island or a baking station.  It is considered a benefit when it comes to resale of your home.

CHOOSE MARBLE … if your primary goal is to achieve a distinctly unique look for your kitchen.

 WOOD/BUTCHER BLOCK: Wood countertops have increased in popularity in recent years.  They offer a warm, quaint look and are generally affordable.  With a wide range of colors and finishes, they can be sanded and resealed as needed, making them a long-lasting option.  They do require regular resealing or oiling, but they can be easily cleaned and maintained with regular household cleaners.  Wood countertops show water damage and should not be used for direct food preparation due to bacteria.  It is not recommended that you use wood in a bathroom.

CHOOSE WOOD … if your home has a relaxed, country vibe.

SOAPSTONE: Soapstone is a natural product, typically dark gray in color with varied veining.  It is non-porous, which makes it healthy and safe, and it is considered durable and stain resistant.  While it is a softer material, scratches can easily be sanded out.  It requires regular treatment with mineral oil and develops an antique-like patina over time.  A DIY installation is not recommended.

CHOOSE SOAPSTONE … if you have a historic home and prefer materials that are environmentally healthy.

STAINLESS STEEL: Stainless steel counters have increased in popularity with the trend toward contemporary, industrial kitchens.  Some of its merits include that it is heat resistant, seamless, durable, and easy to clean.  Stainless steel is a more expensive option and can be noisy depending on its usage.  While it scratches easily, you will get a good return on your investment with this material.

CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL … if you have a modern kitchen and prefer clean lines and easy maintenance.

CONCRETE: Concrete countertops are considered unusual and offer the possibility of unique decorative features.  They can be color tinted to match your kitchen and are relatively durable as well as heat and scratch resistant.  Because of its porous nature, it will require regular resealing.  It is also prone to crack if not properly formed, so it is best to hire a professional, although the cost is primarily due to labor rather than materials.

CHOOSE CONCRETE … to create a one-of-a-kind look.

LAMINATE: Laminate countertops are made of particle board covered with a plastic-coated synthetic material.  Historically they are considered a low-end option, but with an increase in color and pattern options, they are steadily on the rise.  Laminate is inexpensive, easy to clean and maintain, and DIY possible.  Visible seams and dents or scratches can inhibit resale.

CHOOSE LAMINATE … if you own a rental property or are living in a temporary home.

With all the countertop options on the market, knowing your criteria before beginning your search will save you a lot of time and stress.  As with all design choices, this is another way to express your unique personality while creating a home that best fits your own personal needs.

 

Outdoor Living Spaces

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Outdoor Living Spaces

With summertime finally at our doorstep, it’s time to start focusing on the great outdoors. Outdoor living spaces are increasingly becoming an extension of the home, and the trend is to blend indoor and outdoor living seamlessly for optimal enjoyment. Whether you are preparing a porch, a deck, a patio, a balcony, or a pool house, your goal remains the same; furnishing and equipping the space to meet the given need. First and foremost, you need to determine if your space will primarily be used for entertaining, dining, reading & relaxation, or a combination of all of the above. Running through the checklist below will help ensure that both you and your guests enjoy all your summer festivities to the fullest!

COMFORT: Your first priority is to make sure your outdoor living space is comfortable. The obvious way to do so is with seating options that include ample cushions and chairs that allow for relaxation, perhaps even reclining. But comfort goes well beyond seating. If your outdoor space includes a roof of any kind, have it wired for an outdoor overhead fan. Provide citronella candles to repel mosquitos and other bugs. A retractable awning or patio umbrella will provide relief from the sun as needed. A sturdy indoor/outdoor rug will keep feet from getting splinters from your deck boards or burning on overheated concrete or stone.

CONVENIENCE: Eating and relaxing outdoors can feel cumbersome if it’s inconvenient. As the host, you will want to make sure you take steps that lighten your own load as well. Invest in a large deck box to store cushions and other items to protect them from the weather and make for effortless set-up. Use a large galvanized tray to transport items to your deck and save yourself from taking multiple trips. Station a beverage cart outside or build a food bar from old pallets so you have easy access to drinks, food, napkins, and other supplies. Provide small end tables or a coffee table to rest books and beverages. Have a basket of bug spray, sunscreen, and sunglasses within reach. Provide ample lighting for nighttime reading or socializing, whether through hanging pendants, outdoor string lights, or candles. Stay stocked up on paper plates and cups, S’mores ingredients, and hamburgers and hotdogs so you can be spontaneous on the weekend.

COMMUNITY: Utilize area rugs to define gathering spaces and create a comfortable spot for young children to play within eyesight of their parents. Hammocks are better placed in areas of solitude rather than places of connection, so be mindful of your seating options. Arrange furniture in clusters rather than rows to promote conversation. For larger gatherings, give your guests options; arrange some seats around the fire pit, others on the deck, and still more near the swing set so parents can visit while children play. Provide tables for board games or giant Jenga for guests that are less mobile. If your home is situated close to your neighbor’s house or is easy viewed by the public, add trellises or privacy walls to create a cozy atmosphere.

COLOR: The natural beauty of an outdoor setting provides its own color, but there are other ways you can incorporate your favorite hues into the mix. Consider spray painting vintage outdoor furniture in a bright red or orange. Add playful throw pillows to your seating areas, or purchase fun tablecloths or blankets for chilly evenings. Buy colorful vases or planters, or paint inexpensive terra cotta pots to complement your décor. Use old stepladders to display small potted plants in a variety of colors. Coordinate features such as umbrellas or area rugs to match the rest of your furnishings.

Outdoor relaxation and entertaining should be enjoyable for both host and guests, so thinking ahead will enable you to maximize your outdoor living spaces and make for summer memories that last you year round. Happy summer!

Age-in-Place Design

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Age-in-Place Design

Making Upgrades and Improvements to a Home to Age-In-Place? Here’s what to consider.

With the rising age of the Baby Boomer generation, the population of older adults in the United States will increase significantly during the next few decades. Some of these folks will have the means to retire in an assisted living facility. Others will move in with children and grandchildren as a way of growing older with the attentive care of loved ones. Not all are as fortunate, however, to have these options, and even some that do prefer the idea of staying in their own homes. They value the familiarity of the environment and neighborhood and prefer not to uproot and start over in their later years. While all of these options are certainly viable, preparing a home for “aging-in-place” is becoming a more popular alternative and one that should be considered when making upgrades and improvements to a house.

It will be increasingly important for homeowners to hire designers and contractors who are educated about the options for aging-in-place and can convey that knowledge to their clients. Some professionals may be hesitant to broach the subject for fear of offending the homeowners, but it’s really to your benefit to hire someone who is mindful of the need to create spaces that are conducive to long-term independent living and who understands the challenges that could pop up during the design process.

If the desire is to stay in one’s own home as long as possible, it is vital to think about both people-related issues as well as environment-related issues. As a person ages, he or she could experience a decline in numerous areas, such as strength, memory, mobility, vision, and hearing, to name a few. The ultimate goal is to create a “barrier-free design,” keeping in mind both predictable and unpredictable needs that will arise. At the very least, the homeowner will need to be able to function independently in regard to basic daily tasks such as cooking and hygiene maintenance. Here is a list of changes, renovations, and upgrades to consider if living independently in your own home is important to you.

  1. Install slip-resistant floors, especially on stairs and in high traffic areas.
  2. Create open spaces and wide hallways and doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
  3. Lower electrical switches and increase the height of outlets to accommodate decreased mobility.
  4. Prioritize a first floor master bedroom and bathroom, changing the footprint of the home when necessary.
  5. Install grab bars and railings, particularly on stairs and in bathrooms.
  6. When possible, eliminate steps by adding ramps or creating zero-threshold entries in both the interior and exterior of the home. When steps cannot be removed, install a wheelchair lift.
  7. Install a walk-in shower rather than a bathtub, and be sure to include a handheld shower faucet.
  8. Replace traditional doorknobs with lever-handed knobs to benefit arthritic hands.

As home and accessory design have evolved over time, new ideas and items to accommodate the elderly are less conspicuous and tend to blend more seamlessly with original design and décor. Aging-in-place can be a pleasant and enjoyable experience when the proper steps have been taken. Finding a designer and/or contractor who understands this process will be the key to a smooth transition.

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