8 Best Countertop Options On A Budget This 2022
New countertops can make all the difference in the appearance and functionality of any kitchen. But let’s face it — deciding on a new countertop is not a walk in the park. One has to go through several options, which can be daunting. However, a well-chosen countertop helps make your kitchen way more functional and easier to maintain. Also, it can serve as one of the most aesthetically pleasing elements in practically any kitchen space.
It is crucial to find the right material as per your own personal requirements. Thankfully, the market is flooded with several countertop options on a budget that can make your hunt easier. From butcher blocks to granite and quartz, there are various options to choose from, but it’s important to consider how busy your kitchen is on an everyday basis. If there’s a lot of use, you can consider stone countertops for extended durability.
Click the following link to read more about the best stone countertops:
https://www.caesarstoneus.com/blog/which-stone-countertop-is-best-for-your-kitchen/
This post will walk you through the top eight budget-friendly kitchen countertops to consider for your project. So, let’s explore our hot options!
Table of Contents
Kitchen Countertop Options On A Budget
1. Quartz
Quartz is also known as composite or engineered stone. It is one of the rapidly growing kitchen countertop categories. The highest quality surfaces use a significant quantity of natural quartz, typically between 90 and 95%. In addition, natural quartz is one of the toughest materials belonging to nature.
High-quality countertops are extremely durable and are super easy to clean. The best thing about quartz is its non-porous property, so there is no chance of bacteria growth. Plus, quartz doesn’t require resealing, which means it best fits your needs if you are searching for a hygienic and affordable surface.
2. Faux Granite
It is the dream of homeowners to renovate their kitchens with one of the most popular natural stones – granite. Unfortunately, real granite is quite expensive. People who have a deep affection for real granite but don’t have enough funds can go for kitchen counters made with faux granite.
Simply hire a renowned contractor to find the right counter and paint it to achieve a real granite look. A professional with extensive experience will do everything from scratch. While these faux granite kitchen counters will appear just like real ones, they can’t compete with the real ones in terms of heavy usage. So, you will have to handle them vigilantly.
3. Butcher Block
Butcher block is another trendsetter category in kitchen countertops. These counters are crafted out of wooden strips and bring your kitchen’s natural and warm appearance. While butcher block counters come with several perks, they also have some disadvantages. They need extra care and maintenance— after all, it’s wood! However, the reasonable cost is their biggest advantage.
4. Tiles
If you are impressed with the durability of natural stone but are out of the budget, you can consider tiles. Tiles for countertops are available in a diverse range of colors and designs. In fact, you can save huge bucks over custom-made natural stone slabs by opting for tiles. You can choose from various natural tones and make the entire look more interesting by using expensive tiles all across the borders.
5. Laminate
In the list of countertop options on a budget, laminate is definitely something we can’t skip! It is a countertop material produced by bonding two separate materials together.
Generally, laminate counters are made of plastic bonded with particle board or fiberboard backing. The key idea behind the innovation of laminate countertops was to create a luxurious appearance but at a low cost. The best feature of laminate counters is that they can imitate expensive materials such as wood or marble.
The major downside of these countertops is the lack of durability as they are prone to chips, scratches, and even burns. Therefore, it’s important to invest in high-quality laminate countertops because they are easy to clean and provide better protection against scratches.
6. Limestone
Limestone is one of the top-notch countertop material options. All thanks to its low cost and appealing neutral tone. Generally, limestone is white but also comes in other shades such as gray, yellow, beige, etc. It is made from calcium carbonate, so it is porous and will need a little extra care to prevent moisture and bacteria. However, limestone can be an ideal option if you don’t want to dent your kitchen renovation budget.
7. Stainless Steel (or alternate metals)
If you don’t mind the industrial look, then a stainless-steel top or even zinc can be a good option for your kitchen countertop. The overall cost of metal countertops will depend on the quality of sheet metal you choose and the workforce you hire. In addition, you can save extra bucks if you are good at do-it-yourself metal projects!
8. Epoxy resin
Epoxy counters can add the chicest and most refreshing look to your kitchen. It is a type of strong and hard plastic that is best for custom projects. The counters are made by mixing epoxy with a special epoxy hardener. Not only do they offer great design flexibility, but they also provide homeowners with proper functionality. Moreover, you can create epoxy counters at home with some practice and save a significant amount of money.
Two Key Factors To Consider Before Deciding On The Kitchen Countertop Material
Durability And Heat Resistance
Countertops are one of the crucial investments, and you would definitely want them to last longer. Also, the countertops must have great heat resistance when it comes to kitchens. So before finalizing any material, make sure it is durable and has high heat resistance.
Cleaning
Everyone desires easy-to-clean surfaces. If you are a busy person, select quartz and tiles that can be quickly cleaned with a wipe.
Wrapping up
While going through the countertop options on a budget, it’s important to consider other factors, such as durability, effectiveness, and aesthetics. Please remember that the price should not be the key reason to choose a specific type of material; otherwise, you might end up compromising on the quality. We hope this post on affordable countertop options will help you choose the best material for your dream kitchen!