Countertops 101: Your Guide for Choosing Countertops for Your Space

Exploring Countertop Options

If you’re thinking about renovating your house, wanting to spice up your space, or simply intending to raise the resale value of your home, new countertops in your kitchen, bathroom, or other area — like an awesome coffee bar, custom cabinet/shelving area, or a bar — is a great place to start.

New and improved countertops make a big, beautiful splash in your house, are usually more durable than the older types you currently have, and can add tremendous resale value to a house if installed properly by a professional.

There are tons of varieties to choose from, each with their own unique sets of pros and cons. Here’s a handy guide to choosing the right type of countertop for your home and what that choice means in terms of positives, negatives, and durability.

Quartz Countertops

Averages between $49-110+ per square foot

Quartz is one of the more premium countertop options for good reason. They’ll usually run you anywhere between $50-110 per square foot. At Lakeland Liquidation, we can provide you with beautiful, high-quality Cambria Quartz countertops, ranging from $80-110 per square foot. This price does include the cost of installation (cost does not include the cost of a demo, or installation of a sink and/or faucet).

This quartz is some of the finest on the market and is guaranteed to last for as long as you live in the house and beyond. The beauty of quartz countertops is the low maintenance they require to upkeep; quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed, they’re heat- and scratch-proof, and they’re easy to customize. They make a firm impression in any kitchen and go with several different colors, styles, and types of backsplash and kitchen layouts.

In fact, quartz is easily the most durable and resistant countertop on the market, with nearly double the natural resistance of other stone countertops; they’re heavily heat-resistant as well, though not heat-proof. The only downside to owning quartz countertops is the chipping that can occur. Still, the potential for chipping is low and any that may occur is negligible when considering their overall durability and aesthetic qualities.

Silestone Countertops

Averages between $50-100 per square foot

Silestone countertops are great for kitchens which have a modern look and feel to them. They’re ultra-smooth and great to look at and touch. They’re pricier than most countertops because of their modern qualities, look, and durability.

Silestone countertops often run anywhere from $50-100 per square foot. They’re more resistant to heat than almost any other countertop, which means they’re great for families and bachelors who love to cook and use their kitchens often and intensely. There’s no sealing required for Silestone countertops.

They’re incredibly easy to clean because of their smooth and streamlined texture. The only downside to owning a Silestone countertop is the frequent cleaning that must be done to keep them spick and span, in addition to their propensity to crack and chip, as well as form cloudy patches over time. While they’re definitely some durable countertops, you’ll want to keep these important factors in mind when making your decision.

Granite Countertops

Averages between $39-80+ per square foot

Granite countertops have risen dramatically in popularity over the last several years because of their earthy look and great value. They run anywhere from $40-80 per square foot; Lakeland Liquidation granite countertops start at $49 per square foot, including cost of installation (cost does not include demo or cost of sink/faucet installation). Granite countertops are so popular because they require almost no maintenance, on top of being resistant to stains, heat, and water.

They must be sealed, but the sealing only increases their resistance to these elements. The main issue when it comes to granite countertops is their enormous weight; they must be supported and can chip and crack if the material is too thin. In addition, they have little variety in color, though even the limited selection is classy and aesthetically pleasing in both modern and older kitchens.

Laminate Countertops

Averages between $17-30 per square foot, or around $60 per linear foot

Laminate countertops are one of the most economical options you can choose in a countertop. They’re mass produced and usually don’t hold the reputation of being as artistic or aesthetically pleasing as other types of countertops. They’re highly affordable, however; you can usually find laminate countertops for anywhere between $17-36 per square foot, and Lakeland Liquidation offers laminate countertops for $60 per linear foot.

Their affordability is their main selling point, as is the customizability and availability of colors and styles. They’re durable enough to withstand everyday use, though not as durable as a natural stone countertop. They’re also not heat-resistant and can be difficult to clean, meaning you’ll have significantly more trouble on your upkeep as opposed to other types of countertops.

Other Types of Countertops

The countertops listed above are far and away the most popular types for both modern and older homes. There are more affordable and more customizable types of countertops, however. Butcher block, concrete, and Corian countertops are cheaper to install but often don’t provide the spark of newness or novelty that homeowners are looking for.

These are more utilitarian types of countertops that aren’t as durable or pleasing to the eye as those listed above. Still, if you want to remodel your kitchen on a budget, they aren’t bad choices for your home. It entirely depends on what you’re looking for in your new type of countertop.

Cleaning Countertops

A good rule of thumb to use when cleaning your countertops is to use a dish rag, hot water, and some dish soap. The combination of these three elements will spruce up most countertops and ensure they’re germ-free and sparkling clean. For most types of countertops, it’s best to try and avoid multi-purpose or acidic cleaners containing things like vinegar, lemon, or bleach.

A simple rinsing and scrubbing with hot water, dish soap, and a dish rag or towel will clean your countertops nicely. If you want to give your particular type of countertop a thorough and above-level cleaning, there are some great guides online to cleaning each and every particular countertop.

Measuring Countertops

To measure your countertops, start by measuring the length of all counter tops, base cabinets, and island. Also include the inches of backsplash.
Now measure the width of the countertops and multiply the total length of the countertops by the width in inches. An example would be a length of 122 inches and a width of 26 inches. Your total sq. inch would be (122 x 26 ) 3,172 sq inches.
For the backsplash, multiply the total of 122 inches of countertop by 4 which is the width of the backsplash, (122 x 4 = 488). Add the 3,172 and 488 together for the total in square inches (3172 + 488 = 3660). Now to measure sq footage of countertops, more math is needed.
Divide the total sq, inches of 3660 by 144 to get the square footage of your countertops. Your total square footage is 26 sq. ft.

Trust Lakeland Liquidation for All of Your Countertop Needs

Whether you’re in the mood to buy immediately, are just looking around, or need an estimate for a countertop you love, Lakeland Liquidation can assist with your countertop needs.

Simply follow the steps above to get an accurate measuring of your existing countertops that you’ll be replacing. We can help you order countertops that fit your families’ needs and that will work best with your cabinets. Our experts are always ready to assist you with any questions you have!

Lakeland Liquidation is your one-stop shop for cabinets and countertops in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and surrounding areas.