I am overwhelmed: Which Kitchen Counters Should I Use?

EDUCATION

We have all been there. A friend or family member runs to a big box store to renovate their kitchen and they are so proud. You show up…and of course….they selected Uba Tuba or Santa Cecilia granite. Yes. This is still happening in 2020. Yes. granite is one of the strongest and most durable options. With advancement is sealants and treatments almost any stone could be a quality canidate for your kitchen renovation.

While countertops are the main work space in the kitchen—the appearance of the stone does impact the overall theme of your kitchen. Do you want solid colors like white, gray and black? Are you looking for bold strong veins? What about pepper flakes of pepper and geodes?

Marble -tends to be heat and stain sensitive. In addition, because of the inconsistencies in the appearance and veining—it is important to map out where you will be placing the stone quite well. It is important to remember to that marble can stain easily and it is important to keep up with the sealing. Wine, oils, and sauces can damage this stone. There are many great slabs of marble to get explored. On a final note marble can have lots of motion and action that may not give you the subtle motions your may be looking for.

Quartz- tends to be very predictable and consistent with its patterns. Quartz tends to be very affordable. On average it can be as much as 50% less in cost compared to many of the marble options. The durability factor for quartz is quite impressive. This is because quartz is referred to as an engineered stone. Typically its 93% limestone and 7% resin. Quartz is both non-porous and anti-bacterial. Don’t put a hot pot on this surface.

Granite- tends to be less porous and it does need to be sealed. In addition, granite is heat resistant. You can literally take a pot of the stove and place directly on the the surface with no risk of damage.

If you are looking for a modern sleek appearance in your kitchen. I highly recommend going with a less vibrant appearing stone. When properly paired with the right cabinets, they will anchor the space and offer the strong architecture needed to ground to space.

Finally, don’t wait until the last minute to select your counter tops. I highly recommend to my clients to make their stone selection as soon we finalize the kitchen floor plan and cabinets have been signed off.

Just because you want gray marble counters…it doesn’t mean the perfect slab will be there waiting. This is a huge investment…don’t settle for what is available only because you didn’t plan properly.

While I rarely use granite. It is a must consider having the stone honed or ever a river wash treatment. This will all a more character to the stone versus what you would typically see.

Every showroom will be able to offer samples of the stones they offer. Don’t purchase off it ever. I highly recommend even if you are purchasing a production home—if the builder will allow you to pick your slab from the yard…do it. Most mid-range builders will have a design center where you finalized your selections. It is true, they will usually have an interior designer working there. If you are going to upgrade your counters….please try to pick your slab in person…not from the small samples.

As you can see, selecting the best counter top for your kitchen should be well planned and thought out. It is important to consider your lifetime and the look you are going for. Currently, I see more people going with clean, simple, refined slabs with less motion.

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I am overwhelmed: How to select carpet.

EDUCATION

Carpet is honestly one of the least expensive flooring options available. With this being said, it doesn’t mean there are few options and its and simple as 1, 2 3…just pick one. While it is most affordable, it is still an investment that should be considered before making a selection. If you opt for wall to wall carpet…just like hardwoods you will see it daily. I have put together a combination of my thoughts homeowners should know about before using carpet in their home.

There are many different material choices for carpet. Natural and man made. I will be speaking on the more common and attainable(synthetic) options.

Nylon is often the first fiber that most consumers think of. Nylon has proven itself over and over again. You’ve heard you get what you pay for? While it is often considered the most desired synthetic fiber…its going to best the most expensive.

Polyester comes next. Less expensive and durable. Because polyester tends to accepts dye very well…you will be able to find bold rich and striking colors. Let’s not forget that polyester is naturally stain resistent.

Olefin (polypropylene) is actually one of the least expensive options. This fiber tends to hold up very well to foot traffic—when used in a level berber loop pattern.

Frieze you say?

There are 2 loops or styles of carpet that tend to be affordable and desirabale.

Berber carpet is offered at lower price points are still fairly durable. Berber often cost less because of the olefin fiber content and the production process. All styles of carpet start out as looped. For cut-piles, the tips of the loops are sheared off. Obviously, Berbers do not need to undergo this step of the process, so they are less costly to produce.

Why are Berbers considered to be so durable? It is because the strongest part of a fiber is the side, rather than the top. When a fiber is looped around, it is the side of the fiber that is exposed to foot traffic (because the “ends” are tucked into the backing). Therefore, you are always walking on the strongest part of the fiber.

Frieze is another hardy style of carpet that will generally offer good durability at a lower price. Friezes consist of longer fibers that feature a high twist level which increases the fiber strength. Additionally, because the fibers are longer, they tend to lean over to the side. This means that much of the foot traffic occurs on the side of the fibers, which, as we just learned, is a good thing.

How can I save a little money? How is your buying power? Will you purchase 1800 square feet this year of 700,000 square feet of carpet? What are you asking? Listen. Buying power is real. Whenever possible buy what is in stock. You will never get better pricing when you special order anything when it comes to renovations, furniture, or design. If you don’t see it on the floor…ask to walk the warehouse. I promise! You will save a lot of money.

Shop local

Don’t assume the large national chains have the best prices or more options…its not always true. I have learned many times that there are many mom and pop flooring companies and carpet stores that can beat the prices and customer service levels of any national big box store. More often, these stores have been in business for a long time and have amazing location relationships with the mills directly. Ready to roll out the “red” carpet? Look around a local carpet showroom.

Upgrade the padding

You want me to pay for what? Yes… I want you to pay more for the padding than the carpet itself. Trust me… you will thank me. Most often, quality padding can make a lower priced carpet perform much better. When you are selecting your padding, I highly suggest that you purchase the best padding you can comfortably afford. Be careful that your big box store isn’t over selling. You don’t have to purchase the most expensive. I highly recommend that you purchase a minimum density of 8 pounds and 3/8” thickness.

This is a very quick overview of carpet as an affordable flooring option an how to maximize your budget.

I hope you found this article interesting and helpful.  Wanna keep in touch? Consider joining my weekly newsletter. A weekly newsletter keeping you up to date on the latest of all things real estate, interiors, renovations, and custom home building.

Join our community of over 5000 readers and receive a well curated mix of inspiration, education, and resources on all things related to curating the home of your dreams.

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