One of the most common issues for people planning a renovation or an upgrade to a Minneapolis kitchen or a bathroom is to choose materials based on the initial cost. While price is most often an issue with any home renovation or upgrade, it is also important to consider the life cycle of the material as well as the maintenance requirements and upkeep.
This is particularly important for countertops in both the bathroom and the kitchen. Similar to flooring, counters will have a significant amount of wear and tear, including spills, drops and even heat and cold exposure on the surface.
While natural stone countertops may be initially the more expensive price, by taking a closer look at the cost of other counter materials they often become very reasonably priced and even a cheaper option over the life of the home.
Life Cycle
With just basic care similar to other counters, the natural stone counters will last the lifetime of the Minneapolis home. Wood, tile, laminate or other types of materials will need to be replaced over time. These materials can chip, lift, peel, crack or become faded or damaged over time and with typical use.
Replacing wood, tile and, laminated counters every decade or so can mean a full replacement several times in the life of the home.
Wear and Tear
Using a cutting board for food prep and a trivet for hot pots is recommended for any type of counter surface. With natural stone, the chances of damage are much less than with other types of materials.
With occasional sealing, these countertops are resistant to stains, etching and even surface cuts from knives and kitchen gadgets. The same is not true for other types of materials with softer surfaces and increased likelihood of damage with typical use.
