Renovating your kitchen in New York City or New Jersey?
A major kitchen renovation can not only beautify your home, but result in a major return on investment. So it’s important to think through the process of renovating by choosing a design that’s right for you, with materials that will last forever.
- You should begin your kitchen remodel by choosing a style. Will your new kitchen look contemporary, or traditional?
- Function and longevity are also key. Since this is an investment, make sure to choose materials that will both meet your needs and last. Ie, if you’re a chef or looking for a gourmet-friendly kitchen, marble is obviously out for you.
- Personalize the space. Where will the sunlight come from? How does the rest of your home feel? How much room do you have to work with?
Then, the important part: choosing your materials.
How do Soapstone, Slate, Wood, and Marble fit into your kitchen?
Renovating with Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone requires some maintenance the first 3 to 6 months, requiring maintenance with organic wax and oil to enhance its patina (aging).
However, soapstone lasts forever, so if you’re looking to increase the value of your kitchen, it’s a great choice. It can be sanded down by the homeowner if it gets scratched. It’s impermeable, and since it doesn’t take in moisture, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t stain.
Soapstone can be adjusted for a variety of looks: paired with wood, it will create a traditional, organic feel; paired with marble, it can add a sleek contrast to a contemporary home. No matter what style you’re going for, it’s an easy decision to use soapstone.
Soapstone is heat resistant. It’s perfect for a gourmet kitchen (many of our customers are chefs) and baking. It eliminates worries about placing hot items directly on the counter.
Soapstone’s unique veining characteristics add an elegant touch to any kitchen.
Renovating with Slate Countertops
The thermal properties of slate are amazing, so like soapstone, it’s perfect for baking. Unlike soapstone, slate does not require oiling to enhance its patina.
Slate comes in gray, green, red, mottled purple, and heathermore (grey/black). We’ve often seen it paired with wood to create a rustic atmosphere.
Slate’s subtle patterns and colors make it an attractive, unique countertop choice.
Renovating with Marble Countertops
Marble is a material that immediately says “classic, beautiful, and elegant”. A kitchen with only marble surfaces is bound to be eye-catching. Many of our customers pair marble with soapstone (Garden State Soapstone ™’s all-time favorite look).
Unlike soapstone and slate, marble requires sealing to prevent stains and etching. They’re not necessarily family- or gourmet-friendly, but with proper care, they will last forever, while making your home a beautiful place.
Renovating with Wood Countertops
Wood countertops can come in butcher block, or honed with edge detail. Wood countertops can be fabricated in end grain, plank style, or edge grain (traditional butcher block look).
As long as wood countertops are treated correctly, they are stain, scratch, and water resistant.They may need re-finishing every ten years.
Generally, wood countertops add a traditional, crafted feel to homes, but because there are many species or varieties of wood, as well as options for edge detail, they go well with modern and contemporary homes too. Butcher block countertops can be perfect for bakers and chefs, as long as a separate cutting board is used.
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