Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you gather with loved ones to cook, eat, and make memories. Choosing the right finishes for your kitchen remodel or new construction is an exciting process, but one that requires careful thought and planning. Follow these 3 key steps to choose finishes wisely so your kitchen reflects your personal style and withstands the test of time.
Do Your Research
With so many options for countertops, cabinets, flooring, and backsplashes, the choices can feel overwhelming. Start by researching the pros and cons of popular kitchen finishes.
Countertops
- Granite – Beautiful natural stone, durable, retains heat. Expensive, must be sealed.
- Quartz – Manmade, stylish, stain and scratch resistant. Lacks natural stone look.
- Laminate – Budget-friendly, wide variety of colors/patterns. Prone to scratches, water damage.
- Butcher block – Warm look, requires maintenance. Can stain and scratch without proper care.
Cabinets
- Wood – Timeless, natural material. Susceptible to moisture damage if quality isn’t high.
- Thermofoil – Affordable, durable. Limited on style compared to real wood.
- Painted – Allows color personalization. Prone to chipping over time.
Flooring
- Tile – Durable, waterproof, easy to clean. Can be cold underfoot. Grout requires sealing.
- Luxury vinyl plank – Mimics wood/stone look. Warm, waterproof, affordable. Susceptible to scratches over time.
- Hardwood – Beautiful, classic. Requires maintenance to protect from water damage.
Backsplashes
- Ceramic tile – Versatile, waterproof, easy to clean. Grout lines can get dirty.
- Stainless steel – Sleek, modern look. Shows smudges, fingerprints.
- Glass tile – Shimmering appearance. Expensive, each piece must be cut.
Determine Your Priorities
With an overview of the options, think through your priorities:
Budget – Set a realistic budget and stick to finishes that fit within it. Don’t overspend on items that aren’t top priority.
Style – Choose finishes that support the overall aesthetic you want – modern, farmhouse, transitional etc.
Durability – Opt for resilient finishes in high-traffic areas like countertops and flooring. Consider kids, pets, entertaining.
Ease of maintenance – Some finishes require frequent sealing, cleaning etc. Factor in time commitment.
Comfort – Consider texture of surfaces for bare feet. Look for non-slip flooring if kids/elderly will be present.
Resale value – Neutral backsplashes and countertops appeal to more buyers if you plan to sell soon.
Finding finishes that check all your boxes may require some creative mix-and-match. Just be sure the overall scheme is cohesive.
Select Finishes in Person
While planning is crucial, nothing beats seeing finishes in person before finalizing decisions.
View samples – Order free samples of countertops, flooring etc. Examine in different lighting.
Visit showrooms – Feel the texture of backsplashes, open cabinet doors, walk on flooring samples.
Bring swatches – Carry paint chips, fabric swatches to envision full space.
Take pictures – Snap photos on your phone to compare options at home.
Ask about longevity – Discuss durability, pros/cons, and care requirements with retailers.
Consider lighting – View samples at different times of day to see color variations.
Think long-term – Love a trendy terrazzo backsplash? Consider whether you’ll still enjoy it in 10 years.
Choosing finishes is fun but requires diligence. Follow these steps and you’ll create a kitchen that suits your lifestyle and lasts for years of family memories. Don’t settle or rush the process. With careful selection, your new kitchen will be a space you’re truly proud of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Kitchen Finishes Wisely
What are the most popular kitchen countertop materials right now?
Currently, the most sought-after kitchen countertop materials are quartz, granite, marble, and butcher block. Quartz is prized for its stylish appearance, durability, and low maintenance. Granite is treasured for its natural beauty and excellent resistance to scratches, heat, and stains. Marble is valued for its timeless elegance, despite being more prone to etching and stains. Butcher block offers a warm, traditional look and is naturally antibacterial.
How do I choose the right countertop finish for my kitchen?
Consider your budget, lifestyle, and personal style when choosing a countertop finish. For low maintenance, opt for quartz or granite. If you don’t mind sealing and oiling, butcher block offers character. Frequent cooks may enjoy the heat resistance of soapstone. Entertainers may prefer durable, food-safe stainless steel. Make sure to view samples in person before deciding.
What flooring works best for kitchens?
Durable, water-resistant flooring that’s easy to clean is best for kitchens. Top choices include porcelain or ceramic tile, luxury vinyl plank, and engineered hardwood. Tile comes in endless styles and is very durable and moisture-resistant. Luxury vinyl plank withstands spills, pets, and heavy traffic while providing cushioning. Engineered hardwood can be water-resistant but requires more maintenance.
Should I install a backsplash in my kitchen?
Backsplashes provide both form and function. Water-resistant materials like ceramic tile, metal, and glass protect the walls from moisture damage and are easy to wipe clean. A backsplash also allows you to add color, texture, and personality to the space. Even if cost is a concern, a simple backsplash is a smart investment to safeguard walls behind sinks, stoves, and prep areas.
How do I coordinate finishes across my kitchen?
Tie your kitchen together with a common color, material, or style. For a cohesive look, carry your countertop finish onto the backsplash, like using marble on both. Echo cabinet hardware on the backsplash tile or lighting. Choose stainless steel appliances if you have a stainless sink and range hood. Consistent finishes create flow, even with an eclectic mix of materials and colors.
What questions should I ask when viewing kitchen finish samples?
Here are key questions to ask when viewing physical samples:
- How durable and stain/scratch resistant is this material?
- How does it withstand heat?
- What kind of maintenance does it require?
- How does the surface feel – slick, matte, rough?
- Does the color/pattern vary from sample to full installation?
- Does it need to be sealed regularly?
- What does installation entail?
- Do you recommend any specific cleaners?
- How long will it retain its original appearance?
Should I avoid certain kitchen finishes with kids or pets?
Yes, opt for durable, low-maintenance finishes if you have kids or pets. Avoid porous, etching materials like marble and butcher block. Skip delicate glass backsplashes. install metal or wood cabinets that are scratch-resistant. Choose easy-clean finishes like quartz, LVP flooring, and ceramic tile. Consider chairs/stools with padded feet to protect floors. Place runners by entries to limit tracked-in dirt.
How do I choose eco-friendly kitchen finishes?
Sustainable kitchen finishes include recycled glass or porcelain tiles, natural linoleum flooring made from renewable materials, bamboo or reclaimed wood cabinets, recycled paper countertops, and low- or no-VOC paints and sealants. Locally sourced materials like stone also have a smaller carbon footprint. Do research to ensure companies follow ethical manufacturing and sourcing practices as well.
Conclusion
The finishes you choose for your kitchen remodel or new build will set the tone for the whole space. Follow these essential steps for a kitchen that elegantly stands the test of time:
- Research popular materials to understand pros and cons
- Set priorities based on budget, lifestyle needs, and personal taste
- View physical samples and ask retailers questions to make informed decisions
- Select durable, easy-care finishes for high traffic areas
- Coordinate materials and colors for a cohesive look
- Consider eco-friendly options to reduce your environmental impact
With careful planning and selection, your kitchen finishes will delight for years to come. Trust the process, do your homework, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The personalized touches you add through creative use of finishes will result in a kitchen that truly reflects your style.
