This is a guest post by Ethan from One Project Closer.

Buying a house is the biggest single purchase many people will ever make, and home appraisals have indicated that the kitchen has the most impact on the value of a home. It should come as no surprise that there is a significant number of kitchen countertop choices available, but how do you pick one? This article will explore four popular countertop options to help identify what’s important to you.

Function First

Many homeowners focus on a countertop that will meet their functional needs before they even begin to look at styles and colors. They want something that will resist scratches and heat, requires minimal maintenance and will stand the test of time. If that sounds like you, consider a quartz-based solid surface countertop. These countertops are non-porous and that means no worries about stains or bacteria. You don’t even need to seal them like granite countertops. It’s not recommended that you cut directly on the surface, and that’s because you’ll actually dull your knives! Manufacturers pack so many great features into Quartz-based solid surface countertops by combining crushed Quartz stone and resin to create a super-hard material. The only drawbacks include a higher price tag, and no natural variation like granite or limestone alternatives.

Cost Conscience

Just because you don’t have a huge budget for your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice good countertops. Many homeowners feel trapped into buying the bare-bones laminate countertop without ever considering stone, ceramic or porcelain tile. A lot of the cost associated with expensive countertops is mining and processing large slabs. If you utilize smaller pieces and tile your countertop, you can still have all the perks at a fraction of the cost. If you can embrace (and maintain) grout lines, this option is for you.

Make a Statement

Gone are the days when people oohed and awed over how much storage or counter space your kitchen provided. Today, people want their kitchens to say something about the people who use them. To achieve that custom shape and color, consider having a poured concrete countertop in your home. Nothing is more versatile as concrete because you get to pick the shape, color, any embedments and custom molds. Unfortunately, concrete isn’t the most durable material, and it requires some upkeep. Even so, nothing is more customizable and they often incorporate recycled material like fly ash for improved strength.

Its Gotta Be Green

If caring for the earth is your number one priority, then you’ll want a countertop with 100% recycled materials, and that’s what you’ll get with (some) recycled glass countertops. Even better, these countertops are a beautiful mosaic, and often you can specify what color glass you’d like to see incorporated. The glass is suspended in a matrix of concrete, and just like solid concrete countertops, you can incorporate recycled fly ash. You’ll also see the same drawbacks as concrete like the need for periodic sealing and susceptibility to scratching.

Hopefully, this overview offers some insights on countertop options that will help you make an informed decision. If you have other considerations, please add your thoughts in the comments section below.

Ethan is the VP and co-founder of One Project Closer, a website where you’ll find informative articles about tools, how-to projects, and crafts. Check One Project Closer as they follow contractors on the job site and provide coupons for popular home improvement stores like this Lowe’s coupon page.

This post entitled What Do Your Countertops Say About You is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

There is plenty of variation in the height of wall cabinets available; however, it all comes down to preference. You can go for a grand look and build your cabinets to your ceiling by pairing 42″ high cabinets with crown molding, or you can opt for a more modest feel with 30″ high cabinets and no top molding. It is something you would have to play with, and it is probably easiest to decide after seeing your design done utilizing a few options. Here are a few positives for each option.

The shortest wall cabinet height is 30″. This option is the least expensive, and it is available through most manufacturers, whether they are stock, semi custom, or custom made. These cabinets can be used without top molding to keep the costs down, and home owners can place tiny belongings, such as teapots, on display, above the cabinets. Since you will be saving money on the cost of the cabinet, you can also decide to use crown molding to add some extra height and style.

If you cannot decide you can always go with 36″ high wall cabinets; these cabinets are in the middle in regards to cost and storage space. This is perfect for homeowners that do not want to spend a fortune but that are also looking to be able to store all of their dinnerware.

To achieve that floor to ceiling cabinet look, most designers will suggest utilizing 42″ wall cabinets with crown molding. These cabinets offer the most storage space, typically coming with at least three shelves per cabinet. Being as they are of substantial stature, these cabinets can be used without crown molding as well, and the room will still have the same look. However, the taller the wall cabinet, the more expensive they become.

When you are working with your kitchen designer be sure to have him/her show you a few options both in renderings and price breakdowns. You will need to weigh out the options based on these two factors.

This post entitled Select the Right Height for Your Wall Cabinets is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Online cabinet distributors are a dream come true for home owners; they can remodel their kitchen and/or bathroom without over spending.  However, the internet is even more useful for contractors.  Contractors typically work with a bulk of cabinets; flipping, fixing, and remodeling homes and offices throughout the year.  They are repeatedly buying materials, but they can also be repeatedly spending too much money.  With the emergence of wholesale cabinetry e-commerce sites, that is a thing of the past.

Websites selling discount kitchen and bathroom cabinets will always come in cheaper than your local show room and home centers.  Like we have mentioned many times before, with the lack of the sky high rents and over head costs, the savings are passed down to each and every customer.  But there is even more of a discount in store for repeat customers.  Like any business, internet distributors love building long lasting relationships with consistent customers, so they are willing to extend something extra in efforts to build this.

Many websites have special Contractor’s Programs or Commercial Buyer’s Programs, and they are extremely easy to register for.  You will most likely need to enter your personal information such as name, number etc.  Then they will ask for the business name, contact information, and tax identification number.  They will then put you into their system, and the discount can be applied to all future orders.

Discounts for contractors can range from site to site.  Some websites may discount based on the size of each order or volume of orders; while other sites may simply apply the same discount across the board.  The  best thing for contractors to do is to apply to a few internet programs, and determine which site works best with you.  Do not simply base your decision on who is offering the lowest price, research each company thoroughly.  Look into quality, customer service, construction, and lead time.

Once you begin working with online kitchen and bathroom cabinet distributors, it would be pointless to go back to the traditional method.  You can save yourself time and tons of money, making the entire process easier on yourself, and your clients.

This post entitled Contractors Can Save Big Money By Using Online Cabinet Distributors is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Investing in your kitchen can become very expensive, but it doesn’t have to.  Regardless of your budget you can make simple adjustments to ensure you do not over spend.  If you are working with a kitchen designer, chances are they have shown you what they believe will work best in your floor plan; however, their options may be more expensive.  Continue working with the designer to lower your costs, and you can follow these guidelines to select alternatives without compromising your style.

When you submit your measurements to a designer, more often than not, they will use a Lazy Susan cabinet in the corner.  This is an excellent cabinet for storage reasons, but it is also almost double the price of a base blind corner cabinet.  By swapping the two you will save yourself that extra bit of money that can be used for more imperative aspects of the kitchen.

Drawer base cabinets are sought out by many home owners because they feel they need a place to put their pots and pans; while this is very understandable, it is not budget friendly.  All base cabinets come with at least one drawer on top, and the bigger cabinets come with two.  Purchasing a separate, all drawer, cabinet can run you hundreds of dollars over budget, so purchase a standard base cabinet in the same size.

The truth is, the beauty is in the details, but those details are also not necessary if you are looking to spend as little as possible.  Crown moldings, roll out trays, and trash can accessories are perfect add on’s in the kitchen, but they can add up very quickly.  Keep your kitchen simple to stay within your allotted number.

Once you have received your first proposal back from the kitchen designer, work with him/her to get your cost under control if you seem to have gone over budget.  By following these simple guidelines, you will be able to eliminate unnecessary costs without compromising the style and functionality of your room.

This post entitled How to Save Money Without Compromising Your Design is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Roll out trays and drawer base cabinets serve the same function, or do they?  They both extend out of the cabinet making it easier for us homeowners to find exactly what we are looking for without having to rummage through endless groceries or dinnerware.  They both come in a variety of sizes, enabling kitchen designers to incorporate them into virtually any floor space.  However, it is a common misconception that drawer base cabinets and roll out trays are interchangeable.

A roll out tray is simply an accessory that can be added into a standard cabinet; this accessory can be utilized in both base and wall cabinets.  It is simply a shelf that can be pulled out, making the entire tray accessible.  Many individuals place one or two roll out trays in particular cabinets that they know they are going to store nonperishable food in; this accessory helps keep the cabinet organized.

Drawer base cabinets are self explanatory; they are a base cabinet with no doors, just drawers.  These are most commonly used for pots and pans.  The deep drawers are the perfect size to store all of your favorite cookware.

Customers looking to save money and stay within budget may think that they can swap a drawer base cabinet for the less expensive roll out tray accessory.  This may work if you are looking to hold glasses, cereal, or canned goods, but it is not going to be ideal for storing your crocpot.

Being as roll out trays are an accessory that need to be installed into an existing base cabinet, you are going to loose anywhere from 1-3″ of storage space per shelf.  This may cause a problem when you are looking to put your pots and pans away.

While it is understandable how the similarities between the two can seem much more prevalent than they are; it is imperative that consumers are educated about the difference.  Dollar signs can not be the deciding factor because you may wind up compromising functionality in the process.

This post entitled When To Use Roll Out Trays Or Drawer Base Cabinets is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Being as the  kitchen remodeling process can leave your brain scrambled, it is very easy to overlook certain aspects of the room.  One area that tends to be forgotten more often than not, is the vertical counter space.  Many home owners do not realize that they have a say in the space between the counter top and the wall cabinets.  If this space is an after thought, style, functionality, and comfort can be compromised for years to come, so it is imperative that this area is carefully thought out.

There are many factors that can influence the amount of space allotted between the counter top and the wall cabinets, commonly referred to as backsplash height.  Several of these factors are ceiling height, concealed appliances, and the homeowner’s height are the main factors to take into consideration.  A standard vertical counter space is about 18″ (this is taken from a room with 8′ ceilings).  While this number is a good starting point, it will not work for everyone.

If you’re ceiling height is much larger than 8′, and you are building the cabinets to the ceiling, you may need to increase this space to keep it symmetrical.  You may also need to alter this space depending on the height of the main cook of the house.  If you will be doing the majority of the cooking and you are 6′ tall, the same counter space used by a chef that is 5’2 can be uncomfortable.  When designing your kitchen, make sure you go over a few options, and see which one you will feel more comfortable working with.

You will also need to take into account any counter top appliances you will have.  If you have standard appliances, such as a toaster or coffee pot, you may still be able to work with the suggested 18″ difference; however, if you have specialized appliances, review the specifications.  Make sure it will fit, and if it will not adjust the counter space accordingly.

Regardless of how overwhelming the renovation process can be, you have to make sure you cover all the bases because then all your hard work can wind up being for nothing.  You want to make sure you put your time and effort into creating not only your dream kitchen, but one you can work in comfortably for years to come.

This post entitled Don’t Overlook the Counter Space is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

These days, everyone is looking to go green.  Nobody wants to waste things anymore, and the environment has become a major issue, and for good reason.  This planet has done right by us and we need to start doing our part.  So what better way to go green then to update your kitchen cabinets?

Tip #3: Replace Your Old Wooden Kitchen CabinetsIf you MUST rip out that old set of kitchen cabinets because they are hazardous, or you just can’t stand to look at them anymore, replace them with lighter more eco-friendly options.  Nowadays there are a variety of materials that are on the market such as bamboo.  Certain styles of kitchen cabinets are made with bamboo as opposed to wood.  Although bamboo is just as hard, it’s not actually made from trees, bamboo is in the grass family.  Bamboo shoots are fully grown after only 3 years making it much more sustainable than wood.  Bamboo is the wave of the future because we need to stop cutting down trees.

This post entitled 3 Tips to Making Your Kitchen More Eco-Friendly is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Kitchen cabinets are available in a plethora of ways; they can be finished or unfinished.  Stains, glosses, and thermofoils are all very popular ways to cover the raw look of your wood species; however, painting kitchen cabinets is also a very commonly used method.  Many homeowners do not want to see wood grain or variation throughout their cabinets; they are looking for a more uniformed look.  Painted kitchen cabinets will give your room a well balanced feel, and you can choose from a few available colors.

One thing that seems to be kept a secret is that most painted cabinet doors are constructed using MDF or particle board.  Some distributors tend to hide this information from consumers because it may scar them away, but there is no reason to be turned off by the usage of these materials.  They are actually better suited for painted finishes than solid wood, contrary to what many people believe.  MDF and particle board will not morph, warp, or crack over time, regardless of the climate and humidity.  This is extremely important when dealing with painted kitchen cabinets because if the door or drawer fronts crack, it is more noticeable on a painted door than it is on a stained door.

Typically, manufacturers will simply use the man made woods for the door and drawer fronts to eliminate any chance of them being altered.  The construction of painted cabinetry should not be compromised; they should still be comprised of all plywood.  This will ensure not only the style and design of your cabinets but the quality as well.

You can achieve the cohesive look with painted kitchen cabinets without worrying about the grade of material being used.  Do not shy away from what you want; simply educate yourself as much as possible on all options before purchasing.

This post entitled Perfect Painted Kitchen Cabinets is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

One way to achieve the french countryside look for your kitchen design is through your kitchen cabinets. You can use a plethora of different styles to achieve the same effect; however, it comes down to personal preference. A staple in many French kitchens is cream painted, wood cabinets, with a brown highlight. This type of cabinet appears antiqued without looking worn. You may be a little more free spirited, and in that case, you could go with a light blue or green painted cabinet. Another great option is a dark brown, wood cabinet. Regardless of which you choose, you can bring the look to fruition by pairing it perfectly with accessories.

When you think of French kitchens, brushed nickel and copper should come to mind. These beautiful finishes can be incorporated in your hardware, faucets, or appliances. You may even wish to display some of your favorite cookware in these finishes; hanging them on a pot and pan rack over the island is a perfect way to showcase your style. Another item that screams Parisian is a chandelier; place a chandelier over your kitchen table to add that extra elegance to your room.

For a little something extra, perhaps incorporate a wine rack into your kitchen design; this can be placed in a base or wall cabinet. You may even wish to display your favorite French cook books, magazines, or trinkets to tie the entire look together. As long as you concentrate on combining both the kitchen cabinets and accessories to create an overall design, bringing that French flair to your kitchen should be.

This post entitled Bring the French Countryside to Your Kitchen is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Let’s face it, placing your canned goods and paper products all over the kitchen can be overwhelming.  Jam packed cabinets can cause mayhem when they seem to eat your groceries, and forgetting where a key ingredient is can be infuriating.  By placing a pantry cabinet in your kitchen you can store all of your non perishables, dinnerware, and any other odds and ends all in one spot.  Being able to find what you are looking for at a glance will not only eliminate buying doubles, but it will also make your life easier.

These tall cabinets store more than your average base and wall cabinet combination; there is about 15″ of unused space with the typical set up.  While counter top space is crucial, if you have some wiggle room, giving up some of that space will yield much more storage space.

Pantries come in three standard heights, 84″, 90″, or 96″, allowing for optimum storage space regardless of your ceiling height.  Most consumers think they need to have a large kitchen to be able to include a pantry cabinet, but that is not the case.  Many cabinet manufacturers make these tall pantries in widths as small as 18″.  This could be placed next to the refrigerator, at the end of the run, or on a wall by itself.

Pantry cabinets can also be utilized to store taller things, such as mops and brooms.  By removing the shelves you can eliminate the trips to the garage and place everything right where you need it.  Roll out trays are also another great add on that can be incorporate into a tall pantry.  This will make accessing the products at the back of the shelves a cinch.

No matter what style your kitchen is, storage space is always in, so try swapping some of the more traditional cabinets for something more efficient.

This post entitled Make Your Life Easier with a Pantry Cabinet is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.