The cabinets may be the face of the kitchen but the countertops are where all the action happens. A countertop will have to cope with hot pots and pans, knives, dirt and therefore needs to be durable.

So it is usually best to make your choice based on the performance of the material and ease of maintenance, as well as the sink mounting option.

Notes on edge styles and backsplash options are given at the end of this page (click here).

The countertop choices are listed below very roughly by price (least to most expensive). If you are replacing countertops measure the tops at the wall edge (not the front edge) and make a rough drawing when you go to the kitchen store to get a quote. Also measure the depth and indicate how the ends need to be finished, meaning whether there is a wall, an appliance or a walkway. Draw your plan from above, as if you were on the ceiling looking down.

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Your budget will normally dictate your choice of products but there are other considerations you need to take into account when working out how much your new kitchen is going to cost.

Prices vary quite a lot, so the figures given below are just a guideline and, as always, shopping around is the best bet.

But work out roughly how much money you want to spend and use this figure when talking to designers and contractors.

Below are some guidelines for establishing a realistic budget.

Budget Guidelines

First of all, if you limit your spending to 15% of your home’s value you should recoup 90% of the costs when you sell. Try to keep your investment relative to your homes worth, but at the same time make it worth your while by spending on the items that you really want.

Second, figure your product costs to be 1/2 to 2/3 of the total remodel. Choose your appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring and all other fixtures first. The remaining money will go towards installation and design.

Third, if you become overwhelmed with selection choices hire a design consultant to help you. A designer can save you money [...]

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