Complete Your Cabinet Refacing Project With a New Kitchen Countertop

by Allison Millar
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

The kitchen countertop makes an important kitchen design statement. When planning a cabinet refacing project, consider adding a new countertop to complete the design.

Among the popular kitchen countertop options are granite, solid surface, quartz, and laminate. The kitchen countertop material you choose will depend on several factors:

• The style you want--granite countertops add an upscale look.
• Your budget--laminate countertops are the least expensive.
• The amount of maintenance you are willing to do--granite countertops are easy to maintain and durable; limestone countertops are porous and require frequent sealing.

Tips For Combining a Countertop With a Cabinet Refacing Project

As you consider which countertop to buy, look for styles that will blend with your cabinet refacing project. Start by selecting colors and patterns that are similar to the cabinets or different enough to create an interesting contrast. Among the popular colors in today's kitchen designs are:

• Earth tones, such as sage, caramel, and mocha
• Bold colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows

Among the kitchen design ideas are:

• A brown and cream granite countertop to add contrast with cherry cabinets
• A cream and white quartz countertop to blend with maple cabinets.
• A rich black granite countertop to highlight the dark tones in cherry cabinets.

Consider Countertop Texture

The texture of your new countertop also is important, as it should blend with your cabinet refacing design. If you are refacing your cabinets with a rustic pine, then look for a countertop with some texture. There are many granite countertops or laminates with stone patterns that will do the job.

If you want the smooth look of natural maple cabinets, consider a solid surface countertop. This material has a smooth, seamless look, as it typically includes the sink and countertop as one piece.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement web sites.