Try Adding Countertop During Cabinet Refacing

by Allison Beatty
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Planning a cabinet refacing project? Look around your kitchen for other ways to remodel and improve the functionality of the space. One popular option is to change the countertop, an easy home improvement project to add during a cabinet refacing.

Remodeling Your Kitchen Countertop

The kitchen countertop is an important functional area of the kitchen. This is the place where food preparation is started and meal clean up is completed. During a cabinet refacing, consider the many options for new kitchen countertops.

Remodel With Granite or Solid Surface Countertops

Two popular countertop options are granite, which is a natural stone, and solid surface, a man-made material. Many home owners add these countertops when they remodel, as they add an upscale look to blend with newly refaced cabinets. Each materials has its pros and cons, including:

• Granite has a more natural look, but can be a more costly home improvement project.
• Solid surface countertops are seamless and can be repaired easily.
• Both materials blend with new styles in cabinet refacing and offer an attractive surface to complement any kitchen cabinet style.

Wood Countertops -- A Home Improvement Trend

Wooden countertops also are a hot commodity in today's home improvement projects. Products such as walnut butcher block and maple countertops are being used in many remodeling projects. These wooden countertops add a durable surface for preparing meat, plus a fashionable look to complement a cabinet refacing project. Before adding wood, however, realize that it:

• Can be porous.
• Should be sealed every six months or so.
• Typically is used in a few key areas, not for the entire countertop.

Countertops Add Home Improvement Flexibility

A new countertop can help expand the reach of your cabinet refacing project. As you plan your cabinet refacing, take some time to consider a new countertop to meet your overall kitchen remodeling goals.

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.