Kitchen Countertops

New kitchen countertops are a dramatic and inexpensive do it yourself (DIY) makeover. Our kitchens are usually the most used rooms in our homes. The family cook is there at least three times a day, while kids and friends gravitate towards the kitchen to eat, watch and chat. With so much of our time spent here, it's easy to grow tired of the décor more easily than other living spaces.

However, redecorating can be expensive. Renovating a kitchen can be one of the most costly of home improvements. Real estate agents will tell you that an updated kitchen adds the indoor 'curb appeal' that can sell your home. The trick is in making changes that modernize your kitchen and don't cost an arm and a leg. Installing new kitchen countertops is one terrific solution. If you're handy with tools and can take accurate measurements, this makeover can be a DIY project. New kitchen countertops can give you a brand new look with just a little careful planning and a few days of work.

Many older homes have outdated kitchen countertops that permeates your entire décor. No matter what you do to freshen your look, with new curtains or updated cabinet faces, those old countertops continue to influence the overall look. Old.

The kitchen countertop materials available today beat the pants off what your choices were thirty years ago. Formica(TM) used to be available in just a few colors and some not very realistic faux woodgrain patterns. Today, you can choose from every color of the rainbow. Woodgrain looks are far superior.

Other options include ceramic tiles. There are beautiful hand painted Italian tiles which can be used as a trim in conjunction with a solid color tile for a rustic but modern and extravagant effect. Use colored tiles in a two-color design to create a checkerboard effect that highlights your color scheme. Terracotta colors with a matte finish provide an attractive earthy effect.

If tiles appeal to you, consult with a knowledgeable sales person at the home improvement store for preparation and installation details. Tile is heavy, so you'll need to provide enough support in your base to withstand the added weight. You can choose from custom grout colors that match your tiles.

Granite kitchen countertops are a popular choice which, although pricey, produces an elegant, rich result that is easy to maintain.

You'll need to remove your old countertops so that you can install a new plywood base that, when covered with your new kitchen countertop materials, is of the same height from the floor and flush with other kitchen features, such as the stove.

You can find all the preparation and installation instructions you need at your DIY center or DIY websites online. Take your measurements with you when shopping for the countertop materials, so your budget stays intact.

Your new kitchen countertops will make a dramatic difference to this favorite room, adding value to your home and years of cheer for the cook!