One of the major decisions in a kitchen remodel is the counter material and style. There are so many different materials, and styles that are available for renovating a kitchen countertop and backsplash. We now have the option of selecting granite, marble, butcher block, stainless steel, polished concrete and a myriad of other materials. Different styles exist to cater for differing personal tastes and kitchen environments.

Not every material or style works for everyone or every situation. When you’re choosing your countertop and backsplash material take into consideration the following factors:

• How will you use your countertop?

Heavy-duty cooks and restaurant countertop requirements are different from a family’s countertop requirements. Restaurant countertops need to be more durable, resilient and easy to clean and sanitize. If you’re a home baker, you may want to consider marble to cool cookies on. Have great knife skills? You may want to consider a butcher block surface. How you use your countertop will help you choose the best material for your kitchen.

• What is your countertop and backsplash budget?

The cost of materials differs as does the cost of installing the various materials.

• How much space does the countertop need?

The space available for installing counters and backsplashes affects decisions like shape, size and style. Design can be used to increase the working and storage space available.

When selecting your backsplash take into consideration the materials colors and textures. You’ll want to choose materials that blend well and are easy to clean. This can be either complementary or contrasting depending on the materials used and the kitchen’s environment. The backsplash should blend with the countertop and the kitchen’s floors and cabinets.

• Select a cohesive countertop and backsplash.

One of the easier ways to ensure the countertop and backsplash match is to use the same material for both. This creates a seamless and continuous look. To break up the monotony, alcoves and ledges can be incorporated. They also serve to increase the storage space available.

• Mix metal countertops with wood backsplashes

Metal countertops can make a kitchen feel a bit cold. A backsplash of wood increases the feeling of warmth in the kitchen. Water can stain wood so make sure the wood is properly sealed.

• Concrete countertops and subway tiles

Concrete countertops are becoming increasingly popular. They work well with most cabinet materials. Subway tiles make a great complementary backsplash for concrete countertops, breaking the monotony without being glaring or becoming an eyesore.

• Matching stainless steel countertops with bricks

If you’re into the industrial look, you may favor stainless steel countertops. These shiny gray countertops look great with brick backsplashes. They make a space feel and look warm and the muted colors of bricks provide great contrast to the shiny metallic look of stainless steel.

• Marble countertops and stainless steel backsplashes

Light-colored thick marble slab countertops can be combined with a stainless backsplash for great effect. This works extremely well if the cabinets are dark-hued. The veining in the marble results in a natural look. The slight reflective surface of stainless steel results in a modern look that is understated.

• Granite countertops and back painted glass backsplashes

Back painted glass backsplashes work with almost any countertop material. Back painted glass is especially striking with granite countertops.

These are just a few of the countertop and backsplash combinations that are possible. We’re happy to assist you in choose the perfect combination for your new kitchen.