WHAT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE CHOOSING COUNTERTOPS?

Merino Laminates, October 25, 2023 Updated On : April 29, 2025

What are Countertops?
Top 5 Things to Consider While Choosing Countertops
So how do you choose?

Kitchen and bathroom countertops play a key role in interior design and practicality. Besides serving as work surfaces, countertops also have a significant impact on the aesthetics of your home.

The right countertops will last you for years if you choose them carefully.

What are Countertops?

A countertop is a horizontal surface commonly found above cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is used to prepare food, serve meals, and store items. The surface is also popular for bathroom sinks.

A wide range of materials are used for countertops, including granite, marble, quartz, wood, laminate, and concrete, as well as engineered stone (such as quartz). Choosing a laminate kitchen countertop material will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and design aesthetic.

Top 5 Things to Consider While Choosing Countertops

Choosing the right surface solution for your countertops is a big decision. It affects not just the aesthetics of the space but also the functionality, and let’s not forget – the budget.

So how do you choose?

We’ve rounded up a list of the top things to keep in mind while picking surface solutions for your countertops.

Know Your Needs

Before diving into choosing specific countertop surface solutions, it is important to list what you require. What are the surfaces you need to decorate? Are they heavily used or used sparingly? Is the countertop likely to see a lot of variation in temperature? Will it be exposed to moisture and water? Make a list. Rank them so your top-priority features are on top of that checklist.

Set Expectations On Maintenance

Be clear about how much time you can spare to maintain the countertops. Do you need something that’s low maintenance and can be quickly wiped down like a solid countertop in laminate? Are you willing to put in the time and effort to oil and seal countertop materials like granite and marble annually?

Map Them To The Product Features

Check if the surface of the countertops will withstand the drips, spills, and scratches that are normal in most homes. Use your checklist of needs to map to the countertop solutions available. The high resolution laminate countertop solutions by Merino, for instance, have varied features depending on their purpose.

Merino high pressure laminates are typically scratch-resistant and durable, but some, like Impreza compacts, are also designed to be heat-resistant, able to withstand temperatures of up to 180 degrees, making them especially ideal for kitchen countertops.

Check Pricing

Does the custom laminate countertop that you’ve shortlisted offer value for money? Weigh off affordability with durability when you’re trying to decide. Laminate countertops typically strike the right balance – offering a great finish along with being long-lasting.

Explore Designs

What kind of look are you aiming at for your countertops?

Does the rest of your home have a very particular design sensibility?

Would you like your kitchen countertops to carry that theme forward?

For those looking to create something unique, Customised Digital Lamiate Imagino is exactly what you need. Offering endless customization possibilities, with imagino the sky’s the limit.

Armed with your trusty checklist, choosing countertops for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming anymore. Enjoy the experience!

How Merino Can Help You?

Why settle for something run-of-the-mill when you could pick countertops that make a statement? The Compact laminate range UniColour core top Impreza from Merino is eye-catching and creates a finish that rivals the finest marble, wood, and granite countertops.

Explore the thousands of stunning options on offer from Merino with the handy Design Explorer. Play around with colors, patterns, and a variety of finishes. It makes choosing countertops a whole lot more fun – and addictive!

FAQ

Q. What countertops to avoid?
Choosing the right countertops for your kitchen requires avoiding a few materials. Here are some options:
1. Marble countertops: Marble countertops are aesthetically pleasing and luxurious, but they are also prone to staining and etching.
2. Soapstone countertops: Soapstone countertops are soft and scratchable. They also require regular sealing to maintain their appearance.
Q. How long do countertops need to be set?

Depending on the material, countertops take a certain amount of time to set. Quartz countertops, for example, are normally required to be set for 24 hours before use, while granite countertops may need up to 72 hours. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when curing and setting your countertops.
Q. What are the best quality countertops?

Impreza from Merino are generally considered the best quality countertops. They are durable, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and easy to maintain. Plus, they are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a versatile choice for any kitchen design.