One of the biggest expenses of a kitchen remodel is countertops. Countertops are a large majority of kitchen space and as such they can put a strain on any kitchen budget. However, there are a few things you can do to install beautiful kitchen countertops while staying at or under budget. Here are a few tips to help you save money while adding new countertops to your kitchen remodel.

Use Simple and Splendid Quartz 

Quartz is far and away the top material for countertops over the last few years. Quartz makes durable and easy to clean countertops at a variety of price points that won’t break the bank. Price points on countertops are typically determined by veining, movement, and depth of color. Veining is when long lines traverse across stone countertops. A counter top with detailed moving lines across it and a rich color palate will cost you more money. If you are looking to save money on your countertops, I would recommend looking for quartz countertops that have zero movement and are a beautiful but simple color. A simple white and gray countertop can create a beautiful kitchen and the solid color will save you money.

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You can also selectively mix your countertops between complex and solid colored countertops. You may decide to install an expensive complex countertop on your island and go for a more standard piece around the rest of the kitchen. This will give you the best of both worlds  while keeping you on budget.

Look for Optional Remnants 

One of the best ways you can save money on countertops is to look for optional remnants. A remnant is a fall off pieces of stone left over from other projects. You can find a lot of good deals if you look for a fall off piece. A good kitchen remodeler will also offer to use some of their leftover pieces from previous jobs or guide you to a good fabricator who can supply you with good materials at a good price.

If you are going to use optional remnants for your kitchen countertops it is important to keep an open mind and be fluid with your choices. You may have to buy a variety of different remnants to have enough for a remodel. This method is a great way to find great deals on countertop materials. 

Go Big in Other Areas 

Countertops are important but they are not the only part of your kitchen. If your budget only allows simple and traditional countertops you can get fancy in other areas of your kitchen. Back splash tiles on a standard price point countertop can bring a lot of character to your kitchen and not put you over budget. 

You can also paint your cabinets an interesting color or add some really cool decorative handles to them.

Countertops are one of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel, but that does not mean you can’t create a beautiful kitchen on or under budget. Using simple countertops, finding deals at fabrication sites and getting creative in other areas of your kitchen will ensure you have a remodel that is beautiful and cost effective.

 

Amber Carfield is the Lead Designer at Kitchens By Good Guys, a kitchen remodeler in Scottsdale Arizona.