Notes from a Remodeling & General Contractor for the Wichita, KS Area

This month in our remodeling series we will be taking a look at countertops in the kitchen as they come in a variety of compositions, sizes, profiles, and costs. There a many choices available in today’s market for countertop remodeling but we will focus in on what we typically are seeing with at S&A Construction, Inc. in the Wichita, KS metro area.

Popular Countertop Materials

The top choices in countertop materials that we see in the Wichita, KS area include:

• Laminate - Either overlay (if existing laminate countertop) or pre-formed, both are affordable and come in the widest colors & patterns available.
• Onxy Brand – These are translucent and let light transmits through and can be backlit to take advantage of this unique property. It makes a dramatic backsplash material.
• Granite – Beautiful patterns that always bring a unique look as no two are alike plus is extremely durable.
• Quartz – Durable, non-porous (no sealing) and can be manufactured with variety of patterns and colors.
• Marble – Durable and comes in many different shades and varieties but can be susceptible to staining or discoloration over time and can requires resealing every 2-10 years.

Consider Pre-Formed for Low Cost But Lots of Options

One option to look at if you are cost conscious is pre-formed countertops or what a lot of people know as Formica brand countertops. These days pre-formed have a large variety of faux finishes and different bullnose & edging profiles to choose from. Many of these closely resemble and mimic stone countertops such as granite or marble. These are now so realistic that the only person that would know it is not granite is you. These can be purchased and installed for less than half of a granite product, allowing one wanting to obtain the look without the cost.

Things to Know with Granite & Marble Construction & Installation

Typically with solid surfaces such as granite and marble, these are always cut, polished, and installed by the ganite or marble supplier. At S&A Construction, when we work with granite or marble, we coordinate this as part of the remodeling process and handle all the other details such as backsplash, custom pieces, lighting, painting, and etc.

This is because when customers start searching for marble or granite, they quickly realize that many suppliers only set the countertop thus leaving the sink connection, dishwasher connection, backsplash, lighting, and painting left to be done. This is where contractors like S&A Construction are a great options for customer that may not wish to handle dealing with multiple vendors during a remodeling project.

Granite countertop with Venetian Gold, 4” tile backsplash install on point

Tile Backsplashes – The Sky is the Limit

With all tile installation, the design, pattern, and cost of tile can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the complexity and composition. We are seeing a trend in the Wichita, KS metro area where customers are having simple patterns installed with a natural tile composition. For example, we are installing a lot of “subway tile” profiles in nature stone.

Subway tile in natural stone

Consider Replacing the Sink & Electrical at Same Time

Depending on your current countertop configuration, it is possible to simply replace the countertop with a sink at the same time. Same goes with the faucet, which can be installed with different depth, shape, and functionality to help further improve the look and functionality of the kitchen as a whole. With many countertop replacements, we do encourage a new back splash and any electrical functionality to be installed such as under the counter lighting. Doing these all together can help with cost and avoiding additional work & mess later.

But Keep Your Existing Cabinetry

Replacing an existing countertop and backsplash is a great way to provide a face lift to the kitchen on an economic budget. Many customers today are electing to save their existing cabinetry to save cost, while addressing backsplashes, countertops, sinks & faucets, appliances, flooring, and painting.

 
New Laminate with Granite Look using Existing Cabinetry

Need a new Countertop as part of your Remodeling Project in the Wichita, KS area?

At S&A Construction, we think the right countertop can be a big addition to any kitchen remodeling project. So if you are looking for a remodeling contractor in the Wichita Kansas area, feel free to give us a call or e-mail.

We also encourage you to go back and review our other related articles with regards to choosing a reputable and trustworthy remodeling contractor, benefits of working with a single contractor for remodeling, and ideas for a dream kitchen, bathroom or home addition.

As always, let us know if you have any questions, other ideas, or comments!