What is the best countertop for a rental property?
- Granite. Although natural granite remains one of today's most popular countertop choices, it may have met its match with the growing popularity of engineered granite.
- Quartz.
- Recycled Glass.
- Concrete.
- Solid Surface.
What is the cheapest countertop option?
What Are Some Cheap Countertop Materials?
- Ceramic Tile. Ceramic tile countertops are one of the cheapest options you can find. ...
- Laminate. Outside of tile, another very cheap option you will find is laminate. ...
- Cultured Marble. Cultured marble is a faux marble surface that has risen in popularity as an alternative to natural marble.
- Granite. ...
- Cultured Granite. ...
- Butcher Block. ...
- Bamboo. ...
- Wood. ...
- Marble. ...
- Quartz. ...
Do it yourself countertops on a budget?
It's the very definition of a style statement and can be done on a budget if you're savvy about sourcing the materials. Pick muted tones for a subtle approach, or opt for all-out pattern and color to contrast with a wooden floor. Use plain tiles elsewhere to focus all the attention on your new attraction. 2. Try your hand at paneling
What is the best countertop?
Types of Kitchen Countertops: Which One’s Best for You?
- Granite countertops. ...
- Laminate countertops. ...
- Corian countertops. ...
- Marble countertops. ...
- Butcher block countertops. ...
- Quartz countertops. ...
- Soapstone countertops. ...
- Concrete countertops. ...
- Stainless-steel countertops. ...
What type of countertop is best for rental property?
Quartz. Quartz countertops are typically made from an engineered stone, and it is one of the most popular types of countertop material when homes are being renovated.
What type of countertop is most durable?
QuartzQuartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
What type of countertop has the least maintenance?
Top 5 Low Maintenance Countertop Surface OptionsLaminate. A laminate countertop surface has many advantages. ... Recycled Glass. This is a relatively new product. ... Solid Surface. There are a variety of solid surface types with Corian and Soapstone among the bestselling and highest-rated. ... Stainless Steel. ... Quartz.
What is better for a rental granite or quartz?
Granite. Though not as durable as quartz, granite is another popular stone option and is almost expected in most higher-end rentals. It is scratch, stain, and chip resistant, making it a durable option. But unlike quartz, it can also require yearly sealing maintenance in order to protect it.
What is the easiest countertop to maintain?
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Is quartz better than granite?
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
Sometimes, granite will come out as the cheaper option. Other times, you may end up with a quartz countertop that costs less than granite. In a comparison of the per square foot price, quartz will usually cost more – averaging about 20 to 40 percent more.
What type of countertop does not stain?
Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
Which is cheaper quartz or solid surface?
Generally, however, quartz countertops are more expensive than solid surfaces due to the premium quality of materials in their composition. Solid surface countertops are relatively cheaper when compared to premium stone countertops like granite, marble, and quartz.
What is difference between quartz and granite countertops?
Granite counters are mined from pure stone. The stone is sawed into slabs or made into tiles and then polished for installation. Quartz countertops are manufactured from crushed quartz that is mixed with pigment for coloration and resin as a binder. The quartz content is typically 92% to 94%.
What are apartment countertops made of?
Most kitchen countertops in rental apartments are laminate. And since they're usually beige, they can easily stain and yellow over time. You can cover your counters with decorative contact paper; just remove it with the aid of a hairdryer when you're ready to move out.
What are Corian countertops?
What is Corian? While Corian is a brand name, the term is commonly used to refer to any type of solid surface containing polymer and natural minerals. It is a lower-priced material than quartz and other premium countertops. This low cost is Corian's primary call to fame.
What is the best material for kitchen counters?
Quartz is currently the most popular option for kitchen counters, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. It’s stain, chip and scratch resistant, giving it bonus points in the durability category, and comes in any wide range of colors and patterns, making it perfectly customizable to meet specific tastes and trends. It’s also considered environmentally friendly since it’s not mined but created by combining waste stones. While it can cost higher than other counter options, it is a highly functional, durable, and affordable option.
Can you replace tile on a countertop?
If you’re looking for a countertop that’s completely customizable, choose tile. Tile is easy to replace if broken or damaged and comes in any number of different patterns and colors. However, keep in mind that tiles also require grout, which can easily collect dirt and stains, and can also fade over time. Tile is also not as durable and is more likely to need repair over time.
Is marble a good countertop?
Another stone option is marble. Though not as durable as quartz or granite, marble is widely available, which makes it easy to repair and maintain if necessary. Marble also adds a bit of elegance and can be a stand-out feature against comparable properties. The downside, however, is that marble is also rather porous, which means tenants must be mindful of what they put directly on the counter and must be sure to thoroughly clean the surfaces to avoid contaminates.
Is granite a good stone?
Though not as durable as quartz, granite is another popular stone option and is almost expected in most higher-end rentals. It is scratch, stain, and chip resistant, making it a durable option. But unlike quartz, it can also require yearly sealing maintenance in order to protect it.
How does price affect laminate countertop?
A cheap image will look “papery” and reduce the WOW factor of the countertops quickly. The edge of the countertop, if it has a build in backsplash, and the height of the backsplash will also affect the price of the product.
What is the rubber mallet used for?
The rubber mallet is used to set the miter joint straight when tightening the miter bolts. You can use your fist, but I wouldn’t recommend it. A special glue is used to glue the seam and the miter bolts are used to cinc. Nifty hardware to make the laminate countertop miter a cinch. h the seam together.
Why is laminate countertop so fragile?
Durability is the main weakness of laminate countertops. The base material is prone to water damage and exposing the underside of a laminate countertop will cause it to expand and bubble. As the laminate layer is essentially a plastic sheet; age, chemicals, and sunlight can cause discoloration and brittleness. Abrasions in the surface are also highly visible and virtually unrepairable, bringing down the “WOW” factor of even a nice laminate surface quickly.
How long can laminate countertops sit in the store?
The premade laminate countertops can sit in the store for months before you purchase it.
What is laminate countertop?
Laminate countertops are produced in a similar manner to laminate flooring. Basically it is a hard layer of plastic over an engineered wood base. The laminate itself is composed of the following layers: Backing material which is glued to the substrate (usually particle board) Core material: The bulk of the laminate layer.
What happens if you put moisture on laminate?
If a significant amount of moisture comes in contact with the MDF/particleboard underside, it will swell and flake. It is a critical step to ensure the seams and the sink are properly seated and sealed. If they are not properly sealed, you may as well plan to replace this countertop annually. Dishwashers also require a special moisture barrier to be installed above the unit. The steam generated by the dishwasher’s operation will accumulate under the countertop. Without the moisture barrier installed, the steam will damage the countertop from underneath and ruin it over time.
What is the core material of laminate?
Core material: The bulk of the laminate layer. This layer acts as a shock absorber for the rest of the laminate layer.
1. Granite
Granite is the most popular stone countertop material on the market, and it’s a solid choice for your rental property’s kitchen. As a pretty durable option, granite countertops are heat and scratch-resistant, but they’re not naturally stain-resistant.
2. Quartz
Quartz is quickly gaining popularity in the countertop industry, mostly due to its top-notch durability and low maintenance requirements. Naturally scratch and stain-resistant, quartz countertops are the perfect choice for high-traffic, frequently used kitchens.
4. Laminate
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, laminate is usually the most affordable countertop option. It’s a common choice for properties that need to outfit a lot of units while sticking to a tight budget. And with a variety of styles and colors available, you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your desired aesthetic.
How to determine how many square feet of countertop you need?
Measure the Space. The first step in selecting a countertop is to figure out how many square feet of material you will need. You can calculate square feet by multiplying the length by the width of the space.
Why is it important to choose the right countertop?
That is why it is so important to select the right materials. You need to choose a countertop that has the right look, the right price and the right durability for the type of property you own.
Why are counters important?
Countertops are important, because they are one of the first things people notice. However, you do not want to overspend if the value of the property does not warrant an expensive counter. Property Value: Your price point should be influenced by the value of the property.
What to know before choosing a countertop?
Before choosing a countertop, it is important to realize this is a decision that will likely be around for a while. Unlike choosing a paint color, which can easily be changed, a countertop is a large expense. You will want to choose something that has a timeless appeal.
How wide is the island of the sand?
The width of the island is 48 inches, which equals 4 feet.
What is the goal of flipping a property?
Your goal is to choose a cost-effective material—a material that will fit with the value of the property and attract buyers but not break the bank .
Is marble good for a kitchen?
Marble is not an ideal choice for kitchens because although it is beautiful, it is a soft, porous stone and is prone to etching. Hard stones like granite and quartz are popular choices for the kitchen. You may also consider using different countertops for different functional areas in the kitchen.
Do you need to top mount a granite sink?
Under mount are a pain to clean at the joint between the 2. I would top mount the sink. Everyone seems to want granite to keep up with "jone's" down the street but its not always necessary. Some laminates look really good to.
Is laminate hard to beat?
The price of installation is not the deciding factor for me. It is longevity and maintenance. My experience is that laminate is hard to beat.
Is granite the same as quartz?
Granite IS the new laminate. Quartz is the new granite.
Is concrete cheaper than stone?
Another option that is gaining great popularity is concrete poured countertops. This is far cheaper than stone and some consumers prefer it more than solid stone. We are still in the exploratory phase of this but the CC I've seen in person are gorgeous! I saw one CC in white that I thought was quartz until I was told differently.
Does eBay sell shower faucets?
New to the group but I have been doing remodel work for years. Brand name companies for faucets, showers and other fixtures usually sell through ebay a lot of times. Each year just like cars new models come out and the past years models are obsolete to them. If you do some price comparison usually you can find these for 80% off. Just another way to save a few bucks on the remodel without sacrificing quality.
Why is a cooktop a stand alone appliance?
Because it’s a stand-alone appliance, it offers more flexibility in placement. Cooktops are great for very small kitchens that don’t have room for an oven, or larger kitchens with stand-alone wall ovens. A benefit of a cooktop is that the cabinet space underneath is still available for storage.
What is the best stove for rentals?
Electric coil stoves are the most common in rentals because they are the cheapest option and have lower maintenance costs. Glass-ceramic cooktops are easier to clean, but are prone to scratches, and some cookware isn’t safe to use on their surfaces. Induction cooktops: These burners use heat from electromagnetic energy.
How much does a double oven cost?
Double ovens aren’t cheap (they start at $1,200, according to Consumer Reports), but they offer two ovens — usually a larger oven below and a smaller oven on top. Double ovens are great when cooking for large groups or cooking multiple dishes at different temperatures.
How wide is a kitchen range?
It’s the most common option in kitchens, granted there’s enough space for one — the standard width of a range is 30 inches wide. A range will usually fit into a cabinet opening, and they take up less room than a cooktop and separate wall oven, making them ideal for the typical rental-kitchen layout. Plus, all your cooking functions are in one place.
What is the heart of a house?
When done the right way, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Eighty percent of house hunters said the kitchen was the most important room in a house, so before you jump into a remodel or start upgrading, it’s worth knowing a thing or two about appliances.
What is an upgraded kitchen?
Much like a high-end kitchen attracts homebuyers, an upgraded kitchen can lure prospective tenants. For landlords looking for new tenants, make sure you highlight your kitchen upgrades in your rental unit advertising as well as neighborhood amenities like parks, transit, and restaurants.
What type of burner is used to cook food?
Gas burners: Gas burners cook food using a flame. Home and professional cooks often prefer gas stovetops, because they provide instant heat and instant control of that heat through the flame.
How much energy does an induction cooktop use?
Efficiency – Induction cooktops waste virtually no energy. Through electromagnetism, over 80 percent of the energy is transferred directly to the food in the pan. In comparison, appliances utilizing a heating element to indirectly heat food generally result in over half of the energy needed for heating being lost.
How does an induction cooktop work?
Thanks to electromagnetism, they generate heat in the cookware itself, not in an internal heating component that heats the food indirectly. A series of magnets that are powered by electricity lie under the temperate glass surface, exciting the iron particles in pots and pans and thus generating heat from within. While they are not so common in the United States, European countries have been widely adopting this cleaner and more practical cooking solution.
What is the most demanding appliance to clean?
3. Cleanup – Gas cooking appliances are the most demanding when it comes to cleaning. They require regular and thorough cleaning, both of the exterior grills and surfaces and of the interior parts that make up the burners themselves. This is due to the fact that allowing grease and cooking spills to build up can result in blockages that inhibit the proper workings of the appliance and accidental fires. Regular cleanups of a gas appliance will require taking apart the burners and carefully cleaning under them.
What is the most important thing to have in a rental kitchen?
Cooktops are easily the most important component of a rental property’s kitchen and one of the most frequently used appliances. As a rental property owner or manager, you want to consider installation and repair. Plus, you want a cooktop that will last without needing major repairs over the years and provide safe and efficient heating performance ...
Why are gas cooktops better than other types of cooktops?
1. Lower emissions – air is not able to enter and cool, thus making gas cooktops able to retain heat without needing to consume extra energy to reach and/or maintain desired temperatures.
Why is gas leak dangerous?
A gas leak can expose tenants to serious risks of accidental fires. For this reason, it’s essential to inform tenants about how to safely operate the appliance and to have it regularly checked by a professional who can ensure that it operates properly and is not allowing gas leaks.
What is Keepe maintenance?
Keepe is an on-demand maintenance solution for property managers and independent landlords. The company makes hundreds of independent contractors and handymen available for maintenance projects at rental properties. Keepe is available in the Greater Seattle area,
