Kitchen countertops are among the most-used surfaces in a home, providing space to slice, dice, and chop, among many other food prep activities. They can also be used as makeshift desks or areas to spread out craft materials for school projects. If you think you need new counters but aren’t entirely sure, the following guide can help. 

When Should You Replace Your Kitchen Countertops?

1. Severe Discoloration

Perhaps your counters have sustained scorch marks from hot pots and pans. They might also have stains that will not lift, such as those from red wine or highly-pigmented foods like beets and berries. If stains will not come out no matter how much you clean and or you’re dealing with burn marks you cannot disguise, such as those right by the counters’ edges, it's a good time to schedule replacement services. 

2. Outdated, Unattractive Design

Maybe the kitchen counter design no longer suits your aesthetic, or the countertops are part of the house’s original build and are from the 1970s or 1980s. If you feel like you enter a time warp every time you walk into your kitchen, it’s time to renovate, especially if other factors are involved, such as lacking space or functionality.

3. Cracked or Eroded Areas

Heavy objects that accidentally fall on the countertops can cause cracks depending on the material. For example, a crushed glass counter can crack at its edge from the weight of a medium-sized appliance. Laminate and tile are additional materials susceptible to impact-related cracking. Erosion is another problem to watch for, including etching from contact with acidic food ingredients or acid-based cleaners. 

4. Upcoming House Sale 

If you plan to sell your house soon and feel the counters will detract buyers due to excessive wear or other appearance issues, having them replaced will be more appealing to buyers. Most buyers prefer spacious, renovated kitchens with plenty of counter space, and are willing to pay more for homes where they do not have to fund numerous repairs and remodels. New counters are subsequently a way to encourage interest in your home and possibly bidding wars.

If it's time to update the countertops in your kitchen, contact Heartland Cabinet and Granite Factory Outlet in Dandridge, TN. The company has provided quality products and professional installations to clients throughout Eastern Tennessee since 1994 and is fully licensed and insured. Visit them online to browse the project gallery, or call (865) 397-9675 to schedule a consultation. Like their Facebook page for the latest sales.