Save vs Splurge on your kitchen

The jungle of products, tips and visuals can be difficult to navigate without a little guidance, and knowing when to save or splurge on your kitchen remodel can be complex. Formica Group breaks down a few of the popular kitchen design features from the ground up.

Real wood vs. the alternates
The natural beauty and warmth of real hardwood makes it desirable to most homebuyers. Even though wood flooring can be expensive, it’s timeless look and ability to be refinished, makes it almost irreplaceable.

Laminate wood comes at a cheaper price point and the ease of installation makes it a good alternate for hardwood. Buyer beware, the level of quality in laminate flooring varies greatly.

Porcelain tile that looks like wood planks is a growing trend. The depth of character that can be achieved with tile is impressive and satisfying for wood and tile lovers alike. Tile’s price might be friendlier than hardwood, but it is often cold to the touch, which may require under floor heating.

Storage vs. Shelving
Customized storage pullouts, drawer liners, and bins are becoming the norm in new kitchens. These specialized features come at a price. If you are on a budget, be selective. If you want to spend on the trashcan pullout, reanalyze the slide out spice rack. A simple basket on adjustable shelves can be just as effective.

Professional Cabinet Painting or DIY
Reusing solid wood cabinets is a great way to conserve cash. The internet has an unlimited amount of tutorials and DIY advice for painting. When considering this arduous task, have a professional prepare an estimate. Ask about their process and finishing details. When weighing the time it will take to research and actually refinish the cabinets on your own, you might decide to splurge vs. save.

Stone vs. Laminate
The major choice between quartz, granite, solid surface and laminate is a genuine spend vs. save battle. By choosing laminate, one can still get large-scale patterns and a one of a kind look without the hefty expense. Solid surface is the same color throughout, which can be a bonus if wear and tear might be an issue. Select granite if you want a counter with the stunning veining and depth along with irreplaceable natural flaws. If you are looking for ultimate durability, which also comes with a pretty pricetag, choose quartz.

Expert Tip: Choose any material over marble. Marble is a soft, porous stone and while beautiful, it is not meant for the rigors of the kitchen.

Before any remodel or new build, do your homework on materials and methods. Set a budget and stick with it to save yourself a few tears down the road. Spend your time enjoying the new space.