Get matched with top countertop and backsplash pros in Horatio, AR

The best tool for cutting countertops depends on the type of countertop material. For some softer materials, like laminate (Formica) and butcher block, you can use a hand saw, but most experts recommend power saws like circular saws, since these make the job go faster and easier and give more even results. However, power saws and circular saws are dangerous if used incorrectly, and they can be so powerful that they damage or chip laminate, stone, and other types of countertops. For this reason, you should take safety precautions and use best practices to prevent damage.

Sealed concrete countertops stand up well to everyday kitchen mishaps, including spills and burns. However, to prevent burn marks from forming, it’s best to use a hot pad or trivet under pans rather than placing them directly on the countertop. Learn the pros and cons of concrete countertops to decide if this material is right for your kitchen.

The timeline to install countertops largely depends on the materials and the job size. Installing granite countertops takes anywhere from two to seven hours, though complex designs can pass the eight hour mark. Average-sized quartz countertops take two to five hours to install, though most pros will recommend a 24-hour settling period. Marble, on the other hand, is finicky and can take up to two whole days to install. No matter how you slice it, however, a professional is going to complete the job much quicker than an amateur.

Small kitchens benefit from simple, blunt countertop edges, as complicated edges can create visual clutter and be more of a hazard if you bump into them. Eased edges are a top pick for small kitchens because they are simple, do not jut out, and do not take up additional space. Bullnose edge countertops are also popular because of their rounded design; they are elegantly simple and will not be sharp when you bump against them. Single-beveled edges are also a good choice, as they look a little more upscale but still have rounded edges for safety and simplicity.