When you're planning a kitchen remodel, a lot of thought and worry goes into the budget. And a hefty chunk of that budget will go to big-ticket items like the countertop. Materials like natural stone, granite and marble add classic style, but you won’t find many bargains. Fortunately, a tight budget can still buy you great countertops. Before you decide on a countertop material, think seriously about your lifestyle. Busy families might want to opt for something low maintenance and particularly durable. If you’ve got an obsession with baking, marble could be worth the splurge, for its ability to maintain cool temperatures. If you really want to save money, you should consider DIY-ing your countertops. There are several materials, like concrete and tile, that lend themselves to DIY projects. Even laminate and wood can be an attainable DIY project for many. Before deciding on your new countertop, click through these 7 affordable materials that have tons of panache—without the cash. |