Understanding Countertop Selection Basics for an IKEA Kitchen Remodel – Part 1

Learning the basics of choosing the right countertops for your IKEA kitchen

When you begin your IKEA kitchen remodel, you may be tempted to focus solely on cabinet selection and overlook other crucial elements. As our team of certified design professionals often say, establishing a checklist of items needed to complement your IKEA kitchen’s style and desired function (such as preferred activities and storage options, etc.) is paramount.

What are the key considerations to look for? and How do I achieve the look I want? are just a couple of the questions you’re likely to have at this point. If done correctly, countertop material will make your IKEA kitchen unique and stylish — and, most importantly, affordable. As IKD founder Mike Toth said, “Your countertop selection can elevate your IKEA kitchen and complete that industrial, farmhouse, modern, or traditional design theme that you want for your kitchen.”

In Part One of this two-part series, our team would like to introduce some of the basics of countertop selection and the design process. These basics include familiarizing yourself with available materials, determining the right color and pattern for your space, and better understanding edge treatments. In Part Two, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the countertop materials available for your IKEA kitchen.

Key Kitchen Countertop Considerations

Whether you’re a first-time IKEA customer or a seasoned DIYer, we’re sure the following information will give you an excellent foundation to navigate your countertop product selection and make them work their best for your IKEA kitchen.

Now that you’re ready to select your countertops, let’s look at these important considerations!

There are several factors in selecting the right countertops for your IKEA kitchen, including:

• Know the available materials.
• Consider the color and pattern of your new countertop.
• Consider the type of counter-edge treatment.
• Be prepared for measuring and installation.
• Consider your sink type.

Know the available materials

Aside from brand names, your countertop options come down to a handful of materials. Top materials include natural stones, solid surfaces, ceramic tile, wood, laminate, and concrete. Be proactive and collect information, brochures, and research online sources.

Then, be prepared to ask design professionals — like IKD! — about what’s available and might work best for your space. In addition, this is a great way to learn about extra items you may have yet to consider, like ambient and task lighting (such as IKEA’s STROMLINJE LED countertop light), that will enhance your countertop selection.

Color and Pattern Selection for Your Kitchen Countertop

This is where the IKEA kitchen checklist comes in handy. Ask critical questions about your space:

• Is your kitchen modern or traditional? Dark or light-colored?
• Do you plan on baking a lot in your kitchen? Or entertaining?
• Do you have children and need durable countertops that will stand up to unexpected spillage?

One challenge in this area is finding countertop material samples large enough to allow you to envision your new space and decide; however, with your checklist, you will have a much clearer idea of your preferred countertop style.

Selecting the Right Counter Edge

Selecting the edge profile for your kitchen countertop is as important as selecting the right countertop material. Whether you prefer straight edge, half-beveled edges (cut on an angle for added style plus it allows for runoff in the case of spills without damaging the base cabinets), or bullnose (curved) edges, for example, is undoubtedly a matter of personal taste. It’s also an area where you can save or splurge depending on the finish you select (different materials have different edge treatments) and your budget. (Note: Martha Stewart Living has recently referenced IKD as experts on reducing renovation costs).

Again, consider the practical aspects of whichever edge treatment you choose and the expected activities in your IKEA kitchen. For example, is it likely that a member of your household will be the exact height so that their belt buckle marks the wood edge?

Preparing for Countertop Measuring and Installation

Ask your countertop contractor precisely what you should have ready for cabinet installation before their arrival. Remember, certain materials, like granite, are unsuitable for DIY installation.

How Sink Type Affects Countertop Selection

There are a litany of considerations to make when choosing your kitchen sink and those decisions blend into the countertops you select. Top-mount sinks, called drop-ins, sit at the counter. Undermounted sinks are installed under the counter and require a waterproof countertop material such as quartz, stone, stainless steel, solid surfacing, or concrete.

IKEA Kitchen Countertop Selection Made by Professionals

Ultimately, which countertop material you choose — and how you use it along with your IKEA cabinets — is up to you. We at IKD are here to ensure that every design aspect of your IKEA remodel is addressed, including purchasing decisions (and when to make them) and a convenient countertop design template. Your countertop choices and partnership with IKD will go a long way toward making your IKEA kitchen successful.

Learn more about how we can design your IKEA kitchen, bath, laundry room, and other rooms through our design services page on our website.