RenovatorsPlace

Countertops & Islands

Update your countertops, add an island, and more with helpful information from RenovatorsPlace. Check out the pros and cons of countertop options like tile, stone, granite, and laminate; learn about island features and layouts; and find everything you need to make a change to your counters. Click any article below for helpful remodeling tips from RenovatorsPlace.

• Home Improvement Planning: Peninsula or Island?

  Are you debating between an island or peninsula in your new kitchen? Here's how to make this important home improvement decision.

• Kitchen Islands: Getting the Size Right

  A properly sized island can make a powerful statement in the kitchen. Here's how to blend your kitchen cabinet layout with your island to ensure a good fit for the room.

• Add Kitchen Renovation Drama With Countertops

  Who says all your kitchen countertops have to be the same? Here's how to mix and match to add some drama to your kitchen renovation.

• Kitchen Remodeling: Cool Countertops

  Choosing the right countertop is an essential part of any kitchen remodeling project. Here's what hot in kitchen countertop design.

• Should You Add A Kitchen Island?

  While kitchen island is a popular feature, it isn't practical for every kitchen design. Here's how to tell if an island is right for your kitchen.

• Maximizing Kitchen Island Storage

  A kitchen island can be a great place to add storage. Here's how to use storage cabinets and other features to make an island more efficient.

• Counter Intelligence: Kitchen Counter Remodeling

  Bearing in mind that your countertops receive the brunt of every spill, scorch, and mishap, maybe now is the time to look at kitchen counter remodeling.

• Define Your Kitchen Island Personality

  What kind of kitchen island person are you? Check out these ways to remodel based on how you use your kitchen island.

• Adding Style to Your Kitchen Countertop Area

  Looking for the latest kitchen design for your countertop area? Make sure you add these “must have” products in your new kitchen.

• All About Soapstone

  Want a different countertop material or an interesting fireplace surround? Try the warm, antique look of soapstone. Here's what you need to know.

• The Pros and Cons of Countertop Materials

  Do you want laminate or solid surface? Stone or even concrete? Here's a chart that explains the differences and how much each costs.

• Decorative Countertop Edges

  Want to dress up your countertop? Try a decorative edge to add high design.

• Designing the Kitchen Backsplash

  Wondering how to design your backsplash? Here's a look at the latest in ceramic, porcelain, glass and even metal tiles for the backsplash. We'll tell you how to blend the tile and keep it in proportion.

• Finding the Right Proportion with Tile

  There are many tile sizes, shapes and designs. Which one is right for you? Here's how to select the right tile to fit with the overall proportion of your room.

• A Look at Glass Tiles

  Glass tiles have become a hot item in home design. Here's how to add them on your walls.

• Adding an Island -- Consider the Room Layout

  The shape and size of your kitchen will help determine the design of your island. Also consider whether you have enough room to add an island.

• Where to Put an Island

  As you layout your new kitchen, there are several ways to incorporate an island. Consider how you will use the space and whether the kitchen flows with an adjacent family or breakfast room.

• Other Popular Natural Stones

  As natural stones becomes more prevalent in today’s housing, the selection of commonly used stones is growing. Gone are the days when the only considerations were granite, marble and limestone.

• Natural Stones to Consider for Floors and Countertops

  Natural stones are continuing to capture the hearts of renovators who want a luxurious look for their homes. While granite, marble, limestone and other stones once were the domain of the high-end consumer, they have found their way into more mainstream households.

• Natural Stone Finishes

  You have determined that your entryway floor should be granite rather than marble. You think the kitchen floor would look better with travertine, not slate. The colors, too, have been chosen. Now there is only one last choice to make … the finished look of the natural stone.

• The Choices in Laminate Countertops

  If you equate laminated countertops with avocado and a 1960s kitchen, it’s time to fast forward in time. Today’s laminates are offered in hundred of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic the authentic stone, marble and slate fancied by upscale renovators.

• The Latest in Island Features

  In many homes today, the kitchen island can take on a life of its own.

• Why Add An Island?

  Kitchen islands have become a common element in today's homes. Here are some reasons why home owners love their islands.

• Selecting a Countertop...Granite or Solid Surface

  Solid surface and granite countertops have become a mainstay in upscale kitchen design. Here's what you need to know before you decide. Also check out our countertop section in Selections!

• Selecting an Island Countertop

  If you're looking to add some spice to your kitchen design, the island countertop is a good place to start.