Prefab Countertop or Custom?

One of the crucial decisions that you'll come to as you plan to redesign your kitchen or bathroom space is whether to use a prefab countertop or a custom-designed one. There are benefits and risks to both, and it's important that you have a good sense for not only your budget, but also your design style and strategy and your work plans before you make your decision. You should also take the time to familiarize yourself with all of the different possible options that you'll have at your disposal as well. This will give you the best idea of which designs and possibilities you like the most.

Prefab Countertops - Pros and Cons

Prefab countertops are those that come premade. They are generally designed in different sizes and shapes, and most places that carry prefab countertops can have them fit to virtually any size that you'd like. Unusual sizes and shapes oftentimes cost you a bit more money than standard ones, but this is a relatively common request that most countertop materials services are happy to provide for you.

Prefab countertops have the distinct advantage of being easier to deal with than custom-made ones. You'll simply have to have the countertop delivered to your home and then will install it in place. There is very little room for error, and the countertop surface itself will be immaculate. Prefab countertops oftentimes also come with warranty protections or guarantees, while you will not find the same promise of quality on a countertop that you make yourself.

There are a few disadvantages to prefab countertops, however. One of these is the cost. Prefab countertops tend to be more expensive than countertops that you'll make yourself. Special, customized countertops that are designed by a professional are the major exception to this rule, but it's oftentimes cheaper for your to design and build your own countertop.

Prefab countertops are also generally limited to laminate and plastic materials, giving you a reduced range of options for the materials that you'll use. Finally, prefab countertops may not be the best option for someone with a very unique and specific design for their counter space, as these surfaces are designed in commonly used shapes and styles.

Custom Countertops - Pros and Cons

Custom countertops can be created in any size, shape and design to match exactly what you want for your home. The major advantage that custom countertops have over prefab ones is that they are tailored specifically to your needs and desires. There is also a wider array of different styles and materials that you can choose from.

However, true custom countertops can be quite expensive, and those that you build yourself can be very difficult to work with. You may find that you end up with a product that doesn't look quite as good as a prefab countertop, as well.

For more information, speak with a countertop professional.