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Commercial-grade countertops have a variety of applications. They can be used in a home kitchen or commercial spaces like restaurants, office kitchens, and more. Not only are they a durable option for these spaces, but a functional one as well. If they are being utilized in a commercial kitchen, they are necessary to maintain commercial kitchen design guidelines. Find out more about what to look for when purchasing commercial grade countertops, including guidelines and material types.

About Commercial Grade Kitchen Guidelines

When purchasing countertops for commercial use, you’ll need to follow some general guidelines and codes. The Food Code set out by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration is often adopted by states and agencies. It supplies general best practices and is a good place to start when looking for commercial-grade countertop requirements.

The most likely requirements for commercial countertops are:

• Durability
• Cleanliness/Washability
• Legal Obligation

A countertop's legal obligations depend on the state or local governing body. Before your design phase, be sure to contact local authorities for all legal guidelines. This will ensure that your countertops and kitchen design are always up to code.

Types of Commercial Grade Countertops

There are many types of commercial-grade countertops to choose from. These range in durability and cost, so be sure to choose the best option for your kitchen and budget.

Granite

A popular type for many commercial spaces, granite is a very durable and natural option. Granite is a more expensive stone since it requires regular resealing. Since each slab is unique, don’t expect a cohesive look with this countertop type.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are very durable because of the mix of minerals, quartzite, and resin. This combination offers a sleek and uniform look that works well in many commercial spaces. Many choose quartz for its range of affordable price options and longevity. Some imperfections may be noticeable on the surface of the slab.

Solid Surface

A cost-effective option, the solid polymer can be transformed to replicate the look of natural stone countertops. This type of commercial countertop may experience chipping or other damage but can easily be repaired. The variety of colors and designs for this type make it a popular option for many small businesses. 

Butcher Block

Large slabs of wood are used to create a large countertop space. This rustic look is also great for food preparation or even seating areas. This type of material needs sealing regularly, however, or it will suffer damage from stains. Although an affordable option at first, this countertop type will need maintenance later on.

Contact a Professional

If you are still unsure about which commercial grade countertops are right for your space, contact professional sources. You can review the FDA’s Food Code, reach out to your local agencies, or contact a local countertop specialist. A local professional can also make sure that your countertop choices are up to commercial code. They can help advise you on which commercial countertops to choose based on your budget and needs.

Oftentimes, people view hiring a designer for a home remodel to be the equivalent of completely giving up creative input in the project. That’s not true with the right designer. The thing is, designers have their jobs for a reason. They know what they’re talking about and help make your vision a reality based on space, budget, and materials available. More than half of kitchen remodels use a designer. These are people with experience and industry connections who can get you the resources necessary to bring your dream kitchen to life.

Consider the Costs

You should have your total budget in mind before meeting with a potential designer — and make sure to work design fees into that budget. Rather than looking at averages and trends, which can vary greatly, consider what your kitchen should be worth in estimates of your house. Generally, a kitchen should account for 10-15% of the total worth of your home. So, if your home is worth $350,000, then you should feel okay with spending at least $35,000 to upgrade your kitchen when all is said and done. A designer can help you with this math and help make sure you stay within your budget.

Are They Certified?

Like anything in your home, you want the best. Look for a kitchen designer who is NKBA-certified in Kitchen and Bath Design or Certified Kitchen Design. This certification requires five years of full time design experience and proven knowledge of design, construction, engineering, plumbing, and electrical systems. It also requires a professional development program, an exam, and checks to maintain certification as they continue to work in their field. You can be sure a certified designer is going to be on top of their work and good at what they do.

Hiring a Contractor or Retailer

Sometimes, you have the budget for the kitchen but not for the designer’s fees. That’s okay, too. There are less expensive options out there. Contractors who specialize in kitchen remodeling can be just as knowledgeable as designers, even more so when it comes to the technical aspects, and they tend to cost less. Retail stores that offer home improvement items may even keep designers on staff that can help consult on a remodel project. They also tend to be cheaper than a third party designer and work closer with manufacturers and suppliers.

The Hybrid Option

If you want experience but are short on budget room, you can find a designer at a showroom or design center. This is a higher level of designer service for a similar price as a retail designer. These consultants can be certified as well, offering you that same wealth of knowledge for a capped price that won’t break the bank. What you sacrifice is having a personal designer, as these designers may be working with multiple clients at the same time. Contact a Denver kitchen designer to get started on your project today.

Your kitchen is an incredibly important part of your home, and also an area that almost all of your guests will see, and maybe even use. Because the kitchen is used so often, it is also exposed to easy wear and tear. This typically leads to the need for an update every 10 to 15 years.

The problem with performing an update in your kitchen is that it may look very similar to every other kitchen you have seen. Despite this, there are a few great ways that you can add to your kitchen, as well as make it look custom and unique. All of these methods can be done according to your budget and style as well. Whether you are looking to have the latest modern trends or something useful for you and your family, it has never been easier to create your beautiful new kitchen.

Lighting

This is something that can totally change the look of your kitchen. Not only is light a great help when you are cooking, but it can completely change the look of your kitchen. Whether you choose pendant lighting for a contemporary look, or simply because you need light to work with, this is a popular option. Maybe you are looking for a dimmer switch that can move from lighthearted cooking to a sultry dinner party. Whatever you are looking for in your kitchen, the lighting is something that greatly affects the mood and style of your kitchen.

Finishings

There are many different options when it comes to finishing. Actually, changing the finishings of your handles or drawer pulls can totally change the look of your entire kitchen. Whether you have put in new cabinets recently, or are looking to have a bit of a freshening up, the finishings are a great place to start.

Paint the Walls

What might seem like something very simple, can completely transform the look of your kitchen. It can be very easy to allow your kitchen to become dirty and grimy with grease. Whether you have kids running around, or you simply never noticed it, the best way to solve this is not with cleaning, but with paint! Even if your walls aren’t dirty, you may consider changing the color from white to something else. Add a beautiful light coral, green, grey, or even a bright blue! This will allow you to match the walls with your new finishings as well.

Add a Backsplash

One trend that is very popular in recent years is a backsplash. This is an area of tile on the wall between the counter and the cabinets. You can go as simple, or as crazy as you want with this. Whether you like crazy patterns or want something more simple, this will allow you to dress up your kitchen and have a fun space with a simple change.

Contact Us For More Ideas

If you aren’t quite sure where to begin, contact us to learn more about our Colorado Custom Kitchens. We cannot wait to help you create the kitchen of your dreams.