The Kitchen Feature That HGTV's Nate Berkus Says Is Totally Worth Splurging On

One of the toughest parts of planning a kitchen renovation project is setting up a budget. You'll need to factor in the price of appliances, light fixtures, flooring, and cabinets. You'll also have to think about what sort of expenses you'll accrue when hiring the plumbers, carpenters, and other contractors necessary for completing the installation work. Since costs can add up quickly, you'll have to make some decisions about which aspects of your remodel you're going to save money on, and which you're going to splurge on instead. However, according to HGTV's Nate Berkus, there's one feature of your kitchen that you should pretty much always invest in, and that's a durable stone countertop. According to an Instagram post from Berkus, there's an easy place you can cut costs to make room in your budget. "You can save by shopping for deals on quality appliances; look online for the best price possible," he shared. "Stone countertops are worth the splurge."

Stone countertops bring the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal to the kitchen. They often last longer than the likes of budget-friendly surfaces like laminate, and in some cases, they can increase the overall value of your home. One of the advantages of natural stone countertops in particular is that both the slab and the veining are one of a kind. The surfaces have a distinct character that's uniquely their own, and you can customize them further with different finishes and edge profiles. You may need to use a sealant every now and then to keep your natural stone countertops looking their best, but this is a small price to pay.

Looking for a stone countertop for your kitchen that you actually want to splurge on? There are plenty of different options to choose from. Granite and marble are two of the most popular selections. Granite offers a high level of scratch and heat resistance, but if and when repairs are necessary, they can be expensive. The material comes in many different styles, but can be especially nice for homes that lean toward a more traditional design. Marble, meanwhile, looks modern, luxurious, and stunningly beautiful. It's certainly one of the more expensive options, though, and it's more prone to damage compared with other types of stone. Both granite and marble require regular sealing. If neither one is the right choice for your kitchen, you might want to consider quartzite or soapstone instead. The former is great pick for high-use kitchens, as it's even more durable than granite. The latter is a bit softer and more easily damaged, but it's much more budget-friendly.

Quartz, or engineered stone, is another solid countertop option that might be worth splurging on during a renovation project. It's easy to maintain, and it comes in a variety of styles and colors. One of its downsides though, beyond its price, is that it's quite difficult to install. Make sure you're familiar with what to do before a kitchen countertop installation to make the process a bit easier, and shop all of the popular quartz countertop brands to get a good price.