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- Choose quality appliances: Do your research prior to purchasing appliances and choose brands/models that don’t just look good but that also have a good track record.
- Choose durable surfaces: You may need to spend more, but using surfaces that stand up to the test of time are worth it in the long run. Granite has been very popular in recent years and it is a great choice because of how durable it is. Quartz is another great option; not only is it durable but it also never has to be sealed. Avoid surfaces such as butcher block, concrete and marble since they can all be cut and chipped. Hardwood floors continue to be a very popular choice for kitchens and you should opt for pre-finished solid wood since it is more durable and they are also under warranty from the manufacturer. Vinyl is another great choice-it now comes in a variety of faux-natural patterns and it is priced very well.
- Invest in cabinetry: Since cabinets get used frequently, it’s important to choose ones that are made of quality construction. You don’t necessarily need to invest in custom cabinetry, since some semi-custom as well as stock cabinets are great choices and feature many quality characteristics.
- Choose the right finishes: Spending hundreds of dollars on a designer faucet and sink may not be the best choice. You can save a lot of money by choosing a simpler design made with a durable finish. Faucets made with PVD finish (physical vapor deposition) have been found to be the most scratch resistant and stainless steel sinks do best with resisting stains, scratches, and heat.
- Keep it clean: A clean kitchen will hold up better over time. Letting spills settle on a smooth cooktop can cause corrosion and dirt on floors can wear down the finish. Pine-Sol is a top rated all purpose cleaner and cleaners made specifically for cooktops, stainless steel, etc, should be used.