If you love the look of expensive kitchens but can’t come anywhere close to affording the exorbitant price tag, don’t despair. There are many kitchen reno options that will achieve a similar type of look for much cheaper than the real deal.
Below are a few of the substitution options available
Granite Countertops
Everyone knows how beautiful but how expensive granite countertops are. Many higher end houses are built with counters of solid granite. It is pretty much a status symbol but for good reason because the stone is gorgeous. One way to get the look of granite without going broke is to install granite tiles on your counter. You get actual granite without having to the pay for a solid piece. Solid pieces are much more expensive than tiles. With a little know how you can install them yourself for even more savings.
There are a variety of materials which look similar to granite or marble that are a good alternative. In addition to being less expensive, many are very durable and easy to clean. Some examples are Corian (by Dupont) and laminates which come very close to a granite look. Besides being expensive, granite requires regular maintenance to keep its appearance up. Solid surfaces such as Corian require much less maintenance than granite. Corian is generally more expensive than laminates but has several advantages.
Tile Floors
If you love the look of expensive tile floors (such as terra cotta or slate), you are in luck. New vinyl floor coverings are being made which look almost identical to these materials. The vinyl has the grout lines on it for a very authentic feel. If you live in a colder climate you will be happy to know that vinyl is much warmer of a material to stand on than actual tile.
Hardwood Floors
You have two options to choose from in cheaper versions of real hardwood floors. The first is laminate flooring. Laminate looks very similar to real wood but you can purchase it for a fraction of the cost. Installation is easy and maintenance is a snap. Many laminate products are also quite durable.
The second option is vinyl flooring that looks like wood. Sound impossible? It is very real. Apart from being much cheaper than hardwood, vinyl is very easy to maintain.
Solid Wood Cabinets
If you love the look of solid wood kitchen cabinets but find them pricey, an alternative is wood veneer. Veneer is less expensive than solid, but gives the same look. There will be a difference in the longevity as solid wood is more durable than veneers, but you can enjoy the look for many years with a bit of care.
Enjoy the Savings
The best part of alternative materials is that you get to save money while still having an expensive looking kitchen. An expensive look may be within your budget. Also, because you save so much money you may be able to afford to change the look in 10 or so years to the latest trends in kitchens