Choosing Countertops for a Historic Asheville Home

Published July 1, 2026

Asheville is full of beautiful older homes, from the Montford bungalows to the craftsman houses off Haywood Road in West Asheville. Updating the counters in one of them is a great way to modernize the kitchen without losing the character. It just takes a little more thought than a new build. Here is what to keep in mind.

Expect Walls That Are Not Square

Older homes settle over the decades. Walls lean, corners drift out of ninety degrees, and cabinets are rarely perfectly level. None of that is a problem for a good install, but it does mean careful templating is essential. A precise template that measures the real conditions, not the ideal ones, is the difference between a tight fit and visible gaps.

Match the Material to the Character

You do not have to choose between modern and historic. Quartz can be made to look like classic marble while giving you low maintenance. Soapstone and honed granite suit an old kitchen beautifully. Butcher block brings warmth to a craftsman home. The trick is picking a surface that feels at home with the cabinets and trim you already have.

Mind the Weight

Natural stone is heavy, and an older cabinet base may need a look before it carries a thick granite or marble slab. We check the cabinets during the measure and let you know if anything needs reinforcing first. It is a small step that prevents big problems later.

Keep the Backsplash in Mind

In an older kitchen, the wall behind the counter is rarely flat. A full-height stone backsplash can hide a lot, or a tile backsplash can work with the wall rather than fighting it. We will talk through what suits your space.

Get a Real Measure First

The best move for any older home is a careful in-home measure. It turns the guesswork into a plan and surfaces any surprises before they cost you.

Thinking about new counters for your older Asheville home? Call Thinkheyday at (828) 224-2690 for a free in-home estimate.