Remodeling Trends

We would like to discuss traditional kitchen countertop products. Granite continues to be the most popular product selected by our customers. Quartz is a close second. New laminate products are also getting a lot of attention.

Granite was used for the island and perimeter counters in this transitional-style kitchen

Granite  

Most people favor granite countertops for their kitchens because the beauty and durability of granite are unsurpassed. Granite is more expensive than many other counter surfaces, but since it will last for years, it is an investment. The type of edging you choose for your granite countertop and the thickness of the granite will also influence the price.

Caring Tips: Granite is a hard surface for food prep and can be wiped clean easily. For regular cleaning, it can be wiped with a mild soap solution. Water can cause a temporary stain if left on granite for a period of time but the stain will disappear after the water evaporates. Oils will stain granite, too. Most oil stains can be removed with a paste or poultice that draws the oil out of the surface. Once a year, a sealer should be applied to the surface. This takes about 15 minutes. 

Granite countertops, custom mission-style cherry cabinets, tile flooring and stainless steel appliances give this traditional-style kitchen a warm, rich feel.

Quartz

 

New designs of quartz counters look so much like granite and marble that you will need to look closely to tell the difference. Cambria is one of the market leaders and has produced designs that are rich in color and veining. Quartz is scratch, heat and mildew resistant and can have a seamless appearance. Silestone and DuPont Zodiac quartz countertop products offer 15-year warranties.

Caring Tips: Unlike granite, quartz does not require sealing and is easy to maintain. Clean with a wet cloth. There are products you can purchase designed for shining stone counters such as Simple Green Stone Polish that restore the luster of granite and quartz.

The counters in this transitional-style kitchen are quartz by Cambria. The "Torquay" pattern used on the island resembles marble. The "Praa Sands" pattern used on the perimeter counters resembles granite.

Laminate

 

A dark brown cast iron drop-in sink blends with the laminate counter surface of this kitchen and becomes an architectural element.

Kitchen designers and home magazine writers are talking about laminates because of the range of options and the quality of products that manufacturers now offer. Laminate is versatile, easy to care for and is much less costly than stone, quartz or solid surface counters. Glossy finishes that are available in laminate provide the look of granite. High definition laminates can replicate wood finishes and products such as quartz, marble, soapstone and solid surface. Edgings have changed and now undermount sinks can be installed with laminate. Two manufacturers to check out are Wilsonart and Formica. These products are a great option if you have a tight budget for your project.

Caring Tips: Never place a hot object or cut directly on the surface of a laminate counter. Do not use abrasive pads such as Scotch-Brite because they will scratch the surface. Formica recommends using a clean cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner to clean the surface. Rinse off with water and wipe the counter dry with a clean cloth.