Kitchen Countertop Trend Report
Industry publication Kitchen & Bath Design News recently published an extensive report to designers on trends in kitchen countertops.
The usual granite, stone and quartz products are still holding their own, but an interesting thing is happening with the current economic crisis: Laminate countertops are making a resurgence!
There is now an entire generation who have not lived with laminate countertops, except in economy apartment buildings and condos. And those are usually the postformed type with a curve up to a 4" high backsplash. Laminate countertops can be made to look very much like stone when they are made with square edges and installed with a tile backsplash.
There is even a system to undermount your sink in a laminate countertop!
Users have to take care not to damage laminate with a hot pot or a sharp knife but, as an interim countertop meant to be replaced with a lifetime one when funds become available, laminate is a good option to save thousands on your kitchen remodel.
The report also says that wood countertops are being used now more than in recent years. This is problematic because wood countertops are more expensive than laminate and do not hold up well at all around sinks or cooktops/ranges. I, personally, love a section of wood countertop between my cleanup and cooking areas for prep. It is great to have a dedicated area for cutting that doesn't require getting out a cutting board. Just keep it far enough away that the fire and water don't destroy it. And make it replaceable so you can chop away to your heart's content without worrying about how it will look after years of use.
Green countertops are also making news: Recycled glass and locally quarried stone are both green options, though they tend to be as pricey as less green products that are imported.
Be sure to test any product you consider using in your kitchen. Kitchen counters are subject to a lot of stresses and stains. The ones you select should be able to stand up to whatever you throw at them.
Peggy
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Having used laminates for most of my life up until 10 years ago, I've been waiting for the California market to catch up! :) I always found it odd that no one liked it here; I can design the sleekest modern kitchens in every color under the sun.
ReplyDeleteWith regards to cutting on laminate, well, there really aren't many recommendations for any counter surface (other than wood) to be cut on without ruining either the surface or the knife!
Good post, Peggy. Happy holidays!
Hi Peggy,
ReplyDeleteI just watned to let you know that I have enjoyed reading your Blog and have added you to my blog list. Thanks for your great posts!
Good post, Very informative on latest trends in home designs and home improvement.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Kate
We have offered granite countertops for the kitchen for more than 15 years now. I realize that some people just don't want to spend the kind of money it cost to have a natural marble or granite countertop. Some of the laminated counters look very nice and are affordable & durable. I also didn't know that they have a laminated countertop that has an undermounted sink.
ReplyDeleteI've sold hundreds (maybe thousands?) of laminate tops.
ReplyDeleteI still regard them as temporary. The #1 issue is clients not coming up with realistic budgets from the beginning.
I've found it quite frustrating that customers buy every bell and whistle in the beginning (appliances way, way, way out of there leaque), all plywood construction on every cabinet, etc), and then cap it off whith a "plan b" c-top. Get a realistic budget from the beginning, and you can find plenty of areas to make budget.