Selecting countertops for a kitchen or bathroom project can be a challenge. There are so many options on the market today that selecting the right material, color and style can quickly become overwhelming. Carrie Welling, pricing analyst at L.E. Smith, has a few tips to help homeowners through the process.
Consider maintenance
It is easy to get caught up in the beauty and elegance of natural stones like granite or marble countertops. Pick up any kitchen and bath magazine and you are sure to find a picture of a high-end kitchen with wall to wall granite countertops. Although long considered a superior material for kitchens and bathrooms, Carrie is quick to point out that those magazines often fail to explain how much maintenance goes into natural stone surfaces.
“Sometimes people are shocked to learn how high-maintenance stone surfaces can be,” said Carrie. “They need to be sealed every six months and require special cleaning solutions in order to maintain their natural beauty.” While this is not a problem for many homeowners, it can be a deal breaker for those busy families looking for low-maintenance elegance.
Consider the cost
In addition to the maintenance required of certain countertop materials, cost is also a main consideration for any kitchen or bathroom project. Nothing is worse than having a homeowner fall in love with high-end countertops only to learn that they don’t fit within the budget.
Fortunately, there are so many countertop options on the market today, finding a material to fit any budget and style is possible. “I would encourage anyone interested in quartz or granite to take a look at the color options that are launching this year in solid surface,” said Carrie. “There are so many on-trend colors out there, it can be easy to find the perfect match for any kitchen design or style.” She goes on to point out that solid surface can easily be mistaken for stone at first glance. “Several of the new colors available in solid surface mimic the look of granite or marble. They have movement and variation that really looks great!”
Explore alternatives
From low-maintenance options that are on-trend to budget-friendly solutions that allow for customization, Carrie recommends two options for every homeowner to consider.
- Solid surface offers low-maintenance elegance: Once considered the hot trend in kitchen countertops, solid surfaces are making a comeback in 2019. With improved color options, including on-trend neutrals and variations that mimic natural stone, solid surface countertops offer a high-end look with a more budget-friendly price tag. Solid surface countertops are non-porous and have antimicrobial properties, making them an ideal option for kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike natural stone, this material is easy to clean and can be repaired if damaged.
- Laminate offers customization at an affordable price: If you are looking for a product that is available in hundreds of colors, you can’t go wrong with laminate countertops. These budget-friendly surfaces can be customized to fit any design or layout. Multiple edge profiles and treatments give homeowners unlimited options. From colors and styles that mimic natural stone and tile to markerboard surface options, anything is possible with laminate countertops.
Product differentiation made easy with L.E. Smith
When it comes to countertops and surfaces, it is important to offer a wide variety of materials that are on-trend and able to meet the needs of any budget. When you partner with L.E. Smith, you get product differentiation from a company that stands behind its guarantee of quality materials and exceptional service.
Contact our team at https://www.lesmith.com/contact-us and let us help you provide value and variety to your customers.
