In the world of kitchen remodeling, nothing is static. Trends come and go, and the popularity of certain materials rises and falls. The materials that were wildly popular last year may barely be seen at all in this year’s projects. Kitchen Bath & Glass Center owner Chris Fuller knows all about this phenomenon. Known as one of the premiere kitchen remodeling experts in Melbourne, FL, Fuller helps clients with all types of budgets choose the best materials possible during their remodeling and renovation projects.
The Trendiest Option
So what are Fuller’s trendiest clients requesting these days? That would be granite, which Fuller says his clients appreciate for its style, durability, and cost. “People like granite for a lot of reasons,” says Fuller, “starting with the fact that it offers visual interest, dimension and depth – all the things people want in a countertop material.” Not just that, but granite has durability. Thanks to the use of special sealers, homeowners can turn any granite countertop into a completely sanitary surface to use for food prep without much effort or additional cost.
Fuller says clients appreciate granite because it’s such a cost-effective option, as well. “Once you seal it, you are good for many years,” Fuller told us. Properly sealed granite countertops can last much longer than other kitchen countertop materials, such as laminate or quartz for example, which helps defray some of the initial cost of installing granite for homeowners looking at the big picture.
Finally, in order to be trendy, a countertop material must have one key thing going for it—style. Homeowners who decide to go with granite can choose from thousands of potential designs—from monotone patterns to fossils and even natural veins running through the granite, all of which help add flair to an otherwise basic kitchen design. Fuller says homeowners are even beginning to seek out granite with iridescent colors as a way of taking a new spin on what has now been a popular countertop material for quite some time. “You know, people just love granite because it is beautiful,” says Fuller. “And at the end of the day, people want a beautiful kitchen. That’s it.”
The Upcoming Trend
Because Fuller oversees so many kitchen remodeling projects in Melbourne, FL, we decided to ask him what new countertop materials he’s begun seeing people choose—a product that may not have been in quite as much demand just four or five years ago. His answer? Concrete.
“Although granite countertops are still the most popular choice with the clients right now,” said Fuller, “I would also say that concrete countertops seem to be gaining popularity, as well.” Although the installation of concrete countertops can be difficult in some cases, Fuller says the lower price is a big draw for his more budget-conscious clients. For homeowners with the desire and knowledge to be able to install a concrete countertop on their own, the overall cost can be extremely minimal because the concrete used to form the countertop can be so cheap. Additional labor costs for the installation, however, can eat away at budgets, since a number of professionals are required to handle the actual placement of a concrete countertop during a kitchen remodel.
Like granite, concrete countertops offer a level of durability that cannot be beat. As long as the countertops are re-waxed from time to time, they can last for years without requiring much in the way of maintenance or repairs. “On the downside, though, these countertops are concrete, so you certainly have to make sure that the countertop itself is designed correctly or else it is not going to fit on top of the kitchen cabinets you already have in place,” explains Fuller.
The Traditional Look
When he works with clients who prefer a more traditional look, Fuller says quartz is another trendy countertop material that often comes up in the discussion. Quartz is popular in large part because it is a sanitary surface that prevents any bacteria from growing on it, just like the granite countertops. “Families tend to love a material like that,” says Fuller.
Fuller told us that quartz actually has the longest lifespan and most durability among all the trendiest countertop materials that are current available. However, the downside to choosing quartz is that it also happens to be one of the most expensive materials available for homeowners.
For homeowners interested in doing some kitchen remodeling in the Melbourne, FL, area, Fuller says his company offers great prices on the most popular countertop materials. From granite to quartz, concrete, wood, and everything in between, Fuller is able to give his clients at Kitchen Bath & Glass Center the best advice on which countertop material is going to work best for their particular situation.
