5 Countertop Installation Trends

As we’re sure you’ve seen from our previous entries or on any major home remodeling network, countertop installation options are abundant and niche, lending a hand to anyone’s choice of design. No matter the setting, whether residential or commercial, you have plentiful options in terms of design, rigidity, and cost efficiency.

1. Marble
   If you’re pursuing a unique, but timeless look in your new kitchen, turn to marble countertop installation. Unique, meaning no marble is the same as any other cut, as it’s a natural stone. However, being a natural stone, the price is high and upkeep is expensive, selling at ~$50-$120 per square foot.
2. Butcher Block
   A butcher block is another timeless classic, used for cutting boards and countertops everywhere for its utter resiliency and lack of absorbance while properly sealed. Essentially, it’s created via the process of permanently gluing hardwood blocks in the form of a slab, and then installing it on a countertop base. However, it does remain the most wildly fluctuating pricing, depending entirely upon the price of those hardwoods. Unlike other expensive materials, maintenance is incredibly simple and involves occasionally applying a wood oil to your countertop. This maintains the sealing of the wood while also restoring its shine. If you’re considering butcher block for your local countertop installation, contact your local countertop professional.
3. Granite
   Granite has been around for its unique and easily definable appearance for decades. Not only that, but granite is notorious for being incredibly durable to damage as well as heat, an essential for a residential countertop installation. Similar to marble, it is a natural stone, and thus, granite is unique per slab. Granite also allows for very little to no upkeep beyond standard cleaning practices. This is one of the reasons that granite remains mildly expensive, at $45-$110 a square foot for most standard granites. 
4. Solid Surface and Quartz
   Solid surface or quartz countertops are a moderate, but legitimate choice for many countertop installation projects, whether commercial or residential. They offer more reliability than something like vinyl, but often fail in comparison to steel, granite, or marble. Where they become popular, especially solid surfaces, is their smooth design. Quartz offers a small, but slightly visible seam to the countertop. Solid surface however, remains entirely seamless due to the solvent used to join slabs, which has become increasingly popular in modern homes. Similar to marble, either of these similar materials will act to increase your home value off of its reliability and current interest. If you’re considering solid surface or quartz countertop installation, reach out through our site or over the phone for more details.
5. Steel
   Steel is often used more in a commercial kitchen countertop installation rather than a residential installation. However, for commercial applications, whether consumer facing or for the business only, it is a timeless and reliable option. Though often prone to scratching and aesthetical damage, they remain one of the most unbreakable countertop materials.