Counter Intelligence

Countertops play an increasingly important role in a kitchen remodel. According to a Kitchen & Bath News survey of 540 designers and showroom owners across the U.S., countertops create value for homeowners when they are beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. Our experience is that countertops create value for our clients when they are not easily damaged by scratches, stains, heat or wear and tear, can be cleaned easily, don’t have to be resealed frequently and fit within the budget.

How much should you spend on a countertop? According to the survey, more than 52 percent of showroom customers spent 10 - 20 percent of their renovation budget on countertops. Almost a third of clients dedicated 21 - 40 percent of their renovation budget to countertops. Approximately 10 percent of showroom customers spend less than 10 percent of their remodeling budget on countertops.

Investing in high quality, high performing, beautiful countertops makes a lot of sense, because kitchen countertops are highly visible and used every day. Not only are they relied upon for meal preparation, countertops are used for cooking, eating, entertaining, doing homework, charging electronics, reading, relaxing and spending quality family time together. They serve a practical and aesthetic function and can make or break the look, feel and enjoyment of a new kitchen.

Trending Countertop Materials

Stone – granite, marble, concrete and soapstone are the materials that are most often specified for countertops, recommended by more than 90 percent of the surveyed designers and showrooms.

Quartz and quartzite are sold or specified by almost 90 percent of survey respondents.

Other materials commonly specified and sold for countertops in new kitchens include:

• Solid Surface – 70 percent
  
• Laminate – 53.6 percent
  
• Wood – 47.3 percent
  
• Sintered Stone/Ultra Compact Surfacing – 22.6 percent
  
• Metal – 16 percent
  
• Glass – 15.6 percent
  
• Recycled Materials – 15.4 percent
  
• Tile – 15 percent
  
• Other ­– 8 percent

Which countertop is best suited for your remodel? Let us walk you through the world of surfaces and options to make your dreams come true. Come visit our showroom and check out our assortment countertop samples. Weiler’s showroom is just minutes from Montgomery County at 350 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053. Give us a call at 215-357-9300 and let Weiler’s help you imagine a better future.