2009 Countertop Trends

With the 2009 housing slump and economic downturn making its way through the entire economy, the countertop manufacturing industry has been adversely affected. The decline is affecting all markets, including the residential home remodeling market, single-family builder market, commercial builder market, and buying market.

During this economic crisis, many builders and remodelers are being forced to cut costs by buying lower-end stock for custom countertops and surfaces. Instead of purchasing premier granite countertops and marble countertops, they are opting to buy plastic laminated countertops instead to save money.

Even homeowners and commercial owners are cutting costs for their remodeling projects or new construction projects by choosing more affordable kitchen and bathroom countertops. While plastic laminate countertops may look like the real thing, they’re not. Plastic laminate countertops are made out of surface papers to give it the appearance of stone or ceramic. They are less durable than real granite or marble countertops, show scratches easily, are prone to stains, and are harder to keep clean. The drawbacks far outweigh its affordability.

According to a recent study conducted by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, 10,000 consumers were asked what was at the top of the list for those seeking to add value to their homes. The overwhelming response was kitchen renovations, with granite countertops being one of the most coveted features.

Although budgets may be tight during the housing slump, many consumers are realizing that one of the best ways to add value to their home is by investing in granite countertops. Kitchen makeovers can dramatically increase the resale value of homes. In fact, few other home improvements can add as much value to a home as granite and quartz countertops.

Executive VP of the Marble Institute of America, Mr. Garis Distelhorst, said, “No other countertop surface can measure up to granite in terms of practicality, timeless beauty, durability and safety. This natural stone has held its value in ways more trendy materials have not.”

So even though America may be in a slump right now, those who are investing in quality kitchen and bathroom granite and quartz countertops can expect to see a profitable return on their investment in the near future.

For those who don’t want to sacrifice quality for affordability, they turn to Bedrock Quartz, http://www.bedrockquartz.com/ Bedrock Quartz is the leader in providing beautiful granite, marble and quartz stone for countertops and surfaces at an extremely affordable price.

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2009 Countertop Trends