Countertops Step Away from Laminates

Sales of solid surface granite and quartz counter tops rose more than 200 percent last year, says kitchen remodeling franchise, Kitchen Solvers.

The LaCrosse, WI-based Kitchen Solvers has 48 franchisees who do high-end cabinet refacing, as well as full kitchen redesigns and remodels, serving 1,000 homes annually in the U.S. and Canada. customers each year.

Remodeling overall has grown 6 percent for Kitchen Solvers, but counter tops have seen a decided trend away from laminates.

"Laminate was the main choice for counter tops during the recession, but granite started making a comeback in 2011," says Henley. "And last year granite and quartz eclipsed laminate." Now that the economy is better, they're investing more in solid surfaces, he says.

The popularity of stone counter tops has caused laminate counter top manufacturers to get more creative, in terms of color and profiles – with bright colors and retro styles popping up at recent trade shows like Interzum in Cologne, Germany, and KBIS Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in New Orleans. (Photo: Formica Red Ellipse style high pressure laminate).