Like all things, countertop surfaces go in and out of style. As 2018 kicks off, there are numerous kitchen design trends that are coming and going, but when it comes to your countertop surface, what is hot and what’s being left behind?
If you are ready to revamp your kitchen, you won’t want to overlook what’s taking over in kitchen design this year.
Countertop Surface Trends 2018
With 2018 being the year of functionality and sleek kitchen design, it is no surprise that many homeowners are hoping to update their old countertops to those made out of materials that are easier to clean and care for. Durability has become a huge draw for many homeowners looking to replace their countertop surfaces, and you can see that when looking at this year’s countertop surface trends. Let’s explore what is in for 2018.
Granite
Granite has been an extremely popular choice for countertops for a number of years now, and it isn’t going anywhere in 2018. The natural patterns of granite make each piece one-of-a-kind, and there are numerous colors that you can get a granite countertop in.
While granite is durable and can stand up to spills, nicks, heat, scratches, and general wear and tear, it is porous and needs to be sealed to prevent stains. With Rock Doctor Granite & Stone Sealer, you can keep a granite countertop looking like new for years to come. Rock Doctor also offers a full-line of granite care products including cleaners and polish.
Quartz
In fairness, quartz has been in style for a few years now, but it is expected to continue to be a popular choice among homeowners in 2018. Quartz is timeless due to the numerous color, design, and pattern options available. Since every piece of quartz is different, you will have a one-of-a-kind countertop that you are sure to be able to enjoy for years due to the durability of the stone.
Quartz is a popular choice because it is stain, acid, heat, impact, and scratch resistant. As a non-porous material, quartz doesn’t require sealing. Since quartz is similar in look to granite, it is a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of stone on a lower budget.
Wood
In 2017, wood countertops took the world by storm. The rustic, warm feeling of wood and butcher-block style countertops makes them a welcome addition to the kitchens of home chefs. Wood countertops are frequently made out of rock maple, teak, walnut, cherry, or oak woods, and they can be fabricated in three different ways: edge grain, end grain, and wide plank.
Edge grain counters are made from long, thick strips of wood that are glued together with the edge grain facing up, while end grain countertops are made of short, square sticks of wood that are glued together with the tough end grain facing up. Wide plank countertops are made by gluing the edges of wide boards together. Wide plank countertops are currently the most popular type of wood countertop.
Since wood is bacteria-resistant and you can use your knives directly on it, many homeowners like its durability and cleanliness. Maintenance for a wood countertop can be more challenging than other surfaces, however, because the wood needs to either be sealed with polyurethane every few years or treated with mineral oil every four to six weeks. Since many people are fond of the natural look that wood brings into their kitchen, they opt for the mineral oil treatment, which requires a lot of effort to maintain.
Concrete
While wood countertops are becoming popular in rustic kitchens, concrete is taking over industrial-inspired kitchens this year. Modern concrete countertops are smooth and shiny, and you can even add a tint, glass or rocks to make your countertop look more unique.
The downsides to concrete countertops include that it is a porous material that is prone to staining without frequent sealing and it isn’t as heat resistant as many other surface materials. Since concrete is extremely heavy, you need to make sure your home has adequate support underneath it. Concrete can also crack if the foundation of your home shifts too much.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another industrial look that people love in 2018. Until recently, stainless steel countertops were found only in commercial kitchens, but their durability and resistance to both heat and bacteria have brought them into the homes of many.
Unlike some of the other surfaces on this list, stainless steel can be dented. Stainless steel is also loud, and many chemicals can damage the color of the metal. To keep your stainless steel countertops looking their very best, Rock Doctor has created a Stainless Steel Cleaner and Protectant that keeps your counters clean without causing discoloration or damage.
What’s Out in 2018?
Ceramic Tile
As more and more people want a sleek, clean feeling kitchen, ceramic tile countertops are being replaced with more updated looks like those listed above. Since tile requires the use of grout, which can be difficult to maintain and can harbor bacteria, many homeowners have decided against putting tile in their kitchens. The uneven surface of tile is also hard to prepare and cook food on, making it one of the least functional options for a kitchen countertop.
Laminate
While laminate has been decreasing in popularity for a few years now, it is even less likely to be put into homes in 2018. Unlike the trending surfaces, laminate is prone to damage from scratches and burns. Even though laminate is an expensive countertop surface option, it is prone to peeling and staining, which is a huge turnoff to many homeowners who want a durable surface that will last for years.
If you have or are considering having granite or quartz countertops in your kitchen, let Rock Doctor keep them looking their very best. Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Cleaner keeps stone surfaces clean without causing any damage. To keep your stone countertops shining like new, consider Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Polish. Rock Doctor products can be purchased on Amazon or at retailers such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s.
