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Granite Countertops and more Options
Don't be overwhelmed by kitchen options
by Susan J. Smith
The big decision in the past when building or remodeling a kitchen was whether to cook with gas or electric. Today, an incredible number of material choices, ranging from recycled glass, paper, metal shavings, bamboo, concrete, cork, laminates and granite has entered the picture.
Even the way appliances and work areas are organized have changed since the days when Donna Reed donned a fluffy apron to whip up a green bean casserole.
In her well-ordered life, the stove, refrigerator and sink were arranged in a perfect triangle for what was deemed the most efficient working arrangement.
In the 21st century, moms and dads cook, oversee homework, check e-mails and keep up with families and friends in the multitasking kitchen. As a result, the triangle has morphed into boomerangs, double and triple triangles and prep stations designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the no-longer-traditional American family.
Alternatives to granite
Many people think of granite when they think of upgrading their kitchen countertops. It's hard, durable, attractive -- and it's everywhere.
"Granite is like a pair of jeans. It will never go away, but I do think there are some exciting materials out there if you are tired of it," says Tylor Devereaux, Grand Rapids-based interior designer. "I've been using concrete and quartz whenever I can."
Other designers point to a range of new engineered stone products that combine a resin or concrete base with chopped up stone, glass or even metal shavings. The products are practical, durable and present a more consistent appearance than granite.
"Some have the advantage of being green," says Todd Wiley, a kitchen designer and owner of TruKitchens in Cascade.
He's particularly excited about Alkemi, a resin-based product with metal shavings that create small, interesting patterns. He also is fond of working with CaesarStone, one of several companies that produce manmade quartz. Others are Cambria, Silestone and Technistone.
"These are wonderful alternatives to granite because they create looks that aren't possible with real stone and yet have no maintenance," Wiley explains.
He says granite suppliers are working harder to find new stones and colors to overcome the increasingly ho-hum attitude toward granite.
"There are also new ways to treat granite called flaming or brushing to make it look like leather," he says.
More options
Vetrazzo, a product with recycled crushed colored glass in it, is a great option. It has a new look and it is environmentally green. Other similar products are on the market as well.
Wayne Visbeen, designer and owner of Visbeen Associates, says he doesn't see granite going away.
"You might use granite on an island but then use Corian or a laminate on other counters," he explains.
He sees a lot of interest in bamboo for countertops because it is a renewable resource and clients like the look.
"Again, we may use it in combination with other countertop materials," he said.
Laminate, a product that has been around for many years and doesn't generate a lot of excitement in the world of interior designers, is becoming more interesting.
Stephanie Witt, owner of Kitchens by Stephanie, says she is quite excited about a lower-cost option new to the market.
"We're using laminate in areas where budget is an issue, because there is now an undermount sink available from Karron," she says. "Previously, you had to use a self-rimming sink with a laminate countertop. Undermount sinks are preferred because they have a cleaner look, and you can easily sweep crumbs into the sink without hitting the rim."
She also is intrigued by new countertop materials made from recycled cardboard that come in a variety of colors.
The stuff used for sidewalks is high on Melanie Rogers' list.
"The hottest alternative to granite has recently been concrete, be it tinted, stained, embedded with materials like glass or metallic objects, matte finish or polished," says Rogers, a partner in ThinkDesign.
"There are a growing number of experts in West Michigan in this highly specialized field, and it is a beautiful solution for contemporary kitchens."
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