CounterTop Trends & Materials

Ceramic tile is all about an emphasis on clean lines, bolder, more saturated colors, and tiles that look like tile in larger and traditional formats, according to Tile of Spain. Ceramic tiles make excellent countertop material.

The Palladian Panache trend features earthenware, terra cotta and hand painted tiles with an authentic Spanish flavor melding old-world reverence with modern functionality. Rustic, but elegant with a slightly Moorish-feel, these tiles vary in size and shape and work beautifully in spaces requiring product with a provenance.

Roca, a Tile of Spain manufacturer, shows how a master bath incorporates Palladian Panache with a mix of modern and traditional ceramic tiles. The Scarvos collection's marfil-colored porcelain tile is fashioned to look like high-end marble or hand-cut stone to provide a luxury resort spa bathroom.

Ceramic tile countertops can provide a marblesque look in the kitchen without the maintenance of real stone. The Aran collection gives a marblesque look in a gourmet kitchen using creme beige tiles. The 6-by-6-inch tiles used for walls, countertops and backsplashes complement each other and work well with larger scale floor tiles.

If you're remodeling your home, your first project is probably the kitchen. New flooring. New appliances. New cabinets. New countertops. The choices are endless and, honestly, it can get overwhelming.

CounterTop Magazine provides all the information a homeowner needs to make an informed decision about new kitchen countertops. You'll find all the information you need about concrete countertops, laminate countertops, glass countertops, metal countertops, laminate countertops, granite countertops, recycled countertops, eco friendly countertops, and more. Pictures of finished projects are featured prominently throughout the web site.

If you're a DIYer, a countertop discussion forum is available for you if you need to ask a countertop professional any questions.

related tags: marble countertops, kitchen countertops, kitchen remodeling, countertop magazine, recycled countertops, eco friendly countertops, glass countertops, concrete countertops, stone countertops, countertop trends

article directories: concrete countertops, glass countertops, eco friendly countertops, eco-friendly countertops, green countertops, marble countertops, granite countertops, countertop backsplash, granite countertops,

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Read our other countertop blogs: Countertop Design Green Countertops Granite Countertops Marble Countertops Eco-Friendly Countertops Stone Countertops Concrete Countertops Paper Countertops Tile Countertops Laminate Countertops Solid Surface Countertops Countertop Materials
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Kitchen and Bath Countertop Industry Secrets
Now Available to Consumers on CounterTopBusiness.com
CounterTop Business Magazine releases its trade publication to savvy customers

(Rockford, IL) Have you ever wondered how those designers on famous home shows get their ideas for amazing kitchens and bathrooms? Or how your neighbor's interior designer chose the trendiest backsplash and countertop surface for her newly remodeled kitchen? Those designers read industry publications that taught them the latest trends in countertop designs. It used to be that those publications were only available to professionals, but now CounterTop Business magazine is allowing consumers to be privy to information on today's latest countertop trends through its new Web site CounterTopBusiness.com.

CounterTop Business magazine, the countertop industry's leading publication for professionals, is bringing its knowledge of all topics that are hot in countertop materials - from kitchen surfaces and backsplashes to bathrooms - to its new Web site CounterTopBusiness.com. Consumers can read in-depth articles that will assist them in choosing the right surface, whether it be eco-friendly countertops made of recycled materials or the newest luxury materials.

"Today's savvy consumer wants to know what the professionals know," said Linda Ohm, Editor of CounterTop Business magazine. "Reading CounterTopBusiness.com will keep them ahead of the curve on the latest trends in countertop design, and their kitchens will be the envy of their friends and neighbors."

CounterTopBusiness.com also allows the consumer to interact with the countertop professional through online forums. Ask architects, fabricators and designers your most valued questions to ensure your countertop decision.

"Consumers can log on and see what's new, then ask a professional online if the countertop is difficult to install, produce, or is the most environmentally-friendly. Then they can go back and tell their architect or designer what they want," says Ohm. "This allows consumers to be proactive in designing a kitchen or bathroom that works best for them."

About WATT
Established in 1917, WATT is a service company that provides knowledge and solutions to the agri-food and woodworking industries, to buyers and sellers of goods and services within these industries, as well as others that need such vital information in order to conduct commerce successfully. This information is shared through a variety of media channels: business-to-business print publications and corresponding digital editions, e-newsletters, Web sites, webcasts, RSS feeds, blogs, streaming video, podcasts, digital white papers, custom publishing, custom research, in-person events, and consulting.

If you're looking for a convenient list of ecofriendly countertop articles, you can now find them on del.icio.us.

Take a look: EcoFriendly Countertop Articles on del.icio.us

One of the biggest changes in the tile industry recently has been the large horizontal format of porcelain tile. Porcelain is very resilient and holds up to a lot of abuse, even more than ceramic. The Cerim collection by Florim is set up so all the colors work together.

Read the rest: The changing look of porcelain - countertops

Everyone is looking for the latest, greatest and most innovative stone products. As a result the high-end consumer is looking for more and more exotic stones and the newest trends. Perry Liu, president of Bestview International, located in Wood Dale, Ill., says that it's not just about finding new products, but presenting old favorites in a new light.

Read more: The new face of onyx - countertops

Shine crystallized glass stone is white glass that's as tough as any stone product and as beautiful as pure white marble. This product is manufactured with the same materials used in producing glass, but using high temperatures that give it its even texture, high density and wear resistance.

Read the rest of White glass shines - glass countertops - or if you prefer, you can view the Shine glass countertop video

A quick tour of the Bestview International showroom, with a focus on Onyx.

To view the video tour, click here

The Chicago Builder's Center introduces their newest white glass countertop - Shine.

View the Shine Glass Countertop Video.

Although its aesthetic appeal and durability has long made granite a favorite among some homeowners, the stone's popularity appears to be increasing.

David Cook, owner of Louisiana Granite Yard, Inc., in Haughton, said all upscale homes have granite, and with the price of granite dropping, homeowners are finding it more affordable.

Cook's prices for granite start at $24.95 per square foot installed and it's that price that caught the attention of James Gilliam, a Shreveport native who recently moved back home from New York.

Read more: Granite countertops gain popularity among homeowners

Read more granite countertop articles.

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When putting in a new kitchen, some folks try to impress with their choice of appliances. But only serious cooks need a high-end commercial range, right? If you really want your kitchen to sizzle, focus on the countertops.

Michele Upvall's kitchen remodel in the Winchester Condominiums in Oakland is a case in point. When she moved into the jade tile-clad building in 2003, its galley-style kitchen would have done the Brady Bunch proud, with its '70s-style black-and-white laminate countertops and dreadful orange sink. (That's right, orange.)

Read more: Creative Encounters: Today's countertop options cover more than just granite

Read more on glass countertops: Glass countertops

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Valencia Stone, located at 2332 17th Street in Sarasota Florida, has a new program geared towards improving the current economic state by passing on huge benefits to the consumers.

Valencia Stone's new program is open to all taxpayers who have filed a 2007 tax return. The program consists of a maximum credit of $600 to be used towards the purchase of stone countertops. Valencia Stone will also include other benefits on top of the stimulus credit. These benefits include free granite cutting board and free 40" vanity top to be selected from their huge remnant section. This program is valid for a limited time only and is redeemable at Valencia Stone's premier location at 2332 17th Street in Sarasota, Florida, between Tuttle Ave. and US. 301.

Read more: The New Economic Stimulus Program by Valencia Stone Sarasota

Receive monthly updates from our free countertop magazine.

"Black walnut wood tone is simply gorgeous and has been very popular among our customers," says Ken Williamson, founder of Craft-Art Wood Countertops. "Because there is very little red in walnut, it also complements other wood species."

The introduction of two new end-grain styles combining walnut with other species is an extension of its already popular black walnut countertop assortment.

Read more: Dark, rich black walnut countertops

Wood - it comes in many different species with strikingly different visual characteristics that appeal to a variety of consumers. It creates a feeling of warmth in one setting and cool elegance in another. And it's been around for years.

When it comes to countertops, wood is a surface that many people fear will be easily damaged. The Grothouse Lumber Company now offers clients Durata finish, a permanent wood countertop finish that is waterproof, chemical resistant and does not require recoating.

Read more of this article: Consider waterproof wood countertops

CounterTop Business is a free digital magazine that focuses on laminate countertops, solid surface countertops, cultured stone countertops, granite countertops, concrete countertops, tile countertops, and other countertop materials.

CounterTop Business also provides an extensive database of articles related to the tools and products used to design and fabricate countertops.

This digital magazine is for anyone involved in the specification, sale, fabrication and installation of countertops. It is delivered to readers via e-mail, in an advanced format that does not require extra software to read.

Click here to receive CounterTop Business magazine - completely free of charge.

Laminate Countertops
Well known by trade names such as Formica, these countertops have stood the test of time. New innovations make for a broad range of colors and patterns and more recently, the addition of textures.

Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface is basically a plastic but that's where the blandness ends. Many styles and colors are available and the seamless characteristics work well for expansive countertops and integral sinks.

Natural Stone Countertops
Granite, slate, soapstone, quartz, marble, gemstone... . Natural stone has an inherent beauty but there is some maintenance involved in keeping them 'healthy'.

Engineered Stone Countertops
Predominantly a quartz material that's been crushed and combined with resins to form a hard surface like stone, but without the maintenance requirements like periodic sealing. Some of the colors and patterns do a pretty good job of mimicking natural stone.

Wood Countertops
Wood countertops no longer mean just butcher block. Large full-expanse wood kitchen countertops are available and offer a beautiful warm look. There is some maintenance involved to keep them looking good however.

Metal Countertops
Stainless steel is probably more widely known but if that's too clinical for you, picture your kitchen countertops in the rich color of copper, which gain a unique patina over time. Or consider the interesting gray pallet of pewter countertops.

Concrete Countertops
Concrete offers endless design options since they're fabricated to your specifications, either right in your home or in a design studio and then shipped to your kitchen. Concrete offers a smooth surface in just about any color along with a stoutness that embodies solidity.

Composite and Recycled Materials Countertops
Composite and recycled materials deliver some interesting alternatives for kitchen countertops. Some are made from recycled paper and combined with resins to form a surface that's hard yet warmer than stone. The eco-friendly nature of these choices may also give you the satisfaction of having helped the environment.

Lavastone Countertops
Lavastone is volcanic lava that's hardened into a stone-like consistency. Most Lavastone countertop material is covered with a hard enamel that makes the surface similar to tile, except you don't have to deal with grout lines like you do with a tile countertop. It can be expensive but you have a virtually unlimited supply of colors.

Tile Countertops
Tile's another choice that's been available for years but you're not limited to just the basic 4-inch squares anymore. Natural stone tiles like granite are available and come in large sizes which means you could have a granite countertop with just a few grout lines for less cost than a granite slab.

Glass Countertops
Glass offers a sleek, modern style that doesn't have to look like a bland glass tabletop. You can find various colors and different textures to give it some distinction. Glass countertops are sturdy enough to stand up to their role however you'll still want to be sure you avoid dropping something large and heavy on them.

Need more kitchen remodeling ideas? Looking for great bathroom remodeling ideas? Read our countertop magazine.

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Read our countertop blogs:

Countertop Design, Green Countertops, Granite Countertops, Marble Countertops, Eco-Friendly Countertops, Stone Countertops, Concrete Countertops, Paper Countertops, Tile Countertops, Laminate Countertops, Solid Surface Countertops, Countertop Materials

Many shops automate to reduce employees, but sometimes that same technology creates a need for more.

Concrete Interior Designs Inc. invested in a CNC router and ETemplate measuring software to replace two production employees and soon discovered the technology is creating more work and skill requirements than the shop's staff can process.

Since automating six months ago, the Scottsdale, Ariz., custom concrete manufacturer has tripled the amount of kitchens it can do in a month. "On average we now do about 15 to 20 jobs per month," says co-owner Jody Crawford.

The manufacturer maintains a showroom with several kitchens and constantly updates them to showcase concrete's limitless applications. Cutting production time is imperative to keeping wait times at a competitive four to six weeks. "Most people don't understand how long concrete takes," says Crawford. "It's a process and requires curing time unlike materials, such as granite."

Concrete is the ultimate chameleon and Szczech estimates the shop has only scratched the surface of its market. "Kitchen countertops are our most popular product right now," says Szczech. "We take out a lot of natural stone or solid surface countertops and replace them with concrete."

Crawford estimates approximately 40 percent of customers want a more modern look with a 90-degree turn down edge and 60 percent prefer an old world look with fancier edges.

Earth tones are the most-requested countertop colors, but many customers have been opting for modern colors, such as white, gray, blues or black.

The manufacturer offers more than 2,500 color choices and combined with acid stains, colors can be layered to produce thousands of patterns and colors. "With a layered acid stain, concrete can mimic natural stone or wood," says Crawford. "We also can add decorative elements, such as glass, rocks or shells."



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Looking for more information on countertops? Click one of these links: Countertop Trends, Laminate Countertops, Recycled Countertops, Concrete Countertops, Metal Countertops, Glass Countertops, Engineered Stone Countertops, Countertop Fabrication, Countertop Guide

Designers agree that granite is the overwhelming favorite in countertops in the Chicago area. "Quartz is also very popular," says Liz Bruckner, designer at Atria Kitchen Design, located in the River North area of Chicago. "People like the quartz for maintenance." Other materials, such as glass and wood, are used for island tops for a distinctive difference, she says.

Claudia Martin, interior designer at studio m interiors inc. in downtown Chicago, says that with the price of granite going down, it’s a product getting more affordable to more people. People are finding more exotic colors within their price range, instead of just black, says Martin. The move now is to lighter and more natural colors in granite and other products.

A lot of people are asking about marble and soapstone, says Martin. "I'm designing more kitchens with painted cabinets and the soapstone and honed granite complement it nicely." Martin says that concrete is also growing in popularity. Marble is sometimes used for specialized work areas in granite counters, she says.

Read more on countertop trends.

Are you looking for information on recycled aluminum countertops?

CounterTop Business is a digital magazine that focuses exclusively and entirely on the $7 billion countertop industry. Our digital magazine and new companion Web site, CounterTopBusiness.com, is for anyone involved in the specification, sale, fabrication, and installation of countertops.

Learn more about recycled aluminum countertops today. Visit CounterTopBusiness.com

Our target market includes architects, designers, builders, specifiers, and fabricators. The digital publication is currently delivered via e-mail to over 25,000 readers each month. CounterTop Business is an excellent source of information and is the premiere resource for what's hot in the countertop industry: laminate countertops, solid surface countertops, cultured stone countertops, recycled aluminum countertops, granite countertops, concrete countertops, tile countertops, marble countertops, paper countertops, glass countertops, green countertops, and other materials.

On our new companion website, CounterTopBusiness.com, you will find material information, fabrication tips, and the latest business intelligence for the growing countertop industry. Join the CounterTopBusiness.com community and meet other professionals in our discussion forum. View industry related videos and download free white papers.

When it comes to countertop colors, especially in the home environment, they are more often a backdrop for more intense accent colors in the kitchen or bath, says Ginguei Ebnesajjad, DuPont Surfaces director of product styling and development. “Trend-forward colors are going to be in the role of the accent color and we have to provide a backdrop to make it look good,” says Ebnesajjad.

Countertops will often be in a neutral, something that is more comfortable for the eye.

Read more: Countertops: Color backdrop

Where do old glass containers go to die? Instead of littering the dump, they now have a new purpose - elegant, environmentally friendly countertops.

Gilasi InnerGlow surfaces are composed of more than 87 percent recycled material, the bulk of which is 100 percent recycled glass. "We call the slabs InnerGlow because you can see into the surface through the glass," says Garrett Obluck, operations manager.

Read more . . . Green Countertops: Green Alternative

When Steve Prescott of Fiddlehead Designs in Brunswick, Maine, builds a kitchen, no matter what color the countertop, it's always "green." He builds environmentally responsible kitchens, featuring Richlite countertops.

Made from resin-bonded paper that has been manufactured from sustainable forest resources, Richlite compares favorably with solid surface and granite, says Prescott. He notes it machines well with conventional woodworking tools, but is much heavier and denser than solid surface materials.

Read more . . . Green Countertops: Going Green

Twelve patterns of Formica brand laminates have been introduced with the new Radiance finish. High gloss and punctuated with texture, the finish features holographic facets that refract and reflect light in a natural veined pattern.

Read more . . . Laminate Countertops: Laminate Shines

The Geneva, a third new contoured edge profile from VTI Industries, gives postformed laminate countertops the look and feel of granite, natural stone or solid surface at a much lower cost. The full-wrap edge profile features a subtle modern drop ogee, a concave arc flowing into a convex arc, and is Greenguard certified.

Read more . . . Laminate Countertops: High Style on a Tight Budget

Think tile is old-fashioned? Think again. Nothing revitalizes a kitchen space like the look of glass mosaic tile on a kitchen backsplash or bathroom countertop, says Ann-Brit Malden, marketing and sales for Hakatai Enterprises Inc.

Read more . . . Glass Countertops: Custom Glass Tiles