Countertop Brackets and Legs Can Improve Designs

An interesting story came to my desk this week that showcases how countertop brackets and support legs can do much more than hold up heavy surfaces, such as granite, engineered stone and solid surface. The creative use of support systems can help you overcome design obstacles and perceived limitations to remodel or build a new kitchen space that is not only functional but also quite attractive.
Federal Brace, a leading manufacturer and distributor of designer support brackets and legs for countertops, was contacted by Rob Stepp, president of Creative Kitchens, Inc., about a job his company had just completed with products from Cambria, Schluter and Federal Brace. Stepp said that he experienced great “enthusiasm with the results,” and wanted to share the story because it was such an “exciting and successful project.”


In turn, Cathy Morgan, general manager of Federal Brace, wanted to share this story with CountertopResource.com so that other fabricators and installers could take a look at what is possible when we work together on tough projects. I have to admit the enthusiasm of both Rob and Cathy rubbed off on me, and I am happy to present the story and photos to you in this month’s blog.

Creative Kitchens was charged with remodeling the kitchen in a local condominium unit, but they were put off by a few architectural elements, namely a large structural pier in the center of the island. The team, however, was not dismayed and developed what turned out to be the perfect solution.

In order to streamline the look of the kitchen, Creative Kitchens wrapped the pier in durable and sleek stainless steel and then used a Schluter corner molding and sheets, which were originally developed for the tile industry, to finish out the columns.


For the countertop, White Cliff, a quartz surface from Cambria was chosen, but the design called for a slab that was much larger than the base of the island, and it had to extend far past the structural pier with no other support. To overcome this challenge, classic Brunswick brackets from Federal Brace were used to support the overhanging countertop, which left ample legroom for the client to add seating. This could transform the kitchen island into a great entertaining area for guests should it ever be required.

For the end of the countertop, Federal Brace’s versatile Anteris Metal Support Legs were used, which are designed specifically to “hold up heavy stone and composite material countertops.” These legs are constructed of double-steel plates to provide superior carrying strength, but they are also visually appealing, giving the kitchen a sleek, modern look. Click on any of the photos presented here to see larger, more detailed versions of the finished project.

For further information about Creative Kitchens, they have three showrooms in Huntington, Charleston and Lewisburg, W.Va., or visit the company website at www.creativekitchens.com.
To learn more about how countertop brackets and support legs can fit into your projects or about the Dealer and Distributor Program offered by the company, visit www.federalbrace.com or contact a representative at sales@federalbrace.com.

Planning for a Happy New Year

As 2014 approaches its end, I would like to solemnly thank all of our readers and clients for another successful year. I know many of you have also been experiencing success because of the commitment you carry for your clients and the countertop industry. In addition, I would like to say hello to all of our new readers and hope that you are all as content with the thousands of hours you have poured into your businesses over the course of the year. We hope we have helped and will continue to help you meet the demands placed before you.

That being said, the end of the year is the best time to consider where your business is going into the next. Perhaps you are content with the niche you have carved in your market, but if you are like us, you have your sights set on continued expansion. Even if you can't make a major leap forward in 2015, there are still many options available to grow your business in small ways that will put you in a better position.

The first step to expansion is to think about the possibility and attempt to predict where the market is open. You will want to take a look at the organizational structure of your business and the resources you have available to you. How will they support your plan or vision? You will also want to observe the market from a vantage point that allows you to see the big picture and the forces driving it.

The next step to take in expanding your business is to develop a marketing plan. A solid marketing strategy is the best tool you have in growing your business. When you understand your target market and your competition, you will be able to put yourself in a better position. Some companies will have the resources to accomplish the development of a plan in house, but others may want to consider hiring outside help.

After you develop a plan, it must be maintained, at a bare minimum, on an annual basis. One aspect of your plan should be to consider all of the resources available to you, and to consider how technology has affected traditional marketing. Nielsen, one of the leading research companies in the world, predicts that by 2015, Internet advertising will comprise a full quarter of the market, which is up from 16 percent just four short years ago.

If you have a decent Internet presence, then good for you! You are doing something right that will play big in the future. You should consider Internet advertising to reach your potential customers and gain trackable and measurable leads. If you do not have a strong Internet presence or no web activity at all, DO SOMETHING NOW. If you do nothing else, make sure you have a website! Even a basic site that shows your products and services, contact information and some photos of your work can make a big difference. And. If you do not use social media, START NOW. Even if you have one of your employees spend a few minutes a day posting on a few social media feeds for your company, it can (and likely will) make a difference. 

Whatever your plan is for 2015, the first step is having one. If there is anything we can do to help you expand or better your business, let us know. It is our goal to provide you with the information you need, and we also have Internet expertise on staff that may be able to assist you in getting one step closer to your ultimate vision. Good luck in 2015.

Sincerely,

Brian Jones, Editor

www.CountertopResource.com
info@countertopresource.com

Rennovation and Do-it-yourself Countertops

A trend in home improvement and restoration is seeing a growing number of people completing home renovations on a do-it-yourself basis. For the most part, this has traditionally been done by contractors and retirees, but new products and innovations are leading a new breed of homeowner to attempt these feats themselves. When it comes to kitchen renovations, nothing tops countertops, and while some DIY renovators have come up with some truly unique and impressive designs, others are simply buying epoxy or urethane overcoats. These products are marketed as a revolution in technology that gives buyers a like-new countertop for less than $100, but are they getting all that is being promised?

Unique Countertops from Scratch

While epoxy coating is being used by people of all types and skill levels in attempts to improve existing countertops, others actually have the talent, time and experience to create some truly unique designs. Some of these designs use concrete, and others employ backlighting technology, both of which are being routinely accomplished by contractors in every major city. However, others have built masterpieces that can be seen nowhere else in the world. Of course, some are completely novel, like the countertop made of pennies we featured in 2013 or this new countertop constructed of 20,000 Lego blocks.

The Backlighting Trend

Not everyone is savvy enough to complete their own backlighting projects, but at least one homeowner has done so using a new technology known as SLABlite from Tylerco, Inc. Other backlighting options are available, such as those from Nu World, Outwater and Evo-Lite, but none of them are as well suited to DIY projects. That being said, if reader interest here at CountertopResource.com is any indication, backlit countertops are dramatically increasing in popularity, and they offer aesthetic appeal and ambiance that is difficult to match in low-light environments.

Epoxy to the Rescue?

Now, the heart of the matter and the whole reason I developed this blog post is that homeowners are increasingly being steered to complete countertop restorations on their own with over-the-counter epoxy products. While, in my opinion, trying to save money on a kitchen rennovation by making or refinishing your countertops is a bad idea, it is happening. This trend has been reinforced by the concrete flooring industry, with which I have a marginal relationship through writing promotional material. Since polished concrete was “invented,” or more aptly discovered, in the 1990s, it has become a popular option for floors of all types, including those in residential living spaces. The companies that install polished concrete floors recommend that they be coated with epoxy for protection, texture or color enhancement, and this has seemingly carried over into the countertop industry.


Epoxy coatings are available in a variety of types, and some of the work people have done with them is extraordinary in appearance. For instance, this woman created an amazing faux marble countertop using a combination of paint, glitter and epoxy for less than $30. In addition, this epoxy coating distributor based in Grand Junction, Colo., offers classes for both contractors and DIY homeowners and has some impressive work displayed on its website. Not only that, but major home-improvement box stores, such as Home Depot are providing consumers step-by-step instructions for homeowners to complete this work without the help of professional contractors. Finally, the DIY guru himself, Bob Vila, teaches the process through written instructions and video tutorials.

What I am curious to discover, and what I hope my readers hope to know, is what, exactly is the stance taken by fabricators and professional installers concerning DIY epoxy countertop coatings? What do you tell customers who want this service? Do you steer them toward higher-end resurfacing or try to sell them on the benefits of a total replacement? Do you offer professional epoxy restoration? What pitfalls should homeowners be warned about with the products available off the shelf? Do you offer superior service or an epoxy product not available in the retail consumer market.
If you have any experience with this or if you can answer any of the above questions, we want to hear from you. Feel free to tell us your story in the comments below or drop me an email at info@countertopresource.com. I look forward to what you have to say.

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday

Even for those who truly appreciate the holiday season, it is undeniable that our lives become filled with a range of obligations, which can serve as distractions from our everyday work. While some distraction may be welcome this time of year, we may also become distracted from our basic safety standards, and this phenomenon exists through all levels and departments of a business.

Statistics from several sources, both public and private, show that accidents increase during the holiday season on the roads, in homes and at work. And when they occur at work, it should be of major concern to business owners, executives and management.

In a joint effort by Michigan OSHA and the Department of Licensing, employers were asked to pay particularly close attention to workplace safety. "There is no better way to recognize workers than by protecting their safety through a comprehensive and effective safety plan at every job site," stated Deputy Director Stephanie Comai."When companies include workplace safety and health in their corporate strategy-they not only protect their workers, they also produce better products and add greater value to our economy."

The holiday season is a great time to implement an annual reassessment of safety standards and practices. Serious accidents can be prevented when a concise safety plan has been developed, implemented and practiced, which can lead to several benefits, including lower workers' compensation payments, increased productivity and higher employee morale.

According to Federal OSHA, employers reap a return of $4 to $6 for every dollar invested in workplace safety, and this offsets the $40 billion in direct costs of workplace and jobsite accidents and workers' compensation losses of up to $230 billion incurred each year. In addition, violations for not complying with state and federal regulations may result in thousands of dollars in penalties, even if you were unaware.

New regulations and updated standards may occur with very little notice, but you can keep abreast of the latest news and safety practices by engaging in annual review or training program.  OSHA offers free, confidential consultations for small to mid-size businesses, and variety of resources and programs can be found through private organizations and trade associations, such as the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and the International Surface Fabricators Association  (ISFA).

Once again, please drop us a line with any questions, concerns or statements, and all of us here at CountertopResource.com wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

Sincerely,

Brian Jones, Editor

www.CountertopResource.com
info@countertopresource.com

While both fabricators and contractors are still reporting robust sales of granite countertops, several media outlets say that granite may be on the way out. While I am not certainly not sold on this prediction, if true, it could mean declines in sales for fabricators dealing solely or primarily in granite, but those who offer a variety of countertop materials may simply see a shuffle in the origin of their revenue.

Benefits of Granite

One article published in News & Observer, Living Space: Are granite counters on the way out? is quick to point out that nearly everyone who already owns granite countertops love them because they are durable and visually appealing, but hold some reservations because they require some degree of maintenance. Another reason why people choose granite according to the article is that it is a natural product made of natural minerals instead of a material developed in a laboratory.

Another article that has an identical name but was published by HowStuffWorks also begins with a section on the benefits of granite. According to this article, granite is more durable, heat resistant and scratch resistant than many of its counterparts, but sales have been declining because of a limited color selection and price. Today, however, granite countertops can be found in a wide variety of unique colors and patterns.

Finally, the price of granite has fallen substantially over the past two decades. While high-quality granite and installation may still carry a high price tag, entry-level granite is now available at prices that allow nearly any homeowner to enter the market.

Is Something Driving People Away From Granite?

The 2012 Kitchen & Bath Style Report published by the National Kitchen and Bath Association states that granite use in kitchens dropped to 87 percent from 91 percent in 2011, but it held steady at 87 percent in the 2013 report. Another survey conducted by The Marble Institute found that 75 percent of homeowners intending to remodel their kitchens in 2012 were planning on installing granite countertops.

These surveys show that granite remains a popular choice, and very little new data shows any sign of a downturn, yet the Huffington Post Home Advisor states that designers are dropping natural stone in favor of six other materials that are less expensive, not as heavy and have greater color variety. In this piece, the author harshly urges homeowners not to “waste your kitchen remodel investment on this fading material.”

In the same vein, Today Home claims that “granite is great,” but provides a list of “eight kitchen counter options to make you forget granite.”

Alternatives to Granite

Several alternatives have been named as rising stars and are reportedly filling the gap left in the alleged decline of granite countertops. Following are few of the most popular and the reasons claimed as to why they may be moving up in the countertop market:

Quartz




Quartz has become granite’s top rival and has been growing dramatically. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns, and it doesn’t need to be sealed or treated.

Solid Surface
Solid surface does an excellent job of mimicking natural stone and has many other color options, and in many cases it requires less maintenance than granite. It can also be less expensive than higher-end granites.

Marble
Even though marble is gaining in popularity and is very attractive, it is not resistant to staining and scratching like granite is.

Soapstone



Soapstone is available in a limited range of colors and may become easily scratched or nicked by sharp objects, but it is stain and heat resistant.
Butcher Block



Walnut, maple, bamboo, oak and cherry butcher block countertops are growing in popularity because they are seen by many as a green, recyclable alternative to granite.
Glass


Glass can resist high temperatures without scorching, does not stain and it is 100 percent non-porous. Glass countertops are increasingly becoming viewed as a versatile alternative.

Concrete
New innovations in concrete manufacturing and fabrication are making this material more popular for kitchen countertops each year.

Waiting for the Results

The latest results on where granite stands after the 2014 calendar year have yet to be gathered, but if the media reports show even a sliver of truth, then granite countertop sales may have fallen.

However, I’m not sure if  I would place any wagers on that at this point. I believe the jury is still out. Either way, it will be interesting to see whether granite can maintain its lead in the industry or if quartz and other surfacing materials will make gains on its top position.


I’d love to hear from some of you as to whether you have seen any decline in granite sales and/or migration to other products, or if you believe it is all hype.

Let us know your thoughts!

Cooperation Vs. Competition

Even though we are only at the end of October, November marks the time that most of us begin to think about the impending holiday season. This should be a period marked with thankfulness, joy and compassion for our friends, family and professional acquaintances, but it is often marred by stress, chaos, hustle and bustle.

While we understandably have competitors in business, the silver lining here is that this situation provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our personal and business relationships and analyze the level of competition in our lives.

Businesses, including countertop fabrication and related industries, are born of competition, and it is argued that this competition is what makes us stronger, pushes us to develop new, innovative products and provide the highest levels of customer service. Those who win the competition rise to the top, and those who fail eventually sputter out and die. While this is true to a certain extent, a new breed of consultants has put forth the proposition that all businesses require higher levels of cooperation than they do competition.

This line of thinking goes along with the business advice of finding your particular niche and sticking with it, and cooperating with businesses that are supposed to be your competitors is nothing new. Before making my way into the world of countertop fabrication, I worked closely with some of the most successful privately owned appliance dealers in the nation, and I noticed that most of them were willing to lend a hand to competitors in their markets when they found themselves in a sticky situation.

Of course, you can only provide so much help before it becomes a major detriment, but the business owners who practiced cooperation understood that one day they may also need a little help in providing their customers the best service possible. These cooperative businesses were never worried about losing sales or giving others a helping hand because they were all secure in their respective niche. They had successfully convinced their customers that their products and services are unique, and this is the true struggle that business owners must face.

As the year progresses, think about how you can cooperate with your competitors to the advantage of both businesses rather than setting out to crush them. In the long run, most companies find they are better off after engaging in cooperative efforts. Perhaps you are already working with your competitors on some level.

An Early Look at 2015 Kitchen Trends

Although we are still in the autumn of 2014, most of us are already looking at what 2015 has in store for us. Much of our business depends on being able to accurately predict the latest trends, and many people are already taking a shot at what will be popular for new and redesigned homes next year. You can see a lot of the new products at this great website for countertop information, but that is the now - what is the future?

When it comes to kitchens, several opinions are floating around news outlets and blogs, and countertops are not going unnoticed. According to HGTV’s 9 Hot Trends for Today’s Kitchens , homeowners are moving away from continuous counters that fit around the perimeter and instead prefer freestanding pieces and island countertops. This is because the kitchen is being seen less as a utilitarian room for cooking but more as another type of living space. In addition, many people are now in the market for artistic upgrades to make their kitchens unique, and recycled materials, such as those containing depression-era glass, are becoming popular.

HGTV goes on to name the Top Countertop Materials for the Kitchen. Granite makes the list for being timeless, durable and easy to clean while some modern kitchens now have stainless steel countertops because they are nonporous, do not have to be sealed and resist bacterial growth. Another countertop material that is gaining popularity, according to HGTV, is butcher block, which is said to add warmth and rustic elegance.

Although marble is often considered too soft for kitchens, it is beloved by bakers and adds an element of glamour. Another material that is gaining widespread popularity is concrete. These countertops are versatile and can be designed and dyed to complement any décor. Finally, quartz is the countertop material of choice for many because of its stain and scratch resistance and its uniform look.

An article published by LowesEmployees.com, Kitchen Trends or Kitchen Nightmares? Remodeling for 2015 covers remodeling trends for the coming year. Most kitchen remodels now include a change in countertops, and to corroborate HGTV, granite and quartz are the most popular choices. However, marble and tile countertops are close behind. In addition, countertops are increasingly being seen as an important element of the “kitchen triangle,” which is the busy space between the sink, range and refrigerator.

Another source of early kitchen trends for 2015 is Sharon’s Style Portfolio, the official blog of Sharon McCormick Design, LLC, in Durham, Conn. According to McCormick, the ultra-minimalist kitchen is starting to make waves. These so-called “invisible kitchens” were popularized by the Dutch Architectural firm known as i29 and show only a low profile countertop that is only a few centimeters thick, a faucet and a sink. All other fixtures and appliances are hidden behind sliding wall panels.

When it comes to countertops, McCormick proclaims that textured surfaces, such as leathered granite are gaining a foothold. She also asserts, like many of the others, that metal countertops, including stainless steel and copper are extremely popular. Last December, we ran a story about EOS Surfaces, distributed by Wilsonart, which is a copper-enhanced surfacing material that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria within two hours of exposure. This material is so popular that production is estimated to take more than a year to catch up with orders, and it has yet to be released for residential use.

Another trend recently reported by Realty Today, is the use of black and other dark colors in the kitchen. While this is not new for 2015, it seems to be catching on in the mainstream, especially with younger homeowners who are moving away from the old, sterile white of the parents and grandparents. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on the subject, Maria Stapperfenne, president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), said, “People aren’t afraid of the dark.”

New York architect Richard Sammons of Fairfax & Sammons stated, “Dark materials create atmosphere. They are a corrective antidote to the antiseptic quality of the 20th-century white-enameled kitchen or the professional stainless steel kitchen so recently in vogue.”

While we do not profess to have the ability to see the future, we do take into consideration the attempts of all others. What do you believe 2015 has in store for the kitchen and countertop industry?