As a Kitchen and Bath Designer for more years than a lady wishes to admit, I am amazed at the longevity of granite's popularity. Natural stone still dominates the industry as it has for more than twenty years. Design trends purposely change for marketing reasons. Savvy marketers know to create need and desire for a change, new ideas must be branded as the new savvy trend. After all our culture is always up and coming with the new thing! New colors, or textures drive sales. So why has granite held it's position for so long?
Prior to granite, our counters were grouted tile, wood, marble, or Solid Surface (Corian) counter tops.
Very wealthy discriminating clients might select soapstone. We tired of dirty grout and old ceramic tiles. We were equally bored with wood. In the late 80's through the 90's every high end home or kitchen remodel client insisted on marble or Corian. It was a hit! However, it proved to be very high maintenance! It would scorch if you set a hot pan on it. It stained and scratched very easily. The typical lighter solid colors showed every flaw. The seamless Corian sink began to give way to the new Stainless Steel Sinks new on the market!
Granite's arrival was a much needed alternative. The beauty of natural stone with variations of texture and color caught on fast. Unlike Corian, granite was available in dark rich multi layer hues. Everyone considered it heat, stain, and scorch proof. It did not take long for granite to surpass Solid Surface as the trendy thing to have in your kitchen and baths. At first, color and selections were limited.
I remember granite tiles enjoying a brief time in the spotlight. They are still available in more common granites. Granite was more resistant to stain than marble or Corian. The first color selections provided simple tight grained granite with very little variance to pattern in a slab. This established three truths.
1. Granite is porous after all. It is somewhat resistant to staining or scratching but not impervious to
it. Wine or a hot pan could stain your new granite counter top. Fixing the problem was difficult
and expensive.
2. Corner seams were so obvious in the first granite color selections.
3. Customers tired of the limited colors and lack of drama of the first round of granite slabs. They
began to demand more interesting textures and colors.
A whole new industry sprung up. Granite Fabrication became huge! Big machines were built to cut
custom granite counter tops to order for individual kitchens. Multiple edge choices along with sink mounting choices emerged. Skills to design and fabricate the individual order raised up specialty craftsman.
As customers became more sophisticated, the sales division of these companies began to widen their sources. Being a natural stone product, minerals, natural rock, soils, sands and quartz deposited in the earth created unlimited colors, textures, and patterns. The granite business exploded globally. This provided a quality selection unheard of prior to the developing trends that were escalating. It was exciting! Everyone "had to have" granite. Soon it was being used for shower walls, ceilings, floors, and desk tops as well as kitchen or bath counter tops. It still sits at the top of the list for most wanting to remodel.
I am still thrilled with new granite imported from Europe, South America, Africa, every area of the world. The beauty and diversity is awe inspiring! There truly is any color, texture, or pattern you can imagine. Each has it's own interesting story. Walking through a warehouse filled with granite slabs stimulates your senses and creativity. I still highly recommend granite to my clients. However, there are other options. People being curious always creates new products. Next week I will write about the numerous options available as you consider the perfect choice for your new project! Have a wonderful week imagining the possibilities!
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