>> Countertops take up a lot of real estate these days, largely thanks
to the designer kitchens and centre islands that are a focal point in
many open-concept homes.
Fortunately for fashion-forward homeowners, countertops are now
available in hundreds of colours, and the choice of quality material has
never been greater.
Heritage wood, glass, laminates and character-infused granite are all
fine options, but according to the latest counter intelligence, quartz is
king.
Coldspring (formerly Granite Mountain Stone Design) in Lac du Bonnet
carries locally quarried granite as well as imported stone, but manager
Rick Anderstedt says quartz now accounts for about 40% of sales.
While granite is Anderstedt's material of choice — it's durable and
beautiful with its unique natural fissures and veins — quartz is made up
of stone, pigments and resins that create consistent colour throughout.
"If you want to put countertops in your house and you want a particular
pattern or a particular colour and you want no variation to it, it's a good
choice," he says.
Counter
CuLture
Durable and beautiful products are the tops
By Pat St. Germain
Heritage wood, glass,
laminates and character-
infused granite are all fine
options, but according
to the latest counter
intelligence, quartz is king
112 Parade of Homes Spring 2014
