Just a decade ago, elementary countertop materials utilized in residences across the globe were very basic.

Laminates valued for above one-quarter of the international market, were frequently the residential defaulting in Canada, the United States and Europe. Likewise, in Asia-Pacific region, materials having solid surface are majorly obtainable in a small number of simple colors, have been the cost-effective materials of choice, facilitated by huge local production in nations including China and South Korea.

Although these materials are even now significant all over the globe, both have lost their stakes in market in recent years. As the style trends started moving upscale higher-end materials turn out to be progressively available. Currently, the countertop market has moved towards natural as well as engineered stone.

Granite – Go To Material

In early phase of the year 2000, granite gained substantial share, particularly in North America, bolstered with the need for upscaling kitchen spaces with the resources that imitated as natural as well as old-world aesthetic. The roar in construction of big single-family houses sustained this leaning, also durable & appealing granite rapidly became material of choice for a sophisticated home. A trend that stood although the housing collapses had begun in 2006.

In addition, owners of the house who refashioned kitchens as well as bathrooms were recurrently driven by a want of up gradation of their countertops to granite. Although the year 2000 and 2010, inferior quality basic granite slabs that turned out to be more available to consumers, growing the occurrence of natural stone countertops along with keeping the prices accessible for several consumers.

Engineered Stone - a New Trend

Even though natural stone countertops previously held the place of honor, house owners are gradually facing within the choice of granite or else engineered quartz. Also, engineered quartz would be appealing. Till a decade ago, engineered stone were a high-end, forte product, because of the restricted amount that had been created internationally and thus, has higher price.

On the other hand, since past few years, worldwide production has augmented, instigating the prices to collapse. Therefore, engineered stone had seen its market share rising from below 5 percent in North America as well as Australia, and only 7 percent in Western Europe to grow into a key player of the residential countertops markets. Engineered quartz at the present outranks granite within residential installations in North America, also is leading material in the markets of Australia.

The acceptance of engineered stone have been enhanced by dipping prices, along with the rising awareness among consumer about its excellent stain resistance as well as lower maintenance requirements.

Style trends that support a clean and contemporary mien, frequently include white as well as soft shades of gray and suit with the engineered quartz. Engineered quartz normally has an evener appearance with a steady appearance all over, however natural stone slabs usually have weighty veining.

Even though engineered quartz currently outranks granite in several major countertops markets, granite relics a widespread choice as well as holds a stable share of residential market. But, laminate countertops has seen the sharpest loss of market share within few years as house owners opt either natural or else engineered stone over basic material.