Countertop Sales Surging, Kitchen Remodeling Report

LA CROSSE, WI - Luxury countertop sales are surging, according to kitchen remodeling franchise Kitchen Solvers, which says that sales of solid surface countertops -- primarily granite and quartz -- were up 215% in 2012 compared to just two years ago.

Kitchen Solvers, which has 48 franchises in the United States and Canada, serves more than 1,000 homeowners each year. The company pioneered high-end cabinet refacing in 1982 and also handles full kitchen redesigns and remodels. As the economy has improved, Kitchen Solvers has seen an uptick in spending. The average customer spent 6% more on refacing and 27% more on new cabinet remodels in 2012 compared to 2010 -- but the big story has been in high-end countertops.

"Laminate was the main choice for countertops during the recession, but granite started making a comeback in 2011, and last year granite and quartz eclipsed laminate," said Kitchen Solvers President Gerry Henley. "Customers love beautiful countertops, and now that the economy is better, they're investing more money in making their kitchens beautiful."

High-end countertops are good news for cabinet refacing franchises

The resurgent popularity of granite and quartz countertops portends good things for cabinet refacing franchises like Kitchen Solvers. Granite and quartz countertops, while gorgeous and extremely durable, are also expensive and heavy. During initial installation, that's not a problem. The difficulty of handling the material is built into the pricing. The issue comes later, when it's time to remodel the kitchen again.

If you are planning to tear out your old cabinets and replace them with new ones, you will probably have to replace your countertops, too -- most remodelers won't take granite or quartz off and put them back on later -- the chance of breakage or a poor fit is too high. There is another way, though. If a homeowner likes their kitchen layout but wants to improve the appearance of their cabinets, refacing is a great option. The countertops stay in place while the surrounding cabinets are transformed.

Kitchen Solvers believes the increasing popularity of granite and quartz countertops will help make cabinet refacing an even more popular remodeling method. Learn more about the technique and franchise opportunities at www.kitchensolversfranchise.com.

Source: Kitchen Solvers

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