A Brief History of Countertop Materials

The evolution of countertop materials has transformed kitchens and bathrooms across Canada. In the 1970s, homeowners faced limited choices, primarily Formica and Arborite, both manufactured in Eastern Canada. These durable high-pressure laminates dominated the market, while European laminates were virtually absent. Cultured marble offered an upgrade for bathroom countertops, but real marble was costly and had limited color options.

The Introduction of Solid-Surface Countertops

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a revolutionary countertop material emerged: Corian, produced by DuPont. Known as a solid-surface material, Corian features color throughout its thickness, allowing for nearly invisible seams. This innovation led to competitors like Avonite, Hi-Max, and Staron, making solid-surface options increasingly popular among consumers seeking alternatives to traditional laminate countertops. Minor surface scratches can be easily polished out, enhancing their appeal.

The Rise of Natural Stone

By the mid-1980s, the countertop landscape expanded significantly. Edmonton saw the rise of three companies fabricating granite and marble countertops, sourcing their own slabs, albeit with limited color selections. Today, Edmonton boasts 40-50 fabrication companies offering a variety of natural stones, including granite, marble, soapstone, and engineered quartz. This growth is attributed to the popularity of natural stone and the increased availability from local distributors sourcing from quarries worldwide.

The Edmonton Countertop Market in 2016

Fast forward to 2016, and the Edmonton countertop market reflects a global selection of materials:

• Laminates: Available in vibrant colors and unique finishes, many are now imported from Europe.

• Solid Surface Materials: Products like Corian remain popular for their seamless and hygienic properties, commonly specified in restaurants and retail spaces.

• Natural Stone: The timeless beauty of granite and marble continues to attract consumers, ensuring their lasting appeal.

• Engineered Quartz: Sales of engineered quartz skyrocketed to the top choice for luxury home countertops. Brands like Cambria, Silestone, Caeserstone, and Zodiac offer a range of colors and patterns, some mimicking natural stones while others feature vibrant, unique hues.

Emerging Trends: Ceramic and Ultra-Compact Surfaces

Recently, large sheets of ceramic and porcelain have gained popularity for their scratch-proof, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant properties. Available in thicknesses of 6 mm for cladding and 12-16 mm for countertops, notable manufacturers include Fiandre, Laminam, and Neolith. However, these materials typically require support brackets if used as eating counters.

Ultra-compact surfaces, also known as sintered stone, represent the next generation of countertop materials. These surfaces are incredibly resilient to scratches, stains, and extreme temperatures, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Currently, only two companies produce these advanced products: Lapitec (Italy) and Dekton (Spain), available in various thicknesses, including 8 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm.

Heart Kitchen and Bath: Pioneering the Market

Heart Kitchen and Bath has been at the forefront of introducing innovative materials to the Edmonton market. In December 2015, we installed the first Dekton countertop in the region, followed by the first Lapitec countertop in February 2016. As consumer interest grows, we anticipate an exciting future for these next-generation materials.