ON TREND
THIRD-GEN BUILDER SAYS
Solid Surface Countertops Are Making a Comeback After 50 years of new home construction and
down to options. “In the ’90s, if you had a solid
renovation, Welling Construction, Inc. has seen
surface countertop, you were limited to standard
just about everything when it comes to kitchen
patterns,” he said. “Today, there are a lot more
and bathroom trends. Although some trends are
options, including natural colors that look really
gone forever (think avocado green kitchens and
sharp.”
carpeted bathrooms), there is one that is making “We are once again seeing a majority of our clients choose solid surfaces for their kitchen and bathroom projects.”
Wilsonart Solid Surface in Whisper White 9237SS
a welcome comeback. “When we first started in the early ’70s, laminate was the trend in bathroom vanities and kitchen countertops,” said Sean Welling, thirdgeneration owner of Welling Construction, Inc. In the ’90s, that trend shifted to solid surface, which reigned in popularity until the early 2000s when granite became the countertop material of choice. Today, said Sean, that trend is shifting back to solid surface. “We are once again seeing a majority of our clients choose solid surfaces for their kitchen and bathroom projects.” Solid surface countertops keep up with current trends Why the comeback? Sean believes it comes
8 Buyers’ Guide 2021-22 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Brian Smith, director of sales and owner at L.E. Smith, says those options are continually increasing. “There is a strong range of colors and patterns to choose from,” he said. “Neutral colors that mimic natural stone are the most popular, but Wilsonart continues to come out with new options that are matching current trends in colors and styles.” Like many other manufacturers, Wilsonart recently introduced new solid surface designs that look like marble and other natural stones, and Sean says it is unlike anything he has ever seen. “I have already had a client order one of the designs that were just released,” he added. “As long as they continue creating new colors that match current trends, I am sure solid surface will continue to be popular.”
