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By Barbara Ballinger
ATLANTA—Granite may still be the benchmark for countertops—with its high quality, unique colors and patterns, and great durability—but more home owners are seeking alternatives in the latest chic materials that also offer sustainability.
Cosentino, a company based in Almeria, Spain, offers granite selections but also provides manmade quartz alternatives, including Silestone. It’s the largest quartz manufacturer in the world.
The company recently debuted its new Eco green line at the National Kitchen & Bath Association's annual convention in Atlanta. The material is made from materials—glass, ceramics, ash, stone, resin—that are 75 percent recycled. Its Eco line comes in 10 colors.
For those who still desire marble with its luxurious old-world look and elegant veining, company executives say, “go for it,” but beware that it can stain and chip since it’s soft. If spills occur, it needs to be cleaned immediately.
To read more about the latest trends in kitchen materials, read Architecture Coach: From Corian to Cork
to learn what design experts say are the hottest materials, and some old favorites, that offer a big impact in the kitchen.
Barbara Ballinger is a freelance writer for REALTOR® magazine.
