When it comes to countertop materials, the one-size-fits-all concept does not apply to multifamily builders and renovators faced with a host of choices. Installation cost is a prime concern, of course, but maintenance and customer preferences also factor into the decision. The trick is to straddle the various concerns and come up with a product that makes sense for all parties.
For David Nischwitz, a vice president at Mid-America Apartment Communities in Memphis, Tenn., who handles the company's interior renovation program, one recent decision came down on the side of laminates. The company spent about a year testing some countertop options out on a handful of communities, choosing surfaces available in bulk quantities through Home Depot and Hughes Supply. "Based on our price point and availability, a laminate was the best fit," Nischwitz says. "We went with a blended earth tone that has some variation in it, which allowed us to accessorize the units with more flexibility." That test has now been embraced as a stepped-up program for more than 1,000 renovated units.
Key to the decision for Nischwitz was availability and turnaround. "In this world, when you're talking about a resident who has a problem with something or moves out, you want to turn that unit [around] quickly. You've got to be comfortable about getting a quick replacement countertop."
DESERT DRAMA: The desert landscape provided the inspiration behind three new colors in the DuPont Corian Private Collection Artisan Series of solid surfacing: earth, sagebrush, and tumbleweed. Corian's new color palette includes more than 100 colors, from "extra lights" to "extra darks." For more information, call 800-426-7426, or visit: www.corian.com For Washington-based PN Hoffman, countertop decisions are driven by its high-end customers who, according to Josh Dix, vice president of development and acquisitions, want just one thing: granite. That squares with what Liz
St. Rain, a designer with Montgomery Kitchen and Bath in Gaithersburg, Md., has seen. "In my world, granite is king," says St. Rain. "But people have to understand that no countertop surface is going to be without any kind of drawbacks. If someone tells you something is the ultimate choice, you need to ask around. Everything has pros and cons."
Kathleen Stanley is a freelance writer in Washington.Desert Drama: The desert landscape provided the inspiration behind three new colors in the DuPont Corian Private Collection Artisan Series of solid surfacing: earth, sagebrush, and tumbleweed. Corian's new color palette includes more than 100 colors, from "extra lights" to "extra darks." For more information, call 800-426-7426, or visit www.corian.com.
For more information, call 800-426-7426, or visit www.corian.com.
HEAD ZONE: Formica brings dimension to high-pressure laminate (HPL) with its new Honed Finished Collection, which offers the realism of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Seven patterns mimic the look of natural materials. These include autumn Indian slate, madras Indian slate, Himalayan slate, basalt slate, Labrador granite, and travertine.
For more information, call 800-367-6422, or visit www.formica.com.
LEATHER REPORT: Texture is a hot trend with countertop surfaces. One of the best examples is Cosentino's new natural quartz Silestone Leather with Microban line, the only countertop that features built-in antimicrobial protection to continuously fight the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. This new line offers a matte finish that resembles rich leather.
For more information, call 800-291-1311, or visit www.silestone.com.
NATURAL SELECTION: Cambria's natural quartz surfacing will not stain, needs no sealing, and will not absorb bacteria, the company says. It's certified by the National Sanitation Foundation for use in commercial kitchens. Cambria's newest color, Yorkshire, has the warmth and look of limestone and is available in both a polished and matte finish.
For more information, call 866-226-2741, or visit www.CambriaUSA.com.
HIGH DEFINITION: Wilsonart's new High Definition Laminate offers a true texture that is both great-looking and highly resistant to scuffing. It's three times more wear-resistant than the industry standard for high-pressure countertop laminates. WilsonartHD comes in eight patterns and can be customized with a beveled-edge profile.
For more information, call 800-433-3222, or visit www.countertop.com.
STAINLESS STONE: From DuPont, the company best known for its Corian and Zodiaq lines of solid surfacing, comes its first line of all-natural stone. Granite Certified by DuPont is protected by a proprietary sealant that fills in natural cracks, helps repel stains and maintains the stone's natural hues. It comes in 15 colors and is covered by a warranty for product, craftsmanship, and installation.
For more information, call 800-246-1421, or visit www.granite.dupont.com.
Hot Product of the Month
CHILL OUT: Vinotemp's portable, front-exhaust wine cooler fits under a kitchen counter or stands on its own. Model 60D comes with a lock, so it's perfect for common areas, and it's lighted to make taking inventory a snap. The stainless cooler holds 60 bottles and measures 23.75 inches wide, 23 inches deep, and 34.5 inches high.
CHILL OUT: Vinotemp's portable, front-exhaust wine cooler fits under a kitchen counter or stands on its own. Model 60D comes with a lock, so it's perfect for common areas, and it's lighted to make taking inventory a snap. The stainless cooler holds 60 bottles and measures 23.75 inches wide, 23 inches deep, and 34.5 inches high. For more information, call Vinotemp at 800-777-8466, or visit www.vinotemp.com. For more information, call Vinotemp at 800-777-8466, or visit www.vinotemp.com.
Q: What products and features make rooftop decks so popular among downtown apartment and condo dwellers?
A: Rooftop decks are generally the main, and sometimes only, usable open space in an urban community. They serve as the primary social gathering spot for residents, especially in areas with milder climates. Because of the height of the buildings we develop, rooftop decks offer dramatic, sweeping views of the surrounding city skyline, making them an exciting place to hang out. They also serve as a great selling point.
Our buyers are looking for anything that enhances their experience in the deck area. One of the ways of doing this is to install a fireplace on the deck. We have also had success with barbecues, and teak furniture and deck chairs. If we can structurally support them, we also like to install a rooftop pool and spa.
Scott K. Choppin is managing partner of Urban Pacific Builders, a Long Beach, Calif.-based real estate development company that provides urban housing through the development of adaptive reuse, infill, and affordable communities in Southern California.
Want to participate in future Product Studio Q&As? Contact Rachel Z. Azoff at razoff@hanleywood.com or 202-736-3494.