As 2021 comes to a close, let’s revisit some of the top kitchen and bathroom remodel blogs our readers enjoyed the most.
After spending most of 2020 at home, many homeowners realized they wanted to upgrade their homes. That spike in remodeling interest also led to a spike in monthly Google searches for tips and inspiration about improving the functionality and aesthetic of their spaces.
To meet this interest, we focused on various kitchen and bathroom remodeling topics for our blog in 2021, including:
- Countertops
- Sinks
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Shower walls
Based on our readership, it’s clear that people wanted to learn about countertops most, including how to take care of them. Perhaps this is because countertops get a lot of use, whether you are preparing a meal in the kitchen or getting ready in the bathroom.
No matter the case, check out the top seven posts from our blog in 2021!
#1. What Is the Best Material for Shower Walls? 6 Options
Our top blog post of the year focused on the question, “What is the best material for shower walls?” We looked at six options:
- Solid surface
- Ceramic tile
- Glass tile
- Marble tile
- Granite tile
- Porcelain tile
To determine which shower wall material worked best, we reviewed each option’s cost, benefits and maintenance requirements. In the end, choosing a shower wall material comes down to your budget, style and desire for cleanability. The good news is that no matter which option you pick, you’ll have elegant and durable shower walls for years to come.
#2. 2021 Countertop Trends: What’s Fresh & New?
Since countertops were so popular this year, it’s no surprise that so many people found interest in our predictions and observations for 2021 countertop trends. In that post, we looked at the colors of the year (Ultimate Gray and Illuminating), kitchen focal points, countertop materials, and floor and wall tiles.
What’s interesting is that countertop materials and wall tiles were some of the most-read subjects in our blog for 2021, so it looks like those predictions were correct.
#3. Should I Seal My Granite Countertops?
Even though granite is a strong and durable countertop material, it still needs proper maintenance to keep it looking beautiful. So, when customers ask us, “Should I seal my granite countertops?” the answer is yes.
Sealing your granite countertops helps to prevent stains and discoloring. Be sure to follow the sealant instructions and aim to seal your granite countertops on a regular maintenance schedule dependent on color. That way, you can keep your granite looking elegant.
#4. Design Trend: Matte Quartz Countertops [With Pictures]
Matte quartz countertops have smooth finishes that don’t reflect light. Matte quartz is a popular countertop option because it offers a fresh and casual look. Consider a matte quartz countertop for a more harmonious aesthetic if you own a log, historic or vacation home.
You can also make your space pop with an accent quartz countertop that has a bit of shine on the hardware or backsplash.
#5. Top 4 Most Durable Kitchen Countertops
When we talk about a kitchen countertop’s durability, we’re focusing on the material’s resistance to impact, chipping, scratching, cracking, stains, heat and other abrasions. If you want your kitchen countertop to last for years to come, it’s important to pick a material that can keep up with your lifestyle.
For example, if you live a busy life and your kitchen is a high-traffic area, you need to consider a countertop material that’s highly durable. In this blog, we go over the pros and cons of the top four most durable kitchen countertop materials: quartz, granite, ultra compact surfacing and solid surface.
#6. Countertop Templating: How It Works
Countertop templating is the process of creating a template that shows the exact measurements of your new countertop. The goal of the template is to provide the fabricator with a precise visualization of the layout and measurements your countertop requires. The more accurate your template, the easier the fabrication and installation.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to do the templating yourself. Instead, this blog goes over how countertop templating works and what to expect when you hire a professional templater.
#7. Planning a Bathroom Remodel: Checklist of Essentials for Homeowners
Planning a bathroom remodel is easier when you follow our checklist of essentials. In addition, we provide lists of fundamental, pre-planning and planning questions to answer in preparation for your remodel.
You can also read our tips on planning and tile to fully prepare yourself before starting. With our checklist, you will be able to plan your bathroom remodel to every detail and set yourself up for success.
Conclusion
At Eastern Surfaces, we strive to provide a countertop blog that helps you better understand the overall project that you are embarking on; kitchen, bath and more. If you ever have any questions about your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, be sure to check out our blog posts for the latest tips and insights.
Find all the materials you need for your next kitchen or bathroom remodel at Eastern Surfaces. Ask for more information on countertops and other products by contacting us.
