Kitchen & Bath Business September/October 2023 - 30

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them would like more designs and colors for
materials, as well as better availability - especially
for remnants and samples. According
to one respondent, certain surfacing brands
cater to big-box stores, which use certain
fabricators. This can limit the use of those
fabricators and the ability to sell/specify
those brands.
For quartz, they want more realistic-looking
options; easy-care, full-height
backsplashes without porous grout; thinner
choices for vertical installations; variety in
colors as seen in porcelain; and more affordable
selections.
In terms of alternative materials, today's
design pros are asking for more choices
in acrylic solid surfaces, recycled glass
countertops and glass tile and man-made
options that include recycled materials;
powder-coated steel; tile-look vinyl plank;
laminate wall panels; and antimicrobial options
for bathrooms.
One respondent wishes for thin-gauge
solid surface material and large-format wall
tile, claiming both offer better durability, visual
impact and recognized resale value than
wallpaper. Another wants to see more subtle
patterns in medium- and large-format tile
that work like wallpaper without becoming
quickly outdated.
Suggestions for more durable and easierto-maintain
offerings include large-format
backsplash materials without grout, chip-resistant
countertops, recommendations for
surface-cleaning products, a longer-lasting
sealer for natural stone, butcher block countertops
that are simpler to uphold and wallpaper
and vinyl options for wet areas.
Regarding aesthetics and custom options,
our respondents desire LVP with random
plank lengths, seamless joints for large
countertop slabs, plank-style options for
tile with stone looks, paneling with acoustic
properties and integrated sinks in the same
countertop material.
More opportunities for designers to
learn all they can about the available options
would definitely expand their surfacing
horizons. Brands could benefit from getting
feedback from existing customers on their
products and making necessary improvements.
The sky is the limit for potential innovation
coming down the pike with today's
countertop, flooring and wall materials. 
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/ SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023
Designers' Wish List
Better
samples
Recycled glass countertops
Thin-gauge solid surface
Large-format wall tile
Wood-look ceramic & porcelain options
Improved
sealer for
natural stone
Custom wall
treatments
More product
knowledge
Quartz Proves a Key Option for Today's Surfaces
This year, Vadara released
eight colors as a part of two allnew
categories: the Trending
Essentials Collection and the
Natural Innovations Collection.
While inspired by natural quartzite
and marble, the collections have differing concepts that allow us to demonstrate our
capabilities as quartz leaders. Trending Essentials expands upon Vadara's existing
offerings with on-trend additions to our successful lineup of wide-veined offerings exhibited
with the designs Aurum and Lava Plain. It also includes designs that feature neutral gray
tones and delicate veining with the additions of Sky Dance and Sand Weaver.
The Natural Innovations Collection features bold and striking designs that are non-neutral
in color. These advanced designs put Vadara's technological prowess on display and
solidify our position as an up-and-coming leader in the industry. Inspired by rare natural
stone slabs that tend to be expensive and may vary vastly between bundles, they offer
a more viable and cost-effective solution to natural stone with the added benefit of
durability found in quartz. Nakoda and Sakura (shown) are cool-toned designs featuring
off-white and blue-gray backgrounds and veins with hints of green. The warmer-toned
Crimson Peak and Moon Valley display white to off-white backgrounds with maroon and
rust veining and accents. Learn more about the new color options and view samples at
www.vadaraquartz.com.
Ed Rogers, EVP of US Surfaces, Vadara's parent company
Quartz for walls
Seamless joints

http://www.vadaraquartz.com

Kitchen & Bath Business September/October 2023

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