Commercial countertops can be used throughout restaurants and bars in a variety of ways. Countertop installation can be implemented into service counters, food preparation areas, commercial kitchens, restrooms, and bar tops. With each of these uses for countertops, choosing the right material to suit its purpose is crucial. Consider if this countertop will see a lot of daily wear and tear, heavy traffic, or food and drinks served on it. If the countertop serves a more decorative purpose, such as a centerpiece, materials that are softer and require less maintenance can be viable options.
To help you elevate your eatery to the next level, we are here to provide you with the top commercial countertop trends of 2023:
Most Popular Selections
Quartz and granite countertops are two of the most popular selections due to their beauty and durability for commercial use. They may be more expensive than other options, but these materials are built to last and withstand the elements of a restaurant.
Quartz
One of the main reasons quartz countertops remain the most popular is due to their high level of quality. They can be customized by shape and color to fit the overall look of your establishment. Quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning they are resistant to moisture and bacteria. This is an advantage for restaurants or bars since they are easily sanitized and kept that way – a necessity for industrial and professional kitchens. One thing to remember with quartz countertops is that they can be susceptible to heat damage and stains.
Granite
Granite countertop installation can add a touch of luxury to any space since it is a natural stone with variations of color. It is a very strong material that can endure heat and high cooking temperatures. It proves difficult to scratch or dent, making it very wear-resistant. Granite does require a little more maintenance in comparison to other countertop materials. You must properly reseal granite once a year to ensure no germs or bacteria can seep into it. Even though granite is a more expensive selection, it will look beautiful in your space and last for many years since it is highly durable.
Cost-Effective Options
If you seek a more cost-effective choice, laminate, stainless steel, and solid-surface countertops make wonderful pieces.
Laminate
Laminate countertops can serve as a budget-friendly alternative for commercial kitchens. This may be the best selection if you anticipate replacing your countertops frequently. Laminate is manufactured, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns. The downside of laminate is that the design is only printed on the counter’s surface. This means that if the laminate is chipped or damaged, the lack of color may show underneath. And it offers less heat resistance than stainless steel and granite. However, this specific material is very easy to clean.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops are a very viable option, especially for professional kitchens. Its advantages include being durable, easy to sanitize, resistant to heat, and non-porous. Stainless steel will not rust or stain either. One disadvantage is that stainless steel attracts dust and smudges. You can opt for a higher gauge stainless steel countertop installation with a matte finish which will reduce the appearance of these. However, it will cost more.
Solid Surface
This choice is popular among fast, casual restaurants. Solid surfaces can have a similar look to marble or granite. This is a great option since solid-surface countertops can be formed into any shape or style suitable for your restaurant. It is more susceptible to dents and scratches than other materials, but the lower price point makes it an affordable alternative to still have an elegant look.
Decorative Pieces
If you want to use a countertop as a decorative piece in a low-traffic area, marble and porcelain countertops may be the way to go. Their popularity is on the rise in America.
Marble
Marble countertops have an elegant effect. However, they require more maintenance, so they would not serve well as a dining counter. Instead, they may act as eye-catching pieces in a reception area. In addition, marble is soft and porous; therefore, it cannot handle daily wear and tear as well as other materials. Another important factor of marble is that acidic foods, including tomatoes and lemons, can damage it. So if you go with marble, you will want to be cautious about its upkeep.
Porcelain
Lastly, porcelain has been entering the American countertop market as a contender. It has remained a popular option in Europe for many years due to its protection against scratches, heat, stains, and UV light. This makes it a favorable choice for outdoor kitchens. It requires less maintenance but comes in limited styles since it is harder to cut.
We hope this guide to commercial countertop trends for this year helped you narrow down which one is the best choice for your restaurant or bar! Here at Hawk Industries, we specialize in countertop installation for your business. We offer a variety of countertop materials, and we would be more than happy to talk to you about your needs. Visit our Portfolio page for inspiration from our past work, or call us today at 717-359-4138 ext. 100 for a consultation!
