Entering a showroom to shop for countertops is like buying toothpaste these days: All you want to do is brush your teeth, but things get complicated when you’re confronted with 14 different flavors of mint, whitening agents, tartar-control formulas, sensitivity relief, gingivitis-fighters, fluoride additives, etc.
The same kind of sensory overload can occur in a surface showroom, where the sheer volume of colors, brands, and materials can be overwhelming. I’ve been in the industry for 17 years, and I still marvel at the options.
But navigating a showroom doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right preparation, you can enter — and exit — with full confidence.
Do Your Homework
Start by doing some homework (just a little!). I’m not talking about studying quartz-countertop manufacturing processes for hours on end, but it is useful to know things like:
- General characteristics that differentiate materials like quartz, marble, and granite
- The difference between natural and engineered stone
- The maintenance pros and cons of different surfaces
A basic understanding of these kinds of factors will help you identify which surfaces best suit your lifestyle.
Know What You Need
Once you’ve done some research, ask yourself a few basic questions to avoid walking in instantly overwhelmed:
- Do you prefer natural stone or engineered?
- How about quartz or marble?
- What kind of look are you going for in your space?
- How will you utilize the surface?
- Is cost or quality more important?
Having a general sense of the direction you want to go will help narrow your search from the start.
Find a Knowledgeable Dealer
A dealer should be able to answer your questions and present you with options you may not have thought of or known about. If you’re an informed consumer and go in with pointed questions and a foundation of basic knowledge, you’ll be able to tell right away whether someone knows their stuff.
Scrutinize the Shine
Here’s a rule of thumb: The shinier the countertop surface, the less dirt it retains — and the easier it is to clean and maintain.
When looking at samples, hold them up to the light at an angle and check out the polish level. You’ll see a mirror-like finish on engineered quartz countertops with higher polish levels, whereas on lesser-quality products, you’ll see a pitted finish that looks a bit like an orange peel.
Consider Where It’s Made
It’s also important to know where countertops are manufactured, as it affects the quality of your surface. For example, surfaces from European countries are likely to be of high quality thanks to the high-performance Breton technology, whereas surfaces made in other parts of the world aren’t always held to the same rigorous standards.
Seek Quality Displays
The best way to showcase countertops is with vignettes — mockups of kitchens, for instance. They help you visualize what the material will look like in real life. If a distributor goes to the expense and effort of creating vignettes, that’s a good sign.
On the flip side, if a vignette looks dated and unappealing, tread lightly — good distributors should keep their vignettes up to date.
If nothing reaches out and speaks to you in a showroom, you don’t have to stay. But if you get a good vibe, keep browsing. Who knows? You just might find that selecting countertops is easier than buying toothpaste.
Ready to visit a showroom near you? Find a Santamargherita dealer here.
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John Brodrick is the North American sales manager for Santamargherita. He has 17 years of experience in the manufacturing industry specializing in engineered surfaces for residential and commercial use. John has lent his expertise to projects worldwide ranging from airports and shopping malls to thousands of residential homes.