Source: PRNewswire
Publication date: 2006-08-01
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Americans are demanding when it comes to their kitchen surfaces.

In fact, a recent survey, commissioned by Cambria, the only producer of natural quartz surfaces in the U.S., found that consumers want countertops that are stylish, maintenance-free and that offer protection from food-borne illnesses.

The “How Clean Is Your Countertop Survey” found that 71 percent of respondents believe themselves to be well informed about food-borne illnesses and more than 88 percent believe it is very important to prepare their foods on a sanitary surface. And while stainless steel is most often perceived as the safest product to use for food preparation, less than 14 percent of Americans surveyed want that type of look for their kitchen countertops.

“Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens,” said Ian Thorburn, Cambria’s Director of Brand Management. “So it makes sense that people want surfaces and cabinets that not only look impressive but that also offer a safe food preparation surface or even a place to do homework or pay the bills.”

The survey also found that nearly 60 percent of Americans surveyed want the look of natural stone and granite for their countertops, but fewer than 11 percent want to undertake the care and maintenance required by some natural stones like marble, granite or limestone.

“We are finding that environmental issues have become a real hot-button issue for customers and many people don’t want a surface that requires sealing with chemicals twice a year,” Thorburn said. “Quartz countertops do not require sealing and can be cleaned with soap and water.”

In addition, according to the survey, Americans consider cabinets and countertops as the top two elements that make a kitchen design stand out. In fact, the survey found that countertops outranked appliances and flooring in design importance. Cabinets received the highest ranking for impacting the look of a kitchen.

“Countertops have an amazing impact on the look and feel of a kitchen,” Thorburn said. “As more styles and colors become available, consumers are discovering that countertops can be elegant as well as functional.”

Cambria