Kitchen renovations can transform a home, but not all design trends are practical from a contractor's perspective.
While homeowners may be drawn to stylish ideas from magazines or social media, contractors often have reservations about trends that are difficult to install or potentially problematic long-term. This article explores four kitchen renovation trends that many contractors find particularly challenging.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops have gained popularity for their industrial chic look, but contractors often dread this trend. They're notoriously difficult to install correctly, requiring high skill and precision. The material is prone to cracking, chipping, and staining if not properly sealed and maintained.
The weight of concrete countertops often requires additional structural support, adding complexity and cost to renovations. Removal can be labor-intensive and potentially damaging if homeowners change their minds later. Contractors worry about long-term customer satisfaction, as the industrial look may not age well with changing design preferences.
Patterned Flooring
Bold, patterned flooring, such as intricate tile designs or busy vinyl patterns, requires meticulous installation, with patterns needing perfect alignment. In addition, heavily patterned floors can overwhelm a space, make rooms feel smaller, and quickly become dated as trends change.
"Patterned flooring was a big thing for a while, but it's really limiting and has to be the main feature of the kitchen," Matthew Consolo, owner of Air Force Roofing and Dreamscape Construction in Florida, said. "We're replacing a lot of them, mainly because owners are tired of the look or they feel limited on decor options. No matter how beautiful the flooring, you can't have patterns elsewhere or opt for a different color scheme"
Lack of Cabinets or Shelving
While this look can create openness, it often sacrifices functionality and storage space. Removing existing cabinetry can reveal issues with underlying walls, requiring additional work. Reinstalling cabinets later can also be more complicated and expensive than if they had been left in place.
Too Much Tile
Excessive use of tile - on walls, backsplashes, and even ceilings - is a trend contractors approach cautiously. Installing large amounts of tile is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially with intricate patterns or multiple tile types. This can significantly increase renovation costs and duration.
Practically, too much tile can make a kitchen feel cold and create acoustic issues. Maintenance is also a concern, with more grout lines to clean over time.
