As the heart of the home continues to evolve, kitchen design in 2026 is all about balance—combining performance, beauty, and long-term value. Countertops, more than ever, are central to both form and function. For builders and developers, understanding where materials are trending can help you specify smarter and deliver spaces that stand out.
This year, granite and quartz continue to dominate, but new innovations in solid surface and laminate are giving builders more options to balance budget, durability, and style.
The Rise of Quartz—and the “Soft Landing” of Granite
Quartz remains the undisputed leader heading into 2026. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), 78% of design professionals expect quartz to be the preferred countertop surface in the coming years, while granite use, though still strong, is expected to narrow to about 43% of new projects.
What’s driving this shift?
• Performance and Maintenance: Quartz offers the natural beauty of stone with less upkeep—no sealing, high scratch resistance, and superior stain protection.
• Design Flexibility: It’s available in countless colors and patterns, from subtle veining to bold marbling, allowing personalization that appeals to modern homeowners.
• Consistent Quality: For multi-family or large-volume builders, quartz offers reliable pattern uniformity, simplifying fabrication and installation logistics.
Granite’s new role is more refined. It’s shifting from mainstream to statement piece—used for high-end accents like waterfall islands or focal wall surfaces. Builders are leaning into toned-down, natural slabs rather than the busy patterns of years past. When positioned as a premium upgrade, granite remains timeless and desirable.
Why Quartz Remains a Smart Spec Choice
For builders balancing performance, appearance, and value, quartz checks every box due to:
• Uniformity & Efficiency: Consistent color and texture across slabs streamline coordination on large builds.
• Durability: Non-porous, stain-resistant, and maintenance-free—an ideal fit for homeowners who prioritize convenience.
• Trend-Proof Palette: Warm neutrals, soft veining, and matte finishes are replacing the stark white minimalism of the last decade. Expect to see deeper tones—sage greens, taupes, and muted burgundies—emerging in 2026.
Solid Surface Makes a Sophisticated Comeback
After years in the background, solid surface countertops like Corian®, are resurging as design teams look for seamless, hygienic, and sustainable materials. Perfect for multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces, solid surface is gaining fresh attention for its performance and design versatility.
Solid Surface Trends for 2026:
• Seamless Integration: Homeowners and designers love the monolithic look—continuous surfaces with integrated sinks and backsplashes.
• Matte & Soft-Touch Finishes: The trend is shifting toward low-sheen, velvety textures that mimic natural materials.
• Sustainability: Recycled content, low-VOC formulations, and GREENGUARD certifications make solid surface a smart choice for environmentally conscious builders.
• Curved Design Possibilities: Thermoforming allows soft edges, curved islands, and custom shapes that quartz and granite can’t match.
• Natural Warmth: Earth tones—like sandstone, clay, and mushroom—are replacing cold whites, pairing beautifully with wood cabinetry and brushed hardware.
Laminate’s Next Evolution: Style Meets Value
Laminate has come a long way—and in 2026, it’s stepping confidently into the design spotlight. Thanks to advancements from manufacturers like Wilsonart® and Formica®, laminate now delivers high-end looks at an affordable price, making it a go-to for multi-unit housing, student living, and retail projects.
Laminate Countertop Trends for 2026:
• High-Performance Textures: Stone and wood-grain laminates offer realistic tactile finishes that rival natural materials.
• Matte, Anti-Fingerprint Surfaces: “Soft-touch” technology reduces glare, resists smudges, and adds modern sophistication.
• Edge Innovation: Waterfall-style edges and color-matched wraps are redefining laminate’s visual impact.
• Stone & Quartz Imitations: New print layers capture the detail and depth of natural stone, offering a premium feel at a fraction of the cost.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly cores and water-based resins make laminate an environmentally responsible option for budget-sensitive builds.
Your Trusted Partner
At L.E. Smith, we understand that every project comes down to performance, precision, and partnership. Our granite, quartz, solid surface, and laminate collections are designed to help builders, designers, and fabricators stay ahead of trends, without sacrificing budget or build time.
From project planning to fabrication, we help you choose the best combination of materials, finishes, and edges for long-lasting results and beautiful designs. Whether you’re specifying solid surface for multi-family projects, quartz for new construction, or granite for high-end upgrades, L.E. Smith delivers trusted craftsmanship and nationwide reliability.
Contact us to discuss how we can assist with your next project.
