Summary: Spring is the time of year when homeowners think about kitchen renovations. Late summer and early fall are the times when many homeowners begin to panic because they are running out of time. That makes June the sweet spot for kitchen renovation. Are you ready?
The spring rush that hits Utah in April encourages homeowners to begin the research phase of a kitchen renovation. But as April advances to May, and then beyond, renovation projects take on a new sense of urgency. It has been our experience that June and July represent the strategic sweet spot for getting that ultimate kitchen project done.
By targeting early to mid-summer, you are avoiding the spring rush that so many homeowners succumb to. But you’re also beating the chaotic holiday rush that sets in when fall’s arrival tells homeowners they need to get their projects done before Thanksgiving.
A bonus is being able to take advantage of Utah’s fantastic summer weather. Our summers are ideal for handling those renovation projects that may end up forcing you outside for more hours during the day. We are guessing you would rather spend a summer day on the patio than a winter day.
Summer Logistics Advantages
Homeowners can renovate the kitchen at whatever time of year they choose. But there are definite logistical advantages to doing it during the summer months. You might already know what they are if you have previously lived through a winter kitchen overhaul. A summer overhaul flips the script:
- Outdoor Living – If you are doing a complete overhaul, your kitchen will not be available for the duration of the project. Summer is the best time for outdoor living in Utah. You can grill, dine, and entertain fully outdoors even while your kitchen remains a work in progress.
- Better Ventilation – A complete renovation is going to mean dust, adhesives, finishes, and more. You are going to need plenty of ventilation to stay safe and comfortable. Obviously, it is easier to ventilate during the summer by opening the windows.
- More Natural Light – When it comes time to actually choose your slab, the choice could be made easier thanks to more natural light during the summer months. That is our goal here at Bedrock Quartz. We want you to see what your slab looks like in natural light rather than under deceiving fluorescent showroom lights.
Everything about Utah summers is more conducive to kitchen renovation than any of the remaining three seasons. So if you’ve been researching countertops and cabinetry, you are getting close to the point of having to make a decision – if you want to beat the Q3 holiday rush.
Q3 Is Panic Season
In our industry, Q3 is known as ‘panic season’. Likewise, the period between mid-August and October is the ‘red zone’. This is when homeowners realize they are running out of time. If they want a new kitchen for the holidays, they need to start now.
June is the sweet spot because you are having your kitchen renovation done in the golden gap between spring and late summer. Many of the spring researchers have changed their minds and are no longer moving forward. Meanwhile, the late movers of August through October are still waiting for panic season to set in.
The Choice Between Quartz and Natural Stone
If you have been researching and are still wavering, perhaps you’re struggling with the choice between quartz and a natural stone. You are not alone.
Quartz is an engineered product that brings an awful lot to the table – including the ability to mimic natural stone in nearly every respect. On the other hand, natural stone is just that. It is a beautiful material produced by nature rather than something made in a factory. Consider the following:
1. Engineered Quartz
As an engineered product, quartz is a favorite among families whose kitchens take a lot of abuse. It is a good choice for a June installation because we keep plenty of it in stock. Visit any of our Utah showrooms to see an excellent selection of quartz slabs.
Also bear in mind that quartz is extremely durable. It never needs sealing because it is nonporous. It also holds up exceptionally well to heat, impact, scratches, and daily wear and tear.
2. Natural Quartzite
Quartzite is a rising star in the countertop industry. Unlike engineered quartz, quartzite is a natural stone that has the look of marble but the hardness of granite. Homeowners appreciate its high tolerance for heat in a modern kitchen where cooking is a daily practice.
We carry a nice selection of quartzite slabs in our showrooms. But bear in mind that slabs tend to move quickly. If you see something you love now, chances are it will be gone by late July or early August.
3. Durable and Classic Granite
Classic granite continues to be a favorite in Utah, especially for outdoor kitchens. But it is still a great option for your indoor kitchen because it is extremely durable. It needs to be sealed regularly, though. But if you take care of your granite, it will remain beautiful and functional for decades.
4. Elegant Marble
For homeowners who prefer the height of elegance, it is hard to beat marble. Natural marble is one of the most beautiful stones for modern kitchen countertops. The one downside is that its highly porous nature makes it susceptible to etching. Marble requires a lot of TLC, which you might decide is worthwhile.
Avoid the Summer Bottleneck
Although the supply of natural stone and quartz slabs has remained steady since the start of the year, anything imported still requires 8-12 weeks. Combining that lead time with the usual Q3 rush creates bottlenecks that can slow projects considerably. This is yet another reason to do your kitchen renovation in June.
By scheduling installation in June, you get access to slabs we already have in our inventory. Your project will not be slowed by a late summer bottleneck combined with high demand among consumers desperate to get their projects done before Thanksgiving.
All an all, June is the sweet spot for kitchen renovations here in Utah. Perhaps it’s time for you to move from the research stage to the design stage. Visit us at any of our Utah showrooms and let’s talk about getting your project underway.
FAQs
Is April too late to begin working on a June renovation project?
Not necessarily. June and July installations are still possible if work is scheduled between April and mid-May. But waiting too much longer could push your project into Q3.
What is ‘in-stock stone’, and do you have any?
In-stock stone is essentially the inventory we currently have in our showrooms. It’s ready to go. Importing stone involves a longer timeline that could be 8-12 weeks long.
Does summer weather impact countertop installation?
The installation itself doesn’t change with the season. But doing a project during the summer impacts you, making your life easier while the work is ongoing.
Can I order later and install the countertops myself?
We generally recommend that homeowners avoid DIY installation. Stone is heavy and difficult to handle. Proper installation also requires specialized tools and a certain amount of expertise.
