Ask any kitchen or bath designer about some of today’s top trends, and they’re bound to mention the shift toward “seamless.” Whether it’s in the form of integrated appliances, disguising switches and outlets so they are barely noticeable, installing shower drains that allow tile to be set right in the drain for an uninterrupted appearance, or the blending of one living space into the next (such as the kitchen and adjacent family room), continuity is a key to good design. When it comes to surfacing, going “seamless” offers a blend of practicality and modern style.

A seamless ColorQuartz countertop in Frost White; Photo courtesy of ColorQuartz

Eliminating seams or grout lines not only continues the visual interest of a design, but it significantly reduces the places where grease and grime can collect and harbor bacteria. Continuous, smooth surfaces are far easier to clean making them a more sanitary choice.

Beyond a cleaner surface that’s easier to maintain, seamless projects offer a wealth of exciting design possibilities. There are countless ways to blend both overall spaces and individual elements seamlessly into their surroundings. From turning an entire wall into a fireplace surround to blending kitchen cabinets right into surrounding walls and backsplashes, there are no limits.

Two products that we find ideal for such applications are Neolith and ColorQuartz. Both products come in long slabs (with Neolith’s options being the longest in the industry), which make it very easy to create long vertical or horizontal runs without seams. Both materials are excellent for use as countertops. But unlike natural stone, both may be continued up the wall, seam-free, onto backsplashes for a look that’s modern and virtually maintenance-free.

A seamless Neolith wall; photo via THESIZE

Neolith
Neolith is an ultra-compact surface made up of 100 percent natural minerals, including clay, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxide. Created in Spain through a high-tech process that creates a lightweight, waterproof material, Neolith is scratch, stain, UV, cold, heat, and fire resistant. Neolith can’t be harmed by cleaning agents and it can easily handle high traffic areas and abrasion. It comes in slabs up to 144 inches long and as thin as 6 millimeters. This makes it excellent for achieving long stretches without joints. Plus, it’s so light that it’s very easy to transport and install.

ColorQuartz
Made from 93 percent crushed quartz (one of nature’s hardest minerals), combined with high quality polyester resins and pigments, ColorQuartz is formed into dense slabs that are four times stronger and twice as impact-resistant than natural stone. ColorQuartz is non-porous, so it won’t harbor bacteria. Plus, it’s resistant to stains, chips, cracks, and chemicals. Though it’s fabricated similarly to natural stone, the seams of ColorQuartz projects may be blended in until they seem virtually invisible.

But what if you’re a lover of natural stone? These two products still offer a lot of possibility. Both come in colors that very closely mimic the look of natural stone. Here are just two examples:

Neolith in Estatuario; photo via Marble and Granite, Inc.

Milan Grey ColorQuartz; photo via Marble and Granite, Inc.

Visit our website to see our entire online inventory of ColorQuartz and Neolith. Both will help you take a modern approach to your project that’s as practical as it is beautiful.