Professional builders know that the kitchen and bath are two of the most scrutinized spaces in any new home. Buyers expect surfaces that resist stains and scratches, fixtures that perform reliably, and designs that feel current without dating quickly. The 2019 Top 100 Products list in the Kitchen and Bath category showcases exactly the kind of innovation that helps builders deliver on those expectations. From engineered stone surfaces and advanced cabinetry to high-efficiency plumbing and complete waterproofing systems, these products address the real challenges builders face on site and the preferences buyers bring to the table.
This article breaks down the standout kitchen and bath products from the 2019 list, with practical guidance on what each category means for your next project. For a deeper look at how professional kitchen and bath cabinet selection influences overall project quality, the insights here complement that research with specific product examples.
Engineered Stone and Quartz Surfacing for Modern Kitchens and Baths
Surfacing materials dominate the kitchen and bath specification conversation because they define both the look and the long-term durability of the space. The 2019 product lineup includes several notable entries in engineered stone, quartz, and laminate categories that expand what builders can offer clients.
Expanded Color Palettes in Engineered Stone
Architectural Surfaces Group significantly broadened its MetroQuartz line with 60 new color options, giving builders more flexibility to match client preferences without switching material types. Available in both 2-centimeter and 3-centimeter slab thicknesses, the line now includes the Atlantis finish, which mimics the appearance of poured concrete. This matters for builders because concrete-look surfaces remain popular in contemporary design, but real concrete countertops present weight, porosity, and installation challenges that engineered stone avoids.
Quartz Surfaces with Natural Stone Character
Lotte Advanced Materials expanded its Radianz Quartz Surfaces line with the Cirrus Collection, a product line that contains more than 94 percent natural stone. This high quartz content delivers a nonporous surface that resists stains, scratches, and heat. Qualities that matter most in heavy-use kitchen environments. The 13 color options and patterns mimic quarried marble, giving builders a stone aesthetic without the maintenance demands of natural marble. Caesarstone contributed the Rugged Concrete 4033 finish, made from 90 percent natural quartz aggregates with pigments and polymer resins. This product achieves the worn-in patina of industrial concrete while maintaining the heat and scratch resistance that quartz is known for.
Stone-Look Laminate as a Cost-Effective Alternative
Wilsonart introduced the Blurred Lines collection, which uses laminate technology to evoke real stone at a fraction of the cost of quartz or natural stone. Eight true-to-stone designs feature the Soft Silk ultra-matte finish, and the transitional styling allows clients to mix styles, colors, and materials across a single space. For smart countertop material selection, understanding where laminate fits versus engineered stone helps builders hit different budget tiers without sacrificing design quality.
| Product Line | Manufacturer | Key Feature | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetroQuartz | Architectural Surfaces Group | 60 new colors, Atlantis concrete finish | Kitchen countertops, vanities |
| Radianz Cirrus | Lotte Advanced Materials | 94% natural stone, nonporous | High-use kitchens |
| Rugged Concrete 4033 | Caesarstone | 90% quartz, industrial patina | Contemporary designs |
| Blurred Lines | Wilsonart | Ultra-matte finish, stone look | Budget-conscious projects |
Cabinetry Solutions: From Fully Custom to RTA Efficiency
Cabinetry represents the largest single investment in most kitchen remodels and a significant line item in new construction. The 2019 Top 100 products include both full-custom and ready-to-assemble options that give builders flexibility across project types.
Nearly Custom Cabinetry from Merillat
Merillat updated its Masterpiece Collection with more than 4,000 new products, including door styles, finishes, and near-custom size modifications. This program allows builders to order cabinets in specific heights, widths, and depths without paying full custom-cabinet lead times and pricing. New paint and stain options, expanded wood species, and a suede topcoat that delivers a matte appearance add to the specification flexibility. Doors and drawer fronts made from EverCore, a compressed wood-fiber material, provide an engineered alternative to solid wood that resists warping in humid bathroom environments.
Custom Components for Builders Who Assemble Their Own
Elias Woodwork & Manufacturing offers a comprehensive component catalog alongside its cabinet box and door products. Builders who fabricate or assemble on site can order tenon, miter, and slab cabinet doors, drawer boxes, pullouts, inserts, and thousands of molding profiles. This approach works well for production builders who want consistent quality across communities while maintaining the flexibility to adjust details per plan.
RTA Cabinet Boxes for Speed and Cost Control
The Elias Assemble On Site Elite line provides European-style frameless cabinet boxes in standard white furniture board or UV-finished birch plywood. Builders can choose between two assembly methods and order any width, height, or depth. Dovetail drawer boxes and Blum Tandem concealed drawer runners with Blumotion soft close come standard. Supplied dowels and screws simplify on-site assembly, and the RTA model reduces shipping costs and damage risk compared with preassembled cabinetry.
Plumbing Fixtures and Water Management Innovations
Plumbing products in the 2019 Top 100 list focus on three themes: reliable performance, easier installation, and water efficiency. Each of these directly affects builder callbacks, installation labor, and homeowner satisfaction.
Bath Faucets with Extended Durability
Delta Faucet introduced the Tesla Collection, a full bath line inspired by organic natural forms. The collection features Diamond Seal Technology, which the company says reduces leak points and lasts twice as long as industry-standard operation. For builders, fewer leak points mean fewer callback visits. The soft modern aesthetic works across traditional and contemporary bath designs.
Toilet Technology That Eliminates Clogs
Kohler launched Revolution 360, a swirl flushing technology that sends water through the bowl at full 360-degree coverage. The system uses a single powerful jet driven by Kohler’s AquaPiston flush canister to propel water around the entire bowl surface. Currently available on Corbelle toilets, this technology addresses one of the most common homeowner complaints: clogged toilets. For production builders, this means fewer service calls during the warranty period.
In-Wall Toilet Systems for Space Efficiency
Geberit’s in-wall flush systems for wall-hung toilets offer a space-saving alternative to traditional floor-mounted units. The concealed tank fits between studs, and once finished, the toilet bolts to the wall at the desired height and cantilevers over the floor. This design simplifies floor cleaning and works in tight bathroom layouts. The system is available for both 2×4 and 2×6 stud walls and is compatible with toilets from Duravit, Kohler, Toto, and other major brands.
Tub-Shower Valves Designed for Faster Installation
Gerber’s Treysta rough-in tub and shower valve includes features that reduce installation time:
- An accessible mounting system that simplifies positioning
- Vertical inlets installable next to studs in PEX applications
- Quarter-turn service stops that open and close with a flathead screwdriver
- Compatibility with cold expansion PEX and Crimp PEX
- Solutions for back-to-back installations and reversed hot and cold inlets
These features matter most on production jobs where plumbers move through multiple units and every minute of labor saved adds up across a community.
Kitchen Sinks with Engineered Drainage
Kraus USA offers kitchen sinks that include hidden drains and engineered drain grooves designed to direct water toward the drain, keeping the sink free of standing water. The company also provides on-trend pro-style faucets in dark and matte finishes. Volume order discounts of up to 30 percent and fast lead times make Kraus a practical option for production builders stocking multiple units.
Waterproofing, Lighting, and Finishing Details
The remaining products in the 2019 list address three areas that separate a good installation from a great one: shower waterproofing, bathroom lighting, and the finishing touches that make cabinetry feel complete.
Complete Shower Waterproofing Systems
Schluter Systems offers a complete waterproofing package that includes everything builders need for a waterproof shower installation. The system installs directly over standard drywall, creating a fully sealed shower or wet room. Builders benefit from faster production times compared with traditional mortar-bed methods, and the system eliminates conditions that lead to mold, mildew, and shower odors. Fewer callbacks on shower installations alone can offset the material cost difference. For a detailed breakdown of Schluter waterproofing systems for custom bathroom suites, the full system approach includes options beyond the shower pan.
Bath and Vanity Lighting with Long LED Life
Access Lighting delivered a broad collection of bath and vanity lights featuring LED technology rated for up to 15 years of service. Available in traditional and contemporary designs, the fixtures range from single-light to five-light configurations. Glass diffuser options include clear, frosted, and opal, while some styles feature silk-lined glass. Metal finishes cover chrome, polished steel, and bronze. Specifying LED fixtures with extended rated life reduces the likelihood of homeowners needing to replace bath lighting within the first decade of occupancy.
What These Products Mean for Builders
The 2019 Top 100 Kitchen and Bath products share a common thread: they address real installation and performance pain points. Surface materials that resist staining and scratching reduce callback risk. Cabinetry options that span custom through RTA price points give builders flexibility across different project budgets. Plumbing fixtures engineered for easier installation and longer life cut labor costs and warranty claims. Waterproofing systems that speed production while improving results address both schedule and quality goals.
When specifying products for your next kitchen or bath project, consider how each of these categories affects your bottom line. A faucet that installs faster may save more in labor than it costs in materials. A countertop that resists stains may prevent a warranty claim that would cost ten times its upcharge. A waterproofing system that eliminates mold callbacks protects both your reputation and your margin. For builders designing luxurious master suite bathrooms with wet room layouts, combining these product categories in a coordinated specification delivers the best outcome for both builder and buyer.
The takeaway is straightforward: invest specification time upfront on products with proven performance, faster installation, and longer service life. The 2019 Top 100 list provides a curated starting point. Every product on it earned its place by solving a problem that builders and homeowners actually face.