BATHROOMS, SHOWERS & KITCHENS


housing but increasingly in private residential too. For us, this isn’t a pivot; accessibility and ease of use have been part of our product thinking for years. If anything, regulation is catching up with where we already are. We’ve been manufacturing accessible products for decades. Kineduo, our walk-in shower/bath, and our Kinedo Kinemagic range of shower cubicles are great examples.


BMJ: What’s happening with distribution? Are you having to be more efficient? DC: Availability is non-negotiable for the trade. If a merchant can’t get a product when a job needs it, they quickly lose confidence, and that’s hard to recover from. The extra warehouse space at the new site directly


addresses that. More stock on the shelf, faster fulfilment, fewer situations where we have to say “not yet”.


BMJ: What are your plans for the future? DC: Continued investment in infrastructure, product development and trade support, ensuring we can meet growing demand while maintaining high service levels. On the Saniflo side, we have identified ‘change of use’ projects as a growing opportunity. The case for changing un-used commercial buildings into residential solutions is growing and Saniflo has a range of products that are


FASHION FORWARD L


ongevity is key when it comes to kitch- en worktop trends. Kitchen surfaces that deliver broad, long-term appeal are dominating the market, with highly


decorative, trend-led designs that risk ageing quickly falling out of favour. That’s according to Chris Brown, national accounts manager at Bushboard, who says that lighter marbles, refined stone finishes and natural wood effects remain consistently popular, largely because they offer a sense of quality without being style-specific. He says: “These popular design are familiar to buyers, easy to live with and flexible enough to work across a wide range of property types, from apartments to family homes.” As a result, the industry is gradually mov- ing away from finishes that look impressive but introduce risk, and towards solutions that combine recognisable aesthetics with consist- ency and reliability.


Less complexity There is also a growing caution around materi- als that add complexity during installation or create challenges later in a building’s life cycle. So, premium surfaces that require specialist templating, longer lead times or complicated replacement processes which can place pres- sure on budgets and build schedules, are losing their appeal. Brown adds that modern laminate finishes


now offer convincing interpretations of stone, concrete and timber, allowing specifiers to achieve established, premium looks while retaining practical advantages. “Contemporary


square edge profiles are widely used in mod- ern schemes, while postformed designs remain relevant for more traditional kitchens where simplicity and durability are priorities. What matters most is versatility, customers want surfaces that feel current but won’t require re- thinking as trends and fashions shift,” he says. Bushboard has seen that its merchant stock-


ists are increasingly supporting customers who prioritise cost control, speed of installation and confidence in specification alongside appear- ance. Brown says: “Laminate surfaces play an important role here, offering predictable performance, easier handling on site and faster fitting compared with many alternative materi- als. These practical benefits can be particularly valuable for housebuilders working to tight programmes.” Ranges that offer coordinated products


across worktops and accessories also help simplify specification and ordering from a mer- chant point of view. For example, Bushboard’s


May 2026 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


ideal for this purpose. On the Kinedo side, we are always working on more design-led, installation-friendly and sustainable solutions, with continued growth in panels, walk-in showers and space-saving products. BMJ


What is the


fashionable set putting in its kitchens this year?


Options collection demonstrate how a struc- tured laminate offering can help achieve design continuity while reducing complexity, providing familiar styles in formats that are readily avail- able and straightforward to install. Clear product information, samples and guid-


ance remain essential in helping retailers and merchants steer customers towards informed decisions. Sustainability also continues to grow in importance, though it is typically weighed alongside durability, performance and cost rather than considered in isolation. Communi- cating this balance clearly can help merchants add value without overwhelming customers. Overall, Brown explains, surfaces that com- bine trusted design looks with ease of installa- tion, cost efficiency and dependable availability are best aligned with current market needs. BMJ


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