Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and the start of a new season of projects around the home. As the weather cools in Western Washington and the holidays approach, many homeowners start thinking about upgrades that can make their spaces more beautiful, durable, and ready for entertaining.
If you’ve been considering a kitchen refresh, bathroom update, or even a fireplace remodel, now is the perfect time to start. Here are the top four fall home projects that make sense to tackle right after Labor Day.
1. Refresh Your Kitchen with New Countertops
Fall is one of the busiest times of year for kitchen remodels in Pierce, Thurston, and surrounding counties. Families want their kitchens ready before Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Quartz countertops remain the top choice for their durability, low maintenance, and stylish designs that mimic natural stone. Granite and porcelain slabs are also trending for homeowners who want unique character and heat resistance. Need some thought starters? Check out our projects page here.
Pro Tip: Scheduling your countertop project now ensures you’ll be ready for holiday hosting. Our fabrication and installation teams book quickly in September and October.
2. Upgrade Bathroom Vanities Before the Holidays
A bathroom refresh is one of the simplest ways to add value and comfort to your home. Whether it’s a quick vanity swap using remnant stone or a full master bath remodel, fall is a great season to get it done.
Remnant vanity tops are especially popular this time of year—they’re cost-effective, ready fast, and perfect for guest bathrooms ahead of holiday visitors.
3. Add Warmth for Fall with a Stone Fireplace Surround
As evenings get cooler, fireplaces become the centerpiece of Northwest homes. A custom stone fireplace surround instantly transforms a living room into a cozy, inviting space for family and guests.
Quartz, granite, and porcelain slabs all make stunning fireplace features. Plus, unlike tile or drywall, they’re durable, easy to clean, and timeless in style.
4. Create a Mudroom or Laundry Drop Zone For the Rain
Back-to-school season brings backpacks, sports gear, and muddy shoes. Adding stone countertops or durable surfaces in your mudroom or laundry area makes it easier to stay organized.
A small slab of quartz or granite on a laundry folding station or drop-zone cabinet top adds both practicality and beauty to an overlooked part of the home.
Plan Your Fall Home Projects Ahead of Holiday Hosting
Labor Day is the perfect reminder that the holiday season is just around the corner. From kitchen islands to wet bars and dining buffets, countertops play a big role in entertaining.
Homeowners who schedule projects now will have finished, polished spaces in time for family dinners, holiday parties, and end-of-year celebrations. Many shops book out weeks or months in advance so be sure to plan ahead and ask about timelines for project completion.
Final Thoughts
Labor Day weekend isn’t just for relaxing—it’s also the ideal time to plan your next home improvement project. Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, or mudroom, fall is the sweet spot to start so you can enjoy the results all winter long.
At Tops Countertops, we fabricate and install custom quartz, granite, and porcelain countertops across Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, and South King Counties. Our team is ready to help you plan a project that fits your style, budget, and timeline.
Call us today or visit our showroom in Lacey to start your fall project before the schedule fills up.