Five Things You Wanted to Know About Fireplaces but Were Afraid to Ask

Five Things You Wanted to Know About Fireplaces but Were Afraid to Ask

Fireplaces are a classic fixture in many homes across the world. Even in hot, tropical parts of the world, it’s not uncommon to have an attractive, elegant fireplace in the living room or wherever your home’s social focal point is.

Once considered a prohibitively expensive thing for middle or lower class homes in America, modern materials and building techniques make a fireplace an affordable and lovely addition to even small, affordable homes.

But, you may have some apprehension or concerns when it comes to something like this, especially if you’ve never owned a fireplace before. Are they dangerous? How do you care for them? Are there reaching ramifications to having one? Today, we’re going to address five of the most common questions about fireplaces, and put your mind at ease.

Are They Safe?

This, understandably, is the biggest question most people have about fireplaces. Fire is dangerous, and is one of the most destructive forces in nature. Wild animals fear it for a reason, after all. So, is a fireplace safe? The short answer is, a fireplace is not in and of itself unsafe. It’s all about proper measures and precautions:

  • – If you have children, encourage them to maintain a safe distance from the fireplace (no closer than the hearth), and enforce rules regarding touching the doors or mesh, which can get quite warm.
  • – Contain embers by keeping the mesh or metal screen in place and closed while a fire is lit. Keep flammable materials well away from the heat source or direct path embers or sparks could traverse.
  • – Be sure that your fire extinguishers are in working order every time, before lighting a fire.
  • – Be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order every time you light a fire.

If you follow these simple rules and common sense practices, your fireplace will not be dangerous at all to use.

I Have a Gas Fireplace – Why Does It Smell?

Natural gas and propane, on their own, have no strong smell. As a result, if pure, unprocessed natural gas were to leak, you’d be unaware of its presence until it either poisoned you, or your house ignited in a cinematic fireball. As a result, gas providers mix in an additive with a distinct, unpleasant smell to it that makes you immediately aware of the gas’ presence.

If your fireplace has this smell, it means the gas valve is open.

Are They Efficient?

That depends on the fireplace, and your house. Wood-burning fireplaces are delightful, especially at Christmas time. But, for all their charm and timelessness, they’re a tremendously wasteful way to heat modern homes.

Hot air rises, which means most heat produced by a traditional wood-burning fireplace will escape through the chimney, the remainder only heating the nearby area. It won’t, in fact, heat the entirety of the room the fireplace is in, unless it’s a closed in, small, well-insulated room. Wood-burning fireplaces are meant for their charm, not their ability to heat your house.

Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, are much more efficient both in their fuel use and conveyance of heat. Many of them have vents that can push the heat outward, or don’t use a chimney at all, meaning the heat has nowhere to go but out into the room. While you may initially scoff at the idea, a lot of modern gas fireplace designs look, sound and feel like traditional wood fireplaces!

How Do I Use My Wood-Burning Fireplace?

Okay, you’re ready to use your wood-burning fireplace. How do you do this safely and properly? Five simple steps!

  1. – Inspect your chimney – make sure the chimney isn’t clogged. Do this yearly, and have a certified professional handle it.
  2. – Preparation – Clean the old ashes out (once cool), and make sure the damper is open.
  3. – Wood – You need wood. Gather up some seasoned wood that’s been dry for at least half a year, or a year if possible. It should have a hollow, “thunk” sound when knocked together. It will have a dark, cracked look on the ends, which tells you it’s perfect for burning. To ensure you have a long-lasting fire, lay out your wood evenly on the grates, with room for air to travel through it. Ball up paper under the grate, to start the fire from below – fire and heat rise, and need air.
  4. – Flue – Heat the air in the flue for good convection. Before lighting your fire, burn some paper up near the flue, with it open, until you see smoke escape up the chimney reliably.
  5. – Light the Fire – Light the paper under the grate. If the fire tries to go out, gently fan it or use bellows moderately.

Pretty easy, right?

How Often Should Chimneys Be Cleaned?

You should have your chimney inspected by a professional yearly. Build up can prevent air flow and even result in chimney fires. You want neither of these to happen! The professional will recommend a cleaning if necessary.

To learn more about fireplace safety, the many types available, and how to care for one, fill out our contact form or call us today!

Can Countertops Have An Impact On Home Resale Value?

Can Countertops Have An Impact On Home Resale Value?

Even when people plan on keeping their home for a very long time, concerns about resale value always weigh heavily on most homeowners. A lot can change in the course of the day, let alone a lifetime, and one never knows when one might not need to convert an asset like a home into something a bit more liquid. So, at the very least, a well-maintained, high-value house is a wise investment.

The problem with this is, every decision you make about your home both interior and exterior, require you to weigh its effect on your home’s resale value should you choose to treat your home as the investment it is. One of the biggest quandaries in this vein would probably be the effect of countertops. How much of an effect do they have, and how severely needed our new countertops in order to ensure optimal resale value for your home?

Unsurprisingly, this isn’t an easy question to answer, and there is no single one right answer to it. There are a great many factors when dealing with countertops that can affect your home’s resale value, and today, were going to look at this from a logical, neutral point of view. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we’re confident that after we’ve gone over this, you’ll be a will to make an informed decision based on your specific scenario. At the end of the day, that’s all any of us can really do!

The State of Your Existing Countertops

Obviously, the biggest factor in deciding whether or not you need to replace your countertops state of your existing ones. This goes beyond just the shape that they’re in – of course, if your countertops are worn, beaten or degraded, it’s a given that they need to be replaced. No, the real question is, how versatile are they? Are they neutral, matching both old and new looks? Do they look dated?

A prime example would be an older house still adorned with gold flaked formica countertops; these of course being a very popular style in the 1970s and 1980s. Even if such countertops are in excellent condition, being so dated, still need to be replaced with something a bit more modern, or at least timeless and neutral.

Conversely, there are many styles of countertops not beholden to such trends. Many types of marble, quartz and granite can be very timeless, though in these cases, you’ll want to consult with someone with an expertise in stonework to determine which ones are neutral enough to present plenty of opportunity for buyers to easily redecorate the kitchen and bathroom without having to replace such an expensive feature.

Where Countertops Matter Most

There tend to be three places in your home or countertops are a common feature. These are your kitchen, bathroom and occasionally, your washroom. Of these three, the most important, the place where you’ll want to spend the most money to update, will be the kitchen. The kitchen is a social hub in a house, and one of the most memorable rooms therein that everyone will consistently see.
Buyers are much more forgiving of an outdated bathroom, which is something far more affordable for them to take on as a projects to update, then if the problem is your kitchen.

So, how much do new countertops impact your resale value? Quite significantly, depending on your existing countertops, when dealing with your kitchen. To learn more about this and other variables which your countertops can affect, fill out our contact form below or call us today!

Beginner’s Guide to White Granite Countertops

Beginner's Guide to White Granite Countertops

Granite has been a common, desired material of choice for countertops for a very long time – in fact, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when in history this material first really caught on. It’s highly sought after due to its luxurious look, durability, and timelessness. Given the fact that there are many different kinds of granite, trends change and cycle over generations as to which type is considered the most trendy and timely at any given point. It’s been a long time since white granite was the “in” thing, but in recent years it’s been on the upswing.

A desire for a crisper, brighter ambient look for kitchens has been the prime mover behind increasing popularity of white granite in recent times. This could be partially due to a desire for something more environmentally sound, relying less on artificial light to brighten a space. Either way, this luminous material has recently started to be associated with a modern, warm appearance.

But, before you run off to order white granite for your kitchen, it’s important to take a moment to understand the nature of the stone, and look at the different kinds available. You may be surprised to find out that many types of white Granite aren’t overtly white at all.

The Nature of White Granite

Like any other stone, the hue, tensile strength, graining and texture of white granite is determined by a combination of minerals in the mix. The opaque white of many types of white granite is the result of a mineral known as feldspar, while the milky white is a result of quartz. The spackling and graining, usually of a black appearance, is a result of a lesser-known mineral called amphibole.
Due to granite always being a combination of various minerals, you will never find a pure white, solid granite. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a granite that is anyone solid color due to its very nature. Following this train of thought, even specific regions of a piece of granite are unlikely to be a solid white, generally being smoky in appearance or milky instead.

Different Types of White Granite

As we said earlier, there are many varieties of white granite, mostly determined by the caller of the grains in the hue of white itself. One of the more common are white granite with black and gray minerals, which have a classic look often mistaken for marble. Alaska White, Colonial White and Silver Cloud are the more common varieties of this type of granite.

White granite with Brown and burgundy minerals is a little less common, but is growing in popularity in recent years due to its neutral, universal matching ability. These have a somewhat rustic, warm appearance, and they pair well with most natural woods and ceramics. One of the more popular of these is River White granite, while White Spring with its blotchy, speckled appearance can make a sharp statement.

White granite with black, gray, and blue minerals can be relatively rare, though Ice White granite does pair well with white and black cabinets for a sharp, deep contrast. Alaska White sometimes takes on this appearance as well.

Lastly, and the least common of these, are granite types with gray and green minerals. These have an interesting, streaky appearance, and actually tend to look more brown than green. They have achieved some level of popularity in recent times due to their ability to help complete the sense of a European country kitchen, though those whom fret over cracks may find the crack like streaking to be somewhat maddening.

Finally, when considering pricing, you’re going to spend the least on the most common, popular granites, due to the ready supply of them. If you’re looking for something more unique, and less popular, you’re going to pay quite a bit more for it.

To learn more about the various types of white granite, and to learn about which ones pair best with different motifs, fill out our contact form below or call us today.

How to deep clean granite countertops

How to deep clean granite countertops

Granite countertops are pretty durable, resisting heat as well as normal wear and tear that could damage other countertop surfaces. When granite is properly sealed, it is also very easy to clean. Despite the fact that granite is pretty stain resistant, there are some substances that can leave stubborn stains, like coffee or oils. These tips can help you get your granite counters back to their original beautiful condition without causing further damage.

Sealant Differences

Before using any type of cleaner on your granite counters, you need to know what was used to seal the surface. Some granite has a resin treatment applied at the factory while others must be sealed periodically. The sealant’s purpose is to protect the granite, which is porous, from absorbing items that may get spilled on the surface. Check with the manufacturer to learn how your granite was sealed.

What Not to Do

Never use an acid-based cleaner on your granite surfaces. These include products with lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach. These types of cleaners can degrade the sealant and leave stains on your countertop. Never use abrasive cleaners such as scouring pads or grainy powdered cleaners as they can also damage the sealant.

Cleaning Granite

Daily cleaning of granite is simple as you just need to wipe the counter down with dish soap mixed with a small amount of warm water. Use a soft washrag and dry the surface with a hand towel. You can disinfect granite by mixing equal parts of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle. Allow the solution to sit on the counter for two or three minutes and then wipe it down with a soft cloth.

Removing a Stubborn Stain

If you have a particularly stubborn stain, such as the cooking oil your spouse neglected to wipe up, create a paste of baking soda and water for an oil-based stain. If the stain is water-based, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. Spread the paste over the stain, cover it and allow it to remain for several hours. Wipe away the residue and clean the area using a dab of dish soap on a soft wash cloth.

If you are considering granite countertops for your home, contact Flemington Granite today to learn what options are available. Our friendly customer service staff can help you choose the perfect granite for you and your family. You can reach us by phone or by filling out the easy form online.

Can A Shelf Liner Really Extend the Life of Cabinets & Drawers?

Can A Shelf Liner Really Extend the Life of Cabinets & Drawers?

You probably remember your mother or grandmother lining the shelves of their kitchen cabinets and drawers. If you asked them why, you probably got a variety of explanations, from protection of the shelving to avoiding food stains. It was just something that had always been done. However, if you have ever moved into a rental home or a home that had a previous owner who used shelf paper, you may recall pulling out old, gummy paper with crumbs and dirt, wondering why on Earth this stuff was necessary.

Extending the Life of Your Cabinets

Although your mother and grandmother may have thought shelf paper would extend the life of their cabinets, this is not exactly true. Shelf liners do keep the inside of your cabinets and drawers cleaner and more sanitary. They can protect your cabinets from damage that may occur when dishes have water on them from the dishwasher. They can also help you avoid the rings that can occur from oils left on the bottom of containers. However, a shelf liner needs its own attention in order to perform properly.

Avoid Sticky Versions

Sticky shelf liners can be difficult to remove and, if you have to scrape aggressively to remove it, you could cause significant damage to your cabinets. Dents, divots and scratches may be impossible to remove which would defeat the purpose of using the shelf paper to protect your cabinets. Instead, choose non-stick versions that remain in place but can be removed easily and washed.

Wash Your Cabinets

Whether you use shelf paper or not, you should clean your cabinets annually. If you do use shelf covering, remove them and wash them thoroughly. While the covering is removed, clean the cabinet and drawer shelves as well. Allow the coverings to dry completely before replacing them in the cabinet.

Choose Padded Options

Today, you can purchase shelf coverings that are slightly padded which reduces the noise of dishes being returned to the cabinet. They also provide added protection to your glassware and dishes, helping to avoid breakage should something be knocked over inside the cabinet.

Open Shelving Options

If you have open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets, consider lining the back of your cabinets as well. There are many stylish patterns available today that add a splash of color to your kitchen. Adding patterns can also create a sense of depth in your cabinets.

If you are in the market for new cabinets, contact Flemington Granite today to learn what options are available. You can reach us by phone or by filling out the easy form online.

How Much Can My Granite Countertop Overhang?

How Much Can My Granite Countertop Overhang?

Everyone appreciates island seating, or counter seating in their kitchen. It adds a nice extra flair to the kitchen, and alleviates crowding around tables, and allows you to sit while working on complex meals. However, in the past, people have felt the need to forsake nicer counter top materials if they want to have this kind of seating available.

There are a lot of questions frequently asked about overhangs when you involve real stones such as marble or granite. Obviously, heavy stone like this usually needs quite a bit of support from the cabinets themselves, meaning that any kind of overhangs would be fragile if not impossible. But, is that true? Is it really impossible to install a granite overhang in the kitchen? The answer may actually surprise you, but some concessions do have to be made.

The assumption that stone cabinet top student support is entirely true, within reason. It all depends on the thickness of the stone, and what concessions you can make in order to provide additional support for the overhang. It may be surprising that the thinner the material, the more fragile and in need of support it is.

For a Thickness of 2 Cm

This is a more common thickness for granite in general, with a higher availability all around. Unfortunately, it’s the hardest one to provide a stable overhang with. Center stone like this, even when supported by the cabinets, still needs plywood or MDF to provide additional support. It’s a fragile stone at this thickness.

There are really only two solutions if you want to create an overhang with stone this thin – you can either place cabinets within 4 to 6 inches apart across the base, with a gap providing legroom, or you can use a thick steel plate underneath the overhang to provide additional support. There really is no other option when it comes to this sort of thickness.

For a Thickness of 3 Cm at Grades 1 through 3

Thicker granite tops like these are much more forgiving when it comes to an overhang. In fact, some of these materials can extend up to 12 inches, but you should consult your fabricator before attempting this. These grades have a higher tensile strength, which makes them less prone to fissures and cracks.

A general rule of thumb with these is to check for fiberglass support, or filled fissures along the material. If you see either of these, then you most likely can’t extend it into an overhang of any real measure. Still, you’re definitely usually safe to go up to 10 inches, sometimes upward of 12 with these grades of granite at this thickness. Again, consult with your fabricator before you actually attempt it.

For Grade 4 Granite

This grade of granite has very little tensile strength. As a result, you’re not going to get much more than 6 inches of overhang at best from it. Of course, if you’re attempting something like supported overhangs, most materials can be extended up to 24 inches past the cabinets.

To learn more about supported overhangs, and other ways to solve overhang issues with less durable grades of granite, fill out our contact form below or call us today. We’re happy to help!

How Durable Is a Three Centimeter Granite Countertop?

How Durable Is a Three Centimeter Granite Countertop?

Granite is one of the hardest stones on Earth and creates some of the most durable countertops available. Granite is available in either two centimeters, which is about three-quarters of an inch, or three centimeters, about one-and-one-quarter inches. As long as your countertop is installed properly, the thickness should not impact durability.

Comparison of Thickness

A countertop that is three centimeters thick will be heavier than one that is only two centimeters, but both offer the same scratch, chip and burn resistance. One of the main differences between the two thicknesses is that the thinner granite will need more supports for overhangs and laminated edges than the thicker option.

Scratch and Chip Resistance

Both thicknesses offer outstanding scratch and chip resistance, a benefit that granite has over laminate or marble. Your kitchen knives will not cut granite, but the granite will dull your knives if you do not use a cutting board. The only substances that can cut granite are diamond or tungsten and both are used to cut granite into countertops. It is possible to chip your granite, but you would need to exert tremendous force to do so, such as striking it with a hammer.

Heat Resistance

Granite is extremely heat resistant and it will not be damaged if you place a hot pan directly from the stove on the surface. Hot liquids that are spilled on granite will also not damage the surface, so there is no worry that your counter will burn, bubble or melt.

Stain Resistance

If granite is sealed properly, it is fairly stain resistant. However, if it is unsealed, the stone is porous and it could absorb spilled substances. Although the structure will remain intact, the stain will mar the beauty of your counters. If it is properly sealed, the sealant will keep spills from seeping into the stone, reducing the chance of staining. It is still important to wipe spills quickly as some substances can leave discoloration. Most times, the discoloration can be removed with a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water for oil-based stains or hydrogen peroxide for water-based stains, cover and leave for a few hours before wiping with a damp rag.

Natural Fissures and Cracks

Granite is an igneous rock that was created when feldspar, quartz and mica were pressed together under the Earth to create on solid surface. This means that your countertop has tiny holes, known as pitting, within it. There are also natural fissures and cracks that were created when the rock formed. None of these indicate a structural problem with your countertop and our counter is not likely to crack under normal use.

If you are considering granite countertops for your kitchen or bath, contact Flemington Granite today. You can speak to a customer service representative by calling or filling out the easy online form.

Why You Should Consider Blue Granite For Your Kitchen

Blue can evoke all kinds of meanings, from variations on the color itself, to down in the dumps moods and off-color comedy, and the proverbial, “it’s my favorite color,” but actually Blue Granite is a whole other entity that can bring beauty and serenity to a space, like no other color can.

There are lots of reasons why you should consider Blue Granite for your kitchen, with one of them being the durability of granite. It’s a long lasting natural stone that is easily maintained, and it retains its luxurious and rich appearance indefinitely. It’s simply a quality stone and when you think of blue, and the various hues represented in granite pieces, you’ll understand how that color can transform a kitchen or any other area into a calm, cool and collected environment.

Blue Granite Choices

The latest in high quality blue granite includes choices such as Blue Pearl granite, Polar Blue granite and Blue Bahia granite.

Blue Pearl

This type of granite is predominately mined in Norway and can be more expensive than say blue pearl granite quarried in India. The brightest of blue pieces will be more costly while blue pearl slabs that may contain shades of gray, beige, and blue will be less intense in color and less expensive.

Blue Pearl is considered a more unconventional blue that contains hints of silver and pearl, which provide both a luminescent and metallic appearance to a blue pearl slab. White cabinetry and stainless steel fixtures and appliances will enhances blue pearl, but most any combination of cabinets and fixtures will integrate well with this color of granite.

Polar Blue

Polar Blue granite is characterized by more of a navy blue color that contains flecks of gray and a lighter blue color. Slabs can almost appear black when they are viewed from a distance. Polar blue can also contain a pearl-like luster that adds even further to the disbursement of color throughout the stone. Mineral deposits deep within the granite cause this effect. Though some would view Polar Blue as too dark, it is still is elegant and rich in a way that allows for arrangement with most any kitchen design and style.

Blue Bahia

Beautiful, blue Bahia is the lightest and most costly of the blue granite choices. It contains marbling effects within a slab that can run the gamut from navy and sky blue to added dabs of brown and white, plus it can take on a different appearance with lighting changes. It is highly sought after and has the same features and benefits of other granite, such as resistance to heat and a simple maintenance routine. Blue Bahia coordinates well with most any color scheme and is adaptable to a coastal, seaside, nautical or updated cottage themed kitchen.

Blue granite can change the entire look of a kitchen space, bathroom area or other interior or exterior area of a home and if you are looking for an upgrades to more neutral areas of your home, or want to follow a trend, consider what blue granite can do to improve the appearance of your kitchen. If you just have questions about blue granite, or want more extensive information, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need.

Granite vs. Quartz: Countertop Material Comparison

Granite vs. Quartz_ Countertop Material Comparison

It’s not that easy to determine what countertop material is better than another, particularly when you’re comparing granite and quartz, but there are differences to take into account. When personal taste and economics come into play, there will always be varying preferences. So, just what are the comparisons and contrasts between these two materials, and which one takes top billing?

Durability and Strength

Granite – Because of granite’s wholly crystalline composition (holocrystalline), this interconnecting type of structure allows for an extremely durable composition, which also makes granite both scratch and heat resistant. All of these features give granite durability as well as a long and useful life.

Quartz – As quartz is more of a man made stone that means it consists up of over 90 percent natural quartz and about seven percent engineered resin material. This combination of materials makes quartz somewhat of a degree stronger that granite. Quartz is also resistant to scratches. In its long lasting strength, quartz should last many, many years.

Bacterial Resistance

When granite is sealed, bacteria is hindered from growing. As granite’s smooth surface is free of pores, surface bacteria, mold and other debris are unable to penetrate it, plus granite is naturally resistant to it. Sanitizing your granite countertops is simple with a regular, everyday routine that is thorough in eliminating not only mold and bacteria, but lingering smells.

Quartz is fabricated to not be porous. It is also a material resistant to bacteria. It is easy to clean with soap and tepid water. It seems that both sealed granite and quartz are easily maintained and sanitized.

Minimal Maintenance

As granite is resistant to stains and dirt, it is also durable and entails little maintenance. If repairs are necessary, which are rare, they can be completed fairly easily. Granite countertops do require sealing, at least once a year, in order for them to stay in tip-top shape.

Quartz is easy to maintain as well, as it is by nature resistant to bacteria. Unlike granite, quartz is literally maintenance-free as it does not require sealing and it is immune to everyday wear and tear. Over time, it will function and continue to appear in exceptional form for many years to come.

Diversity or Materials

Granite is a luxurious, unique and beautiful natural stone and is available in a number of different slab designs. It usually contains varying patterns that include flecks, specks, whorls, swirls and even veins. Colors also vary, such as blacks, grays and whites to oranges, reds and pinks. There are also browns, creams, golds, along with rich and royal blues and greens that provide elegance for most any countertop area.

As quartz is man-made and engineered, color enrichment is included in the fabrication process. Color and patterns are more uniform than granite and can usually be made to fit a choice of color schemes that integrate both color, texture and patterns. A homeowner can be part of the selection process when it comes to making a choice of color and pattern.

Pricing

Generally speaking, granite is the more affordable of the two materials, as lesser quality granite is readily available at good prices. It can also be more of a custom product with a higher level features and prices, but it generally will be less expensive than quartz. Granite will continue to be a choice that many homeowners will prefer.

Quartz prices will depend on the companies that manufacture and distribute quartz. Quartz choices at mid-range levels are going to be a bit more expensive than their granite counterparts. Before deciding on quartz, or granite, particularly with pricing in mind, different factors need to be taken into consideration, such as overall costs for installation, any sealing costs and the full cost of the countertops, which will depend on the quality level chosen.

In looking at the comparisons given here for granite and quartz, it is evident that homeowners and other consumers need to determine what fits their budget, lifestyle needs and personal taste. If you are having trouble making that determination, complete the online contact form, and a representative will get back to you with the information you require to make a choice between granite or quartz. Odds are it won’t be that confusing or difficult.

Why You Should Fall In Love With Typhoon Bordeaux Granite

It’s easy to fall in love with any granite selection, as the natural beauty of stone entices almost anyone, but Typhoon Bordeaux Granite just might trigger love at first sight. The elegance and rich color designs of this particular granite can accomplish that through its color and patterning merits alone. If you are artistically inclined, you will be enthralled with this bold and imaginative granite and what it can do for any kitchen countertop area, or most any other space for that matter.

Names and Origin

Like other specialized granite selections, Typhoon Bordeaux Granite has been labeled by several other names. Golden Typhoon Bordeaux and Sunset Cream define the gold veining that runs through the stone, which is part of its composition. The coloration occurs after a long duration of time due to everyday weathering and oxidation. Typhoon Bordeaux is also connected to a granite family comprised of Monte Carlo Bordeaux, Sienna Bordeaux and River Bordeaux.

Years and years of water and air worked synergistically to generate oxidation that would ultimately contribute to the unique appearance of Typhoon Bordeaux. Its color tones and dynamic presentation of lines, veining, patches and other patterns are replicated in slab presentations that match one another. This kind of fabrication process is indicative of this type of granite.

Typhoon Bordeaux Granite originated in Brazil and is mined from bedrock there. It is a type of granite that is more difficult to find in the marketplace because of consumer demand and limited availability. In spite of difficulty procuring this stone, it is worth every effort to locate and use it to enrich a kitchen countertop area or a bathroom vanity.

Colorations

The rich and striking color choices are what stimulate the love interest and attract homeowners to this type of granite. Deep and lush golds, and more neutral beige, creams, grays and whites give Typhoon Bordeaux its color base, while deep earth colored veins, patches, and splashes of color in deep browns, burgundies, reds, and even black provide the textural twists and turns that are whipped up in a stormy fashion with this type of granite.

Lighter colors, such as white, help to highlight, brighten and accentuate the swirls and veining in Typhoon Bordeaux Granite. White and lighter cream colored backgrounds uplift the darker veins, patches, ribbons and other patterns in the granite and create a luminous and polished look to the stone.

Finishing Typhoon Bordeaux Granite

To maintain the polished appearance of a Typhoon Bordeaux Granite, an epoxy resin finish is applied to the granite stone while it undergoes the polishing stage. Any pitting, blemishes, cracks and other cosmetic imperfections are filled and stabilized. Once the polishing and application process is completed, the stone will display noticeable contrasts in color changes and movement patterns, which are subtle variations that should be looked into before purchasing a completed slab.

Maintenance and Care

Another loving feature of Typhoon Bordeaux is its easy maintenance and care, which any homeowner loves to see in a countertop material. As a natural stone, Typhoon Bordeaux is resistant to scratches and will last indefinitely, and its everyday upkeep involves a few simple swipes with a cotton cloth, some tepid water and a small amount of dish detergent. Sealing will be required to maintain the beauty of this natural stone and increase its longevity and stability, which means at least scheduling a once a year sealing to ensure performance and long-life.

You should fall in love with all the remarkable features that Typhoon Bordeaux Granite offers, particularly if you want a kitchen area or other space to come alive with both color and motion. Amazing and breathtaking colors in this type of granite and the patterns created can entice anyone, but if you want further information as to how Typhoon Bordeaux is going to look and fit in with your lifestyle, complete the online contact form and an expert will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Types of Granite Countertops For Your Home

Types of Granite Countertops For Your Home

Granite is a lovely stone. It can produce such beautiful grains and patterns, it’s durable, easy to keep clean. It’s one of the more affordable natural stone finishes as well, which means that while it’s not exactly cheap, it’s a frugal choice to finish a bathroom or kitchen with this material due to its staying power.

When most people imagine granite, they picture a grainy, smooth reddish or brownish stone – some of the more common varieties. However, there are actually many types of granite, colors of granite and styles of edge finishing for this stone. Granite is a whole world of variety and intricacy that is usually only known to contractors, stone experts and, oddly enough, archaeologists.
If you’re interested in granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, first of all, congratulations on choosing an excellent stone that’s an even balance of easy maintenance, beauty and affordability. Second of all, why not take a moment to learn about the various types, colors and finishing styles of this stone before even shopping? Enjoy surprising your contractor and stone worker with your extensive knowledge of this material. Save yourself time by being informed, and knowing which type you want right out of the gate.

First, let’s look at the types of granite and granite colors.

White Granite

White granite provide a more brightly-lit and clean/fresh vibe for your kitchen or bathroom, and being such a neutral color, can honestly work for most color schemes easily enough. It tends to have a milky tone, with the darker grains having a higher contrast as a result.

This has a mild disadvantage of being harder to clean due to the grains camouflaging things, but that can also hide a multitude of sins!

Moon White Granite

Moon white granite is one of the more common white granites, and is the pattern most imitated by synthetics. It has a peppered grain of whites, blacks and grays, which is easy to maintain, matches most tastes and can last eons.

Bianco Antico

Bianco antico has softer grain s of whites and gray or rusty hues, creating an etched or blotched appearance that’s more closely associated with antiquity. It can add a classic, fancier vibe to a kitchen or bathroom, and has a warmer vibe to it. It’s quite stunning and only seeing it in person can justify the description.

River White Granite

River white granite can only be described as gentle and flowing, with long streaks of gray on white, with flecks of usually reddish grain. It provides an organic, mellow atmosphere that’s easy to clean and blends with most motifs with ease.

Black Granite

Black granite convey a “modern” chic or clean look, and also match most motifs due to being a neutral color. Black granites reduce light for softer, more earthy vibes in your kitchen or bathroom. Black granite seems to come and go as far as popularity, being very big in the 80s and now making a large comeback.

Black Galaxy Granite

Like moon white, black galaxy is the most-imitated black granite pattern. This simple, tasteful stone is jet black with speckles of creams and whites, producing a professional, clean appearance that’s easy to clean and is unassuming and understated but quite stunning nonetheless.

Black Pearl Granite

This one tells a story as you scrutinize it. At first glance, it seems to have almost no graining to it at all, despite feeling welcoming and attractive. Upon a moment of study, the faint lighter grays reveal themselves in stages, adding an increasing intricacy to the countertop that can actually be almost hypnotic.

Uba Tuba Granite

Amusing name aside, uba tuba is the best of both worlds as black granite goes. Initially, it just feels like black galaxy, but as you study it, lesser swaths of darker grains reveal themselves, allowing for an initially stunning but continually surprising appearance.

Gold and Brown Granite

These are what most people actually think of when they picture granite in their mind’s eye. While many of these tend to honestly seem redder than brown or gold, they’re quite beautiful. The downside is, being less neutral, they’re less diverse as far as motifs are concerned.

Baltic Brown Granite

This is probably the granite most people think of, with its bubbly brownish red and black grains which are classic and appealing. You can stare at these forever, finding interesting new shapes and recognizable images not unlike watching complex clouds on a sunny day.

New Venetian Gold Granite

A lighter, streakier mix of browns, blacks and reddish cream colors, this is ideal for lighter kitchen or bathroom motifs. It’s also classic, with its warm and fresh appearance, and can extend the natural levels of sunlight organically.

Tan Brown Granite

Like Baltic, this has a somewhat bubbly, deep grain of dark reddish brown and black, excellent for rustic country kitchens or to accent ambient, earth-toned environments.

Gray Granite

These are sometimes mistaken for quartzite or marble due to their mix of black and gray. These are classic, often imitated and really fit with any environment, providing an elegance and neutrality other stones don’t.

New Caledonia Granite

This is very commonly imitated in synthetics, with its salt and pepper appearance of off white, gray and black speckling. If you want a contrasting, yet understated, lighter appearance, this is a good granite to go with.

Steel Gray Granite

This one is best described as a black and white image of nebulae or other space phenomena. Black with blotches of high-contrast gray and off-white, this one adds excellent contrast to lighter kitchens, or to compliment more softly-lit, ambient environments. It’s become a bit cliché, but is also regaining popularity.

Granite Edges

Now that you’re familiar with the more common types and colors out there, it’s time to decide what kind of edge you want. There are a few to look into:

  • Waterfall – Waterfall edges continue the material down the sides of the counters. This best suits islands or countertops that don’t end at walls. It’s pricier, due to the amount of material used.
  • Eased – This is the classic rounded edge that produces a soft, organic feel.
  • Straight – This is the traditional right-angle edging that’s honestly the easiest to produce and is therefore the most affordable. It’s common, but attractive.
  • Beveled – Beveled produces a modern appearance, using 45-degree angles rather than an eased curve or a straight edge. It’s not that popular as of now, but makes an attractive statement.
  • Ogee – This is a complex, harder-to-clean approach, with an eased groove at the base. It adds texture and personality, and can be quite nice, if you don’t mind cleaning it.
  • Bullnose – This produces a thinner appearance by shortening and rounding the edges. It’s honestly a difficult style to describe, but it does produce a distinct look that’s modern and sleek.

A final Note

You’ll find that there are also grades of granite, and some stones labeled as granite might actually be quartzite or a blend. There are distinct differences in these, that make for a whole thesis on their own.

To learn about these and more facts about residential stone work, fill out our contact form below and let us educate you in this fascinating material!

What I Wish Everyone Knew About Giallo Ornamental Granite

As a natural stone, granite can take your breath away in its warmth and innate beauty. From a practical standpoint, granite is a material that has stood the test of time and has been utilized in the past, and the present, to enhance and enrich almost any home. Designers love it for its versatility, and builders and contractors like it for its solidness and durability, but like any material, it has its range of high-end to medium and lower range product lines. So, where does Giallo Ornamental Granite fit in that range, and what is it that everyone should know about Giallo granite?

Giallo Origins

Giallo, which is sometimes known as Giallo Santo Granite, as well as a number of other “Ornamental” names, is a natural stone mined in Brazil. It has become one of the most prominent styles of granite in use today, and it can be used on floors, in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas.

Colors and Textures

What many people might not realize about Giallo is that it is categorized as a white granite, and it is widely used by designers in small spaces to enlarge them and create a feeling of openness and spaciousness. A kitchen is particularly well-suited for Giallo as the light and reflection that is created from it provides a welcoming environment, plus it makes food preparation and eating more enjoyable. Whether a room needs more or less light, Giallo Ornamental Granite is able to compensate for any light deficiencies in most any area where it is used. This aspect of light is another element of Giallo that homeowners might not know about or realize.

Though Giallo granite is considered a white granite, it varies in its patterns, colors and textural aspects. Cream and gold-like shades and beige colors predominate, but the stone’s base is still white with other integrated elements within it that can produce textural aspects, such as flecks and specks of brown, gray or bronze that occur within a Giallo slab.

Another positive attribute with the white background and more neutral color combinations running through Giallo granite is its uniform color balance that camouflages food debris, dust and even fingerprints.

Light and Dark Variants

Giallo is further distinguished by its lighter and darker versions. Giallo dark is composed of white bedrock that has flecks and specks that are a deep brown color that appear more black than brown. The lighter variety has more cream as a base with lighter brown specks. With both light and dark variants of Giallo granite, the slab is always going to reflect something different in both lighter and darker choices, so that is another reason to know and understand Giallo granite.

Veining

Veining is another more obscured aspect with Giallo granite, as the subtlety of veining sometimes escapes those looking for vein patterns in a beige and creamy base. Slight variations such as veining are going to be faint as are other slight distinctions with Giallo slab colors that contain gray honey, brown or golden hues.

All of the variations within the darker, lighter and traditional white granite are the result of mineral formation throughout Giallo granite slabs. That is why it is a must to ask for samples of lighter and darker versions of Giallo to determine what slab choices and elements within a slab are going to coordinate best with kitchen and bathroom areas along with the furnishings, flooring and lighting in those spaces.

Giallo Maintenance

Another important thing to know and note about Giallo Ornamental Granite is its resistance to stains and scratches and its ability to obscure food debris and fingerprints. Initial sealing, and subsequent yearly sealing, will help maintain Giallo granite, which inhibits absorption of moisture. Everyday cleaning is going to be fairly easy. All it takes to keep the countertop clean is a simple swipe of a cloth across its surface along with a little warm water and a watered down mild dish detergent. A final swipe with a dry white cloth should complete the process.

The beauty, refinement and warmth of Giallo coupled with its toughness, strength, durability and limited upkeep should be enough to convince any homeowner, designer and builder to utilize Giallo. If you want to know even more about this beautiful Ornamental granite, simply complete the online contact form and an expert will get back to you with the information you need. Giallo just might be one of the best granite selections you could possibly own.

Here’s What No One Tells You About Super White Quartzite

Here's What No One Tells You About Super White Quartzite

More natural looking stone countertops are definitely the trend today and Super White Quartzite is no exception, as designers and homeowners are enthralled with its fashionable and refined look. They also like the idea that this natural stone is durable as well as easy to maintain.

Different Names

Besides its beauty, sophistication and ease of care, what is it about Super White Quartzite that makes it the type of stone that it is, and what is it that goes unsaid about this stone? It has a number of different names, such as Super White Marble, American Marble, dolomite, or Super White Granite. It may appear like marble and have the toughness of granite, but Super White falls in neither category.

Comparisons

In opposition to Super White Quartzite, quartz is a man-made, engineered rock, and granite is an igneous felsic rock that is rich in feldspar and silicon, while marble is also a metaphoric rock, but is not as hard as Super White.

Super White Characteristics

Super White is considered a natural stone and is classified as dolomitic (clear mineral that consists of calcium and magnesium), which makes it a hard, metamorphic rock that has been formed through intense heat caused by lava or molten rock (magma). It is made up of quartz and metamorphosed limestone. White quartzite was at one time pure quartz sandstone, the sandstone was transformed to quartzite by heat and pressure.

As a non-foliated rock, Super White’s structure is based on the forced entrance of igneous elements that bring a high temperature along with a fairly low pressure to the formation of the stone, which is balanced out in every direction within the stone. This action causes any primary minerals within the rock to recrystallize and become larger, which makes the rock solidly packed and decidedly dense.

Colors and Texture

In its pure form, quartzite is usually white or gray in color and can also occur in shades of pink and red because of infusion of iron oxide. There are other colors from yellow to green to blue, and even orange, which occur because of impurities from other minerals. Quartzite’s hardness is unprecedented as it measures 8-10 on a Mohs hardness scale, which means it is tough and hard enough to cut glass.

Super White’s texture is often composed of small penetrating veins that can be light or dark in color with varying shades of beige to gray. When it is pure, Super White can be as white as marble, but the impurities in the stone provide the intricate patterns and spirals that occur.

In making comparison with other natural and man-made stones, it is easy to see why Super White Quartzite can be mistaken for marble, quartz and even granite, but there are distinguishing differences in the mineral makeup of quartzite and that is what consumers and homeowners are missing. Its hardness, durability, and beauty alone should be enough for anyone to realize Super White’s true value for use in so many varying applications. If you are still unsure as to what makes quartzite different and want to know more, complete the online contact form, and a specialist will get back to you with the information you need.

Learn The Difference Between Chrome, Nickel & Stainless Steel Cabinet Hardware

Learn The Difference Between Chrome, Nickel & Stainless Steel Cabinet Hardware

Your kitchen is one of the most important areas of your home. It’s a social gathering place for your family, often the same for company when they visit, and it’s where you spend much of your free time as you prepare meals, and much more. This is one of the reasons why a kitchen is a make or break factor in the value of a home, and is often one of the first things to be remodeled when making your home truly yours.

However, when one thinks about remodeling the kitchen, they often think about their cabinets, countertops and appliances. People often overlook the significance of cabinet hardware itself, and the difference a simple change of this can make in the overall atmosphere, personality and value of a kitchen.

So, what do we mean by cabinet hardware exactly? We obviously don’t mean the physical cabinets themselves, which are a whole other ball game. We’re actually referring to the knobs, hinges, frames and handles attached to your cabinets. These are obviously very functionally important, but people often underestimate the importance of the materials you choose for this, as well as the complementing aesthetic to go with the rest of your kitchen’s motif.

There are an infinite number of styles when it comes to cabinet hardware, and it’s entirely possible to mix and match these to great effect. However, regardless of the general aesthetic style you choose, you find yourself presented with three basic choices when it comes to base material. These are from, nickel, and stainless steel.

In the past, there have been a great many other popular materials such as brass, iron, and even wood. However, these materials are susceptible to wear and tear, especially wood.

So, which of these three modern materials is best for you? Well, there’s no one right answer to that question. Let’s take a look at all three, and weigh their pros and cons, and with that information, hopefully you can determine which of these is best for your specific needs.

Nickel

Nickel

Nickel, as a material, is often misunderstood. Few if any examples of cabinet hardware are solid nickel, as it’s not a very practical metal in its pure state. It has, however, long been used as a plating material to cover something composed of a different metal base. This is in fact why the American five cent coin has colloquially come to be known as a nickel – traditionally, this coin has been plated with nickel, with copper or steel as a base depending on time period.

Nickel cabinet hardware can take on a variety of appearances from a smooth polish, a modern brushed aesthetic, or an antiqued, faded and aged appearance. When it comes to styles, it’s probably one of the more diverse of the choices as a result.

However, it’s not as durable as something like stainless steel. It can flake, it can scratch, and in some cases, it can even be corroded depending on what it’s been exposed to. This means that if durability and longevity are your primary concerns, you may not want to consider nickel.

Aside from these vulnerabilities, nickel is best suited in either contrasting kitchens where darker cabinets are countertops are present, or complementing lighter, softer and warmer kitchens. With its ability to take on a silvery or coppery tone, it’s a popular choice when going for a more traditional or country style of kitchen.

Chrome

Chrome

Like nickel, chrome is a composite material. It’s usually a or iron plated with chromium. Unlike nickel, chrome is less diverse in the appearances that it can take on. When people think of chrome, they think of gleaming, polished and shiny metal. It was once a very popular material for the trim of vehicles for this reason.

Chrome is less susceptible to corrosion, but the plating can peel and flake over time. The biggest problem with chrome, however, is the difficulty involved in removing stains, tarnishing and fingerprints. It takes quite a bit of effort to buff and polish chrome fixtures and cabinet hardware. This has been one of the larger contributors to its decline in popularity in recent times.

Despite being largely less popular than the other materials at the moment, it does have its appeal. It can achieve a distinct modern and contemporary look, and does complement lighter, area and highly sunlit kitchens where it can blend in naturally.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is different in its composition from the other two. It’s usually a steel alloy reinforced with chromium or nickel to add to its durability and resistance to chemical influences. Stainless steel is lightweight, durable and probably one of the more affordable materials as well.

Stainless does have a distinct look, being soft and reflective, sometimes brushed. It doesn’t have the gleam associated with chrome, nor does it have the versatility and appearance possible with nickel.

The advantage of stainless is obvious in its very name. It doesn’t flake, it’s very easy to clean, it doesn’t tarnish nor corrode under normal circumstances. This means that of the materials, it has the greatest longevity. The trade-off is that it doesn’t really fit in to quite as many diverse styles of kitchen due to its distinct look.

Stainless steel is often associated with contemporary kitchens, due in large part to the popular styles of kitchen hardware as far as form factor goes when using this material. However, don’t let that rule it out if you’re going for a traditional kitchen. It’s entirely possible to blend durable, attractive stainless steel cabinet hardware into a traditional kitchen if you choose the proper style of handles, and have the right color coordination for it to blend nicely. A complementing kitchen with warmer earth tones has been known to work quite well with this.

To learn more about the importance of your cabinet hardware, and how to best coordinate it with your planned kitchen, fill out our contact form. We love to tell you about the many popular styles of cabinet hardware, and the plethora of other, novel and modern materials that you have to choose from. We’re here to help.

Waterfall Edge Countertop: What You Need To Know

Waterfall Edge Countertop: What You Need To Know

We all know that styles change just as much in home décor as it does with clothing, art, music or just about anything else. One of the parts of the home where this change happens faster than just about anywhere else is in a bathroom or kitchen. Styles of, countertops, motifs of color and of course the aesthetic appearance of appliances changes as easily as the winds it can seem.

However, one thing that seems to be a constant is the appeal of stone countertops, especially quartz, granite and Corian. These materials have an elegance about them, one often associated with well, sophistication and an almost paradoxical timeless modernity.

What is a waterfall edge?

What does change, however, is how these countertops are styled. In recent years, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the popularity of a unique implementation where the counter doesn’t simply stop at the edge, but on most or all sides, it continues all the way down to the floor. There’s a name for this, the waterfall edge.

This bold style isn’t just popular because it looks nice – in so many ways, it solves a lot of practical problems that you probably didn’t even realize you had.

Why you need waterfall edges:

This style, as said above, solves some practical problems you probably didn’t know you had. In the past, we’ve all just learn to live with the visibility of electrical lines, storage compartments, and other utilitarian aspects of our kitchen that were just impossible to effectively hide.

Previously, attempts to get around this has been accomplished by encasing things like kitchen islands in wood, but this material very easy to damage, and the aesthetic it produces has been in style for several decades now. However, waterfall edges your countertops, especially when it comes to your kitchen island, solve this problem while being durable, elegant and pleasing.
When using a particularly durable material, they also provide extra protection.

The best material for your waterfall edge:

You’re going to want a very durable, low maintenance material for this. While Corian is a suitable material, it is somewhat more fragile than natural stone, and is susceptible to scratching which means that while it is an option, and an affordable one at that, it’s probably not the most ideal.

Granite and marble are more durable than Corian, but are still porous, and susceptible to chipping and etching, meaning when they’re practically walls as they are with waterfall edges, they’re still not the most ideal solution.

Quartz is a completely different animal. This silica stone is incredibly hard, doesn’t easily scratch, and isn’t porous enough to be easily stained. As a result, while it’s the most expensive of the three most popular materials, it’s also the most ideal for this particular style.

Is this expensive?

Of course, any practical homeowner is going to immediately want to know how much more expensive this modern style is going to be. Sadly, it’s impossible to give a definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a great many factors. At the end of the day, additional materials result in additional costs, so you can of course expect to pay more for a waterfall edge than for standard styles of countertop. Other factors such as surface area needed, material being used etc. play heavily into this, which is why there’s no one answer to this question.

Also, possibly more importantly, the higher-quality installation services will cost more as well. However, you don’t want to cut corners on this. You want a skilled expert who understands not just the material, but how to preserve the integrity of the stone, install it in a way that it will remain firmly in place, and achieve the aesthetic you’re seeking.

To learn all about waterfall edges, a host of other material choices, and many other equally bold and beautiful styles of countertop, fill out our contact form. We’re all about helping you achieve that dream kitchen you’ve always wanted, without bankrupting you in the process.

Which Types of Wood Look Best with Espresso Stain?

Which Types of Wood Look Best with Espresso Stain?

Staining wood is usually pretty cut and dried, and you would think that any type of wood could take a stain whether light or dark in color, but problems can arise when you are thinking of staining your wood cabinets in a darker stain, like espresso. You will want to make a specific wood cabinet choice and stain that will provide a good outcome.

Wood Processing Overview from Tree to Wood

With wood being an inconsistent type of material, its contents were once obviously part of a tree that lived in line with how much water it took in as well as the number of nutrients it was able to absorb, along with its exposure to different kinds of environmental conditions, plant diseases and damaging insects. That tree had to fight those forces that came against it in order to survive.

During its growing and survival process, the grains within the tree were developing and changing on a seasonal and yearly basis. The tree was also subject to malformations and bending through wind and other situations that probably modified it during its final growing and living stages, which determined its final outcome and eventual removal for use as a wood product.

Once a tree has been harvested and submitted to the various processes of milling, curing and drying, the wood species itself will exhibit different features and characteristics that will determine the effects of any type of stain used on it, particularly for a cabinet or other type of furniture piece. So, exactly what are the precise factors that determine how different types of wood will accept a stain?

Reaction of Wood Species to Different Stains

Moisture/Humidity

Even though wood goes through a drying process and its inner moisture or humidity levels are at an acceptable level (six to eight percent), that level can fluctuate in relation to storage and moisture levels in different areas and regions. A wood with less moisture is going to absorb stain more quickly, while one that is less dry will absorb less stain and be lighter in color.

Wood Absorbency or Porosity

Since wood has pores, and the larger those pores are in relation to a particular type of wood, the more the piece of wood will take a darker stain and absorb it; whereas, a wood type with smaller and more constricted pores will take less stain.

Color

Actual wood color of a specific species will also make a difference in acceptance of a stain. Woods that are light in color will absorb a stain more quickly as well as take it in faster. In contrast, a darker wood will take in less of a stain.

Types of Wood for Dark Stains

There are three types of wood that are more accepting of darker stains. They include:

Cherry – Though cherry wood is dark to begin with, it does contain a grain that is less noticeable, which makes it a good candidate for a stain like espresso. A dark stain will somewhat dull the original shiny appearance of cherry, but it will give a deeper color and texture that is conducive to more modern kitchen cabinet designs.

Hard Maple – This type of maple is the top choice for boosting the appearance of an espresso stain. Hard maple has the perfect color and textural aspects that can absorb an espresso stain at the right level, which results in a rich and deep brown appearance. Since the maple is a lighter wood, it is more conducive to accommodating a darker stain like espresso.

Red Oak – This wood species is comparable to cherry in its more glowing finish, and it is also affected by a darker stain. Red oak does exhibit a noticeable grain that provides a consistency that is enhanced with a darker stain such as espresso. There is, of course, a red coloration with this type of oak which will bring about more of a brown espresso along with red tinges.

If you are interested in using a darker stain like espresso on your kitchen cabinets but are still unsure what type of wood you want to use with it, complete the online contact form and an expert in darker stains will get back to you with the best choices available to you. You can find the right stain to enrich your cabinets and the appearance of your kitchen.

Corian vs Quartz vs Granite: Countertop Showdown

Corian vs Quartz vs Granite_ Countertop Showdown

In modern times, the quality of your kitchen can be a real make or break factor in the value of your house and how quickly it can sell. But, let’s not forget that the resale value of the house isn’t the only important thing when it’s time to update your kitchen. Most people who are renovating their kitchen are doing so for their own use, so when you make important choices, it’s actually far more important that they meet your needs and tastes above and beyond any resale value they may contribute.

Modernly, there are three popular materials for kitchen countertops. No, Formica isn’t one of them – today, it’s all about quartz, granite or Corian. These durable, smooth, elegant materials at a sense of opulence and timelessness to your kitchen unmatched by any other synthetic material on the market. But, which one of these is best for you?

In reality, it’s all about what your goals and priorities are when it comes to updating your kitchen. Are you looking for the optimal luxury, the optimal durability and ease of maintenance, or the most affordability for your project? The fact of the matter is, depending on which of these is more important, the right material will vary greatly.

Below, were going to tackle each of these different goals, and weigh out which of the three stands out the most in that category. The results may surprise you a little in some cases. First, though, this take a brief moment to look over what these materials are on a fundamental level.

Granite and quartz are natural, hard silicate stones containing significant amounts of crystalline material. This crystalline material, known as grains or veins, is what adds that distinctive pattern we all associate with them, as well as other stones such as marble.

Corian is a different concept altogether, being an acrylic manufactured by mixing and compressing various minerals together through some unique processes that are a bit too complicated to get into here. It is, by all intents and purposes, artificial granite or quartz essentially. However, unlike other synthetics, it’s extremely durable and can be rather hard to tell apart from natural stone unless you really know what you’re looking for.

For Luxury and Opulence:

Stereotypically, granted is associated with the homes of the wealthy, due largely to its very prohibitive price in the past. Quartz, due mostly to its visual similarities to marble or granite, has no such stereotype associated with it despite its equally common use in wealthier homes in the past.

Corian is comparatively newer due to being an invented synthetic, but visually, it is strikingly similar to the other two materials, meaning that that same opulence aesthetic can be achieved.
They all create the same sleek, trim and streamlined look, and coordinate excellently with just about any type of cabinets, providing the colors complement or contrast properly.

The winner for luxury and opulence – a three-way tie.

For Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting Durability:

One of the big reasons these materials have become popular despite some of them being costly is there durability. If your kitchen is a busy place, you’re going to want countertops they can withstand a lot of abuse, as well as a lot Of muck that may be present for quite some time before you have a chance to clean it off.

There are basically two factors that determine how durable as materials are – their hardness and how porous they are.

Quartz is an extremely hard material, few other stones aside from diamonds are much harder. It’s not remotely porous, and is pretty much impossible to etch, meaning no scratches, cracks or chips are going to form in a quartz countertop unless you take a jackhammer to it – and good luck even then!

Granite is also very hard, but it’s a rather porous material, meaning that it will stain more easily, and is more susceptible to scratches and cracks. This means it will have to be cleaned more regularly, and you will have to be sure to use cutting boards when preparing food on granite.

Corian isn’t quite as hard as quartz or granite, but it has an excellent resistance to heat and scratching due to the process through which it’s made preventing it from being porous and creating a unique molecular structure internally. It can scratch, but unlike granite, he scratches can be buffed out with minimal effort.

The winner for low maintenance and long-lasting durability – quartz.

Going Green:

Of course, we all want to be environmentally sound when choosing the materials for our homes. No one in modern times is going to argue that we are having a significant impact on our planet, and it has never been more important to bear that in mind. Any natural stone has to be quarried, which has a lasting effect on the local environment where it’s mined.
Quartz is usually mind locally in the United States, where strict regulations prevent excess use of chemical or fossil fuels, and strict environmental practices are enforced in choosing mining sites, as well as reducing impact by filling in and reforesting depleted areas. It’s also one of the most common hard minerals in existence, making it easy to find environmentally sound locations from which to extract it.

Corian does not have to be mined, as it’s a manufactured, synthetic material. The minerals used in its creation are all normally considered waste products from other processes, meaning that in a sense, it’s a smart form of recycling. However, some of the chemicals used in the creation process can be rather nasty, and if not disposed of properly, can be very toxic to the local ecosystem. This doesn’t mean that Corian isn’t environmentally sound, but if this is a significant factor in your choice of materials, be sure to investigate the manufacturer and their practices when going with Corian.

Granite is harder to come by, and much more difficult to mine. It also often has to be shipped from very distant locations, which not only makes it more expensive, but requires much more use of fossil fuels to transport it. Frankly, granite is not a very environmentally sound material, though even it is receiving a lot of reforms.

The winner for going green – quartz yet again.

For Affordability:

Of course, most people are going to be concerned above all with their budget. Only the wealthy can prioritize opulence or durability over cost, especially in this economy.
Despite being more locally mined, quartz tends to be ready expensive due to how hard the material is, therefore how heavy it is and difficult to cut it can be.
Granite is only marginally softer than quartz, and while it has to be shipped from farther away, it’s a little cheaper, though it still a costly material.
Corian is generally very inexpensive, due to being a synthetic, the materials for which are themselves rather affordable.

The winner for affordability – Corian.

Obviously, quartz has a lot of strong points going for it, while granite has its appeal as well. For those on a budget, Corian is hands-down the easiest decision to make. However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing your countertop material, and there are plenty of other types of stone and material out there to choose from. Fill out our contact form, so we can help inform you in even greater depth as to what materials might be right for you.

Is A Kitchen Desk A Smart Solution?

Is A Kitchen Desk A Smart Solution_

If you work from home or know someone who does, you know how difficult it is to juggle a home business workload without having to hop from room to room to find what you need to get through a work day.

With so many more people working from home these days and possibly commuting a few days a week as well, an in-home office has become almost a necessity for getting things done and tying up loose ends.

An office in a home was once thought of as a luxury but now it is more commonplace. Instead of a separate room in a large house, a home office is now usually situated in an area that is more conducive to other activities, which often turns out to be the kitchen. If a home doesn’t have a spare room or designated spot where there is access to a message board, an internet connection or charging capacities for iPhones, tablets, games, laptops and other devices, it is definitely going to be harder for any type of office to run smoothly.

Kitchen Designation

A kitchen office with a desk is a smart solution for any of your business and family needs, especially if there is no other area in your home that can function as an office. It is a good space to easily set up a kitchen desk, or a designated spot for a built-in with a desk, drawers, shelving, and a place for charging and posting messages and other information. Most modular desk sets come with sufficient power strips incorporated within them that are easily accessed for use with a number of gadgets. In addition, a built-in or modular setup will allow for protection of the various items that require charging from being exposed to kitchen grease, moisture and everyday spills, which can happen when different devices are charging on a countertop.

Kitchen Homework

A kitchen office also helps to facilitate homework completion. Placing food products on shelves and preparing food usually coincides with children completing school assignments, so it is a good place to both get food ready for dinner and monitor homework tasks. With a designated spot for homework activities, children are more likely to stay on task as well as ask questions if they need help with homework.

Easy to Stay Organized

A kitchen desk can be specifically designed to meet your needs and, at the same time, keep you organized. When kitchen countertops are used to store office related paperwork and personal items, things can quickly get jumbled, misplaced and piled under mounds of paper. It can be easy to stay organized when there is a central area in a kitchen that is set aside for only office related materials and devices.

Also, with an office being located in the kitchen, it is easier to check on last minute work details as well as watch what’s cooking on the stove without the worries of ruining breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Drawbacks

There are drawbacks to utilizing a kitchen area as an office, particularly if a kitchen is smaller or the space available simply can’t accommodate a built-in office or modular arrangement. Too close of a fit can have everyone running into one another while trying to use the space at the same time.

Another problem is the possible mess from food debris, spitting oil, spilled drinks and food odors. Any desk area should definitely be situated away from a stove, microwave, sink and countertops. A poorly designed office area can definitely play havoc with office and school paperwork being soiled and damaged.

Added clutter in a desk area can easily pile up and create problems. If a desk isn’t designed right or made roomy enough for filing away materials and personal items, the paperwork can quickly accumulate. Limited drawer space and a lack of a closed off area for storage can make it difficult to deal with clutter overload.

If you are thinking about setting up a home office in your kitchen area but aren’t sure how to go about it, complete the online contact form and an expert in office design will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Practical Tips for Matching Your Countertop and Cabinet

Practical Tips for Matching Your Countertop and Cabinet

The housing market has changed a lot in recent history, some of this due in no small part to the fluctuations in the market itself. However, as the market takes an upswing, a common practice in modern times is to put a lot of work into upgrading the kitchen. A well appointed, spacious and attractive kitchen can be a make or break factor in the value of the house and its ability to sell quickly.

One of the things that goes out of style more quickly than anything else, aside from appliances perhaps, or cabinets and countertops. A quick look through all their television shows, or a simple archive of home photos shows how rapidly the aesthetic and these can change. However, when material that has never gone out of style is granite or marble, which are classic, enduring and associated with elegance and opulence.

However, it can seem pretty tricky to match your marble or granite countertop to your cabinets. Of course, there’s more to it than simple color coordination, because nothing’s ever that easy, now is it? The truth of the matter is, it’s not actually as difficult as it can seem. In actuality, there are two methods for coordination, and their rather simple concepts both with unique personalities.

Complementing

The more common, default approach is complementing. A complementary kitchen is one in which the caller of the cabinets and the countertops are similar shades of a shared base color, or a very similar color. Prime examples of this would be a mild cold granite paired with a light maple or hickory set of cabinets.

Another prime example would be a soft cream paired with a bold cherry or walnut cabinet. This approach creates a unified, gradient look based around a standard color or set of similar colors, often resulting in a mellow, toned down result. These are best suited for kitchens they get a lot of natural light, and are part of a home that goes for an overall more timeless aesthetic in general.
Most whom observed a complementary kitchen would describe it as either mellow, soothing or relaxed. Others have described this as warm.

Contrasting

A contrasting kitchen takes the opposite approach. With this style, distinctly different yet complementing colors are chosen that really stand out next to each other. A prime example of this would be an off black paint for your cabinets paired with a lighter quartz or pale marble countertop.

This sort of motif is often described as more modern, energetic and playful. Some have described it as having a stronger sense of cleanliness, with cooler undertones. This is more ideal where a lot more artificial light is used, or in-house is going for a more modern overall feel.

Other Considerations

Those feeling a bit more adventurous can get a little more in depth with their pairings, complementing or contrasting specific elements of the and/or the countertop. These subtler details can include the green or pattern in the granite, marble or quartz used, or the grain of wood in the cabinets. It’s actually entirely possible to both complement and contrasts in the kitchen by mixing a complementary or contrasting base color for the cabinets and countertops, while doing the opposite with the grains of one or both.

When done right, this can create an interesting synergy where a modern feel can be achieved with some warmth and timelessness at the same time, and working well with both natural and artificial light equally. This can be tricky to do, but it’s worth it if you can pull it off.

A Few Tips

  • – If you’re simply choosing a new countertop, and are happy with your cabinets, simply bring a drawer from your set with you when you go to shop for your stone. You can easily compare this with the available stones at your local fabricator to come to a combination you find appealing.
  • – Don’t hesitate to ask your stone fabricator for help, there vast knowledge of stone goes above and beyond just materials, cutting and production. They know how the stone is meant to function in a home, and they know what looks good.
  • – If you already have your granite, but need to choose a new set of cabinets, bite the bullet and order plenty of samples. They may add to your overall cost a little bit, but the accuracy with which you can coordinate and match both your countertop in your cabinets through this method are well worth it.
  • – Trust yourself, you may think you don’t have a lot of knowledge about home decoration, you may question your own personal tastes, but at the end of the day, most people have pretty good sense when it comes to color coordination. If you, and your family thinks it looks good, it probably does.

To learn more about this and many other home renovation and home improvement techniques, fill out our contact form, we’re happy to help you and provide you with many great specific examples of how these various styles of been implemented.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Popular Countertop Materials?

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Popular Countertop Materials?

Any homeowner would like their countertops to last forever and there are material choices available that are more lasting than others. Depending on lifestyle needs, personal taste and budgeting priorities, choosing a longer lasting countertop material doesn’t have to be a hard decision. With the selections available today, there are materials with proven longevity.

Surveys for Longevity

Several surveys have been completed concerning the longevity of various countertop materials, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have found through their studies and research that life expectancy of any countertop material depends on its durability and maintenance.

So, if you have limited time for countertop upkeep and want a maintenance free kind of countertop, it might be wise to take a look at some longevity findings and characteristics of different countertop materials. Keep in mind what purpose you want your kitchen countertops to serve, along with a budget plan. Whether you are planning on selling your home, remodeling it for yourself, or just desiring an updated look, the following life expectancy figures should be of help.

Life Expectancy of Popular Countertop Materials

  • Concrete – 50 Years
  • Cultured Marble – 20 Years
  • Natural Stone – 100 Years
  • Laminate – 20-30 Years
  • Resin – 10 Years
  • Tile – 100 Years
  • Wood – 100 Years

Natural Stone

In looking at natural stone countertop choices, like granite, marble, and quartz, the ratings for longevity are a lifetime to 100 plus years. They are more expensive than other countertop choices, and poor maintenance and wear can create issues. Granite and marble are heat and crack resistant, but they are porous, which means they are susceptible to food and oil stains as well as bacteria build up from food and dirty cleaning cloths and sponges. Both granite and marble require sealing and polishing on a regular basis to maintain their longevity. Most stone surfaces can be brought back to life through professional refinishing. Quartz countertop materials are usually hardened through resin binders that help with wear, bacteria, abrasives and food and drink acids.

Tile

Tile countertops are also given a lifetime to 100 plus years longevity rating, and tile use covers almost any countertop taste from modern to traditional to classic and with the any selections, there is an infusion of creativity with colors, shapes and designs. Tile costs can be moderate to minimal depending on the type of tile used. Whether stone, ceramic, or porcelain, savings can be attained through do-it-yourself installations. Porcelain tiles will be more resilient than ceramic, while anything stone will be even more durable. With stone’s porosity, sealing and polishing will be necessary and if grout is utilized, sealing will also be essential.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are given a 50-year longevity rating. They can be expensive because of utilization of molds and varying color mixes. Designs and color used within the concrete, such as mosaics, metal works, small rocks and specialized color designs can all add to its expense. The toughness of a concrete surface is easy to clean, but abrasive cleaners are a no-no. Concrete can be repaired, but any glasses, dishes or any other breakables will likely not survive interaction with concrete.

Laminates

Laminate countertop designs are given a rating of 20 to 30 years. They are easy to maintain and their costs are moderate to low, and their versatility is endless, as they can often mimic stone and other high-end looks. Laminate countertops are available in wood grains, solids, textures, metallics, fibers, patterns and almost any other design. They are resistant to stains and can be easily maintained with soft sponges, mild soap and any non-acidic cleaners. If damage does occur, laminate countertops can be repaired for cracks or burn marks.

Wood

Like tile, wood countertops are assigned a lifetime to 100 years plus longevity rating. Wood can be high to moderate in total costs, which depends on the type of wood and cut used. Wood always adds warmth to a kitchen area, and countertop spaces can be easily refinished or stained for both a natural and rich look. Wood countertops do adapt well to knife and other utensil use , which makes wood a good choice for islands and chopping areas. They do, however require fast cleanup and maintenance to avoid stains from oil, grease, liquids and foods that can be quickly penetrate wood surfaces. Use of non-abrasive cleaners is recommended , particularly for any wood area that has a glossy finish.

Resin

The Resin materials that are used in solid surface acrylic countertops are longevity rated at 10 years. They are moderate in price, and the durable resins that are used in the fabrication of these countertops are resistant to stains and bacteria, but not to heat. They are easily maintained and can be repaired when needed. Resin countertops can be found in various colors, textures and patterns that are able to accommodate different edging as well.

Cultured Marble

Cultured marble is a stone replica and has a life expectancy of 20 years. It is a lower cost material that is made of a combination of crushed marble fragments and polyester resins. It has a gel coating that is resistant to mold and mildew, but not heat resistant. Cultured marble is susceptible to scratches, which can be sanded and smoothed, but this material is not the best for kitchen countertops. Any chips or cracks that occur in cultured marble cannot be repaired. In addition to a marble look, it can also be found with a granite appearance.

Countertops are a large part of what makes a kitchen usable and attractive, and they are also a large cost factor in a new kitchen, kitchen remodel or update. With the number of material choices available, a cost effective, durable and lasting countertop choice should be a homeowner’s priority. If you are unsure what way to go with a countertop material, complete the online contact form and a countertop expert will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed choice.