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Onyx

Onyx

by | Nov 1, 2012 | Stones

Onyx is a stone that we just started to see a lot of people using in the last 7 years.  We have been installing it in a lot of commercial places, as shown above.  The pictures above are from two local restaurants in Buffalo New York, Sea Bar and Mike A’s Steak House.  We have also been using it in public bars, but bartenders should be aware of proper cleaning procedures and maintenance.

Soapstone

Soapstone

by | Oct 24, 2012 | Stones

 

Interesting Facts about Soap Stone:

  • Can take heat better than any other stone
  • Oil to maintain
  • Stains-but can oil the stone and it will go away
  • scratches but can lightly sand and oil and it should go away

Where people use it

  • EVERYWHERE
  • Public bars
  • Patios-especially around fire pits
  • Kitchens

Soap stone is a nice option if you do not like the look of granite.  It can bring a more rustic look to you house, and it is a different texture.

Is this good work?

Is this good work?

by | Oct 18, 2012 | Tips, Uncategorized

There are an ever increasing amount of people trying to break into the granite industry, and they will all tell you they are the best.  So how do you really know who is telling the truth?  Here are some tips to looks for when deciding who should fabricate your counter tops.

  1. Cheapest does not mean it is the best.  Usually there is a reason why they are cheaper.
  2. Do they explain the different characteristics of each stone to you.  They should know which stones will work better outside, or will hold with less supports.
  3. You should check out other jobs to see their joints.- a seam or joint should be less than 1/16 and should blend in with the counter top
  4. Did they check for level-A good fabricator and installer will check your cabinets for levelness-if they are not level there is the ability for the granite to crack
  5. Did they match the direction of the grain and did the kitchen come from the same slab and lot.-Some fabricators will not match the direction of the “pattern” therefore they may clash.  Also if more than one slab of granite is needed make sure they match, because the next lot may be slightly different.
  6. Is the bottom polished?-Many fabricators do not polish underneath the counter top, but they should because people could feel it.
  7. Do they “man up” to their mistakes. -Sometimes mistakes happen, but the way a company handles them can say a lot.

Hopefully these tips will help you find a high quality fabricator.

Going Green

by | Oct 11, 2012 | Engineered Stones, Trends/ Opinions, Uncategorized

A stone that we just started selling within the last couple years is called Ice Stone.  Ice Stone is a mixture between recycled glass and a cement composition.  Recycling has become even more important within the last ten years, especially with the Green Movement.

What exactly does a recycled glass counter top look like?  It looks a lot like CaesarStone, but has glass pieces throughout the stone.  It comes in a variety of colors from reds, whites, and even blues.  As one could imagine it does not look very natural.  IceStone does not look like granite, but I do not think it is intended to.  IceStone is good for people who are scared by the movement of granite and marble.  Also, it is good for people who have a hard time knowing that every slab is different.  IceStone, much like CaesarStone, is very consistent.  What you see, is what you get.  Whereas granites and marbles have variation in the slabs. Two slabs of marble may look different even if they are the same type.

IceStone has not been a huge trend here in Buffalo, New York.  I am not sure if it due to lack of awareness, or if people prefer the natural stone.  What do you think?  Would you use it?

www.icestoneusa.com