by aeb52298_admin | Dec 23, 2015 | Engineered Stones, Granite, Marble, Trends/ Opinions
Picking your countertop edge can be a little overwhelming for some people, especially when taking specific stones into account. When our customers are looking for edges we take three main factors into account.
- The most important factor to take into account is the type of stone. A quartz countertop (engineered countertop) can have any type of edge, expect for a rockface finish. A rockface edge is rough and have a chiseled look. Many quartz companies will not warranty the stone if this edge is used. As for the marbles and granites, different characteristics of the stone need to be taken into account. Some granites and marbles and more susceptible to chipping so an ogee edge, or an edge with a sharp point may not be recommended. If the granite or marble has a “sugar” charactertistic to it, a rockface will not be recommend as well. The potential for the countertop to break during fabrication is higher.
- The feel of the room/design. Some edges look more modern, where others have a classic look to them. A bevel edge can almost have a more modern look to it. Where the ogee or ogee stepback has a formal look, like a furniture piece.
- Lastly the budget is taken into account. In our company we have four standard edges. Built-up edges, ogees, and bullnoses are additional money due to the increased amount of labor.
So when picking your edge, make sure your fabricator or sales person helps with the process. Make sure they go over the characteristics of the stone and you understand what edges are best for the stone. They can also help you understand which may fit the room in your house.
Built up ogee step back edge on countertop
by aeb52298_admin | Dec 11, 2015 | Granite, Marble
It’s that time of year again! Everyone is coming over and surrounding your beautiful marble, granite, or quartz countertops. Food and different beverages will be passed around, but how safe is your countertop.
If you have a marble, you are probably aware of the different factors that can hurt your counter. Different foods and beverages can stain or etch your stone. In regards to the granite, it is still a natural product. Staining is not as much of problem as it is for marble. However, it is not recommend to let spilled red wine sit there for awhile. If you have overhang on your island or peninsula make sure no one is standing or sitting on it. There is not as much support at the overhangs and the countertops can break.
So what can you do to help prevent damage to your countertops?
- Check to see if your countertops need to be sealed. (QUARTZ DOES NOT NEED TO BE SEALED) It is a common misconception that granite needs to be sealed every couple months. We use high quality sealers that can last up to ten years, especially on granite. Take some water and put it on your counter. After a couple minutes if the water starts to bead then you do not need to reseal your granite or marble. If the water in being absorbed into the stone, then it needs to be sealed. If your counter needs to be sealed call your local granite fabricator. They have high quality sealers that are easy to apply.
- Make sure you have your guests use coasters, especially on the marble. The last thing you want are marks from everyone’s red wine or food.
- Do not allow anyone to sit or stand on the countertops.
- If you are using quartz make sure you are not putting hot pans directly on the surface, you run the risk of melting or damaging your counter tops.
- Sometime stains happen. If they do, call your fabricator as soon as possible. There are different products they can use to try and remove the stain.
We hope this helps during this busy time of year. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
by aeb52298_admin | Apr 19, 2014 | Engineered Stones
If you have extra time this weekend, I know not all of us do, check out this section of the Caesarstone website. It gives you the opportunity to design a kitchen using some of their stones. I think it is a great way to help people visualize their dream kitchen. It also gives you the ability to get creative and get some ideas for your own home. If you are not interested in remodeling or building it is a great way to preoccupy yourself.
http://www.caesarstoneus.com/vis/
by aeb52298_admin | Feb 25, 2013 | Trends/ Opinions
Now that the new year has set in, what will you be expecting to see as new remodeling trends? Open layouts are one of the largest trends noted by many professionals. Many remodeling projects are initiated because homeowners want to open up their homes. Many professionals say they are going into homes to remove walls and open up rooms within houses. Also, homeowners want to grow with their homes. So when building or remodeling their houses they are being conscious of the future. More specific trends we may start to see specifically is a move to a more clean and simple look, contemporary. Clutter is being cut and people are looking for clean lines and simple looks. At the same time, individuals are continuously trying to “go green,” because they are still concentrating on energy-efficient appliances and taking it a step further and using recyclable materials. Many professionals believe we will begin to see more quartz surfaces in the kitchen and Calacatta marble in the bathrooms. What are your opinions on these latest trends?
