Posted by Beth Jackson on Mon, Mar 08, 2010 @ 08:17 AM
Kitchen countertops
By: Bob Faust
Mainstream countertop options can be summed up into one of four popular countertop choices:
Laminate
Solid surface
Quartz (engineered stone)
Granite
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertop, with such brand names as Formica, is the least expensive surface available and is usually done in one of two types: Preform and Custom. The perform countertops are prebuilt, usually in 8 ft lengths and are simply cut to size and installed. Custom laminate countertops are slightly more expensive as the wooden top is constructed and a laminate veneer is then applied. The cost is probably the best feature of this product. Entire laminate countertop kitchens can be done for several hundreds of dollars. The look of a laminate countertop is usually dull and basic, not to mention the visible seams that can be found. It is also not very durable. Laminate countertops cannot be cut on and no heat should be applied.
Solid Surface Countertops
The originator of solid surfaces is Dupont. They created the popular brand called Corian over 40 years ago which they patented. Nowadays there are many solid surface countertops available, some popular brand names are: Formica, DuPont, Staron Surfaces, Wilsonart, Avonite and Karran. This type of countertop costs more than laminate countertops. This is due to the way it is glued together. Solid Surfaces use color matching adhesive so it is easy to make the seams disappear. The seam material is also the same has the surface material. The main features of a solid surface countertop are the seamless applications and the cost is less then granite and quartz countertop materials. The problem with this countertop material is that it is softer and scratches easily. You should also avoid contact with hot surfaces because it will melt.
Quartz (Engineered stone) Countertops
The most common brands for Quartz Countertops are: Zodiac, Silestone, Hansstone, and Cambria. Quartz Countertops have only available in the US for less than 10 years. It is one of the most durable countertop surfaces available. It looks and feels similar to Granite and it has over 100 colors available. (Granite countertops have thousands of color options). It is comprised of 93-97% ground up quartz and a balance of glue. The glue makes this material a more maintenance free countertop surface, just like solid surface material, as the colors are man-made and it is easier to get the seams to blend in. Quartz is more chip resistant and does not contain any fissures or cracks as a natural surface countertop.The upsides of quartz countertops are low maintenance and more consistent colors, while the downside is higher costs. Most entry level quartz countertop materials cost as much as upper level granite countertop colors.The other downside or upside (depending on your perspective) is the uniform color. This perhaps is the biggest difference between natural and "engineered surface" materials. If you want a very uniform countertop, then you may want engineered stone countertop. If you want a unique countertop, then let mother-nature take you there with granite countertops.
Granite Countertops
An average size kitchen for granite used to cost over $10,000 dollars, but came down in price due to high demand and is now a very cost effective surface for most homeowners. Since it is a natural material each countertop is unique. Ever granite slab has a different color and appearance. Even if you are looking at two granite slabs of the same granite type, the color or pattern in the slab may be different. It could bea different shade of the same color or one slab could have more veining then the other. We encourage our customer's to pick the granite slab that we will be using to cut their countertop from. It is best to pick your slab because although a small color sample may give you an idea for the color of the granite, but since the granite is coming from a different slab than where the sample came from, there may be a difference in the actual color of your granite countertop. Granite slabs range in a material price from $8/sq ft to as high has $75/ft and therefore is a large range in the installed pricing of this surface. Granite is a very hard surface which will not be scratched by anything other than more granite or diamonds, but could have some issues with chips if it is hit with a hard surface such has a pot or pan. Some Granite's, being a natural material, do have some hairline cracks called "fissures" and some surface pits are common in some stones too. Most granite should be sealed periodically as well to prevent staining. There are sealers now that are guaranteed for 15 years to "Lifetime" which may give you more peace of mind with your investment. Maintenance and chipping are probably the biggest downside and with natural materials making seams disappear is difficult. Granite has a relative cost and an exceptional natural beauty, which makes it one of the best choices for countertops, currently available.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Tue, Mar 02, 2010 @ 08:40 AM
Bathroom Design Ideas
By: Lisa Dean
There are lots of new trends out there for bathrooms in today's Charlotte homes. The most popular of the trends are granite vanity tops and travertine tiles. A few other trends are heated floors and seamless glass doors. With a good plan in mind, you can remodel a bathroom and include these trends without breaking the bank. There lots of things to consider when deciding which trends you want to include in your bathroom remodel.
Stepping out of your newly remodel shower onto a heated floor is a nice feeling on a cold winter morning. This is easily done with the proper kit. There are a few kits on the market today so choose the one that best fits your needs and wallet. To install the electric floor warmer, pull the old flooring up and following the instructions on your kit or have your contractor install it for you.
Another upgrade for your bathroom is seamless shower and tub doors. Unlike the older versions of shower and tub doors, the new and improved not only look better but are easier to keep clean. No more of the white film build up to scrub off weekly. There are many models and styles to choose from. The most popular is the seamless. They give the illusion of not having any doors at all. They come in many different finishes as well as the different styles.
Tile has come a long way from the older ceramic tiles with color choice only to personalize your bathroom. Today you have ceramic, porcelain, travertine, marble, metal, glass, and a few others to choose from. Tiles come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures as well. When choosing your tile, keep in mind how much time you want to spend keeping your tile looking clean and new. Some tiles are easier than others so do your research.
Finally, the most popular trend in bathroom remodeling is adding granite tops to your vanity. With the advanced sealers available today, granite is the easiest, most economical stone to use in your bathroom remodeling. There is a wide variety of stones to choose from. The most popular that I see installed in today's bathrooms is New Venetian Gold. The best way to choose your granite is to go to your local granite distributors and look at their remnants. Remnants are generally "leftovers" from larger slabs. Using remnants can save you a good amount on your budget. Make sure if using a remnant there is enough for your backsplash on your vanity.
Installing a granite vanity in your bathroom can change the look of your bathroom vanity quickly and easily. Installation for a granite double vanity or smaller granite vanities barely take any time at all to complete, so the install is easy to fit into your schedule.
These are just a few of the newest trends in bathroom remodeling. As with all home remodeling projects, seek advice from a professional and work with a good budget in mind. Remember, the bathroom remodeled right will add hundreds to your homes' value.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Thu, Feb 25, 2010 @ 07:22 AM
Are you a "natural stone person" or are you an "engineered stone person"?
Written By: Bob Faust
Actual Photo of a Granite Boulder Rock
Many people have asked me the differences between natural and engineered stone. Both are great choices for your kitchen countertops as they are both hard durable surfaces that should give you a Lifetime of service. Compared to other options, such as Formica or laminate tops, which may only last has little has a couple of years. Even "solid surface " tops do not last long. Solid Surface countertops are easy to hide the countertop seams, but will appear dull or plastic like and do not hold up to heat and or cutting (which last I checked happen quite often in a kitchen).
Quartz Countertop
Between the premium surfaces, (Granite or engineered stone and quartz), the costs can be a non issue as some engineered stones are both higher and in some cases lower then exotic granites. The maintenance aspect ,which is almost always highlighted by the engineered and quartz people, can easily be neutralized by the addition of "Lifetime sealer" application which makes both materials comparable.
The biggest difference between the materials is the cosmetic differences. While all engineered materials are uniform in appearance and are manufactured to engineered specifications, natural stones are almost always different. Even from the same block of granite stone, you will have many different shades and patterns as well has colors.
So when selecting the crowning glory of your kitchen, decide first "What kind of person are you?" If you want uniformity and consistency then perhaps the engendered stone or quartz materials best suited for you. But if you embrace the diversity that only Mother Nature can provide, feel free to consider natural stone, such as granite, for your countertops.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Mon, Feb 22, 2010 @ 08:44 AM
Granite countertops versus concrete countertops
By: Lisa Dean
Recently I had a customer ask about the difference between using granite for her counter tops vs concrete counter tops. After some research on my part, I found there are quite a few differences between granite countertops and concrete countertops, the biggest difference being cost. The upkeep with concrete counter tops requires a lot of work as well.
Concrete countertops:
The biggest advantage I can find in using concrete is the wide variety of colors to choose from.
The concrete can be tinted to any color you choose to use in your countertop. There are a few textures to use as well. After these two advantages, I could not find any other advantage over using concrete rather than granite.
Concrete is one of the most expensive types of countertops you can use. The average cost is $100 per sq. ft. Compare that to the average granite installation at $45 to $55 per sq. ft., you can see the big difference. The other biggest disadvantage is the up keep. You must seal the concrete on a regular basis. Depending upon your time spent in the kitchen, you may have to seal it every month. This can get costly depending upon your sq. footage. Concrete countertops are not usually a few days process. After the template and molds are made, they must be poured and cured before being brought out to your home for installation. As far as cleanliness, concrete is the middle of the road.
Granite countertops:
The number one reason for using granite is the look.
If you are selling your home, the fastest way to impress the buyer is with granite countertops. Besides tile, granite is the oldest material used in building to date. There are many different types of granite to choose from. Most granite comes from Brazil, India, and Italy. Other countries with granite quarries are Africa and China.
The cost of granite varies depending upon the rarity and supply and demand. The average cost of granite installed is between $45 and $55 per sq. ft. There are a few texture techniques available for granite. Leathering, river rocked, honed, brushed, and of course, polished are a few of the finishes available with granite.
Another advantage of granite is that granite is virtually scratch resistant. You can cut and prepare food right on the surface. The only two things that scratch granite are granite and diamond.
Remember, if you ask for a piece of granite to use for a decorative piece, you must put some type of protective covering on the underside of it to protect your granite countertops. Granite is also heat resistant. Hot plates and skillets could be placed right on the surface without damage. Granite is the most durable and best looking source for your countertops. The most important advantage, I think, in using granite is that no two slabs are exactly alike so, your granite countertop is a one of a kind countertop.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Wed, Feb 10, 2010 @ 11:01 AM
New Charlotte Homes are being installed with Granite Countertops!
Check out this installation that Frankie just did for Georiga Mills Lot 29. This is a new Charlotte home in the process of being built. Within just a few months, there will be a new Charlotte home owner living in this home.
When you are looking to sell your home, you need to think about the potential buyers mind. If new homes are being installed with granite countertops as a standard, then they will automatically assume you will have granite countertops. Granite countertops are important for all Charlotte homes, new and old. Just by adding granite to your home, you will add value -- and in turn, be able to sell your home for more.
If you are looking to buy a new Charlotte home, then you are looking for the best "deal". A home that has it all can easily be found throughout Charlotte. Granite countertops are a classy feature being sold as a standard in many homes. Check out the videos below to see a granite installation we just did for a new home in Georgia Mills, built by Adams Homes.
Maybe this will be your new Charlotte home?
Check out these videos, detailing the process of our granite installation. This granite kitchen was installed by Frankie. Frankie is an expert granite fabricator and installer. He is from Columbia, SC and installs many of our granite countertops throughout the Charlotte and Columbia area.
Here is the before video:
Here is the during video -- watch as our seams come together. We have the best granite seams in Charlotte. Our granite countertop seals are barely visible.
Here is the finished product. Granite countertops completed and installed in Georgia Mills, and Adams Home community in Charlotte.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 12:48 PM
Looking to Sell your Charlotte Home?
Let Granite Countertops Open your Eyes
Written by: Paulette Faust
Next time you think of it, pick up a newspaper or magazine advertising homes. Take a look for a phrase you won't find: 'Synthetic Stone countertops' or 'Engineered Stone countertops'. Why not? You'll certainly see the words Granite Countertop or Marble or Natural Stone. I wonder why?
Oh, that's right. They add value to your most expensive investment.
I often get phone calls from people selling their homes; they want to do something to make their Charlotte home sell quickly! This market is difficult for anybody to sell and sell profitably. Are you in the right location is one of the questions to ask yourself. If you are lucky enough to answer yes to that question, than will granite countertops be the key to selling their Charlotte House?
Granite Countertops are "in" and people love to see that you have taken care of your Charlotte house by updating a kitchen or bathroom. To help you sell your Charlotte home quicker granite would be a perfect upgrade and it help to increase your asking price by as much as 10%. Quick and easy upgrade, granite countertops can be installed in your existing Charlotte home in 1 day. The decision on color, edge treatment and sink configuration will be an easy choice with pictures of current jobs recently completed as well as taking a good look at the entire slab of granite to get your perfect piece of the earth.
If you want to put your hard earned money into giving your Charlotte home an edge over the competition on the housing market than kitchen and bathrooms are the places to get the biggest bag out your buck. And Granite Countertops will help you go that extra mile towards selling your Charlotte Home.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Sat, Jan 30, 2010 @ 11:57 AM
Charlotte Homes Need Granite!
Granite Countertops are becoming a must-have among Charlotte homes. Charlotte homeowners and builders alike are starting to see that Granite Countertops do not cost as much as it used to.
While your builder may have tried to charge you thousands for granite in your home -- a typical Charlotte home owner can also purchase new countertops for one, low, whole sale price.
Charlotte homes are now typically being built with granite countertops and what is called a "gourmet kitchen". Inside this gourmet kitchen, the charlotte home owner can enjoy a custom tile backsplash with 3CM granite counters.
If you have a charlotte home, now is the time to remodel!
Charlotte Homes Need Granite!
Just check out these photos of Charlotte homes!
Posted by Beth Jackson on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 @ 09:07 AM
Bathroom Ideas | Bathroom Remodeling, Granite Vanities & Tile
By: Lisa Dean
Remodeling a bathroom is a great investment for your home.
Rather you have large bathroom with tub, shower, toilet room, and dressing area or a small bathroom with a toilet and vanity, updating your bathroom can help sell your house. You may be overwhelmed with different ideas for your bathroom. There are plenty of idea books out there to help in your decisions.
I have many ideas on remodeling a bathroom. But, before we go into them, the most important thing to do first is to set your budget. It is very easy to spend thousands on a bathroom remodel. You can update your bathroom on a simple budget with proper planning. I can assist you in your planning with one visit to your home.
Your floors and vanity will make the biggest impact when remodeling your bathroom. The first choice you should make is which granite to use in your bathroom. Since most vanities are less than 70” long, granite remnants can be used for your bathroom. (Using a granite remnant will not only save you money, but give you additional bathroom ideas. Granite remnants are usually priced per square foot and sometimes you can find an exotic granite color for a very low price this way.)
When choosing a remnant, keep in mind you will need enough granite for a backsplash. Most backsplashes are 4” high. Now is also a good time to add a second sink if your vanity is long enough.
If it isn’t, you may want to change out your vanity, too. Double sinks in a master bath are a plus in resale value. The pickled wood finish is a good look for a bathroom. Giallo Vecenzia Granite and Giallo Fiorti Granite are great choices in bathrooms. After deciding on your vanity and granite, your floors should be your next step.
Pull that vinyl up and put travertine tile down. Travertine comes in many different tones and colors. That will be the easiest decision you have to make in remodeling your bathroom. Deciding on the pattern is the next step in your floor choice. You have standard line, diagonal, and a French pattern as the most common. You must also decide on the size of your tile. Keep in mind, the smaller the tile, the more grout lines you will have.
Once you have your tile selection made.
It’s time to decide if you want to keep current your tub or shower surround or update it with tile to complement your new tile floor and granite countertop on your new vanity.
When updating your tub or shower surround, decide on the little things that make the biggest impact. A shower seat, soap niche, and a tile border are those items you always wish you had done in the beginning so now is the time to add them. Another choice to make is rather to keep your shower doors or update them. Seamless frames and doors give your bathroom a very modern look.
As you can see, there are lots of things to consider when planning your budget for your new bathroom. The easiest way is to go with a company that can offer you everything in one stop. We can do that for you and help with maintaining your budget while making the best choices for remodeling your bathroom.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Tue, Jan 19, 2010 @ 01:50 PM
Light Granite Colors and Granite Levels
Written By: Lisa Dean
The pricing of your granite usually depends on the level or type of granite you choose. Most granite companies have several granite levels. Granite level or price is not determined by color, but by quality of the stone. You can read more about granite levels and how they are priced by reading Bob's blog at: Granite Countertop Prices and Granite Levels
New Venetian Gold is just one of many light color granites. New Venetian Gold has a gold background with quartz, garnet, light brown, sometimes rust or orange colors throughout the granite color. New Venetian Gold also has a sporadic pattern showing very little movement.
When choosing your color of granite, you should consider your floors and cabinets over the maintenance. With darker cabinets and floors, your best choice would be light color granite. This light color granite will give more of a contrast between the countertop and cabinets.
New Venetian Gold and Sante Cecelia are two very popular light color granite colors. Both granite colors are typically Level II pricing. Both colors do have more movement than a Level I Color.
With lighter color cabinets, a darker granite will stand out more than the lighter granite. Tan Brown and Tropic Brown are the most common darker granites to use.
Here are some photos of New Venetian Gold (a lighter granite color with gold):
New Venetian Gold Granite Slabs
New Venetian Gold Granite Installed
Light Color Granite Maintenance
Most customers go with darker granite over the lighter granite. I find this is due to maintenance more than anything. As the darker color granites do have easier maintenance, with the proper sealer, the lighter color granites can have the same type of maintenance. There are other factors over maintenance that should guide you in your granite color choice.
As granite is a form of a rock, granite will absorb liquids. When using granite in your kitchen, a proper sealer should always be applied. The lighter the granite, the stronger the sealer should be. We use a one year sealer on our granite as our standard. We have a fifteen year sealer and a lifetime sealer available at an additional cost. The fifteen year sealer will protect your granite for fifteen years with proper care. The lifetime sealer, Granite Shield, will protect your granite for the life of your granite, again as with most sealers, with the proper care. When using lighter granite such as New Venetian Gold, Sante Cecelia, or one of the many exotic granites, the fifteen year sealer or Granite Shield would be a very wise investment. With these sealers, you can go use most commercial cleaners on your granite. The sealers also keep the granite from absorbing liquids, which in turn, keeps your granite from staining.
When choosing your granite, let your likes and dislikes dictate your decision, not the maintenance of the granite.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Wed, Jan 06, 2010 @ 03:27 PM
Choosing Tile Backsplash || Design, Shape and Size
Written by: Lisa Dean
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There is so much to learn when choosing your tile backsplash, especially if you are adding it to go with your new granite countertops. One of the first things to consider is color or shading. Do you want the tile to match your granite countertops or do you want the colors to contrast with your granite countertops? When deciding this, you must take into consideration your wall, cabinet, floor, and granite color.
For example: A kitchen with white cabinets, dark granite countertops and dark floors may look best with a contrasting lighter tile color. The color difference between the dark countertops and light background would make both items stick out, while still complimenting the entire kitchen.
Another item to consider when choosing your tile backsplash is the size and shape of your tile. Smaller kitchens usually work well with 4 x 4 squares or subway tiles, while larger kitchens can handle any size or larger tile shapes. -resized-600.JPG)
When choosing the size, take into consideration the height from the surface of your countertops to the bottom of your upper cabinets. If you have 18" or less, small tiles, like 4 x 4 or smaller, will be able to be shown completely, whereas larger size tiles may have to be cut to fit the smaller space. 4 x 4 tiles or subway tiles tend to look best with smaller heights. If you have 18" of space or larger, between the countertop and cabinet, then you will have more space to show the complete tile and more of the tile pattern.
If you have any questions with the height between your countertop and cabinet, please call us and a design specialist, such as myself, can help you with your tile design and show you what tiles would fit best for your space.
Another thing to consider when making your decision is whether to use ceramic tile or natural tile. Ceramic tile has easier maintenance than the natural tile, but with the right sealer on your natural tile, the natural tile can be just as easy. Ceramic tiles also come in glossy, semi-glossy, & matte finishes. Natural tiles tend to have pits and crevasses, which would be filled in with grout to complete the tile. You will have more choices in color when using ceramic tile but, with the right assistance, you can also find the perfect color in natural tile as well.
Choosing your tile backsplash can be a time consuming task but it can be a fun process. The best thing to know is that there are many options regarding tile color, design and sizes to choose from. It may take a few different times reviewing shapes, sizes, designs and colors before finding the perfect tile backsplash and granite combination.
Here are some photos of different granite countertops and tile backsplashes designs we have installed:
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