September 2013

We know you love quartz. It’s a surface that’s not only beautiful and practical, but also very easy to maintain. Engineered quartz surfaces, such as Caesarstone, are the perfect combination of nature and technology. And while it is exceptionally easy to care for, there are some definite no-nos when it comes to cleaning.

Although it’s not obvious to the naked eye, rocks do absorb water. This came as a pretty big surprise to a recent customer who couldn’t figure out why a salesperson would try talking her into “non-porous” quartz surfacing for her busy family bathroom. “It’s a hard surface! How can a natural stone countertop absorb water?” she wondered.

 Granite vanity by LDa Architecture & Interiors; photo via Houzz

Slate may not be as popular as its marble and granite cousins, but it has many qualities that make it a great choice for kitchen and bath surfaces. More than just a “nice personality,” slate has some genuine attention-grabbing attributes.

There was a time when the hearth was primarily made of brick. But this was also when it did most of the legwork when it came to cooking. Today’s fireplace is far more aesthetic than it is functional, and the materials it’s made of are as diverse as the owners of the home itself. The material you choose for a fireplace surround makes a strong design statement. And no matter what your style preference, there’s a material to help you reflect your unique personality. 

Love the look of white marble, but not a fan of the “lived in” look? Try white granite.

You’ve finally decided to pull the trigger on that kitchen or bath remodel you’ve been dreaming of. Now what? How do you make sure that you’re going to get what you pay for? How do you know if your fabricator or contractor is who they say they are?