The first part of preparing your countertops for a new installation or replacement is to communicate with the contractors who will be working on it. It’s courteous to ask if it would make their job easier if you did a certain amount of preparation beforehand. In most cases, the best thing you can do is […]
Author Archives: Chris Stewart
24
Aug
Aug
You know that installing new kitchen countertops can completely transform the look of your kitchen. You’re especially drawn to the elegant and sleek look of quartz countertops. But what does the process of cleaning quartz countertops look like? And is quartz the right choice of material when it comes to your lifestyle, how many people […]
20
Aug
Aug
Marble countertops can take a ton of punishment, but nothing is completely immortal. They can be damaged by simply spilling an acidic substance like juice on them. You’ll need to know how to clean and take care of them in the event of these disasters. Here are 9 ways on how to clean marble and […]
13
Aug
Aug
The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where the family gathers, meals get cooked, and conversation gets enjoyed. It’s also the area of the home that can start to show some wear and tear over time. The number one reason homeowners consider a kitchen remodel is to upgrade old materials, surfaces, and finishes. […]
06
Aug
Aug
One of the 7 wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis built in 550 BCE used marble for its construction. It featured 127 marble columns that were each 5 stories high. It would still be standing now but conquerers destroyed it on purpose. Marble is a popular and beautiful, natural stone. Buildings and decorative […]
30
Jul
Jul
You know that the right countertops can completely elevate the look of a room and help you to express your personality in the process. But especially if you’re a designer or just someone who loves to think outside of the box? You might prefer to have your own countertops made especially for you. For this, […]
28
Jul
Jul
Looking for a countertop that’s safe, elegant, and affordable? Have you ever considered marble? Marble countertops are great alternatives if you’ve grown tired of wood or if you don’t want to break your budget for high-quality granite. Marble kitchen countertops have a nice sheen that reeks of elegance. It adds a classic ambiance to your […]
26
Jul
Jul
Are you looking for a way to make your kitchen look great? Nothing adds more style and shine to your kitchen than your countertops. Great countertops have a way of really tying together the other elements, such as appliances, cabinets, cabinet hardware, and the tile work on your floor. If you live in an older […]
24
Jul
Jul
There was a time not too long ago when homeowners would only talk about granite when discussing their dream kitchens. With their classic style and great resale value, granite countertops have led the way for some time when it comes to kitchen designs. That’s until now. It turns out that more and more kitchen designers […]
22
Jul
Jul
Will a granite countertop outlast other materials, or is it just an aesthetic choice? Granite is one of the trendiest materials for counters on the market today. You’ve probably seen granite kitchens in magazines or on your favorite home decorating shows. However, is granite durable enough to make the cost worth it? You might have […]
20
Jul
Jul
Doing a home renovation and want to include new stone countertops? Stone is a simple way to modify your space, adding sophistication and class and certainly upping the resale value of your home. Not only does the material look great, but its durable as well, making it worth the investment when it comes to longevity. […]
18
Jul
Jul
If you’re thinking of a kitchen remodel or you want to replace your kitchen counter, you have plenty of options. The two most popular countertop surfaces you have to choose from include granite and quartz. But is there a difference? Many people will argue that each one is better, debating reasons why they’d never select […]
16
Jul
Jul
Getting ready to install new countertops? Wondering whether marble can be a good choice for your home? Marble countertops can add a beautiful look to your home. However, when choosing countertops for a kitchen, bathroom, or another area of your home there’s a lot more to think about besides just the overall look. Marble offers […]
14
Jul
Jul
There is a wide range of countertop choices out there on the market. When it comes to building materials and home projects, we tend to focus on all-natural solutions. There are some cases, however, where man-made synthetic materials are better than natural. For those who want something a bit more exotic than standard granite, marble, […]
12
Jul
Jul
Love the look of a solid granite countertop? A high-end trend from the late 1980’s has become a full-on American obsession. Granite has far outstripped the previous century’s luxury favorite, marble. Granite prices worldwide have stabilized with the introduction of Brazilian and other granite. Finishing work in China, India and other places supplements that Italian […]
10
Jul
Jul
It doesn’t matter whether you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen, your bathroom, or both. If home improvement is on your mind, odds are you’ve been researching different types of countertops. While granite and marble are classics, quartz has been on the rise — and for a good reason. Quartz countertops have pretty much all the […]
08
Jul
Jul
One of the hottest kitchen trends in 2018 is decluttering counters to create open space where friends families can come together to work, play and relax. This means that your kitchen counter is now, more than ever, the centerpiece of your kitchen. Whether you’re having friends over for a glass of wine or you’re hosting […]
06
Jul
Jul
When you think of luxurious living, you probably think of chandeliers, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. It’s not surprising! Granite carries a certain respect here in America. But what are the pros and cons of granite countertops? Why not choose other materials such as quartz or concrete? The answer won’t surprise you: personal preference is […]
04
Jul
Jul
Are you considering soapstone counters? Then you’re probably wondering what soapstone countertops cost. You might be surprised to learn that soapstone is actually a great material for counters at a reasonable price. When considering soapstone vs granite, you don’t need to go for the trendy, expensive option. In this guide, we’ll show you how to […]
02
Jul
Jul
You might love the look and feel of granite countertops – but have you ever considered learning how they’re made? When you know how these counters are made, you’ll have much more appreciation for your kitchen granite countertops. Whether you’re thinking of buying some or are already in the installation process, it all becomes more […]
30
Jun
Jun
A countertop can make or break a kitchen design. So whether you’re remodeling or designing a kitchen, you need to be able to make an informed selection. With so many different materials for countertops, it can be daunting to choose which one will be a permanent part of your kitchen. But don’t worry! We’re here […]
28
Jun
Jun
Is your kitchen due for a remodel in the near future? Or are you choosing how to design the kitchen in your new home? Whatever reason you’re designing a kitchen, don’t forget the countertops! That may sound obvious, but hear us out. You don’t want just any old kitchen countertops. Countertops are a main focal […]
19
May
May
Have you always wanted to be the host who has an impressive home decor to wow guests with? The homeowner who makes their clean, beautiful living space look effortless? With granite countertops, you can do just that. Using granite in your kitchen creates an unparalleled sense of elegance and class. Granite works beautifully in many […]
15
May
May
Granite countertops can definitely create a modern look to your home. These elegant swirls of marble and quartz can liven up your kitchen countertops because they bring such a touch of class to any decor style you wish you revamp. It’s also a great tip to add granite to your kitchen layout as it adds […]
11
May
May
Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices for kitchen remodels these days – and for good reason. Granite is incredibly durable, comes in almost any color you care to name, and is timeless. (Seriously, they used granite in ancient Rome.) On average, the cost of a granite countertop installation in the US is […]
10
May
May
Getting ready to make a detailed kitchen renovation and thinking of installing a quartz countertop? Quartz is definitely a good choice. It’s simple to maintain and doesn’t get damaged easily. Unfortunately, it may cost a bit more than you expect. But it all depends on where you look. This guide will teach you how to […]
07
May
May
Granite remains the most popular choice for kitchen worktops. But have you thought about granite bathroom countertops? This igneous rock was born underground under intense pressure and heat. Unsurprisingly then, it’s perhaps the most robust stone you could pick. Plus, it looks fantastic combined with chrome and shiny metals. Here’s why you should consider granite […]
06
May
May
So, you’ve decided to redo the look of your kitchen. You’ve had your cabinets redone, you’ve picked out a beautiful wallpaper, and now, you’re ready to choose the perfect countertops to compliment your new design scheme. The only problem? With your family (and penchant for messes) you’re worried about countertop stains. Whether you go with […]
03
May
May
Originally thought to be a fad – a short-lived flash in the pan – granite vanity tops have now become a mainstay in American bathrooms and kitchens. Along with stainless steel appliances, they’ve almost become a prerequisite in the real estate industry. If your prospective home doesn’t have granite? Forget about it. In fact, the […]
02
May
May
A backyard kitchen makes an ultimate entertaining space if you enjoy entertaining outdoors. Who doesn’t! And when you live in sunny Orlando, Tampa Bay or Sarasota, you can use your outdoor space all year round! If your backyard cooking space is a little bare or you’re ready for an outdoor kitchen makeover, choosing the right […]
29
Apr
Apr
Well, it’s time for a bathroom makeover, and you’re still envisioning your desired style. Whether you want a modern or traditional style, everything needs to connect. This means your shower floor, toilet, bathtubs, vanity, and vanity tops must have a flowing design. One of the essential parts are the vanity tops, also known as bathroom […]
Entertaining guests can be tricky when you’re also in charge of feeding them. Sometimes your space isn’t conducive for both things because of this. With some modern twists though, you can get your favorite space up to speed. And keep your guests happy as well. Here are some of the best kitchen designs we’ve found, […]
26
Apr
Apr
Thinking of redoing your kitchen? If so, then you’re making a seriously smart investment. Kitchen renovations offer one of the highest returns on your investment of any home improvement project. Whether you’re preparing to sell your house, or want to continue to enjoy it for a few more years, you need to ensure that you […]
25
Apr
Apr
Do you feel like your bathroom is a little too cramped? Well, it might be time for an upgrade. Updating your bathroom can add value to your home and make the room appear bigger. While you may not have the room to install a double sink or spacious tub, there are a few little tricks […]
22
Apr
Apr
Are you tired of staring at the same old musty bathroom day after day? If your answer is yes, you might want to consider a remodel. To help you out with your brand new bathroom, here are 10 great bathroom trends for you to watch out for in 2018. Catagories of Bathroom Trends There are […]
22
Apr
Apr
Are you thinking about redoing your kitchen, but are only interested in upgrading a single element in the room? Are you frustrated with the amount of time you spend constantly scrubbing your countertops, only to find that those stains just seem to be more set in than ever before? Are you interested in replacing your […]
21
Apr
Apr
The Kitchen. It’s one of the most, if not the most important space in your home. It’s the place where family gathers, meals are prepared, and guests are entertained. The style of your kitchen says a lot about your personality and sets the tone of your home. Kitchen beauty is in the eye of the […]
20
Apr
Apr
Small kitchens can look quaint and cozy… until you get in there and try to cook. Narrow countertops instantly create a battle between prep space and storage area. It makes cooking more of a hassle than anything else. But how do you conquer that battle? There’s got to be an easy way to optimize the […]
18
Apr
Apr
One of the best rooms in any house is the kitchen. This is where families come together as they prepare big meals or just a simple snack. A kitchen is a place of creative expression as well as an environment in which to teach your children discipline and how to self-sustain themselves. As such, this […]
16
Apr
Apr
Switching up the style of your home is sometimes as simple as getting a new rug or rearranging the furniture you already have. Other times, it’s a bit of a bigger project – like replacing your kitchen countertops. The countertops are an essential part of your kitchen. This is where you prepare and plate all […]
14
Apr
Apr
Now that you’ve installed a beautiful quartz vanity top, it’s important to take the right steps to maintain its integrity. Although quartz vanity tops are made from natural materials, they are engineered, combining 90% ground quartz (a naturally-occurring, hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard, granite-like and natural-looking surface. […]
12
Apr
Apr
Getting rid of old countertops and investing in new ones is not necessarily at the top of every homeowner’s to-do list. Sometimes, though, it should be. If your kitchen’s countertops are looking torn and worn, or if you’re just tired of looking at something that doesn’t match the rest of the house, it’s time to […]
10
Apr
Apr
This just in: Quartz has edged out granite when it comes to countertops. And with good reason. For years, granite was the material of choice when it came to custom countertops. If you have bought, sold, built, or rented out a house in the past 20 years, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Does it have […]
06
Apr
Apr
On average, homeowners remodel 10.2 million kitchens each year. That’s a lot of countertops being replaced. One of the key decisions any homeowner must make during their remodel is what material they want to use for their new countertop. This is no small challenge given there are many types of countertops to consider. Quartz countertops […]
02
Apr
Apr
Need a worktop that can stand up to the spills, bangs, and scratches you’re sure to make? Then what you’re looking for is called quartz. Quartz is very durable and can withstand just about anything. But when it comes to heat, things get a little more tricky. Take a look at this quartz worktops guide […]
03
Mar
Mar
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen style? Well, a new kitchen countertop is a great way to add style (and space) to the room you cook, unwind, and entertain in. By installing a new countertop, you can transform your kitchen from drab to fab and wow family and guests. Want a new kitchen countertop […]
27
Feb
Feb
Your kitchen and bathroom need a countertop that sustains a lot of mess and impact, but also looks attractive. This is why so many homeowners choose stone counters. To ensure you’re getting your money’s worth, you need to find stone countertops that last. You also want to make sure they will keep their fresh appearance […]
23
Feb
Feb
As a responsible homeowner, you take renovations very seriously. You know that making the right style and design choices can affect the value of your home. When it comes to your kitchen renovation, you are probably considering which kind of countertop to install. If you have kids running around your home on a regular basis, […]
19
Feb
Feb
Back in the day, kitchens used to be afterthoughts. Now they frequently serve as the backdrop for entertaining guests and spending quality time with family. Because of this, remodeling costs for kitchens are on the rise. While a popular thing to do, remodeling your kitchen can be a stressful and unnerving situation. This is mostly […]
15
Feb
Feb
What if you could make your kitchen dazzle without breaking the bank? That’s the goal of all homeowners. And the best way to make your kitchen stand out is with brand new countertops. However, it often seems like the best countertops cost way too much money. This may leave you curious if you can have […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Countertop FAQ, Uncategorized Post
8 Backsplash Trends to Inspire Your Kitchen Remodel
15
Jan
Jan
Are you ready to remodel your kitchen? Maybe you’re building a new home and need inspiration. Whatever the reason, kitchens have come a long way. Today’s kitchens reflect the homeowner’s style and can be as traditional or contemporary as you desire. From cabinetry, appliances, countertops, flooring and backsplashes, you can create your dream kitchen. One […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Care and Maintenance, Countertop Design
Functional Design: A Guide to Choosing Beautiful Countertops that Last
11
Jan
Jan
Are you looking for kitchen countertops that will stand the test of time? According to Home Advisor, the average cost spent on a kitchen remodel is $21,930. In the Tampa Bay area, the average cost is $13,661. But these remodels can cost tens of thousands of dollars more, depending on the extent of the changes […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Style
5 Countertop Ideas for Your Minimalist Kitchen Design
07
Jan
Jan
The kitchen is one of the most stressful areas of your home. Every day, you struggle to get the cooking and cleaning done before the day ends. A minimalist kitchen design would help ease the anxiety that even thinking about your kitchen causes. To understand minimalism in kitchen design, we must first understand minimalism itself. […]
03
Jan
Jan
While most people might immediately think of granite countertops for their home design, quartz is becoming an increasingly more popular choice. In fact, the popularity of quartz countertops has increased in recent years, with sales going up by 60% in the early 2000s. But why is quartz becoming so much more popular for homeowners and […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop FAQ, Types of Natural Stone
Granite and Marble: Similarities and Differences You Need to Know
30
Dec
Dec
Are you trying to decide between granite or marble countertops? The choice can definitely be a tough one. On the other hand, a lot of people don’t see much of a difference between granite and marble and tend to go with what looks good. There are actually a lot of surprising similarities and differences between […]
Countertop Care and Maintenance, Countertop FAQ, Fun Facts, Uncategorized Post
Granite, Marble, and Onyx: A Guide for Sealing Countertops
26
Dec
Dec
One of the best (and easiest) ways to add value to your home is keeping your countertops looking like new. This is fairly easy if your countertops were already sealed by the manufacturer. If your countertops aren’t already sealed, you can seal them yourself. Sealing countertops prevents damage to the stone and makes cleaning up […]
A granite slab provides the perfect mix of beauty, durability, and strength your kitchen countertop. Granite is nearly hard as diamond. The countertop manufacturing space in the U.S. grew by 7.4 percent from 2011 to 2016. The industry’s 2016 revenue stood at $2 billion. Granite slabs embody all the essential qualities a kitchen countertop needs; […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop FAQ
Beyond Granite: Kitchen Countertop Materials You Need to Consider
18
Dec
Dec
Are you in search of the perfect kitchen countertop for your humble abode? It is next to impossible to decide what material to choose based on your style of needs, as there are hundreds of different options. Additionally, granite is almost always to easiest choice in terms of a kitchen countertop, but there are actually […]
28
Nov
Nov
When you’re working on a kitchen remodel, you want everything to come out perfectly in the end. But selecting all the right elements for your new kitchen can be tedious and time-consuming because of all the choices. You’ll have to decide on everything from the kitchen sink and drawers to the countertops you like best.The […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Countertop FAQ, Florida-Countertop-Design
Do Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Add Value to Your Home?
24
Nov
Nov
Did you know that kitchen and bath remodeling often returns the cost at more than 100%? If you’re wondering whether a kitchen and bath remodel is the right choice for your home, the answer is a solid yes. In fact, kitchen and bath remodeling is one of the best ways to remodel your home. These […]
Do you ever find yourself staring at your kitchen hoping you could make it look a bit more modern? Is the linoleum countertop just not doing it for you anymore? Well, don’t fret. Most homeowners shy away from updating their kitchens because of the financial burden commonly associated with custom renovations. However, custom kitchens don’t […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Florida-Countertop-Design, Style
From Countertops to Kitchen Cabinet Doors, Important Changes to Consider in a Kitchen Remodel
16
Nov
Nov
There are key areas of your home you can improve to increase your property value, and the kitchen is one of them. In fact, it’s probably the most renovated part of the household for most homeowners. About 79% of home remodels are done to the kitchen, which goes to show its popularity. But what type […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Florida-Countertop-Design, Style
Important Details to Consider When Choosing Granite Tops for Your Kitchen
12
Nov
Nov
After years of marble being the top choice for kitchen counters, granite tops are becoming the material pros and families are choosing. Given that its more durable and won’t scratch, its a smart choice whether you’re remodeling or building your house. Perhaps you’re still choosing between materials for your kitchen. There are a lot of […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Countertop FAQ
The 5 Best Qualities of White Granite and Other Stone Countertops
08
Nov
Nov
Countertops made from white granite and other natural stones are a great investment for any home. In fact, 55 percent of home buyers who purchased a home without granite countertops stated that they would pay extra for them. it’s no surprise then that granite and other stones such as marble and quartzite are popular choices […]
Remodeling the countertops in your home gives a great boost to the value of your property. But only if you’re selecting the right material. This is why you’ll find many homeowners choosing quartz counters. It’s an engineered stone that looks a lot like natural options, such as granite and marble. This is because it’s made […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop FAQ
So Many Choices, So Many Prices: Why Does Granite Stone Vary in Price?
31
Oct
Oct
Granite is a readily-available, durable material. That makes it an outstanding choice for kitchen countertops, as they take a lot of daily abuse in most homes. The conditions that let granite stone form also ensure that every piece of granite is unique. If you get a granite countertop installed, no one else will ever have […]