There are three important factors to consider when choosing a countertop finish: 1) the look and feel; 2) maintenance, and; 3) your kitchen or room setting. Let’s take a look at the three most popular stone finishes, polished, honed, and leathered, and see how they compare in these three areas.
“With advancing technology,” says Benjamin Moore distributor Hoover Paints, “water-based stains have grown to be on par with oil-based stains, with a few extra benefits.” What are these benefits that led us to choose water-based over oil-based stains?
While everyone would like a beautiful kitchen built for their convenience, some wonder if custom cabinets are really worth it. This information will help you decide.
The countertop edge is an important detail that can either enrich your design or undermine it. How can you choose an edge that matches your style?
Why the backlash against what was once the gold standard for countertops and is it justified? Let’s look at the facts about granite countertops.
If you are navigating a remodel or new build without the help of a professional designer, here are three steps that will help you plot a course to a beautiful kitchen.
YOU MAY BE THINKING of installing granite countertops because you love the luxurious look of natural stone or because you want to upgrade your home. Whatever the reason, granite is a substantial investment. Will you recoup some of that money when it’s time to sell?
AFTER SPENDING days or weeks choosing just the right kitchen countertops, the sink may seem like an afterthought. But a sink can be a beautiful complement to your countertops as well as your helpful assistant — if you choose carefully. In this article we focus on three questions you should ask when sink shopping, namely
Is there a way to enjoy beautiful shower walls without breaking your back or your budget? Porcelain slabs and sintered stone showers combine aesthetics and practicality in an affordable package. Here’s what you need to know.
Outdoor kitchens are marvelous, but they place extra demands of durability and UV-resistance on countertops. Here are four countertop materials — from medium price range to premium — that love the great outdoors and will look fabulous for years to come.
If you love the lustrous look and practicality of porcelain, you’ll be glad to know that grout is out. The modern porcelain countertops are made, not from tiny squares, but full-size slabs big enough for an island. They come in a wide variety of color, pattern and finish combinations, some unique to porcelain, others that simulate marble, cement, wood, and more. How are these porcelain slabs made, how do they compare to natural stone, and how much do porcelain countertops cost?
Why are people falling in love with quartzite, and could it be right for your home?
With so many exotic sinks to choose from these days, it might be easy to overlook a classic material like vitreous china. But it would be a mistake not to take a second look at this durable, attractive and extremely cost effective sink.
What causes etch marks in marble and how difficult are they to remove?
Trying to find out how often to reseal granite countertops can be confusing. You may hear recommendations ranging from every three months to every five years or more. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here is some vital information you should know before you buy granite countertops or if you have granite that may need resealing.
IF YOU COULD HAVE a countertop that wouldn’t stain, scratch or scorch, that looked amazing year after year and that cost about the same as a higher-end quartz, would you be interested?
Because they’re nonporous, fireclay sinks have no nooks and crannies where germs and odors can set up house. Maintenance is easy: a daily wipe-down with a spot of mild dish soap and soft rag or sponge does the trick. If a stain persists, experts recommend a little baking soda or mild abrasive cleaner. With proper care, a fireclay sink will continue to add beauty and value to your house for years.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE to hold a thousand-pound slab on your back and keep it level day after day, year after year? That is what we ask our cabinets to do when we choose granite, quartz or other quality countertops. Anything less than top-notch craftsmanship and materials could result in cracks, gaps, water damage and just plain ugly results. WilgusIQ asked two of Springfield’s expert cabinet makers what our customers should know before buying kitchen cabinets. Find out their answers in this specially-prepared video.
WilgusIQ asked two of Springfield’s most seasoned contractors to give our customers insider tips on hiring a contractor. See what they had to say in this plain-talking video.
FINDING OUT THAT YOUR granite, marble, or quartzite countertops may require one or more seams can come as a rude surprise. After all, natural stone is prized for its flow and movement, and a poorly done seam can spoil the overall effect. Why are seams necessary and how can you make sure that any seams are done right?
Just follow these simple guidelines and your quartz countertops will look beautiful for years to come.
Simple steps to keep your granite looking beautiful for years to come in a downloadable PDF.