Category: Company News

Stone versus wood worktops

There are a number of options when it comes to worktops and many people find themselves struggling to choose between wood and stone. Understanding the pros and cons of each option is essential for making the right choice. About wood worktops Compared to other materials, wood is fairly cheap. Wood is easy to work with and easy to manipulate according to your needs. Wood can be re-sanded and re-oiled as needed. You will enjoy a warm and natural look. On the down side, wood requires a significant amount of maintenance. Wood needs to be re-sealed every month at least and, in many cases, it needs sanding too. Wood stains easily. The area around the sink often ends up with water damage. Wood is not particularly heat resistant and is easily marked. About stone worktops Stone is durable and designed to last. It is more resistant to heat than other materials.

Read More »

Understanding granite seams

Granite worktops can be cut to just about any shape and size. That said, if your work surfaces are large or if your kitchen has an “L” or “U” shape, seams will be necessary. Although necessary, seams need not be an eyesore. While they will not be completely invisible, there are steps that can be taken in order to make seams less obvious. If the idea of seams bother you, it’s good to remember that the colour, pattern and texture of your worktops will help determine how noticeable they are. The darker the worktops, the less visible the seam will be. Some patterns also help conceal the seams quite effectively. Plain slabs do not hide seams as well. Another important point to consider is the location of the seam. It is best to ask your stone worktop supplier for their professional advice in this regard. They will know how best

Read More »

What makes granite so popular for worktops?

Just like all things in life, we see interior design and décor trends come and go. Then there are the few exceptions to the rule. Some design aspects become popular but do not fade away. In fact, when it comes to granite worktops, they only become increasingly popular. If you are wondering why granite has remained so popular after all this time, there are a number of excellent reasons. Firstly, granite does cost more than some other types of worktops. This is because they are that much more durable. You don’t have to worry about water damage, for example.Granite can withstand greater temperatures than many other surfaces. That said, it’s always worth protecting them by never placing a hot pot or pan directly on the surface. Granite is so tough that it is not only used for worktops. It’s also a popular type of flooring. If this stone can handle

Read More »

When to plan for a kitchen remodel

Home renovations can be a daunting task – no matter which room you choose to remodel. You can survive without your dining room for a few weeks and even sleep in the living room if your bedroom is under construction. However, there is simply no substitute for your kitchen. This is all the more reason to plan your remodel in advance. The best time to renovate your kitchen will depend on your financial situation. Most people choose to renovate from spring through to the autumn months. Winter becomes a bit more cold and many families prefer to avoid working on their homes until the weather improves. This is great news if you are looking for a good price from your contractor! Look out for winter deals and savings so that you can get the best value for money. It’s also important to remember that smaller renovations will require less time.

Read More »

Kitchen renovation financial planning

Money is the greatest challenge when it comes to home renovations. Not only do we want our homes to look their best, but we also want to ensure that we do not end up spending too much. There is no magic number that will work for everyone but there are a few steps you can follow to make sure that you choose the best solutions. The first thing to consider is cost and value. Cost is obvious – it’s the price attached to whatever you are buying. Value, on the other hand involves several aspects including quality and practicality. How easy will it be to maintain this new addition or should you look for another low maintenance option instead? It’s also good to think about the return on investment, or ROI. Your kitchen really does help sell your home. Even if you are not planning on selling anytime soon, you

Read More »

Natural stone accent walls for your bathroom

Natural stone can be used in so many different ways throughout your home. From floors to worktops, stone is excellent when it comes to completely transforming a space. What some people might not know is that stone can also be used to create the most beautiful accent walls in your bathroom. When you want to create an accent wall in the bath, there are a few tips you will need to remember. Firstly, you should stick to neutral colours such as beige, grey, cream, or black. Yes, even black can be used to transform your bathroom. Provided you do not use black on all of the walls in the room, it will have an amazing and dramatic effect. If you want to add colour to the room, you can always do so by adding colourful towels, rugs, and other accessories. Sometimes you can split up the stone accents can also

Read More »

Give your natural stone worktops the care they deserve

Once you have invested in natural stone worktops, you will probably want to do everything possible to keep them in the best possible condition. This means that you need to pay close attention to your common cleaning habits as well as anything that can damage these beautiful surfaces. Firstly, it’s important to make sure that you always use coasters and never place anything directly on the surface.Anything you place on the worktop can leave its mark. This is especially true when the dish is hot or dirty. Place mats and wooden boards can be used to hold larger dishes and hot pots or pans. Secondly, natural stone worktops will need to be sealed as soon as they are installed and regular sealing is just as important. Sealing helps prevent substances from penetrating the surface which means that it helps prevent stains. This does not mean that you can leave spills

Read More »

Why marble tiles are superior to porcelain

Porcelain and marble are both commonly used in homes throughout the world. These two materials are very different and it’s important to understand the benefits as well as the limitations in order to make an informed decision. The main difference is that marble is a natural stone while porcelain is manufactured. Because it is manufactured, there are plenty of designs. Some of which even resemble wood! That said, the one thing that porcelain tiles cannot replicate the beauty of marble. Porcelain is often considered to be easier to care for than marble. Marble requires more specific care once it is installed in order to maintain it’s beautiful appearance. When you choose marble, you will need to confirm the kinds of cleaning solutions that are safe to use. Some types of soaps can cause etching and they can even build up on the surface. Your marble supplier will be able to

Read More »

Choosing the right sink for your worktops

One of the most important fixtures in any kitchen is the sink. Not only do you need to use your sink to wash your dishes, but it can also come in handy during food preparation. When choosing the right sink, there are a few factors you will need to consider before selecting the ideal design. The first decision you will need to make is to choose between top-mounted and under-mount sinks. The top-mounted variety is popular for older or traditional kitchens whereas under-mount sinks are the top choice for those who have natural stone worktops. You will then need to choose the appropriate material. Sinks are available in several materials including stainless steel, composite granite, enameled cast iron, copper, and bronze. Your choice will depend on your needs and preferences regarding durability and style. You want to make sure, of course, that your sink complements your worktops. Finally, you will

Read More »

Making a statement with your kitchen backsplash

The backsplash in your kitchen is not only there for practical reasons. It can also help create or emphasize a particular theme in the room. While some people tend to lean towards understated backsplash designs, there is a growing number of homeowners who are opting for something on the bolder end of the scale. If you want your backsplash to make a statement, you cannot go wrong with natural stone. There are plenty of amazing options such as granite, marble, and quartz. Just like choosing the right worktops for your kitchen, you will also need to take the time to consider your backsplash options. Many people like to order a backsplash that will match their worktops. This way, your kitchen walls look like a continuation of your worktops. Just imagine gorgeous white granite worktops with grey veining that continue along your work surfaces and along the walls. Now add some

Read More »