Category: Company News

Classic or contemporary kitchen designs

When you update select parts of your kitchen, you can create a very distinct classic or contemporary style. For example, if you have classic shaker style cabinet doors, you can give your kitchen that modern twist by adding the right natural stone worktops and modern appliances. There are a number of things that you can mix and match in the kitchen. Your cabinet doors are a good example of this. If you have a kitchen island, you could use a certain type of cabinet door style for your main worktop area. For the island, you could choose cabinets in a contrasting colour. Remember, just because your cabinets are contrasting colours, you can still choose a worktop colour and style that will suit both of these styles so that there is some kind of uniform appeal to the décor. Classic kitchens often make use of warmer colours so your worktops might

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What makes people reluctant to update their kitchen

While some might think of a kitchen upgrade as an exciting venture, there are those who don’t quite share their enthusiasm. If you or somebody you know is on the fence about a kitchen remodel, here are some of the most common concerns. Finances are often considered an obstacle but the good news is that your remodel need not cost a fortune. If you notice such problems as mould, a remodel is in fact an investment in your health and, when you choose natural stone worktops, you are also investing in the value of your home. Some homeowners wonder whether it’s worth investing if they are planning on selling. While it can add great value to your home and help you up your asking price, it’s also a good idea to consider saving the remodel for your new home. Ask your realtor for an estimate on how much a remodel

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The most durable natural stone worktops

Natural stone worktops are highly desirable for their beauty and durability. It is important, however, to note that every surface in your kitchen and bathroom has its own vulnerabilities. Even the toughest stone can still be scratched, cracked, or chipped if not treated properly. Of all the stone worktops on the market, many experts agree that quartz is the toughest. Due the composition and the way this stone is made, quartz holds up really well in kitchens and bathrooms for many years. Softer stones scratch easier if you’re not careful but when you install quartz, you won’t need to be quite as concerned. This does not mean that you can neglect your quartz worktops. They will still need to be sealed upon installation and regularly resealed as needed. It’s also important to avoid cutting directly on your quartz worktops. Always use chopping boards and if you spill anything, wipe it

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How to clean sticky spills off natural stone worktops

No matter how careful you are, you can never completely protect your kitchen worktops from spills. If you have young children, the chances of juice, honey, or something sticky spilling on your worktops are considerably high. Even if your kids try to clean up the mess, the chances are, they won’t do a perfect job and you will notice that your worktop will still have a sticky residue. A simple wipe with a wet cloth or sponge might do the trick. If, however, the substance is more stubborn and this doesn’t quite do the trick, you should soak a cloth or sponge in some hot water and then place it on the sticky area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping again. The hot water will soften the sticky substance and make it easy to remove with just a gentle wipe. Remember, the last thing you want

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Greatest challenges when installing natural stone worktops

Many homeowners agree that installing natural stone worktops comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s these reasons that make so many people opt for a professional installation rather than the DIY approach. The first major challenge is the weight of the worktops. No matter the type of natural stone you choose, there is no doubt that it will weigh a fair amount. Carrying a slab on your own is not advisable and, in many cases, not possible. Not only will you risk injury but you could break the slab. Another challenge involves getting the worktops to fit properly. A perfect fit is important in order to avoid any unnecessary stress on various areas. This means that it needs to be perfectly level. If installed on a slant, it increases the risk of damage. Finally, when you have a professional install these worktops, you don’t need to worry about buying

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Benefits of polished stone worktops

You have chosen your perfect floor, cabinets, fixtures, and natural stone worktops. You think that all your decisions are made but there’s one more that you may not have thought of yet – whether or not to request polished stone. The two most popular options for natural stone worktops are polished or honed. A brushed finish is another option and, no matter which one you choose, it’s important to understand the benefits of each. Polished stone worktops are a joy to behold and they can make any room look extraordinary. Polished stone worktops have a smooth feel to them since they are buffed using fine abrasives. The smooth surface also gives the stone a luxurious shine and some say that it helps make the stone less porous. No matter what type of finish you choose, always remember to seal your stone worktops after installation and conduct a water test regularly

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Advantages of Honed Stone Worktops

When you purchase stone worktops for your kitchen or bathroom, you might wonder whether you should have the stone polished or honed. There are a lot benefits to both options but, for the most part, the difference really is aesthetic. Honed surfaces are preferred by some simply on a personal basis. Some believe that honed stone is tougher to scratch but this is not necessarily true. Light scratches might be somewhat more difficult to notice but this does not mean that they aren’t there. For the most part, the greatest difference is noticed when you use black stone. Polished black stone tends to show dust, fingerprints, and smudges much quicker than honed black stone. Another common misconception is that honed stone needs to be sealed more often. Honed stone requires regular sealing just like polished stone. It is best to test your stone regularly by spraying the surface lightly with

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What is marble?

When installing natural stone worktops in your bathroom or kitchen, you will find that there are a number of types of stone from which to choose. Marble has a long history of use in homes and it is both durable and elegant. Of course, like any natural stone, it’s helpful to understand what this stone consists of. Its composition will help you understand its strengths and weaknesses which will give you the most realistic expectations. Firstly, marble is not indestructible. It’s tough and it will last a lifetime if it is properly cleaned and maintained. Marble is classified as a metamorphic rock. It forms when limestone is exposed to substantial heat and pressure. It mostly consists of calcite and other clay minerals, pyrite, graphite, iron oxides, and more. When the calcite in the limestone is exposed to heat and pressure, it recrystallizes and a rock mass of interlocking calcite crystals

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Quartz Alternative to White Carrara Marble Kitchen Countertops

Have a close look at our attached Carrara effect quartz as an alternative to white Carrara marble in your Kitchen or Bathroom. If you love the look of white Carrara Marble in the kitchen, but are concerned that it is too delicate for your family’s lifestyle, then these options might be perfect for you. Quartz is a very hard material and can give you a natural stone look with consistent color and texture throughout the Quartz Countertop. Each slab looks the same, which helps minimize the visable seems that you will get in marble countertop installations. Quartz is easy to maintain and doesn’t require the annual sealing required by natural stone.

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Are Natural Stone Worktops in the Bathroom a Good Investment?

While natural stone worktops are known as a great investment when renovation or building a new kitchen, some homeowners still wonder when it comes to bathrooms. In short, this type of worktop is a superb addition to any bathroom for a number of reasons. Firstly, stone is durable which means that you will get years of use out of your worktops and you won’t need to worry about the cost or inconvenience of replacing your worktops. As long as you avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and seal your worktops regularly, your stone will look perfect for years to come. Another advantage of choosing natural stone for your bathroom worktops is that it will make the room more appealing and hygienic. Unlike wood and various other types of worktops, sealed stone will not absorb water which means that you don’t need to worry about mildew. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of this

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