Homeowners have a common fear regarding remodeling projects. Most know a friend or family member with a cautionary tale about a project that began and was endlessly delayed or missed the mark. While there will always be some uncontrollable factors during a project, there are also a variety of preventable issues that can contribute to these disappointing stories.
With a little help from mother nature, you’ll be outside entertaining soon. If you’re considering updating your existing outdoor space or planning to install a new outdoor kitchen, dining or bar area, now is the perfect time to start the process so that you’re BBQ season ready!
What is Silestone®?Silestone creates quartz countertops that are a hybrid of natural materials and manufacturing innovation. Essentially, natural stone is combined with binding materials to create countertop materials that boast superior performance.
Unlike natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite and quartzite that need to be periodically sealed, Silestone has a non-porous surface and does not require a sealant. It’s also resistant to staining and etching from spilled liquids, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
What are the differences between Calacatta marble countertops and Carrara marble countertops?
Even though these two Italian natural stones share a similar name, they have distinctive personalities. Essentially, Calacatta is bold, and Carrara is subtle. Continue reading to discover which natural stone is the right selection for your home!
Are visions of remodeling your home beginning to capture your imagination? The team at Academy Marble & Granite is ready to help you magically transform your kitchen! With so many talented interior designers in the area, we have the inspiration to get you started. Continue reading to discover the perfect kitchen countertop upgrade for your Westchester County kitchen remodel.
What is Craftsman style?Created during the late nineteenth century, this style was a rejection of the British industrial movement. At the time, British Victorians had a distaste for the mass-produced, manufactured style that became popular during this era. To them, this period created architecture that was cold and plain.
Are your countertops in constant use? Do your countertops face challenges like Thai Curries, Moroccan tajines, homemade sauces, bread dough, or subtly sinister situations like children with grape juice? If so, you’ll benefit from investing in durable countertops made of granite, quartzite or quartz. These are our picks for the three most durable types of countertops for your kitchen.
All white kitchens have the magical ability to make any home look bigger. It’s no wonder the all-white look is such a popular interior design trend right now. One of our favorite natural stones used to complete this look is white Carrara marble. Naturally formed with a vein cut that blends to create a unique, yet subtle pattern, this stone is a top choice for many homeowners. This marble is not only popular for its beautiful pattern, but for its luxurious clean, white hue.
Deciding on the right countertops material to use in a kitchen or bathroom remodel can be overwhelming. With so many different styles, colors and stones, it can be a lot to take in. The most important consideration, of course, is deciding on which material is the right fit in YOUR home. For example, do you have a busy kitchen? If so, you’ll need a durable stone that can withstand spills and heat from hot pots and pans. Are you on a budget? There are certain countertop materials that are more economically-friendly and require less maintenance over time for you to consider.
Q: What’s the difference between honed vs. polished marble?
A: Shine.
Honed marble has no shine and should not reflect light. Its finish is matte and looks like a natural stone weathered by the elements. It is lighter in color than polished marble of the same type.
Polished marble shines due to polishing with very fine abrasives that remove all flaws that slow the return of light bouncing off the surface. It is darker in color than honed marble of the same type.
