Posts made in February 2020

stone samples

Stone Remnants and Remodeling: Tips for Your Next Project

Stone remnants in Pittsburgh, PA, can be a great way to add style, elegance, and sophistication to your favorite spaces–while also saving on your total project costs. Although stone remnants may not be ideal for creating new countertops, you can utilize these materials in creative ways to great effect.

But first things first: where do stone remnants come from? Remnants are actually pieces of granite, quartz, or other stone surface material that have been cut for other projects. After a fabricator or remodeler cuts the original stone into a client’s desired countertop shape or wall tiles, it cannot be used for much anything else. Stone has different grains and colors, and they are difficult to match to craft entirely new countertops. Some contractors may sell these remnants at drastically reduced prices, allowing customers to give them new uses.

Stone remnants can meet a variety of needs for the customer who wants to use recycled products. Large remnants, for instance, can be used as countertops for kitchen islands–or for smaller areas where variance in the stone will mostly go unnoticed. They can also be repurposed to create bathroom vanities, coffee tables, or as decorative insets for a mosaic.

When working with stone remnants, the possibilities are virtually limitless. If you are interested in using these specimens for your next project, reach out to your local countertop or remodeling contractor to learn if they have anything to offer.

natural stone countertops

Which Edge Treatment Is Best for Your Counters?

Countertops in Pittsburgh, PA, are a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. When you are shopping for a countertop, you may spend some time thinking about the material, its colors and patterns, and the layout of the finished product. One overlooked detail is often the edge treatment. In this post, we will talk about why it might matter to factor the edge into your remodeling plans.

The edge treatment is as the border of your counter. It is a common design element for counters that use stone or engineered stone. The edges can be thought of as a design element. While they may not feel impactful on their own, they can either pull an interior design together or can break up the overall harmony when you view the kitchen or bathroom as a whole.

There are many types of edge treatments. The most popular include:

Square: Simple and clean-lined edges meant to resemble a square. This treatment includes “kerfs,” which soften the edges. As a result, a square edge can mitigate the impact of accidents and also protect the counter from chips and cracks.

Beveled: A beveled edge, also known as a chamfer, is an edge style where the top corner of the counter is cut to a 45-degree angle. This type of treatment is a popular style for bathrooms, as it imparts an elegant theme. It also makes a strong design statement.

Mitered: A mitered edge joins the horizontal top piece of a counter with the vertical apron piece. This forms a square joint. A mitered treatment allows the countertop to take on the appearance of a thick, heavy slab without utilizing more materials. If you want to create a countertop that looks thick, heavy, and expensive, then a mitered edge may work for you.

There are many more types of edge treatments available on the market. When designing your dream countertops, it is important to work with an experienced contractor so that you are aware of your options.