Eco-Friendly Quartz Countertops: Quick Facts & Our Top Picks

Does your kitchen look more drab than fab? Consider revamping it with eco-friendly quartz.

Replacing countertops is probably the most enticing kitchen improvement you can make. Whether you are on a budget or can afford something luxe, it’s smart to go green. Plus, making a switch to sustainable natural stone product won’t change the resale value of your home.

Sustainable materials, such as Caesarstone Quartz, Staron quartz, and PentalQuartz, are just as stunning as traditional countertops. Not convinced? Check out these quick facts about natural quartz:

• A Greener Option. Quartz countertops qualify towards LEED certification points. Comprised of 93% quartz stone, they are more environment-friendly than other natural stone.

• High-durability. Being the 4th hardest mineral on earth, quartz won’t crack or chip.

• Low-maintenance. Quartz countertops are non-porous and resistant to stains and bacteria buildup. There are no sealing requirements and special cleaning rules to follow.

• Generous warranties. Depending on the manufacturer, quartz countertops come with 10, 15, and even lifetime warranties.

• Greenguard Certified. Quartz countertops have zero VOCs and are approved to bear the Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified mark. This is one of the meaningful certifications you should seek as you sort through countless choices of materials.

At Milan Stoneworks, we care about the environment while installing only the best products in your home. These are a few examples of quartz products that we are proud to carry:

• CaesarStone Quartz. Comprised of 93% natural quartz, with its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant properties, CaesarStone is the ideal choice for carefree countertops. CaesarStone introduces the first of its kind lifetime warranty - the only warranty that covers your surface for as long as you own your home.

• Staron Quartz Surfaces. Staron quartz is a non-porous product. It is highly resistant to bacterial growth and stains such as red wine, cooking oil, and other spills. Thus, making the product virtually maintenance free, since, it doesn't require sealing or periodic polishing.

• LG Viatera. Unlike Granite or Marble, LG Viatera does not need topical sealing, allowing lasting beauty with very little maintenance. LG Viatera appeals to those who prefer the elegant look of stone, but desire a product that is easy to maintain and like all LG countertop surfacing products, is backed by the industry leading 15 year warranty.

• PentalQuartz. PentalQuartz will complement your home décor for years to come, is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. Highly heat, stain, and scratch resistant, it is designed to withstand whatever life throws its way. Its timeless beauty is suitable for every room in your home -- from kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities to bar tops and tub surrounds. Moreover, it is naturally nonporous which prevents mold and other microbes from growing, without harmful chemical treatments.

Need inspiration for your next remodel? Visit our showroom and we’ll show you how we’ve used sustainable materials in projects with other customers.

Tips For Cleaning Your Granite Countertop

                              

Many homeowners don’t realize that cleaning a granite countertop properly is crucial to keep it germ-free and safe. According to a survey, 33% of homeowners use common all-purpose cleaner on their countertop while 28% use disinfecting wipes. Surprisingly, 19% use a glass cleaner for their natural stone.

To keep your granite in tip-top shape, follow these tips:

• Household cleaners, such as glass cleaners, could affect the sealant and put granite surfaces at risk of getting stained. If you are using general cleaners, you might start to notice the difference in the look and feel of natural stone.

• Experts recommend cleaning natural stone surfaces with a cleaner that’s formulated to wipe away stains without jeopardizing the protective seal.

• If you’ve spilled something on the counter, remove it as soon as possible. Use a soft sponge, a nylon brush, or other non-abrasive material. Spray the surface with a granite cleaner then wipe it with a clean cloth.

• Natural stone like granite can be very porous. It is important to seal your natural stone countertop with a sealer that helps repel spills on the surface, allowing time to wipe everything before penetrating your granite counter.

How do you keep your kitchen countertop clean? Let us know in the comments below!

8 Common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

When done right, transforming your old bathroom from dingy to dazzling can add value to your home. It’s an exciting home improvement project to work on and sounds all too easy. However, you don’t want to find yourself drowning in unanticipated problems and unexpected costs. So when you are planning a remodel, avoid these common pitfalls.

Mistake #1 - Thinking bigger is better

You’ve read that right. Bigger isn't always better. It doesn’t matter whether you have a large bathroom or trying to squeeze in an extra space for the growing needs of your family. What’s important is that the design matches your lifestyle.

Mistake #2 - Ignoring measurements

In a remodeling project, you might be too preoccupied with the design and other fun stuff. Before you create your blueprint, consider functionality. Measure the distances accurately and plan it carefully so that you can open the bathroom door without blocking anything or the cabinet doors won’t bang against other surfaces.

Mistake #3 - You have a thing for curbed-shower

Not only does a curbless shower adhere to universal design principles but it can enhance the appeal of your bath and make it look cleaner and bigger. This is fairly easy to accomplish so make sure to mention this to your contractor before construction.

Mistake #4 - No view out

It’s no fun spending in a dark, damp bathroom. If you are relocating your bath, choose a room with small windows. If not possible, install an operable skylight to allow natural light and fresh air to get in.

Mistake #5 - Budgeting too little or over-paying for your new bathroom

The average bathroom remodel costs around $16,000, according to Remodeling Magazine. If you encountered water damage and molds in your old bathroom, you might be spending more as you’re likely to replace old pipes, countertop, and fixtures to reduce problems later on.

While it’s important that you are working within you budget and shopping the best deal on fixtures and materials, it is critical not to save to the point of compromising the quality. Getting way too low or too extravagant can cause you more trouble later. For example, cheap cabinets will have doors that don’t fit properly. This is also true when you choose substandard materials that can lead to water damage,

You should not also skimp on paying for reliable contractors. Remember, cheaper is not always better. Be sure to work with skilled, licensed, and insured contractors.

Mistake #6 – Not matching hardware and fixtures

If you are going to choose a faucet in nickel, the other components (towel bar and rings) should have the same material. Compare finishes before purchasing. If possible, get hardware and fixtures at the same place.

Mistake #7 – Mismatched finishes on sink, toilet, shower, and tub

Your sink, toilet, and tub should have matching finishes. Before you buy anything, compare samples of materials.

Mistake #8 - Doing it yourself

Doing it all could create costly mistakes if you failed to rewire the room correctly or botch the plumbing. It is recommended that you hire a professional to take over your bathroom remodel.

Ready to give your bathroom a bold new look? Call Milan Stoneworks at 503.232.6206 for all your remodeling needs.

Organizing Tips for Coffee and Tea Stations

For some, the kitchen isn't complete without a place intended for sipping a good ol’ cup of joe. Brewing coffee or getting a quick tea break seem like a no-brainer, but having a cozy nook around will make you enjoy your beverage experience.

Here, you will find hot ideas for enhancing your coffee and tea stations:

• Did you know tea is said to be the second most popular beverage next to water? Purchase a nice teakettle and pull it out in the morning and at night. When not in use, it can be a great decorative piece on your counter. For easy access, keep your water and tea leaves close to the heat source.

• Drawer inserts with dividers near the stove top can be used in storing your beverage ingredients. It’s a great way to organize your tea stash into greens, blacks, herbals, etc.

• Let’s move on to the third most popular beverage – coffee. Aside from tea bags, you can also stock that drawer with coffee beans.

• For those who consider coffee as the only beverage that matters, incorporating a built-in coffee machine in the kitchen is suggested. Ideal placement would be just above counter height, outside the immediate work zone but in close proximity to the seating area.

• If you still prefer the traditional coffee maker and don’t want to see the cords hanging, you can store it in your designated beverage station.

• Just like the teakettle, your cups can be presented in style after use. Undercabinet hooks are a great option.

Are you a tea lover, a die-hard coffee fan, or both? Do you have a coffee/tea setup in your kitchen? Share it with us!

Installing a New Kitchen Backsplash

A backsplash can set a focal point in your kitchen, giving a distinct sense of style and balance between the other elements.

When it comes to material, color, and size, your options for kitchen backsplashes are limitless. But then again, you have to choose what’s best for your lifestyle. If you have a kitchen makeover coming up, here are a few tips to help you navigate through the process of installing a new backsplash:

• Pick the kind of backsplash you’d like to add in your kitchen. Do you want ceramic tile patterns? How about custom murals? Visualize the end result, research quality materials, meet with a trusted contractor, and visit showrooms to help you decide.

• Get the exact measurements to determine the size of the materials you need. A good rule of thumb is to order 10% more of the amount of square feet to give room for breakage or the unlikely mistakes on the job.

• The cost for labor and materials vary. Make sure to ask your contractor to give you a ballpark estimate.

• Installing a kitchen backsplash can either be a DIY project or a task that can be left for the pros. If the materials are expensive, your best bet is to hire a professional tiler.

• The best time to do this project is during or after a kitchen remodel. It can take a couple of days to several weeks to plan and acquire the materials. If your material of choice is in stock, you can get it in a few days but for custom orders, it can take 6 to 8 weeks. Once you have the materials, you can install them within two to three days depending on the complexity of the design.

Are you ready for an amazing kitchen makeover? Contact Milan Stoneworks today! We have a team of skilled professionals to make your renovation a success.

3 Tips for Designing a Spa-Style Bathroom

Homeowners these days are looking for stylish ways to add comfort and cutting-edge functionality in their bathroom. Aside from increasing the value of your home, having a little luxury won’t hurt. If you’re stuck for ideas, read along.

Add spa-worthy products and features

There are a wide range of tubs and showers available today. Some will allow you to fully immerse yourself in bubbles while others send sound-wave vibrations through the water.

You can also opt for shower heads mounted on the walls and ceilings. These showers can be adjusted for a personalized therapeutic experience. You can preset temperature, sprays, steam, and water use.

Both offer the ultimate relaxation and will forget all your worries.

Don’t limit your imagination

Countertops come in beautiful surface materials and colors that are perfect for your kitchen or bathroom. Coupled with a stylish vanity, it leaves a sophisticated touch. You can also get inspiration from high-end hotels and adapt a few designs according to your budget. Elegant vessel sinks, vanities, wood finishes, floors, toilet enclosures, and lighting are just some of the features you can change to have a hotel-inspired bathroom. Carefully handpicked materials, finishes, and fixtures will give you stunning visuals with an enhanced appeal.

Plan ahead

Take some time to map out the outline of your dream bathroom. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, planning ahead is essential. Even the most intricate details can make a huge difference in your bathroom. Decide what you need to prioritize and spend more on what matters. By planning smart, you can explore all the possibilities and achieve your dream of a luxurious bath.

We are here to help you create a blueprint that will meet your standards and satisfy your long term personal vision of a cozy retreat in your own home. Contact us today for your upcoming bathroom remodel or visit www.milanstoneworks.com to see our portfolio.

How to Choose the Right Depth for Your Sink

It’s good to have a nice, wide kitchen sink that offers enough space for food prep and cleanup. But if you think bigger is always better, think again.

Kitchen sinks these days offer a variety of options. The average depth today is 8 to 10 inches, some even go 12 inches deep; repurposed vintage sinks are usually on the shallow side. To avoid back strain, sore neck, and cluttered space, consider how you use your existing sink. For an instance, a deeper sink can keep splashing to a minimum but if it’s too deep, chances are you and your kids might be uncomfortable using it.  

If you are in deep thoughts, these easy tips will help in selecting the correct bowl depth for your needs:

When to Go Shallow

A shallow bowl depth of less than 8 inches is a comfortable depth for those who are shorter (5’4” or less in height) or taller (6’2” in height). A shorter person can work well in a shallow sink without having to lean too much to wash dishes in the bottom; taller folks won’t have to hunch over or crouch down.

Because they take up less space, shallow sinks also give you more storage space. It is easier to install and costs less than deep versions.

When to Go Deep

If you need more space in prepping meals and hiding dirty dishes, a deep sink is ideal. A sink depth of at least 10 inches will allow you to wash larger dishes and pans without splashing water all over the surrounding surface. Those who are fond of baking or who are washing large pots, sheet pans, and cutting boards will also love a functional and durable deep sink.

Choosing a properly designed kitchen sink is all about finding one that’s just right for your height and your needs. Explore showrooms that have a wide range of sizes on display and see what depth feels comfortable.

Visit www.milanstoneworks.com today to see how we can help transform your living space.