There are many beautiful stone products available to the homeowner today. How the stone looks, the design aesthetic, is arguably the most important factor in choosing which of these you will use. However, a number of other factors also should be considered. Among these are the purpose of the area being resurfaced, the colour, age, and architecture of your home, your project budget, and the level of maintenance that is acceptable to you.

Local limestone, such as Owen Sound or Credit Valley, either in dimensional or flagstone, is the most popular choice, but, by no means the only one. Granite, either native or imported, is very effective, used in cobbles for a more established old country look, or in flamed slabs for a more polished finish, perhaps for a French garden.

Porphyry is a natural stone we very much like for its unique warm reds, browns and greys. Porphyry is imported from Mexico, but is also available from Italy and Brazil in slightly different colouration. Porphyry has some very ancient and famous applications, including the floor of Solomon’s temple. For more contemporary gardens, the concrete-like appearance of Indiana Limestone is very effective, while New England Fieldstone and New York Bluestone provide a more rugged and colourful appearance suitable to country estates.
Many sandstones are also available. Sandstone is generally solid coloured and is a softer stone, less workable but highly satisfactory in many applications, at a slightly lower cost.

If cost is an issue, there are numerous very good quality engineered stone products. Many of these provide a very attractive finish, particularly in combination with natural stone. For driveway and other heavy-wear applications, these often are more suitable than natural stone.

Whatever stone you choose, a quality installer is crucial to a beautiful and durable finished project. Choose a landscape firm or mason who can show you a great portfolio and a list of happy clients!

Article Provided By Dayspring Fine Gardens

www.dayspringfinegardens.com

info@dayspringfinegardens.com

Posted by Nikki Rollins nrollins@homerenovationguide.com

Types of Countertops

Solid surface, stone, ceramic tile, laminate, stainless steel, wood and concrete: the list of materials used for countertops has grown quite a bit over the last 75 years. Choosing the type of countertop for your remodel or new home can be a major dilemma these days. We’ll help you narrow the choice with a look at the various types of countertops to choose from and the pros and cons of each.

Plastic Laminates

Until a few years ago, when someone mentioned countertops, plastic laminate was probably what most people thought of first. In fact, plastic-laminate tops still account for 75% of the market. This product is made of multiple layers of resin-soaked kraft paper, topped by a patterned sheet of melamine that is subjected to heat and pressure. A 1/16-inch laminate sheet is then made into a countertop in two ways, either post-formed or custom-fabricated.

Post forming is done at a fabrication plant to create tops with rounded backsplashes and nosing. These tops can be purchased off-the-shelf in limited colors, or special ordered. The result is the least expensive, easiest to clean and quickest way to install plastic laminate.

Custom fabricating results in a range of styles. Laminate sheets are glued to the particle board, then edged with laminate, wood or solid surface strips.

Pros: Laminates are low cost, have an extensive choice of colors and patterns and can be easily installed and maintained.

Cons: The product is not as durable as stone or solid surface, and most of the time, it can’t be used with undermount sinks. It will also scratch and can be tough to repair. If your family is careless, this may not be a good choice, as hot pans and sharp knives will damage the countertop.

Solid Surface

Today there are more than two dozen manufacturers of solid surface countertops. Most are 1/2-inch thick and made of acrylic, polyester and fillers. Edges are built up with two or three layers of material for a thicker appearance. A predictable product, solid surface installation should be handled by a professional who is certified to fabricate and install that specific product.

Pros: Solid surface is sometimes called a “near-perfect” product. It is non-porous, difficult to stain, has a long life and can be made in nearly any size and shape. It is seamless, and scratches and burns can be buffed or sanded out. Sinks can be undermounted and backsplashes can be integrated into the countertop, making them seamless.

Cons: Most problems with solid-surface tops come with improper installation. Damage can occur if a hot pot can makes the product melt. Some critics also say the product looks artificial. It can be rather expensive to purchase and have installed.

Granite or Stone

The most durable option of all countertops, stone is becoming more popular among homeowners and is no longer seen as an “exotic” option. Granite countertops are made from natural products and come in a wide range of colors, patterns and depths, yet each is absolutely unique. The cost, which a few years ago was prohibitive for most budgets, has come down due to increasing imports, new technologies and thinner blades that allow the product to be cut with less waste and cost. A good store with probably the best prices, service and selection is Ariston Marble and Granite - be sure to mentions where you found them.

Pros: Granite surfaces resist most stains, and are even tougher if sealed. A variety of edge styles including bevel, radius, half-radius, ogee and square are available. Sinks can be undermounted and the product can handle hot pans.

Cons: Granite is hard and cold. It can be scratched, and if neglected, can be stained by hot grease. Seams are more evident with granite that has a strong pattern or grain. This product really needs to be installed by a professional who has special tools. On-site repairs are difficult to make.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone combines the functional benefits of solid-surface material with the great look of natural stone. Engineered stone is mostly made of crushed natural stone (93 percent) that is bound together by acrylic or polyester resins. It’s a fairly new product in the U.S., but has been popular in Europe for more than a decade. Anyone looking for zero maintenance on a kitchen countertop should consider this product. Products made of marble and limestone are best suited for bathrooms.

Pros: Engineered stone is non-porous and nearly impossible to stain. It never needs sealing and resists scratches. They have a nice natural look, but can be tinted to create colors not found in nature.

Cons: Expensive, with a cost falling between solid-surface and natural-stone prices. The product can crack or change color if exposed to extreme temperatures. Some feel the surface is too slippery, cold and unforgiving.

Stainless Steel

A common material in restaurants, stainless steel countertops are less common in homes, largely because they’re expensive and hard to find. There are different grades and thicknesses of stainless steel. Make sure the steel is wrapped completely around the edges of the substrate to protect it.

Pros: Stainless tops are very sanitary, provide good heat-proof surfaces and are easy to clean.

Cons: A very expensive choice, this product shows fingerprints and water spots easily, especially when it is new. As it ages, it can show nicks, dents and scratches. The product usually can only be found in limited sizes.

Tile

Granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are most commonly used on countertops, as they are less porous and more durable. Install backerboard over plywood to create a good surface to install tiles. Then use an epoxy grout that is more durable. If standard cement grout is used, make sure you seal it often and well.

Pros: Tile is reasonably priced and tile countertops can be installed by pros and amateurs alike. It comes in a variety of styles and colors.

Cons: Tile is hard and never totally even along the surface. Grout lines are vulnerable to staining. High-gloss and solid-color tiles show scratches.

Concrete

Concrete countertops seem to be growing in popularity. They are durable, heat resistant and can be formed into any shape with the ability to embed patterns or dye them. Concrete tops are not recommended for those who don’t want to do the maintenance, as they are surprisingly porous and need to be sealed and re-sealed.

Pros: Concrete countertops allow for uniqueness, flexibility and fun. It can be mixed with a variety of colors.

Cons: Concrete tops are expensive and easily stained, even with a lacquer finish. They chip easily and are hard, with an industrial look. They require diligent maintenance.

Chris Paulsen cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Hardwood floors can turn your house into a home. In high traffic areas, make sure that you regularly maintain them to keep looking new.

Hardwood floors can be installed anywhere in your house, on concrete, plywood, or over existing floors. However, I would not recommend this, as it adds weight to your joists. All wood subfloors must be screwed in place before you install. While you are doing this, use a level to insure that floor is even throughout.

After the subfloor is installed, make sure that the surface is sanded and smooth.Once the subfloor is in place, sanded, smoothed or filled to provide a level, even surface, installation of the boards can begin. Some manufacturers recommend using a foam underlay that is placed on top of the subfloor and underneath the new floor. This helps minimize creeks and noise from the new floor.

Some Install Tips

When you are deciding where to start your install, use a focal point of the room, such as a mantel.

Before laying the first board, draw a line to use as a reference point. In this installation, a manufacturer’s recommended underlayment is placed on top of the subfloor.

Level the first row of planks with the draw line to make sure that all following planks will be aligned.

Before you nail in the planks to the subfloor, map out the area like a jigsaw puzzle. Fit the boards, making sure that the planks fit together and they are staggered with at least 12 inches between one another.

Blind nailing tongue-and-groove boards hides nails. Nails should be driven through one board’s groove, and hidden by the next parallel board. With other installs, nails are hammered through the face of the board, a process called top nailing. Planks can be glued together as well.