ECLIPSE STAINLESS OUT OF BUSINESS DECEMBER 2017

In this next article for uses of granite scraps and remnants how about a new countertops. Here are some examples.

In this second article on uses for Granite Countertop Remnants and Scraps we are featuring Granite benches. These are made from larger remnants. The benches can be from the simple to the complicated.

So this blog post is totally off topic. It has nothing to do with countertops, kitchens, baths or design of the above. But I write this Blog and I ask my loyal readers will need to forgive this personal indulgence.

Every Granite countertop shop has stacks of remnant scraps that they pay to someone to remove. Most would be happy to find a use for these scraps and small remnants. In this series of articles, we will explore something you can do with these leftovers.  In this first article, we will explore using scraps to create walkways.

This is a video we did several years ago which shows how they created pavers from remnants.

And here are some pictures of other decks made from scraps using either the raw product or using remnants that have been cut.

Natural stone including granite, marble, and other stones are mined from the earth, and not all are the same. Unfortunately, the grading is inconsistent and vary from supplier to supplier.  The top slabs will be called premium, designer or other designation. Lower grades are commonly called commercial , standard or builder grade. The lower quality stones may have carbon deposits that appear as black spots or patches and are generally accepted as undesirable. The lower grades will also have more muted coloring and less dramatic veining.

In the video below we asked a local stone supplier to show us the differences in color and veining.

Note the some of the most dramatic slabs include many fissures and even repairs and may be difficult to fabricate. Viens are  impurities in the slabs which can cause weak spots along with the dramatic look. These slabs most likely need a lot more work to fabricate into long lasting countertops.

Some price-based fabricators will not disclose the grade of the slab and supply lower grade to meet a price.  It is important you get good advice from a trusted source when selecting a slab for a countertop.

Add color and style to your kitchen with a granite, marble, or quartz dining table top. Here are a few ideas.

Modern showers, unlike bathtubs, often do not have a place to store showers necessities like soap, shampoo, and razors. Adding a shelf with granite or other stone can be both functional and beautiful.

What can you do with the remnants from your Granite, Quartz or other stone kitchen countertop project (or remnants for other people’s projects)?  Try adding window sills. They can add class and long life to the sills in kitchens, living rooms or other heavy traffic areas. Here are some ideas.

What can you do with that leftover remnant? What can ou do to jazz up your bathroom AND add function? Here are just a few ideas.

The problem with design trends is that today’s trend too often becomes tomorrow’s outdated. If you or your designer design your kitchen following the latest trends make sure the trends fit your lifestyle long-term and not just Wow your guests at your first party.

Here are some current trends that may or may not work for you.

• Open Shelving: This design can provide a unique look. Just make sure you are ready for the extra dusting and cleaning involved. It also makes it harder to hide the cereal boxes and other supplies that might not be a pleasing to view as the antique decorative plates.
• Focal Point Kitchen Hood: Like a fireplace, it can provide a warm center for your kitchen but make sure the design will hold up over time.
• Oriental Rigs in the Kitchen: Great way to add color and if you tastes change they are easy to replace.
• Tile Backsplashes: Great way to add color and durability. They are thinner than granite backsplashes and can reduce the difficulty of placing large modern sinks and faucets. Like your countertop make sure you choose wisely because tile backsplashes are hard and expensive to change.

Source: Trend Alert: 5 Kitchen Trends to Consider – Home Stories A to Z