Sunday, March 14, 2010

CAESARSTONE INTRODUCES THE “WHITEST WHITE” IN QUARTZ SURFACES, “PURE WHITE”

kitchen countertopsCaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, launches “Pure White” (1141) the “whitest white” in quartz countertops & surfaces, it was announced today by Arik Tendler, president of CaesarStone.

“Our CaesarStone international R&D team, with its pulse on the latest in trends, determined that ‘White is the new black;’ and is the hot new color choice for residential and commercial usage,”

said Tendler.

Pure White, the “Whitest White” in quartz surfaces, features a beautiful silk finish and is perfect for hospitality designs, smart office spaces, stunning kitchen countertops to match white lacquer cabinets, shower walls, bar tops, custom-made furniture and wherever your imagination takes you.

“Since our products are made from 93% natural quartz, naturally, there are varying shades and undertones even in the lightest of quartz,” continued Tendler. “Creating just the right consistency and pigment for Pure White was a challenge. We’re so proud to present this beautiful addition to our color line up.”

Pure White, like all CaesarStone surfaces, is scratch, stain, crack and heat resistant. It is also resistant to most household chemicals and is nonabsorbent, nonporous and mold and mildew resistant. Additionally, CaesarStone is the only quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer that stands behind their products by offering a Lifetime Residential Warranty and a10-year Limited Commercial Warranty.

CaesarStone will support the launch of Pure White with a national print advertising campaign and a variety of online initiatives.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, CaesarStone products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Choosing the Right Countertop Surface for your Home

countertop

If you're remodeling or designing a kitchen from scratch, you can be sure countertops will eat up a healthy chunk of your budget. With so many options and price points, it is touch to decide on look alone. While some are shiny, heavy and pricey, including colorful granite, concrete can create a subdued impression that's more modern than glamorous. There are fragile performers and the almost indestructible laminates that should be the solution for busy kitchens that see a lot of wear and tear. Often, you can end up with a combination of countertop surfaces in one kitchen, meaning it's important to know what best suits your lifestyle and budget. The top kitchen-design companies already know the pros and cons of various surfaces.

 QUARTZ/ENGINEERED STONE

Engineered stone is composed of crushed quartz particles that have been combined with polymer resins and pigment. It's uniform in color and pattern, which is great for those looking for a clean finish. It's also available in a wide range of colors.

 "The look is different. It's more of a solid, speckled finish, versus some of the stones that have a grain," says co-owner Jim Deslaurier, of Ottawa's Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, adding it's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include Cambria, Silestone and CaesarStone quartz countertops.

 Pros: It is stain-and scratch-resistant, easy to care for and manufacturers usually include a warranty.

Cons: Expensive to fix if chipped or cracked.

Cost: $50 to $100 per square foot, installed.

 GRANITE

Granite is right up there with quartz, and is the top material of choice if budget is not an issue. The popularity of this surface has skyrocketed, and the fact that it boosts a property's resale value doesn't hurt. This material is a rock with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern. While it does hold up to heat, experts suggest using a protector to avoid any problems. Some warn the counter may crack if a hot object is placed near a weakened area or hidden fissure, or if the countertop has not been installed properly.

 Pros: A wet cloth cleans this surface easily. It has the second-highest hardness rating after diamonds.

Cons: Requires some maintenance, including a sealer. Some stone absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it.

Cost: $55 to $200/sq. ft., installed.

 LAMINATES

Pros: Cost-efficient, easy to clean and available in a variety of colors

Cons: Scratches and chips are difficult to repair, seams show, end and front-edge finishes can be pricey.

Cost: $25 to $70/sq. ft., installed.

 WOOD OR BUTCHER BLOCK

Pros: Easy to clean and season with vegetable oil. It can be sanded and resealed as needed.

Cons: May stain over time. Can be damaged by water and heat.

Cost: $30 to $125/sq. ft., installed.

 MARBLE

Pros: Marble is elegant, waterproof and heatproof.

Cons: Porous, stains easily unless professionally sealed, can scratch.

Cost: $50 to $200/sq. ft., installed.

 STAINLESS STEEL

Pros: Easy to sanitize. Takes hot pans without marking.

Cons: It does scratch and may dent, adding to the industrial look.

Cost: $100 to $200/sq. ft.

 CONCRETE

Pros: Heat-and scratch-resistant, can be color-tinted, looks exotic. Additives reduce porosity; custom-formed with a modern appeal.

Cons: It can crack without proper treatment. It can appear cold and industrial. It is porous, but can be sealed.

Cost: $80 to $120/sq. ft., installed.

 Readtherestofthestoryhere: http://www.nationalpost.com/homes/story.html?id=2620472&p=1