Showing posts with label countertops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label countertops. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Countertops – Giving Your HomeSome Color


While kitchens come in many shapes and sizes, almost all homeowners rely on their countertops for reliable surfaces to cook, work, and store. Coming in different colors and textures, countertopsmade up of natural stones are relatively pricier than other materials such as tile, wood, or laminate. 





When it comes to a countertop surface that is reliable, resilient, and beautiful, the first choice is natural stone. They are relatively easy to clean, tough and virtually fireproof. Natural stone provides 4 varieties, namely marble, granite, slate and travertine. Marble, though beautiful and available in various colors and designs, may raise the cost considerably. Granite, on the other hand, is a good mix of quality and functionality and is available in various forms. It offers a good value for money, though it does require maintenance such as a yearly sealing. Since marble and granite are naturally porous materials, they require sealing in order to prevent bacteria from hiding inside the surface. Using slates gives the option of going for multipurpose options. For people having a taste for natural and neutral color, travertine may be the best option. Coming from the limestone family, it may however stain more easily than others.

The modern day kitchen is increasingly using countertops made of wood that are long-lasting when properly cared for. These are made using modern adhesives that strongly bond the wood staves and may withstand high pressure. Aesthetically speaking, a wooden countertop goes well with wooden floorings, moldings, cornices and mantels. Though somewhat costlier, these are usually less expensive than natural stone and granite.

A countertop made of engineered stone consists of 93% crushed quartz and 3-7% of binders and resins. The use of quartz makes these durable and easy to maintain. The durability of the stone makes them resistant to scratch and heat. However, that doesn’t mean a person gets careless and is suggested not to directly place hot items on the countertops. It also offers various choices in colors and should be used specifically in a place like as countertop in kitchen and as vanity in bathroom. 

The last of the options, Formica, is an inexpensive and uses a high-pressure laminated countertops. In the general parlance, these are known as either plastic laminate countertops or Formica countertops. These are not long-lasting like others and may get scratched with cleaning.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Countertops -- On the Surface

countertops

People often take kitchen surfaces for granted. They just want to make sure that their countertops are durable, clean, and functional. But if you need new ones, this is often when people start researching more about countertop materials. There are a lot of options out there, and the one that's right for you may depend on what you plan to use it for. This is why it's important not only to do your research, but also to make a list of the things you want to be able to do on this surface. Taking these steps can help you to get the right product for the job.

Tile is a popular choice for countertops in both kitchens and bathrooms. It's pretty inexpensive to install, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and tile types. You can even add some style with decorative tiles or patterned tiles. It's relatively durable and, even if you do chip a tile, it's easier to replace one tile than to have to replace an entire countertop. The only drawback for a lot of people is that tile comes with grout, and grout can be rather difficult to clean. Fortunately, there are other options.

Natural stone is also a popular material for countertops. This material is beautiful, natural, and very hardy. The most popular stone types for this application are usually granite or marble. You can get a variety of different styles or stone types. A granite countertop in particular can handle a lot of abuse. You can put hot pots directly on the countertop. Because stones retain coolness, it's also an ideal surface for rolling out pie dough or pasta. And because there are no grout lines to contend with, just a single solid surface, clean-up on granite or marble is a snap.

But one thing about natural stone countertops is that they're prone to scratching. You may not need to replace the entire countertop, but you may need to buff out scratches on a regular basis. The alternative to natural stone is engineered stone. These engineered surfaces combine quartz with polyresin in order to make a beautiful surface with a natural look that's much more scratch-resistant than granite or marble. These materials can range in price but are typically considered top-of-the-line materials. If you want beauty that will last a lifetime in your kitchen, then it is an investment worth making.

Monday, January 23, 2012

What is the Typical Cost of Caesarstone?



Caesarstone is a lovely & highly desired stone surfacing material created with current technology to resemble quartz in every capacity. Durable and available in a wide range of colors & textures, you can furnish your home with this beautiful surface everywhere from the bathroom to kitchen countertops to an accent wall. Even floors can be done with this product.

Caesarstone is ninety three percent quartz combined with pigments and polymers to strengthen the product and provide a variety of different color options for every type of style. Caesarstone also comes in honed, polished, and textured surfaces. For about $40.00 per square foot in some locations, it is an investment worth every penny.

Some of the rich colors to add character to your home include Deep Ocean, Black Rocks, Espresso, Smoky Ash, Pebble, Ruby Reflections, Mocha, Nougat, Rosemary, Eggshell, Cinder, Desert Limestone, & Organic White among many other choices. Caesarstone also comes in many recycled options with fleck filled color choices such as Starry Night, Carbone and Spring Blossom.

Determining the cost of your Caesarstone requires some research. You can calculate the footage by using online calculators, or Caesarstone’s handy app for the iPhone and iPad. Various web sites which sell countertop or flooring materials offer approximate pricing based on the surface dimensions you want to cover by filling in the square feet of the area and the price per square foot.

Caesarstone may cost as much as $60 or even $90 a square foot for the material and installation depending on your location. Caesarstone is one of the only materials which offers a lifetime guarantee, so really it is quite cost effective than other materials which need regular maintenance or repairs.

When caring for Caesarstone be sure to avoid contact with paint thinners, prolonged heat, soaps with high alkaline balances, oils, oven cleaners and other harsh products. The Caesarstone will last but you don’t want to stain its surface or create dull places in it. Hot pots and other heat sources can leave hairline cracks that are difficult to mask.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Best Materials for Your Countertops

Countertops

When it comes time to redo your kitchen’s countertops, you will find that you are inundated with choices as to what to make them out of. This is not a choice that should be made lightly either. You will be stuck, so to speak, with the new kitchen countertop for many years to come. So, while it may seem that this decision is not all that important, it really is important to the overall look of your kitchen and, considering how much it will cost to redo, you really can’t afford to get it wrong.

The first decision that has to be made when it comes time to get new countertops is what material they will be made out of. Here you will find that you have several choices including:

· Solid surface – This countertop is made out of acrylic and is the most common type that is found in most homes and apartment buildings. The material is very durable and can withstand stains and all of the rigors of daily living. Another plus to this type is that you can get them in almost every color imaginable so they are easily matched with the colors of your current kitchen if you do not plan to change them.

· Granite – For those with more money and who want fancier looking countertops, you can have them made out of granite. This type can definitely make the kitchen look classier. The only problem, other than the cost of making them, is that they have been known to absorb certain stains and, once that happens, there is no getting the stain out.

· Ceramic tile – Some people prefer ceramic tile for their countertop material. It can definitely make the kitchen look nice and clean and, much like with solid surface ones, you can get the tiles in all sorts of colors to match your kitchen. The only thing is that the tiles do not tend to last as long as other material types so you may find yourself replacing them in a couple of years.

The next decision you need to make is who is going to make and then install your new countertops. You want to make sure to choose someone who knows what they are doing and has been in the business for a while. Even a properly cut countertop can become messed up if it is not installed correctly. They cost far too much, even those not made of stone, for you to hire someone who is just going to mess them up. Sure, you may have to pay a bit more for a more experienced counter person, but it will be worth it in the end.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Remodeling Trends in Los Angeles: Kitchen Benchtops

Countertops

In Los Angeles kitchen remodel projects are often based on both form and function. Contractors/designers meet with their clients to ensure that both the style and function of the space is addressed. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It is where families gather for meals, where cooking, hosting, dishes, and homework are done. Some families look for comfort and coziness, while others look for modernity and sleekness, all the while needing the space to serve the functions needed with ease.

Countertops and storage space are often the first big decisions made, which shape the rest of the kitchen remodel. Recently benchtops are becoming more and more popular for their durability, low maintenance, and unique look. When looking for a benchtop, remember that it is in constant use, every day. It will need to be sturdy, functional and beautiful.

A kitchen remodel usually happens once in a home, depending on how long the family has lived there. You want to make sure that the countertop you use is strong enough to last for several years – decades even. For this you must turn to a sturdy material which lasts long and doesn’t require much maintenance. While there are a plethora of materials out there, natural stone seems to be the best in terms of price, quality, durability, & being low maintenance.

Natural stone such as quartz, as opposed to granite, is tough, non-porous (so it never needs to be sealed), as well as scratch, heat, and stain resistant. They also come in more colors and textures now than ever before.

While some specific stones get discolored or stained when something hot is kept on them, durable quartz such as Caesarstone is resistant to such things making it a smart choice for home owners who want to work freely without the worry of stains or discoloration. Busy moms, for example, who use their countertops every day, don’t have the time or energy to baby their counters. They want something they can install and forget about, aside from an easy cleaning once in awhile.

Quartz has become a hot favorite because it fulfills the most conditions specified by the customers. Durable, low-maintenance, heat, stain, & scratch resistant, a variety of choices for color & texture, regularly available, & well priced for the quality of the product: these are all qualities which have made quartz countertops & benchtops such as Caesarstone as a superior choice for satisfied customers. And because quartz is such a versatile material, benchtops can be made specific to various designs requested by the customer. From classic to modern, and even ultra modern, the possibilities are endless.

Monday, November 14, 2011

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caesarstoneus

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Quartz Countertops for Kitchen Counters, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Vanity, Custom Quartz Countertops Safe, Durable, Attractive Countertops, Quartz Surfaces by Caesarstoneus.

iPhone App

Friday, October 21, 2011

Caesarstone and Sonobath announce new Eclipse series

quartz countertopsCaesarstone is pleased to announce an exciting new application of some of its most spectacular semi-precious surfaces -- the Eclipse table series by Jae Omar Design (JOD). Southern California-based Jae Omar, one of Caesarstone's associate designers, overlays these precious stone surfaces with natural metal elements to create intriguing, hard-to-look-away table designs.

Available beginning in fall 2011, the Eclipse table is the first piece in Jae Omar Design's new Soma collection. The collection is offered in a variety of round, square and rectangular sizes, and in a range of stunning stone and metal combinations including Concetto Sirena with moody dark bronze.

"Dressing a living area or home is a bit like dressing a woman -- no matter what the occasion a subtle application of jewelry increases the interest ten-fold. Our jeweled stone Eclipse table has a similar effect," said JOD's Omar. "We've added the luster of stone surfaces, such as Concetto Sirena, to add an unexpected richness and timelessness to an interior accent as simple as a metal-based table. The effect is stunning to say the least."

Through special arrangement with Caesarstone, JOD is able to provide custom selections of the various top-end surfaces to go with any interior décor.

"The Eclipse tables are extremely designer friendly, with patterns and textures that fit with nearly any color palette or mood -- like a diamond necklace that goes equally well with a casual top or a little black dress," explains Omar. "Though a little more precious than off-the-shelf tables, we think any room is worth it."

About Jae Omar Design
Since its introduction in 1998, Jae Omar's innovative, contemporary furniture collection has been a favorite amongst both designers and architects. His signature blend of tailored shapes and raw natural elements celebrates the power and beauty of a natural world in constant transition. Now represented internationally, Omar continues to push the edge of the envelope with originality and an uncompromising attention to detail. For more information about Jae Omar Design and its complete line of high-end furniture and accessories, please go to jaeomardesign.com or call 310/492-4006.

AboutCaesarstone
Caesarstone is the original quartz
countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, 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 countertops and surfaces 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 http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Caesarstone Launches its New Interactive iPhone Application

iPhone App

The new application, featuring Caesarstone's quartz surfaces collections, is built to inspire and assist in designing any interior space. It is intended for the use by both Consumers, looking for creative ideas and information while renovating their homes, and by Architects and Designers using it as part of their professional tool kit.

Caesarstone, the pioneer and leading manufacturer of Caesarstone quartz countertops & surfaces, today announced it has launched its first iPhone application called "Caesarstone". The application is available in four languages, English, French, Spanish, and Hebrew, and will be used in over 30 worldwide countries. Available today on the Apple iPhone App store, the application includes interactive features that will be valuable for a wide group of audience in the home décor industry.

When connected to the iPhone, users will be able to take full advantage of the various “Caesarstone” features, some of which include:

A. An Interactive Design Module – a 'drag and drop' feature, allowing users to match Caesarstone vast range of colors with a selection of cabinet shades, creating different kitchen and bathrooms designs.
B. A Where to buy/view – an inclusive list, location based, of showroom locations and dealers, with up to date displays of current exhibits, along with access to Google Map for directions.
C. Camera - providing users the ability to photograph any image and find its closes match with the available Caesarstone color collection.
D. Gallery – showcasing preferred images of kitchens, bathrooms, and worldwide commercial projects display application.
E. My Notebook - Save favorite colors and designs to the notebook to compare, review and share on Facebook.

"We are pleased to be launching this kind of technologically innovative solution," Said Eli Feiglin, Caesarstone marketing VP. "These days, everyone wants to bring out their individuality and dreams while remodeling, building or expanding a home. Our company's goal is to do just that, help people express themselves. This original application is another touch point to enhance our brand promise and communicate with our audiences. We look forward to developing further tools for iPad, and Android users as well."

The power of "Caesarstone" comes from its ability to inspire with its design modules and vast gallery, while providing the most up to date "where to buy" information – all in a simple, on the go solution.

"Caesarstone" is free and can be downloaded for iPhone users at the App Store. More information is available on the Caesarstone website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com/iphone-app/, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

About Caesarstone
Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, 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 countertops and surfaces 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 http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Monday, August 8, 2011

Caesarstone Partners with Bravo’s Flipping Out Host Jeff Lewiss

countertops

Global quartz countertop & surface pioneer Caesarstone announced a partnership today with Jeff Lewis, the star of Bravo’s hit docu-series Flipping Out and the recently announced series Interior Therapy. As a real estate mogul having speculated and designed over 100 homes, Lewis has developed some of the most sought after properties in Los Angeles. In this new venture with Caesarstone, Lewis will be developing surface colors and will appear in advertising campaigns for the company.

“Jeff Lewis brings to the Caesarstone brand his experience in designing homes for over 20 years; his understanding of the homeowners’ likes and dislikes; his use of modern and relevant colors, as well as his humor and humility,” said Arik Tendler, President of Caesarstone. “We are excited to collaborate with Jeff in 2011 to develop new colors as well as a fresh and humorous ad campaign.”

This will be the second year of partnership between Caesarstone and Lewis. In 2010, Lewis selected Caesarstone’s Pure White surface in his House Beautiful Magazine “Kitchen of the Year” design project showcased in Rockefeller Center.

“In my experience as a speculator and designer, Caesarstone is regarded as the premiere quartz surface provider,” said Lewis. “The opportunity to expand the line and develop new colors is a creative challenge that I look forward to.”

About Caesarstone
Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, 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 countertops and surfaces 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 http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Caesarstone and Sonobath HYDROS Vessel Sinks Selected for Installation in New Club Nikki/Nikki Beach at Tropicana Las Vegas

vessel sinks

As the latest iteration of the world famous Club Nikki/Nikki Beach brings a unique international party style to Tropicana Las Vegas, Caesarstone and Sonobath are there both in spirit and in the form of its stunning Sonobath HYDROS and LOTUS vessel sinks – with multiple installations within the resort. Handcrafted from Caesarstone Pure White premium quartz, the Sonobath sinks bring a cutting edge yet timeless element to the stunning design.

The dramatic HYDROS design offers symmetry through asymmetry. The focal point of the elegantly sloping design is its off-center concealed drain system. HYDROS is available with brushed nickel slats or a recessed tray covered in natural river rock. It is Sonobath’s most popular model.

The sculptural LOTUS sinks start, like all Sonobath vessel sinks, with hand-selected pieces of Caesarstone premium quartz, which is then formed using a special labor-intensive “stone pedal” process to create its exclusive “bent stone” appearance – with the top left and lower right corners turned approximately 20 degrees. It also features a hidden drain system. Like the lotus plant, which is born of water but not part of it, the entire surface of the LOTUS sink has a light, almost ethereal quality, contrasting the power and weight of the stone surface itself.

“Nikki Beach is synonymous with the ultimate beach club experience and we’re honored to have our sinks included as part of the resort’s incredible interior design,” says Sonobath founder and designer Jae Omar. “The inspiration for Sonobath sinks comes from the elements of nature, so what better setting for this multi-sink installation than the desert oasis that is Nikki Beach? And, though our designs look like pieces of sculpture, they are first and foremost sinks that can be used every day and we expect them to receive heavy use in the Nikki Beach resort.”

About Sonobath

The Sonobath line of limited edition vessel sinks includes eight models – ETHOS, HYDROS, CHAOS, MTHOS, TITUS, LOTUS, ZERO and THE RIVER – each redefining the boundaries between art and design, form and function, structure and romance. Sonobath, from the term “sono” meaning controlled nature in Zen practices, is a Southern California-based designer/manufacturer of high-end home bath products. Caesarstone, the pioneer in quartz surfaces, is the exclusive stone supplier. Sonobath sinks are available through architects, interior designers and designated retail kitchen and bath retailers.

For more information about Sonobath and its products, please go to www.sonobath.com, or call 310/492-4006.

About Caesarstone

Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, 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 countertops and surfaces 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 http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Caesarstone Launches Six New Colors

quartz

Van Nuys, CA (June 14th, 2011): Caesarstone is pleased to announce the launch of six brand- new colors. These new hues range from classic to contemporary, rounding out a total of forty-eight colors in the Caesarstone Classico collection.

“We are so pleased to unveil these newest innovations. Our research and development team is constantly pushing the envelope of quartz capabilities to bring the most stylish surfaces to the market; we definitely achieved that with this new collection.” Maggie Amir - Brand Manager

The new colors are broken up into two categories stylistically. The first category is a trio, our fresh twist on a contemporary classic with the introduction of Linen, a rich greyish beige (greige) surface that compliments any design application; Belgian Moon, a stunning black surface that was designed in collaboration with Jeff Lewis, of Bravo’s hit show Flipping Out; and finally Haze, a light, clean, airy gray surface that is sure to suit any space. The second category is our nod to tradition; these are timeless classics. The first being Atlantic Salt, a color that looks the way it sounds, multifaceted with glimpses of peppered gray and whites, clean and serene; Wild Rocks, a sleek Mediterranean-inspired stunner, with hints of browns and blacks; and last but not least Late Autumn, a rich, bold surface with touches of greens, beiges and browns that too suit its name.

These new colors are available now. We invite you to design your dream with Caesarstone.

About Caesarstone

Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone produces premium quartz countertops and 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 countertops and surfaces 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 http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Buying a Home? Make Sure you Check out the Kitchen First

countertop








Everyone has their own views on what makes a house ideal for them. Generally the kitchen is the first stop for most prospective buyers and often the reason why they choose one house over another. But when looking for a new home with a functional kitchen, what are the features you should be looking for?

Looks aren’t always at the forefront of making a kitchen right for you. The cabinets may look beautiful and the countertops may be expensive, but if the layout doesn’t allow you to cook/entertain guests easily, you won’t be too happy later on. One way to see if the layout works for you is to do a test run. Try pretending to prepare a meal. It may seem silly, but it will give you great insight into what to expect in your new kitchen. Do you have enough space to prepare? Are the sink and stove too far apart? In a short amount of time you should be able to know whether or not you can get into the swing of things, and compare this routine to the other kitchen’s you’ve tested.

Another important aspect to check for is the suitability of the countertop material, and how it works for your needs. If you are a more careful cook, you may clean up messes immediately. If you are more carefree, you may choose to do your preparation directly on the surface. If you have kids, you know the countertops need to be durable without staining or scratching easily. In the latter cases durable stone product such as Caesarstone quartz countertops, may be a more sensible choice. Real granite can be very porous and stain easily. To reduce the porosity and increase stain resistance, granite must be sealed about once a year, but if you are careful then you should be happy with any type of surface.

Another big deal maker/breaker will be the storage space. Cabinet doors may be the first thing you see, but the storage capacity is much more important. It is easy to change cabinet doors to give an older kitchen an updated look. You should first check the size of the cabinets and their placement. Do the top cabinets extend up to the ceiling? Or do they have an open space abover where grease and dust can collect? Do the base cabinets have fixed or pullout shelving? Pullout shelves definitely have more ease-of-use and storage capabilities, though fixed cabinets are almost always the case in older houses, unless the kitchen was recently remodeled. Though pullout trays can be more costly, they are much more accessible and could increase the resale value of your home.

So when looking at a new home, check out the countertops, the layout, and the cabinet storage space when deciding if the kitchen is right for you. Once you decide which features you can live with or without, the decision will be much easier.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Caesarstone announces launch of new website

countertop

Caesarstone is pleased to announce the launch of their new and improved website. The site is bigger, cleaner, and more user friendly. It has new functions that are sure to please those in the market for a new surface.

“You’ll notice lots of new things on the site. We’ve given our products lots of room to sing with huge, gorgeous photography. We’ve also made it easier than ever to find the exact colors and textures you’re looking for, to share them with friends, and to find out where to experience them in person. All in a super-clean, ultra-modern layout that’s as sleek as the installations featuring our products.” Simon Lim, Caesarstone Senior Information Systems Manager

The new Caesarstone website has many streamlined features from up to date news to swatches.

The products section is stocked full of colors, textures, new surfaces and innovations as well as suggested colors within the range of the user’s preferences.

The edge visualizer tool is loaded with all of the top Caesarstone countertop colors and gives customers the ability to try out everything from ogee to beveled edges before they make their purchase.

The photo gallery section is full of new projects ranging from ultra-modern to classic with new videos to boot.

The customer service section is full of information about care and maintenance, and Residential Lifetime Warranty and Registration, to enable Caesarstone to continue to serve their customers in their signature full service fashion.

The site also has a section containing information about designers’ projects and websites.

Fan favorites like the How to Buy showroom locator full of useful information for those in the market for a new surface, are alive and well.

Finally, the Trade Partner Site for professionals has marketing materials, literature, swatches, fabricator searches… the list goes on and on.

And this just in, the newsroom section of the site went live this past Friday and is full of up to date events, press, and media so check it out!

This site launch is just the beginning for Caesarstone. There are all kinds of exciting initiatives set to launch in the coming months to connect with more Caesarstone fans across the country and around the world. So stay tuned! For now, come visit and enjoy Caesarstone’s new home.

About Caesarstone

Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, 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 countertops and surfaces 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 http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

CaesarStone Canada Wins NKBA’s Best Green Sustainable Product Award

countertops

Original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer CaesarStone Canada’s recycled product has scooped the 2011 Design Award for the Best Green Sustainable Product in the kitchen and bath industry from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

Caesarstone Canada was honored with the award on 5 February 2011 at the NKBA Gala during the awards ceremony held at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, Canada.

Caesarstone manufactures high-quality, quartz surface slabs for a variety of uses and applications such as bathroom vanities, flooring, quartz countertops for kitchens and more. CaesarStone is claimed to be the world’s first company to use quartz - one of nature’s hardest materials - as the main component in its surfaces.

The company offers seven colors that contain recycled materials. Caesarstone's recycled line-up includes Mosaici Carbone, Mosaici Marrone, Ruby Reflections, Pacific Reflections, Quartz Reflections, Smoky Ash and Chocolate Truffle.

Colors from this collection contain 17 to 42% first quality reclaimed quartz from the fabrication process and post-consumer recycled glass and mirrors. The high recycled content helps in lessening the demand for primal raw materials, protecting the precious resources of earth.

Caesarstone countertops’ nonporous nature helps in checking growth of surface mold and microbes and ensures a healthier environment. The low-maintenance requirements of the surface decrease the use of harmful detergents in the ecosystem.

The NKBA Canadian 2011 Design Competition was hosted by the NKBA Ontario Chapter. The design competition was open to all NKBA Canadian Chapter members, or employees of members’ firms.