Why did the DIY craze become so popular? People started realizing that there was no reason to shell out cash for straightforward home improvement projects. Doing-it-yourself is a great way to expand your skillset, invest labor into your home, and bond with your spouse (or wind up sleeping on the couch). But which home projects are DIY-ready, and which require a professional hand?

Kitchen Countertops: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Installing a countertop is a little more straightforward the rewiring the house, and you’re unlikely to electrocute yourself or burn anything down if you mess up. But installing a natural stone countertop can still be dangerous. Granite, quartz, and marble countertops require special equipment to install. You may need a belt sander, scribing tool, filing tool, hand saw or jigsaw, drill, or stone sealant to complete the project. Natural stone countertops are heavy and unwieldy, and in most cases, measurements must be exact. Since you’ve already called Williams Fabrication to cut and prep the stone, it’s easy to let us handle the installation as well.

When can you install a new kitchen countertop yourself?

• If you have the necessary equipment, experience, and manpower to move and install the stone
• If you know how improper installation of stone can cause stress fractures
• If you’re installing a tile or laminate countertop
• If you have the time to invest in a DIY countertop project

Before deciding to do a DIY countertop installation, contact Williams Fabrication. We’ll help you find a countertop that fits your budget, labor and all.

Do you ever sit in front of the TV, enraptured by How It’s Made? There’s something about behind-the-scenes looks that captures our attention, and nothing is more captivating than discovering how the items we use everyday are designed, created, and shipped out for our use. Williams Fabrication is giving you a peek into our world. Learn how stone countertops are made, polished, and installed in your home.

How Stone Countertops Are Made

If you’ve ever seen an episode of the Flintstones, you know the basics of how granite, marble, and quartz countertops are made. First you saddle up the dinosaur . . .

Okay, okay. Here’s how natural stone countertops are actually made.

1. Start in a quarry. A quarry is an excavation pit where stone is cut or blasted from the earth to be used in building materials. Some quarries contain veins of multiple varieties of stone, while others contain primarily one type of stone. Quarries themselves haven’t changed much since ancient times, only the technology we use to remove the stone.
2. Fire up the equipment. There are three basic types of equipment used for fabricating natural stone: saws, polishers, and routers. Saws cut huge chunks of stone from the earth. Diamond wire saws (yes, they’re embedded with actual diamonds) quickly cut through even the hardest stone. A smaller bridge saw shapes the chunks of rock into kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, or anything else the stone destined to become. Polishers grind away the rough outer layer, leaving a gleaming slab of marble, granite, or quartz. Finally routers hone the edge and cut decorative designs so it fits homeowners’ specifications.
3. Make it yours. Once the stone is cut and polished to perfection, it’s time to install a new countertop in your home. Enjoy the strength, durability, and unique beauty of your natural stone kitchen.

Want to see step #3 in action? Contact Williams Fabrication in Atlanta.

Your kitchen is the hub of your house. It’s where you make lunches before dashing off to work and school, it’s where you congregate to cook after a long day, and it’s where you make holiday magic happen. Kitchen remodels often mean a whole lot of takeout until renovations are complete. Don’t swing the first sledgehammer until you have a kitchen remodel plan in place.

How to Start a Kitchen Remodel

1. Partner up. The first step to a successful kitchen remodel is finding the right person for the job. Unless your spouse is a contractor, you’ll want to find a reputable professional to help manage the project.
2. Build a budget. Make sure there’s an “emergency fund” built into your budget. Remodels often go over cost because of mishaps with materials, additional labor, or other unforeseen issues.
3. Prioritize. Do you want to install quartz countertops, update the appliances, tear out the cabinets, add an island, and maybe install a wine fridge while you’re at it? Prioritize your wish list so you don’t overspend.
4. Minimize risk (and cut costs). What’s an easy way to speed up your remodel (and save some dough while you’re at it)? Keep the general layout of your kitchen intact, focusing on easy updates like new cabinets and countertops. Moving the oven across the room isn’t only costly, it’s also probably pointless.
5. Simplify the process. You may splurge on replacing cracked formica counters with sturdy, elegant quartz, but a simple coat of paint may breathe new life into the cabinets. Consider low-cost solutions before splurging for a major renovation.

Do you want to install durable countertops in the kitchen? Natural stone countertops are beautiful, clean, and made to last. Call Williams Fabrication to learn about your options for installing stone countertops.

When you invest in a granite countertop, you want to protect it. The good news is that granite is durable, easy to clean, and most colors naturally conceal spills. Keep your granite gleaming with these maintenance tips.

5 Maintenance Tips for Granite Countertops

1. Choose wisely. Granite is tough enough to take hectic holiday cooking, kooky kids art projects, and plenty of spills. Choose a color of stone that will conceal any messes until you can clean them up.
2. Consider the coat. We recommend sealing natural stone counters. Granite countertops only need resealing every few years. How can you tell when it’s time? Leave a wet rag on the countertop for 10-15 minutes. When you pick it up, check whether the stone is discolored. If so, it’s time to reseal your granite countertops.
3. Keep it clean. Just because your counters can take the abuse doesn’t mean you have an excuse. Protect granite counters by wiping up spills quickly, especially if they’re acidic substances like citrus or vinegar.
4. Give it some TLC. Steer clear of gritty cleaners, which will leave your granite looking lackluster and dull. All you need to keep your granite glistening is warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. For best results, clean your counters at the end of each day in addition to mopping up spills as needed.
5. Be gentle. Granite countertops are strong, but frequent abuse may lead to chips, cracks, or stains. Think twice before you shove pet kennels, yard equipment, or heavy boxes onto the counter “just for a second.” The floor may be a better option.

For more information on installing and caring for granite countertops, call Williams Fabrication.

Remodeling your bathroom can be an exciting, fun project. You have an image in your head of your ideal bathroom, and you can’t wait until that picture becomes reality. But remodeling can also be a challenge. What contractors should you use? Are your grand ideas feasible? What materials should you use? There’s always another option, another flashy redesign to inspire you. But the secret to a successful bathroom remodel is starting with the basics: stone.

Stone has quickly become a choice building material for bathroom remodels. Of course we all know that stone has a natural beauty and tangible quality that takes bathroom décor to the next level. And there’s nothing better than falling in love with your shower again every time you step inside it. But beauty isn’t the only benefit of incorporating stone into a bathroom remodel. Why does Williams Fabrication love stone for bathrooms?

1. Versatility. Stone comes in a variety of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes. Find a rose quartz, classic natural stone, or patterned stone that matches your personal style and the overall look of your bathroom design
2. Sanitation. Stone is more hygienic than tiles and other bathroom remodel options.
3. Durability. Stone will last far longer than other common bathroom remodel materials.
4. Cost-effectiveness. Because it’s so durable and attractive, incorporating stone into the bathroom often increases home value.
5. Eco-friendly. Natural materials, no chemicals required.

You can’t go wrong with using stone when remodeling your bathroom. Here at Williams Fabrication, we make sure that we take the time to do the job right. Your satisfaction is our number one priority, and we work hard for you!

Are you about to do a kitchen renovation or are already in the midst of one? Find out just what a white quartz countertop can do to inspire your kitchen renovation. White quartz countertops have a beauty and magic all their own. They also have a practicality that will inspire your inner chef, giving your kitchen a traditional essence, modern flow, and warm glow like no other. It’s as simple as that. Since the kitchen is often considered the most central room in the home, it only makes sense to liven up this space with its own distinct style. White quartz countertops do this. What are some of our favorite ways to use quartz in the kitchen?

1. White quartz countertops paired with teal accents make the kitchen look grander, much brighter, and bigger to the natural eye.
2. White quartz countertops paired with wood give off a look that is beautiful, bold, and masculine.
3. White quartz countertops incorporated into cottage style decor promotes a feminine look with a touch of vintage flair.
4. White quartz countertops in an elegant kitchen mixes sophistication and simplicity to create an understated, luxurious appearance.
5. White quartz countertop with a bit of sparkle can create a jazzy, lavish, and eclectic vibe for a fun, modern kitchen.

White quartz countertops give homeowners options. They look crisp and fresh, whether paired with sleek modern fixtures or soft, traditional kitchen decor. Don’t think twice about quartz countertops for your kitchen renovation. Call Williams Fabrication for all of your granite and marble needs.

When you’re selling your home, of course, you want to make sure that you do everything you can to bring the highest offer possible. It’s common knowledge that the kitchen is one of the most important areas of a home when it comes to making your home market ready. So, the question is: Should you install stone countertops before selling your home?

Before you break out the checkbook and empty your savings for that new top of the line stone countertop, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind. Stone countertops will make your home more appealing to buyers, but the condition of the entire kitchen should be considered. It doesn’t make sense to make such a large investment in your countertops if the rest of your fixtures are older and in need of repair or replacement.

Secondly, you should consider the cost of the stone countertops. Depending on your specific material choices, the cost of the stone can be high. And, this cost may not be recouped in the sale. Consider the rest of your kitchen. If your cabinets, flooring, or appliances could use some repairs or updating, a home sale renovation using stone countertops wouldn’t make much difference.

These kinds of countertops shouldn’t be looked at as a quick fix when selling your home. Showing some love to the rest of your kitchen might be the best financial decision if you want to sell your home sooner than later. If you plan on staying in your home for a while, stone countertops are certainly worth the investment.

Making the best choice that suits your specific needs can sometimes be difficult. So talk with a professional. Contact us today for answers to all your questions, and to schedule your in-home consultation today with Williams Fabrication in Woodstock, GA!

Granite and marble material have been high-quality, high-end fabrication choices for as long as we can remember. But if you’ve been in a kitchen showroom recently, chances are you took a second glance at those quartz countertops. There’s a ton of reasons it catches our eye, and here’s why you shouldn’t think twice about splurging on quartz.

It’s Durable!

Quartz is stain repellent and impervious to acidic foods. Granite and marble are also great material, but if you’re looking for something that’s going to withstand all your kitchen endeavors, you can’t go wrong here. It’s also resistant to scratches and chips, and it doesn’t require any sealing, which is a huge deal. Granite and marble often require yearly treatments.

It’s Stylish. 

It’s hard to make a kitchen countertop stylish, but with quartz it’s been no problem. Something about it’s stone aesthetic takes us back to a classic look, and because manufacturers have figured out a way to remove overly flecked and non-uniform patterns, it looks a lot more natural.

It’s Affordable!

Quartz hits a price point right in between granite and marble, however prices vary everywhere. It’s great for something you want to be long-lasting, not high maintenance and at a price point that’s doable.

Visit our products page for more info on the quartz we offer! You can also take a look at our portfolio, services or give us a call at (770) 845-0900. We’re the professionals and can consult you based on your wants, needs and style of your home. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

A new year is on the horizon. A year filled with goals, resolutions, possibilities . . . and those grimy counters you’ve been threatening to get rid of for years. Isn’t it time you gave your home a fresh start? Try these home improvement resolutions for the New Year.

New Year’s Resolutions for the Home

1. Budget for renovations. Does your home need a facelift? Add renovations into your annual budget. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, home maintenance usually costs around $3,300 per year. If you’re planning a major renovation like upgrading your shower siding, add it into your home improvement budget at the beginning of the year.
2. Lower home costs. Unnecessary energy and water usage increases most homeowners’ monthly bills. How can you limit energy and water waste in the home? Seal HVAC ducts, replace weatherstripping on doors, and plug any holes that may let temperature-controlled air escape. Invest in low-flow shower heads and toilets to lower your monthly water bill. Use your dishwasher, which uses less water than hand-washing dishes, and fix leaky faucets and running toilets ASAP.
3. Invest in your future. Installing high-quality, low-maintenance home materials saves homeowners time and money. Stone like quartz and granite is durable, attractive, and easy-to-clean. Investing in better home materials improves both home value and quality of life. Consider adding new kitchen counters, kitchen backsplashes, or shower siding to this year’s annual to-do list.

Williams Fabrication is your solution for granite and quartz countertop installations in Atlanta. Our New Year’s resolution is to help you reach your home improvement goals. Call today to get started.

If you’re thinking about installing new kitchen counter, granite is the way to go. This elegant stone is tasteful in any color, and its unique vein patterns guarantee your kitchen looks as unique as the rest of your home. Granite countertops strike the perfect balance between beauty and function. Why do Woodstock homeowners choose granite in the kitchen?

4 Reasons to Add Granite Countertops to the Kitchen

1. Strong and durable. Kitchen counters get a lot of abuse, from spills to stray knife slashes. A granite kitchen countertop is strong enough to handle heat, sharp edges, and whatever messes you throw at it. In fact, you can cut veggies for dinner or place hot pans from the stove right on the counter without worrying about scratching or damaging its surface. When you install granite kitchen countertops, you’re set for life.
2. Mess-free. Say goodbye to scrub brushes and heavy-duty kitchen cleaners. Granite is tough enough to handle heavy cleaning, but with its smooth surface and antibacterial properties, major scrubbing isn’t necessary. Just a quick clean and you’re done!
3. Style to complement any kitchen. Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns, giving homeowners the ability to match their existing kitchen fixtures, floors, and backsplashes. Choose neutral tones with subtle veins or pick a one-of-a-kind pattern in black, gray, white, brown, or gold.
4. Investment. Upgrading your home fixtures is a great way to increase your home value, and updated countertops is the first thing many home buyers look for. Because granite is so durable, it doesn’t deplete in value the longer you use it. Install granite countertops today, and it will offer the same ROI in two years or twenty.

For more information on installing granite kitchen countertops, call Williams Fabrication in Woodstock, GA.