Five reasons quartz countertops rock

If you’re looking to add value to your home, quartz countertops is sure to do the trick. Quartz is a man-made material that replicates the look of stone. and over the years, has been increasing in popularity. So, if you are looking to spice up your kitchen or bathroom, here are five reasons quartz countertops rock.

 

  • Pink quartzIt’s hygienic. – The quartz countertops at Williams Fabrication are resistant to odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. This is perfect for food preparation and consumption.   
  • It’s strong. – Compared to granite, quartz is a rated higher on the hardness scale and is known to be more resistant to damage.
  • It’s spill resistant. – Quartz is a non porous material. This means a quartz countertop has the ability to repel coffee spills, oil and even food coloring without sealing. Countertops made of quartz are also easier to maintain because of this.
  • It’s scratch resistant. – The manufacturing process and design of quartz countertops makes it a durable and scratch-resistant material. This is sure to have your countertops shining for a great majority of it’s lifetime.
  • Pick what fits you. – Black? Silver? Brown? Whatever color you want, you’re sure to find it in quartz. This man-made material is known to have a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from, so pick one that fits your dream home.  

If you would like to know more about quartz countertops at Williams Fabrication, visit our products page.

Do you know when to replace your countertops?


Countertop When most people buy their dream home they aren’t thinking about when they’ll need to replace the countertops, but eventually-they do. Generally, it’s time to
upgrade your countertops when they no longer match the design vision of your home, are too difficult to maintain or damaged beyond repair, but how do you know if and when your countertops are damaged beyond repair? This article will help you better understand when your countertops need to be repaired versus when they just need a little “TLC.”

 

So let’s get to it, countertops sporting deep cracks or pitted areas should be replaced. A countertop with small scratches or scuffs is perfect for repair. You can repair chipped stone countertops by saving the fragments and securing them back with epoxy glue. This may prove to be an inexpensive way to revitalize your countertops while also saving time.  

 

if you want to revive your countertops, but money is tight, consider breathing life back into your existing surfaces with a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project. There are plenty of countertop design ideas on Pinterest you could use to ignite your imagination. From small DIY projects to full kitchen and home make-overs.
So, it doesn’t matter if you are looking to replace your countertops, or if you’re just looking give them a fresh look, the bottom line is… remember to do your homework before going shopping. Determine if your countertops can be revived or simply need to be replaced. If you do need new countertops, be sure to shop with proper measurements to help estimate material costs.

Sealing And Not Sealing Stone Countertops

The question upon purchasing granite is always the same. Do I seal or not seal my counter top? While it depends on your home habits, we highly recommend sealing it!

sealing countertops

How do I determine if my countertop needs sealing? 

This is an easy thing to determine! Simply dab some water or mineral on on the countertop and see if the surface becomes darker. If it does, that means the surface is absorbing the liquid. If the liquid is easy to wipe up and there doesn’t seem to be a color change, then maybe you don’t need to seal them quite yet! You can also perform the lemon juice and oil test, which will tell you how absorbent your stone is and more importantly what kind of stone it is. It’s important to figure this out because it will help you choose the best stone for the use you intend, or figure out the characteristics of the stone you have (like if you just moved into a new house)!

When should I reseal? 

If you’ve sealed your countertops recently, pay attention to see if liquids are repelled from the surface. Typically if you sealing was good quality, you won’t need to reseal them for a long time. Great sealants can last 15 years and over!

While you can seal countertops in your own, we recommend calling in the professionals for help! And at Williams Fabrication in Woodstock, GA, that’s what we’re here for! Take a look at some of the countertops we’ve worked on, and contact us for more info!

 

3 Shower Trends You’ll Want to Take Note Of

When it comes to your home being your castle, then your master bath is of course your master retreat. Trends come and go, but when you’re investing in such an important area of your home, it’s important to make smart improvements that pay you back in beauty, usefulness, and—eventually—resale.

Advances in glass finishing and installation offer endless options for customizing a shower or tub surround. From modern and minimalist to custom engraving or sandblasting, the options are truly limitless. Glass surrounds can be installed frameless or framed, with a wide range of fixture options: stainless steel, bronze, gold, and chrome are only the basics. The way you design your glass can complement the decor in the rest of your home or be a unique expression of your personality.

Experienced tile installers can make beautiful patterns and inlays with custom tile work. Many tiles can be cut with an exposed edge for a more modern look as opposed edge tiles, which typically look more ornate. For those who prefer an ornate look, mosaics and inlays add interest and cache, conveying your unique style. Rough-cut stone tiles lend a more rustic look, while glass or glossy-finished ceramic tiles can look polished and cutting-edge.

Upgraded shower heads can make every shower a spa-like experience. Whether you prefer rain showers or body jets, many configurations of shower head systems are available. Shower head systems also come in many finishes to coordinate with your other fixtures and custom tile work. Many shower heads also come in eco-friendly, water saving types.

Your master bath is one of the most important place you’ll invest in your home. Many bathroom finish options are available to suit your budget and style and make your bathroom a relaxing retreat that you can enjoy every day.

3 Things to Consider When Choosing Granite

granite upgradeThere is no doubt that granite countertops are a sound investment in any kitchen. They serve as a centerpiece that brings in color and texture. For some, choosing granite is simple. They know what they want, and they go for it. For others, the amount of options and varieties can simply be overwhelming. In an effort to help identify some of the pros and cons of granite, we wanted to address three points to consider.

1. Color

Many people believe that granite is easy to care for, and more often than not, it is. However, there is a reason that granite is sealed and that there are special suggestions for caring for it and cleaning it. The fact is that granite is a porous material. This means that if it is not sealed properly, or if the sealant is not maintained, it is not immune to absorbing liquids. As a result, we have heard horror stories of beautiful white or light gray granite becoming discolored with red wine or spaghetti sauce stains. When choosing the color of your granite, consider what food items you tend to have in the kitchen. If you do a lot of cooking with red sauces, it may not be a good idea to go with a light granite.

2. Texture

Granite is an igneous rock, and it comes from all over the world. We think that part of the fun in choosing your granite is knowing the backstory on where it comes from. After all, any geologist will tell you that your granite countertop tells a story. This story often comes at a price as granite that is more rare, or has veining or unique features, tends to come with a price premium. Ask us for details about more common granite and more rare varieties with unique features.

3. Temperature

While not associated with the look of the granite itself, it is a good idea to think about the cooking that you will be doing on your granite countertop. Specifically, are you planning on placing straight out of the oven baking dishes directly on the countertop? Keep in mind that the granite can withstand the heat, but you might want to take precautions using a trivet. This will help reduce any risk of cracking or chipping as a result of heat exposure. Again, this is highly unlikely, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

You’ve got a few things to think about as you consider your kitchen install, and if you have more questions about your new granite countertop please give us a call.

Small Kitchen? An Island Could Still Work.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that their kitchen is not large enough for an island. The truth is that even small kitchens may benefit from a small center island for food preparation or storage.

Creative Colors

Adding an island or changing out some elements of an existing island may create an amazing accent piece in the center of the kitchen. A different color cupboard or countertop material can work wonders.kitchen island

Creative Storage

An open concept island provides a creative solution for storage. Placing decorative baskets or storage boxes on open shelves adds an element of warmth. Stacking colorful pots and pans or hanging them overhead allows for a storage solution that draws the eye to a splash of color.

Creative Usage

An island may provide added color and storage, but it can also provide additional seating. An elevated shelf or overhang allows for an intimate seating area for 1-4 people. Not only is this space great for food preparation or serving, but also for memory making and family time around the table.

Contact Williams Fabrication today to find out more about the creative elements that a customs kitchen island can bring to a kitchen of any size.

3 Practical Reasons to Add a Kitchen Backsplash

There are times in life as a homeowner when adding an upgrade to the home may seem like a luxury. While, a tile backsplash in the kitchen often looks luxurious, we would like provide three practical reasons that support this installation.Woodstock, GA

Variety

A tile backsplash often completes wall space in which pictures would be awkward. The space below cupboards is easily finished off with a custom designed backsplash. Whether the dream kitchen in mind has modern elements, or country themes, there is a backsplash pattern and material that will match. With glass tiles, ceramic tiles, stone tiles, and metallic tiles, there is no design or pattern that can not be created.

Beauty

The added touch of a backsplash in the kitchen allows for the look of an upgrade. Installation of a tile backsplash can warm up a simple kitchen and easily count toward resale value. After all, kitchens are one of the main selling points in a home.
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Cleanliness

We understand the importance of decluttering a kitchen and keeping granite countertops clean. Adding a backsplash in the kitchen also helps with keeping the main food preparation areas clean. Many new construction homes come with a coating of flat paint. While this is a great choice for the builder in making walls look fresh, it does not hold up in high traffic areas including the kitchen. Flat paint with overspray from a sink or food splashes from a stove is not easily cleaned or wiped. The addition of a backsplash in the kitchen eliminates this issue with tile surfaces that are easy to clean and wipe down.

Regardless of the main purpose behind installing a backsplash, one thing is certain, you’ll come to love your newly installed backsplash and the fresh look it brings to your kitchen. Contact Williams Fabrication in Woodstock for an estimate today. 

Declutter Your Kitchen Counters!

A chaotic kitchen = a chaotic mind. When your home isn’t organized, neither are you!

kitchen declutter

Why is keeping a clean kitchen always so difficult?

  • It’s hard-wired as a gathering place for the family.
  • It’s in a high traffic area of your home.
  • You’re always making messes with cooking; it’s just the truth!
  • It’s a meeting place for odds and ends (keys, mail, etc).

Here’s a few simple tips for de-cluttering your kitchen countertops. 

  • Remove the unnecessary. A huge cause of clutter is putting too many things in such a small space; and once it gets to this point, we become overwhelmed with organizing and putting away everything. Remove items that you no longer use, and remove anything in the kitchen that isn’t cooking related (miscellaneous papers, laptops, clothes, etc).
  • Get storage bins. While your cabinets and cupboards automatically serve as storage, take it a step further and label bins inside each one. Or buy dividers for different utensils!
  • Think about what’s important. Most of us keep our appliances (toasters, tea pots, coffee makers, etc) on the countertop every day. But do you really use all of these things every day? Considering throwing these into an appliance cabinet. It’ll clear up so much space!
  • Clean regularly. Instead of waiting for things to pile up into once big cleaning fest, tidy up each day. Make it a mental habit to put things away immediately after use. It’ll save you time (and your sanity)!

 

DIY Granite Cleaning Spray!

We’ve talked a lot before about how important it is to clean your granite counter tops. While they do resist quite a bit, damage can be possible over time; so it’s crucial to take great care of it! Finding a cleaner can be confusing however, as many are not aware that household cleaning products and acidic substances will actually ruin it! So we found a solution; make your own!

feather-duster-709124_1920

What you’ll need: 

  • 1/2 cup of alcohol
  • 10 drops of Mrs. Meyers Concentrated Cleaner
  • 2 cups of water
  • 10-15 drops of essential oils

All you have to do is mix everything together! For oils, we love lavender and peppermint. While the oils aren’t necessary, it provides a better smell vs. strictly the smell of alcohol. Be sure to shake the mixture well before use. Spray directly on your counter top and use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off. And poof, you’re good!

Cleaning Hacks For Stone Countertops

Stone counter tops are those that make your kitchen or bathroom look elegant, modern and stylish. In order to keep it looking that way, it’s important to take the proper cleaning steps!

cleaning stone countertops

  • Clean up your spills! Imagine your stone counter top is like wooden furniture. When you spill something, clean it up immediately! Products like ketchup, vinegar, shampoo, alcohol, etc. have abrasive ingredients that could really stain your surface.
  • Use cup holders! These will help prevent stains as well.
  • Make sure your surface is sealed.  You should seal your stone surfaces once every year to keep them protected.
  • Use clean materials. Use sponges, towels and cloths when cleaning your counter tops and be sure to replace the old materials with something new.
  • Be careful with cleaning products. Don’t apply scouring powder, cream or any cleaning product that has abrasive ingredients. Anything acidic or that has lemon or vinegar can be dangerous. In addition, don’t use soap or cleansers, as they can leave marks and streaks.
  • Remove dust. Use a soft towel to do this!

If you’re looking for great quality quartz and granite countertops, visit Williams Fabrication in Woodstock, GA! We serve the Metro Atlanta Area and have gorgeous surfaces that will transform any home. Visit our site to see a full portfolio and services list, or visit us on our Facebook for more home improvement tips!