Made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops are arguably the most durable option for kitchens. They're also some of the most eye-catching. They come in a wide variety of colors, including fire-engine red and apple green, as well as earthy browns, blacks, and creams, with sparkles and veining for the look of granite or marble. But unlike natural-stone slabs, which are mined, these slabs are engineered in a factory. Their primary ingredient is ground quartz (about 94 percent), combined with polyester resins to bind it and pigments to give it color. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added to the mix. The resins also help make these counters stain and scratch resistantand nonporous, so they never need to be sealed. Compare that with granite, the reigning king of high-end countertops, which typically requires a new protective top coat at least once a year.

In the past, the biggest knock against quartz was that it lacked the patterns and color variations you get with natural stone. But that's a moot point now, with all the manufacturers offering multihued slabs with enough flecks, swirls, and random patterning to make them almost indistinguishable from the real thing. They were once available only with a polished finish; now you can get one with a honed, sandblasted, or embossed treatment. So if it's the look of matte limestone, textured slate, or glossy granite that you want, there's a quartz countertop for you. Read on for help picking one to match your budget, your cooking and cleaning needs, and your style.

Granite-like movement in black and gray gives this quartz countertop a bold, traditional look.

Shown: Bellingham, about $75-$80 per sq. ft. installed; cambriausa.com for dealers.

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Easy-Care Kitchen Surface | All About Quartz Countertops ...

LivingStone a private, vertically integrated company manufacturing, marketing and distributing solid surface sheets and sinks.

46 Exceptional colors, large enough to coordinate with any project yet small enough to provide exceptional value. Molecule for molecule, LivingStone is identical to other leading brands of 100% acrylic solid surface, but there is a difference. We work smarter to bring you a high performance surfaces at a price the other leading brands cant match. We research the market to find the solid surface colors that are best-sellers. And those are the only colors we manufacture and stock. We call it the LivingStone SmartPalette. With only best-sellers to choose from, its easy to choose a color with confidence. Every 100% acrylic color of LivingStone is a best-seller. So any color you choose from our SmartPalette is sure to enhance the appeal and resale value of your property. And odds are that your family, friends and future prospective buyers will love the color you choose as much as you do.

LivingStone 100% acrylic countertops are non-porous, so germs and odors cannot penetrate. LivingStone is easy to clean and maintain-just wipe it down with equal parts water and bleach. LivingStone is also stain and impact resistant, stains simply cannot penetrate and LivingStone never requires sealing like granite. And compared to other materials it offers the beauty and elegance you want at a price that wont break your budget.

Every inch of your LivingStone Solid Surface is backed by a Limited Transferable Warranty for a full 15 years.

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Solid Surface Countertops - LivingStone

DuPont Corian solid surface comes in a variety of hues, tones, and colors for every design sensibility and application, from home kitchen remodeling projects to upscale restaurant design.

DuPont Corian solid surface can be whatever your design imagination commands it to be. Nonporous and stain-resistant, Corian is easy to clean, making it as ideal a surface for healthcare environments as it is for home kitchens and baths. It's also durable and easy to renew, because the color runs all the way through the material.

DuPont works with homeowners, designers, artists, architects, and experts to offer the largest, most versatile selection of colors available in contemporary surfacing. You'll find the myriad colors of Corian solid surface in the finest homes, offices, hospitals and schools.

Sample the Colors of Corian

You can explore all the colors of Corian with the tool below. When you find a color you like, just add it to your cart.

To order DuPont Corian solid surface samples below, simply follow these steps:

1. Choose your color with the Color Selector.

2. Select Order sample from your selected color page.

3. Add your samples to your cart.

4. Continue shopping for more samples, or check out through our trusted fulfillment partner.

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Colors of Corian | DuPont | DuPont USA

The first decision to make when considering replacement kitchen cabinet doors is whether you want new or re-faced doors. Re-facing existing doors will cost you significantly less, but there is a significant amount of labor involved if you go the DIY route here. With re-facing, you'll just need to decide on the new finish, stain or paint you'll be adding to your cabinet doors, remove and refinish the doors and cabinets, and then re-install the doors.

If replacing the cabinet doors is your plan, the main structure of your cabinets will stay in place, so you'll still save on costs for demolition and construction. And you'll have less DIY labor to worry about, since you'll just be removing the existing doors and replacing them with new ones. But you'll still have plenty to decide in terms of materials, styles and colors.

In terms of materials for replacement kitchen cabinet doors, chances are you'll want the cabinets themselves to be your guide, but this isn't necessarily a requirement. If you've decided to switch materials for your cabinet doors, you can in some cases refinish the cabinets themselves to match the doors. But in most cases you'll want the door materials to match the cabinets, in which case you'll be working with one of various woods, wood veneers or laminate materials.

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Replacement Kitchen Cabinet Doors - HGTV Com

Vinyl Siding Installation Services for Homeowners in Omaha, NE, and Surrounding Areas

For a vinyl siding installation on your home in Omaha, Nebraska, or a surrounding area, turn to the experts at Waddle Exteriors. In business since 1978, we are a full-service home remodeler that offers high-quality vinyl siding to our customers throughout the region. We only utilize factory-trained and certified installers in order to help us guarantee that your new siding will be installed correctly the first time.

There are many benefits to choosing vinyl siding installation from Waddle Exteriors for your home in the Omaha, NE, area, including:

Also, with Waddle Exteriors as your home remodeler you can expect the best warranties in the industry. We offer a limited lifetime warranty in addition to the manufacturer warranty on all of the products that we offer. And, Waddle Exteriors even offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee that is unheard of throughout the industry.

For more information about receiving a vinyl siding installation from a top-notch company in the Omaha, NE, area, contact Waddle Exteriors today.

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Vinyl Siding Installation Omaha NE - waddleexteriors.com

Welcome to ABTCO's Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

What kind of nails do you use to hang vinyl siding?

Do you have to hand cut vinyl siding or can it be cut using a saw?

The siding on my house is loose. Is that normal?

Can moisture get behind vinyl siding? If it does, how does it get out?

My neighbor's home has vinyl siding and it looks wavy. What does that mean?

What should I be looking for in a good quality vinyl product?

Will vinyl siding melt?

Is vinyl siding easy to install?

Can vinyl siding be applied directly over wood siding?

Why would I choose vinyl siding over other siding materials?

What kind of nails do you use to hang vinyl siding?

Use electro, or hot-dipped galvanized steel or aluminum roofing type nails with a diameter of 1/8" and a nail head of 3/8" or larger. The nails should penetrate 3/4" into a solid wood base. Properly installed nails will have 1/32" - 1/16" clearance between the nail head and nail hem. Never use anything less than a 1" nail. If you have other materials between your base and siding, you will want to use an even longer nail. Remember to nail straight, nail in the center of the shot and never nail vinyl tight! Vinyl must be able to move freely.

Do you have to hand cut vinyl siding or can it be cut using a saw?

Keep your vinyl shears and utility knife handy, but for the most part vinyl siding is cut with a power circular or chop saw. Use a fine-toothed blade mounted in the reverse direction. Go slow for a nice clean cut and always wear eye protection.

The siding on my house is loose. Is that normal?

Heat and cold can make vinyl expand and contract so your vinyl siding should be able to move back and forth on your wall.

Can moisture get behind vinyl siding? If it does, how does it get out?

It is typical to have some moisture behind sidewall materials; it becomes a problem when the moisture isn't allowed an escape. Vinyl siding has small holes called weep holes in the bottom edge of each piece of vinyl. These holes and the proper clearances in receiving channels are the escape route for any moisture that collects behind your siding.

My neighbor's home has vinyl siding and it looks wavy. What does that mean?

Your neighbor's siding may be suffering from poor surface preparation, and/or "oil canning". General waviness is often a result of an uneven surface behind the new siding. Furring strips are typically used to help level a wall prior to siding installation. Oil canning, which looks like wrinkles in the siding, happens when the siding is installed improperly by either nailing too tightly, positioning the nails incorrectly in the nail slots or not leaving enough expansion room in receiving channels such as corner posts and J-channels. Once a siding panel is oil canned it will have to be replaced.

What should I be looking for in a good quality vinyl product?

First, you should look for siding certified under the Vinyl Siding Institute's third-party certification program. Certification under this program ensures that the siding meets ASTM D3679 requirements. This is the industry standard for vinyl siding.

Second, you'll need to determine what level of performance you will need. For example, some sidings are thicker than others, which can increase impact resistance and rigidity. Some sidings have a higher profile height than others, which can also increase rigidity. Added rigidity can help provide a straighter installed appearance. Some sidings have different windload resistances, as well. Typically, thicker sidings with taller profile heights and higher windload resistances are more expensive than thinner sidings with lower profile heights and lower windload resistances.

Finally, you should be certain you hire a quality, insured siding contractor. Ask for references and to see examples of his or her work. Find out if they guarantee their work. We warrant siding against manufacturing defects, but do not warrant installation. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints about the contractor have been registered.

Will vinyl siding melt?

If you expose your vinyl to an excessive heat source such as an open flame or if you place a hot grill against the wall, it will sag and possibly even melt. But everyday exposure to the sun's heat will not cause your siding to melt.

Is vinyl siding easy to install?

If you are fairly handy with tools and overall home improvements don't intimidate you then yes, vinyl is fairly easy to install. ABTCO recommends watching an instructional video and reading our installation manual closely. Be sure to follow all directions carefully. Remember, improper installation can void your warranty.

Can vinyl siding be applied directly over wood siding?

To install siding over existing hardboard or wood siding you must use furring strips. Furring strips are 1" X 3" strips of wood nailed vertically every 12" to 16" around the entire house. This will act as a flat surface to nail your vinyl. You may wish to use an insulated sheathing between each furring strip. Flat sheet sidings (i.e. T-111) can be sided directly without furring strips, but should be checked for damage, and replaced as necessary prior to applying the new vinyl siding. For more information please see our installation instructions.

Why would I choose vinyl siding over other siding materials?

The number one reason is low maintenance. A spray with a garden hose and you are done. No more scraping, caulking and painting your house. With today's technology, some vinyl sidings look just like wood sidings, even up close. Vinyl siding is very cost effective. Compare for yourself. Remember: vinyl is warranted not to rot, chip or peel. It will not ever have to be painted.

Today, vinyl siding is used on million dollar homes because it is the smart choice.

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ABTCO FAQ's | Info

Strength and Beauty in an Exterior Product For decades, APA Rated Siding products have been lending strength and beauty to contemporary residential and light commercial buildings. APA Rated Siding panels and lap siding are structural products produced with known and reliable strength and stiffness properties. Siding panels can be applied direct to studs or over sheathing.

APA Rated Siding products are manufactured from a number of different species and are available in configurations such as reverse board and batten, T1-11, channel groove and other common finishes. These attractive panels can be stained or painted and offer a cost-effective and attractive exterior for contemporary structures. For more traditional architectural styles, lap siding products are also available.

The APA Mark of Quality

APA trademarks appear only on products manufactured by APA member mills. The mark signifies that panel quality is subject to verification through APA audit a procedure designed to assure manufacture in conformance with APA performance standards or the standard shown in the mark.

For further details on APA Rated Siding,refer to the Product Guide for Performance Rated Siding, Form E300,which covers face grades, textures and patterns, finishing and refinishing, how to order and specify, and basic application recommendations.

View additional related publications on siding, including case studies, technical sheets, builder tips and more.

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Siding - APA The Engineered Wood Association

What Does a Deck and Patio Contractor Do? To help you choose the ideal style, configuration and materials for your deck, porch or patio, your Virginia deck and patio contractor will survey your Ashburn, VA lot and your home to come up with a design that complements your exterior as well as being structurally sound. He or she will recommend sizes, heights and construction materials that suit your lifestyle and climate, as well as explain the best stain or finish options. Because safety is such an important consideration for decks and other elevated structures, your pro should be trained in building codes and other safety measures. You can find more decks, patios & outdoor enclosures in Alexandria, Centreville, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Reston.

Your Virginia deck and patio contractor might provide landscape services as part of the business. Contractors also handle decorative and functional details that go hand in hand with outdoor rooms, such as exterior lighting and fire pits.

Your deck and patio contractor might work closely with another Ashburn, VA lawn and landscape professional. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of decks, patios & outdoor enclosures: Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Garden & Landscape Supplies, Stone, Pavers & Concrete, Landscape Contractors, Building Supplies.

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568 Ashburn, VA Deck and Patio Professionals - Houzz

We proudly offer Granite Countertops in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland. Especiallyin Sterling, Dulles, Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, McLean, Springfield, Alexandria, Chantilly, Dumfries, Stafford, King George, McLean, Annandale, Lorton, Spotsylvania, and Burke.

How to choose Granite Countertops

The experts are wrong. Granite continues to be the material of choice for kitchen countertops, despite their prediction a few years back that its popularity will continuously decline. In fact, its popularity has only changed very little, and it still accounts for more than 50% of all kitchen countertop materials!

There are several reasons for granites continued dominance in the countertops market. For one, no two granite tops are exactly alike the material can come in virtually limitless colorations and venations, with a variety of specks and swirls that are truly unique. Aside from its beauty, it also possesses characteristics ideal for the kitchen its surface is nearly diamond-hard, heat and scratch resistant, stain resistant, as well as prevents the accumulation of mold and mildew.

However, a granite countertop can be quite costly, and while not as expensive as a marble countertop, granite prices can set you back with unnecessary expenses when poorly planned. Given this, it is necessary to carefully plan on how to choose granite countertops.

Since a countertop is only but a part of the kitchen space, the way it melds with its surroundings is of great importance you will not want to spend hard-earned cash on a product that does not fit your design scheme completely. Given the endless variation of granite products, you may need to consider the lighting first. A kitchen that does not receive adequate light will look best with a lighter shade of granite, such as golden hues, with white specks or streaks. Conversely, a well-lit surrounding will benefit from dark colors such as mahogany, deep blue, and even black. You can view these contrasts by visiting showrooms.

Another consideration that not many take into account will be the finish of the edges. Many granite countertops have edges that are plainly squared off, and these seem to be the standard, but if you have additional funds, you may want to have them done in any of several finishes: from ogee, egg, bevel, bullnose, and radius designs.

For those who want the beauty of granite but do not have the funds to spend for granite slabs, there are also granite tiles out in the market. Then of course, customer service is another thing you wouldnt want your granite to be installed by workers who do a shoddy job and then charge too much for service. There are companies who offer free estimates and on-time installations that wont be a bane to your budget.

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Amazing Deals On Granite Countertops in Virginia

Maybe youre tired of getting drenched as you dash to your car on stormy days. Or you dream about having more space for storage, a workshop, a home gym, a kids play area, or even an office.

Before you can decide whether to go ahead with a garage addition project, youll need to make a few decisions.

Zoning and Code Restrictions

The first step is to determine whether its physically feasible to fit a garage on your lot. At your local planning department, find out how close you can build to the edges of your property. Also ask about any special restrictions that apply to garages; some communities require deeper setbacks on sides with doors, for example.

Local rules might also govern driveway design, wall or roof height, and the total amount or percentage of your lot you can cover with impervious surface (roofs and pavement). Local architects and builders usually keep on top of these requirements, as do lumberyards that sell packages that contain garage plans and materials.

Attached or Freestanding?

One big decision is whether to attach the garage to your house or build it as a separate structure. An attached garage usually costs less, and it wins on convenience. You stay dry, save footsteps, and its easier to use part of the space as a pantry, mudroom, laundry area, or other extension of your house. If youre concerned about security, an attached garage lets you tap an opener and drive right in without setting foot outside.

But a detached garage also offers advantages, especially if you add a breezeway connector to shelter against the weather. A separate structure keeps exhaust fumes and the dust and noise of a workshop out of your house.

Size Requirements

The humble garage in Palo Alto, Calif., where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard helped launch the electronics industry, is just 12 feet wide and 18 feet long. It was fine for a 1917 Ford Model T. But cars today are much bigger, so garages are, too. For a single car, figure on at least 14 feet by 20 feet. You can build a two-car garage as small as 20 feet by 24 feet, but youll be happier with an extra 6 or 8 feet in length and width.

Access and Traffic Flow

If youre adding a garage, you also need a driveway. In older neighborhoods, narrow side-yard driveways are sometimes just 8 feet wide. In newer areas, single-car driveways are at least 10 feet wide, and up to 14 feet when there are obstructions on either side that could scrape an opened car door.

Two-car driveways should be at least 20 feet wide, and up to 24 feet if the sides arent clear. If you plan to park in front of the garage, allow at least 20 feet between the sidewalk and the garage door. (Your city might let you reduce this distance if you use an automatic door opener.) Even if you arent required to include a turnaround area, working one into your plan may be a good idea, particularly if you have a long driveway or live on a busy street. At minimum, you need an area 10 feet wide by about 12 feet deep to back the car into for a turnaround.

Relationship to the House

A garage should look like an accessory to a house, not dwarf it or turn it into what some people call a snout house, where all you see on the front is the garage door. Its a lot easier to get the scale right if you build a detached garage. But if you have to tack a big garage onto a modest-size house, there are ways to minimize the visual impact. For instance, setting the front farther back from the street than the main entrance to the house makes the garage seem less dominant.

If possible, face the garage doors to the side and add windows and other house-like details to the front wall. If the doors must face the street, a roof overhang that matches the style of your house will help. Two one-car doors look less overwhelming and more interesting than a double door.

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Evaluate Your House for a Garage Addition - HouseLogic