(PRWEB) February 21, 2014

HomeThangs.com the Online Home Improvement Store has made their goal to deliver the right product to the consumer. With that in mind, shopping and home design tips, as well as special product selections are being introduced.

For many years now, granite has been the material of choice for kitchen counters. But while granite remains a popular choice, a few clear competitors are finally starting to emerge. HomeThangs.com has introduced a guide to several alternatives that stand to match or surpass the popularity of granite within the next few years.

Solid surface countertops are entirely synthetic and non porous, which means they dont need regular sealing, polishing, or any special cleaners. Solid surface is also one of the few material types that can be installed without any seams at all. It can be custom made to mimic a variety of natural materials (including stone), custom tinted a variety of colors, and even finished with different levels of gloss. Because solid surface counters are made of the same material throughout, small scuffs can be sanded out, but because its softer than stone, this type of counter is susceptible to deep scratches and even scorching when exposed to high heat.

Quartz countertops are both highly durable and very low maintenance. Unlike granite, quartz countertops are nonporous, meaning they dont need to be sealed and are less likely to stain. Theyre also highly heat resistant, and sometimes contain an antimicrobal agent that makes them more hygienic. Quartz countertops are available in a huge variety of finishes, from natural stone patterns that mimic granite to bright, bold colors. Theyre more consistent in terms of pattern than granite, which eliminates slabs with undesirable markings but also means they dont have quite the same natural character.

Concrete has a very industrial look and feel, but can be cast in a variety of unique shapes and tinted or stained just about any color. This is an especially nice option for creating unique or odd-shaped kitchen islands. Unfortunately, concrete is very heavy, and will need strong cabinets to support it. Because its a porous material, it will need to be thoroughly and regularly sealed to make sure it doesnt stain. That said, theyre fairly heat resistant when sealed properly, and very durable.

Paper composite countertops are made of a combination of paper pulp (or other natural materials) and a hardening resin. These are a very eco-friendly option as theyre made from renewable resources and have low or no VOC emissions. Paper composite countertops are similar in appearance to solid surface or laminate, but are much more heat, scratch, and water resistant. Some types are also designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, but all types can be stained by acidic foods or liquids.

Old fashioned butcher block style countertops have a great natural look and feel that will warm up almost any space, and essentially turn an entire kitchen into a giant cutting board. Some types of wood are more resistant to bacteria and water than others, so its important to choose carefully, and regularly disinfect the surface if its used for food preparation. Small scratches can be repaired with a light sanding and application of mineral oil, but knife scratches will show and if left untreated will develop into a natural patina over time.

Soapstone has a medium-gray color with some occasional white veining, but will darken to a deeper gray-black as it ages. Soapstone is a slightly more rustic type of stone, with a coarser, less glossy finish than granite or marble, but is highly heat resistant and wont stain. That said, the rough finish can scuff glassware or china, and because its also a softer stone than granite or marble, its particularly susceptible to scratches and scuffs, and needs regular applications of mineral oil to properly maintain its finish.

Stainless steel countertops offer very practical workspace thats resistant to heat, bacteria, and staining. Like ones used in professional kitchens, these are very durable and very easy to clean, but can show some dints and dings, scratches, and fingerprints. Stainless steel offers the most contemporary look of any of these materials, and can be designed with a very modern integrated kitchen sink.

Read the original:
HomeThangs.com Has Introduced A Guide To Alternative Materials For A Luxury Kitchen Counter

Visualize to Realize - Visualize your Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

By: Chitwoods Cabinets - Cabinets for all of Arizona

More here:
Visualize to Realize - Visualize your Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops - Video

Greg Kloehn, right, who takes discarded trash and turns it into rolling shelters for homeless people in his West Oakland, Calif. neighborhood, greets "Wonder," a homeless woman who now lives in the shelter he built for her, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. (D. Ross Cameron/Bay Area News Group)

OAKLAND, Calif. Gregory Kloehn can turn just about anything into a home.

The Oakland artist spends his summers in Brooklyn living in a trash bin he outfitted with granite countertops, hardwood floors, a rooftop deck, plumbing and a barbecue grill.

But his proudest creations are even cozier structures that he gives to homeless people in his neighborhood.

Kloehn's little homeless homes are about the size of a sofa, but they come with a pitched roof to keep out the rain and wheels so recipients can roll them around town.

So far Kloehn has built 10 of the tiny houses using mostly illegally dumped trash that piles up on the streets in a semi-industrial section of West Oakland. The foundation is usually discarded wood pallets to which Kloehn will add accouterments such as windows, a mirror and a cup holder. Several homes are insulated with discarded pizza delivery bags.

Wonder, a homeless woman Kloehn has known for several years, parked her new house on the sidewalk next to her old home, which consisted primarily of a tarp draped over a couch.

This is the best home I've had in five years, Wonder said as she opened the front door made from a discarded picnic table to reveal the pizza bag insulation. It gets real hot in here, she said.

All the homes have gotten rave reviews. They say this is just night and day, especially when it rains, Kloehn said. Once your mattress gets wet, it's just terrible.

Kloehn, a 43-year-old transplant from Denver, is a sculptor who got on a housing kick after building his five-unit live-work condominium complex from scratch.

See the original post here:
Artist turns trash into homes for the homeless

Milford, MA (PRWEB) February 20, 2014

Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen, is offering three Saturday opportunities (March 1, March 29 and April 26th from 10AM to 3PM) to gather key information for designing an extraordinary kitchen. These free seminars require registration and will feature some of the region's top design authorities: Vartanian Custom Cabinets, Marble and Granite, Inc., Clarke - New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen, C & R Flooring and Lucia Lighting & Design.

"While our showrooms and test kitchens are a magnet for home chefs who want the best in appliance technology," said Clarke General Manager Sean Clarke, "our staff receives questions on every facet of kitchen design. So, we decided to bring in some of the best minds in the business to create this seminar series."

The schedule for Clarke's free kitchen design seminars:

10AM: Kitchen Design 101 - Custom Cabinets Award-winning kitchen designer Duncan Lomas of Vartanian Custom Cabinets will share the ins and outs of what makes a great kitchen. Aram Vartanian, owner of Vartanian Custom Cabinets, will define the difference between custom and stock cabinetry and why stock in not always the most economical choice.

11AM: Natural Stone Countertops vs. Engineered Countertops Visitors will learn about the next trend in countertops (think thin!) from the designers at Marble and Granite, Inc. Discover the difference between marble, granite and other natural stone options for countertops, as well as the growing popularity of quartz.

Noon: Cooking on Wolf Clarke Chef Brittany Williams will offer a fun and informative demonstration of Wolf appliances, known as the best cooking technology in the world. Williams will prepare a delicious lunch for registered attendees to enjoy.

1PM: Real Answers to Hardwood Flooring Questions Forget the myths and rely on the facts as award-winning flooring specialist Chris Zizza of C&R Flooring offers practical advice about the newest technology, trends, products, staining, sanding, radiant heat, exotic woods and prefinished floors versus site finished floors for the home.

2PM: Tips to Brighten Your Kitchen and Save Energy Lighting designers from Lucia Lighting & Design will share tips about how to best light a new kitchen in layers with energy efficient lighting. They will share working samples of the latest technology in LED lighting and lighting controls.

Seminars will take place in the Clarke Training Amphitheater, as well as in the showroom's live test kitchens. New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen, located right off Route 495 in Milford, MA, offers dozens of inspiring kitchen settings where visitors can experience the newest trends in traditional, contemporary and transitional kitchen design.

Read more:
Clarke Announces Spring 2014 Kitchen Seminar Series at New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen

Design Decisions: Taylor #39;s Ferry Remodel Countertops
http://www.hammerandhand.com/portland Hear architect Melody Emerick of Emerick Architects discuss the thought process behind selecting the countertop materia...

By: Hammer Hand

Continue reading here:
Design Decisions: Taylor's Ferry Remodel Countertops - Video

Engineered stone countertops by optea-referencement.com
visit to optea-referencement.com.

By: Raysandee sawal

The rest is here:
Engineered stone countertops by optea-referencement.com - Video

Granite Countertops NJ
http://www.majesticgranitemarble.com If you are looking for a professional company with over 15 years of experience in the granite and marble industry, with ...

By: Majestic Granite Marble NJ

View original post here:
Granite Countertops NJ - Video

quartz shower walls and countertops with mosaic backsplash

By: Eisrael Verduzco

Read more from the original source:
quartz shower walls and countertops with mosaic backsplash - Video

Nelson Construction and Renovations Concrete Countertops

By: Nelson Construction And Renovations, Inc.

Read more:
Nelson Construction and Renovations Concrete Countertops - Video

CORIAN COVED (INTEGRAL) SPLASH CONNECTICUT
Countertops By Starian shows the process of making a coved/integral splash. This type of application is seamlessly integrated with the deck of a countertop o...

By: Countertops by Starian

Continue reading here:
CORIAN COVED (INTEGRAL) SPLASH CONNECTICUT - Video