Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

All of us at Bedrock Stone Fabrication and Rite-Loom Flooring Co. wish you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2011. We would also like to take this opportunity to Thank YOU for supporting us with business, referrals and continued readership of this blog.

Have a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PORCELAIN STAIN REMOVAL

As your porcelain ages and scratches appear due to cleaning, minerals from the water can cling to the scratches and cause rust. Use any commercail product with lime in it...or distilled white vinegar works too!



Here's how to tackle the project quickly and effeciently:



Put on rubber gloves and wet the sink. If you are using a commercial product, read the directions carefully. Some can cause even more etching! Test first. If it's safe, wet a sponge and gently work the product into the stained surface. If you have a persistent stain, make a paste of the product with a few drops of water and let it sit for a few minutes.



Feeling a little lazy? Saturate a folded paper towel with vinegar, place it over the stain and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap - taping it tightly is an added bonus. Leave it overnight, remove the cloth, and wipe (or scrub lightly) the rust right off!




PORCELAIN ENAMEL COOKTOP SURFACES require a slightly different method. Avoid heavily abrasive cleaners, pads and steel wool. Porcelain surfaces may etch or discolor when a spill is high in sugar or acids, so wipe up immediately. And NEVER wipe a hot porcelain stove top with a cold cloth....it may crack!

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH STONE FLOORS

For enduring sophistitication and style, today's homeowner continues to select natural stone as the premier choice of flooring. Shaped through time beneath both land and sea, stone offers a variety of options in both colors and surfaces. Marble, slate, limestone.....honed, unfinished, laid in circles and patterns, Spanish Revival or Itlalian Renaissance - the design options are endless! The versatility of stone is limited only by your imagaination - so take a minute to image these design options in your home:



- Rough, irregualr shapped pieces laid in a random pattern lend a casual, rustic feel.


- Detailed mosaics give an entry polished elegance.

- Slate tiles are both durable and affordable - a naturally beautiful choice for fireplace hearths, kitchens and patios.

- Create a sophisticated look by combining styles such as granite and marble.

- Polished stone floors create a beautiful, glossy shine - perfect for formal areas with lots of light.

- A honed finish (skip the polishing step) offers a natural, casual look and hides scratches and dirt too!

- Consider small granite or limestone inserts to add punch to simple designs.

- Love it or hate it - colored grout is making a comeback. Use it to pick up tones from fabric, wall colors or backsplash designs.

- Checkboard pattern marble floors have been around forever for a reason, they are classic, dramatic and fun.

- Head to the beach with pebbled granite. Virtually indestructible, it also provides great taction for bathrooms and kitchens.

Stop dreaming of natural stone in your home and start planning! It's an investment that is worth every penny!

GRANITE SLAB "Movement" IS A MATTER OF CHOICE

When selecting your granite, many homeowners and designers consider the type of stone and the color. But...there is one VERY important feature in stone that literally sets the tone for the look of your slab and that is "Movement". Often considered works of art in their own right, the HOT trend today is for heavy character created by decades of evolution or "Movement". Like a blank canvas, one visit to your slab yard and you can select stone with a pattern that no one else will have - completely unique for a custom countertop unlike any other.

Movement is classified in two ways: Linear or Randon

Linear Movement is when the sonte has color patterns moving along a horizontal or vertical plane. The movement spans throughout the stone. If you select a slab with linear movement, you'll need to consider that the pronounced look when you are working on design details. Like clothing, should the stripes go down or across? Hiring a quality fabricator is very important if you select granite with a look. Your Bedrock fabricator will carefully plan and lay out your slab to insure precise seam matching and material flow. If you are looking to make a REAL STATEMENT, Linear slabs are the way to go.

Random Movement is by far the most popular sought after characteristic in stone. Admired for its random swirls and multiple colors, random movement is a fun, creative way to give any kitchen or bath personality. The slabs can go from subtle to wild, so they work well in among any design style.

Random or Linear? Either way, your stone choice will be a beautiful one.

Marble vs. Granite - The pros and cons

If you have looked at model homes and contemplated the most advanced choices in countertops - marble or granite - than read on. Both are eco-friendly materials that are coveted by most homeowners today.

Both marble and granite are elegant and available in a wide range of styles and color patterns that meet almost anyone's standard of excellence today. Marble is a metamorphic rock. Marble is porous. It stains easily, it scratches. Marble is ideal for low traffic areas. But for high traffic - granite should be the preferred choice. Now about granite. As it resists staining, wearing, chipping, scratching - there's not much more you could ask for.

Granite is nearly perfect. granite hold up better in widely used areas. Granite lasts practically forever. You can find quarries in South America, Europe, Arizona and New Mexico. Marble on the other had is primarily picked from quarries in South America, Europe, South Africa and China. Less expensive from marble, granite offers a viable alternative to the high cost of marble for your home.

Regardless of your preference, both marble and granite offer elegant options to the homeowner who wants to create a luxurious and decadent yet functional feel. Granite and marble are two of the desirable mediums for use in private homes today.

In various ways, both marble and granite are perfect elements to combine - functional minerals that allow you to live in a natural yet practical functioning space.

MAKE YOUR DESIGN DECISIONS REAL JEWELS!

Making design decisions is a lot like picking an outfit. What does the interior of your closet look like? Are the clothes bright and colorful? Are the designs bold or subtle? Is there a lot of bling, or do you go for simple, textured fabric instead? These selections provide clues about other design preferences that you may have - including tile, stone or carpeting.

What does your jewerly box look like? Is it full of small delicate pieces, or big, flashy stones? If you love strong style, pick big 12"x12" tiles. If you like tiny, tasteful pieces, go for smaller tile with intricate borders and trims.

Do you take fashion risks? Then you'll do the same while designing your bath and kitchen. Go for unusual stone for the countertops and dramatic flooring choices like herringbone wood or creatively patterned rugs. Find fun and unique hardware for your cabinets and interesting window coverings that make a statement.

If you wear tasteful solids in warm tones and pastels, stones like travertine for tile and flooring have little "movement" and offer a "calm" look that you will enjoy.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Don't let other people sway your design decisions or you will surely regret it later. Bedrock sales representatives know how to guide you through the selection process in a casual, friendly and productive way. Pick what you are attracted to intuitively - just like you do your clothes and jewerly - and you will fill your home with designs you love!

BATHROOM UPDATES MAKE A BIG IMPACT

Who would have thought years ago that potential home buyers would be so focused on the bathrooms! They care about everything. The countertops, paint, fixtures... and mostly the flooring! It is not uncommon for folks looking to buy a new home to consider the flooring as a top priority. And, for good reason! If the flooring is less than desirable it will be a major expense. Bathroom flooring is no different!

Even though the bathrooms can be the smallest rooms in your home, they have incredible visual impact. Carpet went out years ago, replaced by vinyl and now ceramic or natural stone. Why? Because people spend a lot of time in their bathroom and they want a RETREAT! After a lond day at work (or a long night of no sleep!) they look to their bathrooms as a place to relax! Big, whirlpool tubs, sauna showers and elegant stone designs such as granite and marble - can turn a ho hum bathroom into a classy spa in your own home. And, don't ignore the fact that a small investment in updating your baths can reap you big rewards when you decide to sell your home.

For flooring consider big 12"x12" tile which can expand a space and give it a luxurious look. Go with calm, neutral colors, then accessorize with towels and paint colors that YOU love but can later be changed out when you are tired of it or are ready to sell. Purple towels, hot pink walls...go for it! Just use calm, cool colors for your back drop---countertop, floor and shower -- and eeryone will be happy!

Let your Bedrock designer help you find a style that WORKS for years to come, and your investment will be a sound one.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR FOR YOUR GRANITE

There are a lot of reasons that people choose granite - the true natural beauty of real stone, the fact that it's a "green" material, and also because there are not tow slabs alike! When you select granite for your bathroom or kitchen countertops, fireplace or vanity top, you will have a truly unique design that will also enhance the value of your home. But...what color to choose? Don't let your visit to a slab yard or design showroom be overwhelming. Consider this:

- The most available slabs come in colors of tan, white, browns, greens, black and blues - with blue and black in high demand and also more expensive.

- There are subtle differences in color but dramatic differences in veining.

- Tan and brown slabs work well in virtually any style of home and go well with most color schemes.

- Take your time! There are so many types of granite, it will be worth the effort if you go slow and enjoy the process.

- Bring fabric, wood chips and tile samples with you and play them against the various slabs. Sometimes a slab that you might never consider comes alive against the other material that will be featured in the room.

- Ask for samples to see how they "read" in the lighting of your home.

- If you choose a dark wood for your cabinets, the contrast of a lighter stone provides a classic look with lots of interest.

- Consider your flooring when selecting the color and type of granite for your bath or kitchen. Don't mix a busy floor with a busy countertop.

- Trust your designer! Your Bedrock and Rite-Loom contacts can guide you through the selection with the right information and great ideas.



Have fun!

STONE FINISHES OFFER VARIERY AND UNIQUE LOOKS

Not long ago most people purchasing stone selected this natural material because of the polished, sleek look that marble and granite provide. But today, many homeowners are looking for a relaxed, aged look and suppliers are meeting that demand with some interesting finishes. Whether you are looking for a contemporary look, or the warmth and romance of a French chateaux, these stone finishes will highlight the natural beatuy of your real stone:

Tumbled - a special technique used to create a worn weathered affect, a tumbled finish is achieved by placing the stone in a "tumbling drum" with aggregates, chemical and pebbles. This combination batters the face of the tile as well as rounding and softening the edges.

Chiseled - Normally found on aged marble, travertine or limestone, a drill bit is used on the edge of the tile to give a highly distressed look.

Brushed - A coarse wire rotary brush is passed over the face of the stone to give it a worn but satin-smooth finish.

Undulated - This finish recreates the look of exposure to extreme elements and/or thousands of years of foot traffic.

Reclaimed - Original stone flooring that has been carefully removed from old homes, streets or shops.

Flamed - Flaming stone is done to dull stone and is accomplished through exposure to extremely high heat.

Honed - Honed stone offers a smooth flat or matt finish.

Polished - Very hard stones such as granite can be polished for a shiny, high glass finish that can draw out the true color and full character of the stone.

Thanks to the introduction of these popular stone treatments, your stone design possibilities are endless!

HOW TO DESIGN A STONE FIREPLACE

With Fall just around the corner, Bedrock customers are starting to ask about updating their fireplaces. There is nothing more elegant and beautiful than a natural stone fireplace which is why we cover this blog topic a lot. If you are thinking that your fireplace could use some sprucing up, or you have the perfect spot for one and are ready to get started in time for the holidays, consider these important points:

What's Your Style? Contemporary, Rustic, Traditional? Start identifying the look that would work best in your home. Do you want a floor to ceiling fireplace? Will you be displaying lots of photographs? Cut out photos and you will see a theme emerge.

What is going to be your heat source? You have three choices which include masonry, gas or electric.

What size fireplace are you looking for? Will it heat a large room or just a small dining area? The average heating unit ranges from 32" to over 42" wide and up to 36" tall.

What is the size of the room the fireplace will be in? Consider the ceilign height and wall width. Also, keep in mind window placement, cabinets and furniture in the room.

What material would best suit the design of the room? Travertine looks beautiful for an old world or rustic look. Granite for classic or modern. Marble works for traditional, elegant rooms.

Anyway you fabricate it; a natural stone fireplace will add value and beauty to any home.

COLOR VARIATION IN STONE

Once you have made the smart decision to use stone in your home or business, there is a lot to learn to ensure that you make the right selection. Unlike manufactured products like carpet or ceramic tile, stone is a product of nature so the look of it varies with each slab. And to make things even more interesting, most suppliers have different names for the stone styles!

Trust your Bedrock representative to help you through the process! Wandering through a slab yard can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many types of stone that the variety can be all consuming. And, what people love most about stone can also creat the biggest challenges. Color variation is what makes stone desirable, but also extremely hard to select. Stone is a natural product quarried from the earth so its appearance is the result of millions of years of ecological change and mineral composition. Each slab is different in color and veining characteristics which is what makes it even harder when shopping for that perfect material because most buyers base thier selection on a small sample barely the size of their hand. When you stop to consider the actual size of the slab you will be purchasing, this sample just doesn't reflect what you may have chosen early on in the process.

To be sure that you are getting exactly what you want, visit a slab yard with your Bedrock representative to inspect the actual product first hand. It may take extra time - especially when you are distracted by hundreds of other beautiful slabs - but it is worth the effort!

EVERYBODY LOVES THE ISLANDS!!

Who doesn't love a big, beautiful kitchen island! Lots of space, room to spread out, an extra sink, seating and dining area...islands are family friendly and a practical addition to any home. Follow the tips below for efficient design and maximum impact:


- Allow 30-34 inches between the island and cabinetry that does not include appliances.

- Allow 37 inches minimum between the island and a sink, and 39 to 42 inches is even better.

- For main traffic areas or locations that do include an appliance, allow at least 42 to 48 inches.

- Keep the kitchen triangle in mind and DON'T cross traffic between it. The kitchen triangle is the refrigerator, stove and sink.

- If you have seating, allow room to pull out the stools - at least 48 inches of clearance.

- The island doesn't have to be in the middle of the kitchen. If you move it closer to the cooking area it will even discourage guests from using the space to get from one room to the other.

- The minimum size for a workable island is four feet long and two feet deep. And, too big of an island just collects clutter so bigger is not always better.


- Don't forget to consider function when you design your island. Keep the cabinets under the island for pots and pans near the stove, and lifestyle items (cookbooks, supplies, etc.) should be on the outside of the island. Open shelves are a pretty option.

- A table setting zone is also practical and gives kids a place to be helpful but out of the way.

- A second sink far from the stove is useful and allows extra cooks to chop and clean away from the action at the stove.

- The top tip: Design the island according to your style in the kitchen, and then organize around appliance placement and activity. Dishwashing and cleaning supplies near the sink, cutting boards and knives across from the stove, etc. Pay attention to your cooking habits and you will have a beautiful and practical kitchen island that is worth its weight in granite!

IT'S NO MYSTERY

If you are in the middle of updating your home, there is so much of the construction process that can seem like a mystery! You are doing everything you can do just to pick out the right material, then your contractor keeps throwing out terms like templates, edge profiles, fabrication....it can be very overwhelming if you have never done it before. Following is a quick course on countertop selection and installation:

1. Measure Up! Your Bedrock designer will come by your home and measure your countertop or review your plan so we know exactly how many slabs will need to be purchased.

2. Select your granite. This can either be fun or frustrating. Get help from your Bedrock or Rite-Loom designer. They will take you through the process so you can select just the right slab for your project and select your edge detail (what the edge of the countertop will look like when it is finished)

3. A representative from Bedrock will then come to your home and create a template that they can bring back to the shop and use to fabricate/cut the stone. This template is laid on to the granite slabs you have selected, then is traced for the fabrication process.


4. The installers come to your home and remove the old countertop. They also disconnect and remove the old plumbing, sink and backsplash.

5. A plywood underlayment will be installed to insure that the slab is level.

6. Now, here comes your granite! Once just a large piece of raw stone, it is now a 600 pound beautiful countertop!

7. The installers will put the slabs and backsplashed in place, then seam the pieces together.

8. They will then place your sink and other plumbing fixtures in place. Your plumber will attach the equipment.

9. Bedrock will then seal your countertop. This will protect the material against stains or stratches.

10. ENJOY your beautiful new kitchen.

ADD THE PERFECT P'ZAZZ

If your space needs that extra something, check out Daltile's Colorbody Porcelain P'Zazz. This amazing floor, wall or countertop tile option shines with unique beauty. Featuring a hint of sheen that adds interest and elegance to any design, this sophisticated collection will stop guests in their tracks! Its elegant "feel" gives the illusion of fine silk, and the surface literally shimmers with action! It is glamorous and "clean" so your patten options are limitless. A Mosaic Blend offers fun contrast - perfect in white, gray and black for unmatched drama. Want a warmer look? Go for a dreamy mix of beige, gold and tan. From a classic Brick pattern to a Basketweave vertical - you can't get too creative with this beautiful tile.

STONE RANKINGS THAT COUNT

Designing your kitchen or bath can be an emotional task. There are so many beautiful products on the market that shopping and selecting can be a whirl wind of fun and frustration. One minute you fall in love with marble and then you see an unusual slab of granite that you can't resist. It's a roller coaster, so trusting your BEDROCK or Rite-Loom designer to help you through the process can save you both time and money.



One of the most important things to consider when selecting your material is stain and scratch resistance. If you cook a lot, or spend hours in your spa bath, you need to consider the following rankings:

(From high to low)

Stain Resistance
Slate
Soapstone
Granite
Marble
Quartz
Limestone
Travertine

Scratch Resistance
Granite
Quartz
Slate
Marble
Limestone
Travertine


And, you don't need to be a pro to see if the product you have selected can stand up to a spiled glass of wine or a hot straightening iron. Just perform this quick test:

1. Get a sample piece (it doesn't have to be the same slab, as long as it comes from the same source.) Rub on a sealer. Pour test drops of cooking oil, wine or lemon juice. Let it sit over night.

2. Wipe the surface clean in the morning. How did it stand up?

Now you can base your choice on practical information AND "It's just what I was looking for!"

MIX IT UP WITH METAL

Interesting granite, sleek travetine, classic marble....all are popular and traditional materials for kitchen, bath and flooring designs. There are so many colors, styles and patterns that sometimes the thought of introducing accents can be overwhelming. But....metal is worth its extra design effort! A unique and unusual accent, Metal is not only fun and interesting, it is also very durable and easy to install.

Mix and match these interesting product options:

Pewter dots and travertine. When installing among a large format layout, pewter can add the perfect splash of interest. Place one of these small, shiny tiles every third or fourth tile, then use the color to pull in other accessories in the room such as lamps and coffee table accessories.

Zip up that tumbled stone backsplash with an accent tile that matches your stainless steel appliances. This is a savvy design trick that always makes a professional statement. Whether you lay the tile straight or on the diagonal, metal tiles can be inserted every two or three tiles to create an interesting pattern. You can also consider bronze or copper for kitchens with a popular country design.

Does your slate patio design lack the "wow" factor? Consider punching it up with pewter. Take your BBQ island to the next level with a casual pattern of 2"x2" metal accent tiles on your counter, backsplash and beneath your grill. Tiles with a hint of green can pull in the natural look of the outdoors as well as pick up the interesting hues in the slate.

Let your Bedrock designer take these ideas and make them your reality TODAY!

TRANSFORM YOUR VISIONS INTO REALITY

Inspired design comes from inside your heart and your head! You know what you like. If you took a month and tore out photographs from various magazines, you would find your style coming through loud and clear. Pay attention to what you like and stay true to it. Then ....follow these simple tips to let it shine:



- Start a collection! From trinkets to artwork, a collection will ground your space and reflect your own unique personality. Why buy "accessories" that mean nothing when you can spend your hard earned money on objects that inspire you?!



- Use pattern and texture....checks, stripes, paisleys and plaids should be mixed and matched with confidence. Just remember to match the scale of the prints with the size of the room and choose fabrics that share at least one common color.



- Choose appropriate lighting. Lighting should be functional as well as enhance the beauty of your home. Start by considering the natural lighting of your home, then supplement with artifical lighting.



- Design around a focal point. A focal point is usually the largest element in the room such as large windows or a fireplace. You can also create a focal point with a statement piece of furniture or artwork.



- Use flooring as the foundation for your design. Again, always consider the size of the room. Larger rooms require larger patterns. Bew sure to consider doorways and other features that may cause a break in the flow of the room.



And last but not least, HAVE FUN!! Stay true to your style, trust your design instincts and in no time, your vision will become a reality.

READY....SET....DESIGN!

It seems like an overwhelming task, which is why many of us wait so long to update our home! Paint colors go out of style, furniture has seen better days, kitchens are outdated....but taking on design projects are scary! Too many decisions. Too expensive. Too messy. Too much time! Even if you are smart enough to hire a professional from Bedrock or Rite-Loom, it still requires effort and organization.



Make it a little easier and do what the pros do:



Create a project binder. This is a "job" after all so approach it like a job and you'll be rewarded with sucess.



- Pick a binder that inspires you. There are lots of fun and colorful notebooks available. Buy one with a pattern that you love.

- Use dividers. If you are working on your kitchen, section it in tasks: cabinets, flooring, countertops, appliances, etc. Each section should have a "contact" page where you can put trade information, companies you are considering working with, phone numbers, etc. You can also use a piece of cardboard to staple business cards to. Plastic sleeves can store swatches, bids, paint chips, etc.

- Keep a "swipe" file for ideas out of books and magazines. Post-it a note of what you like about the design in case you pass it off to one of your contractors.

- Fill a zippered pencil bag with a highlighter, measuring tape, small stapler, masking taper and note pad.

- Tote a tote. Put the binder, file and pencil bag in a tote bag for hauling it from one shop to another. Bring it to Rite-Loom so you can used it for fabric samples to match to carpeting, and to Bedrock for your kitchen granite ideas. Having everything in one "grab and go" bag will save you time and energy.





Now....Ready, set......design!

THE LATEST & GREATEST

While natural stone tile and manufactured tile in soft neutrals are still very popular, people who want something a little different are turning to contemporary trends that offer some really unique looks. While you would never connect these three styles, check out why they work:




Metals: Those of you out there who love your stainless appliances will really flip over the classy new "metal" tile. Sleek and sophisticated, snall metal tiles can create some really cool patterns and complement those big commercial sytle kitchen stove hoods that are so popular right now. There is also a broad range of finishes in these metal collections - from polish to satin. Use them on your backsplash for the WOW factor that makes a real statement.









Glass: Accent tile in cool shades of green, blue and browns are really in right now. They offer a relaxing sheen and sparkle that few can resist.

Put them on backsplashes, shower walls and accent walls for a trendy look that will never go out of style. Another plus.....most are made with recycled tile!

Hardwood "tile": Yes, Hardwood! Now you can have that beautiful hardwood look that you love in your bathroom. When your contractor tells you no, tell him your Bedrock/ Rite-Loom designer suggested faux hardwood porcelain tile! Manufacturers have gotten great at creating products that look like other material. They've mastered stone, now hardwood. Available in 2, 3 and 4 inch planks, this "wood" can take the moisture that natural wood can't. So....run the shower and jump into the warmth of wood in your bathroom!

KNOW YOUR TERMS

Have you ever sat across from a trade professional and felt like they were talking a different language? Your head spins while they toss around confusing words like Un-gauged, Igneous and Metamorphic. Well, no need to grab your dictionary....below are some common stone terms:



Backsplash: the area located between the countertop and upper cabinet -n usually 16-18 inches in height.



Border: a decorative piece of tile. Often long and narrow, set within the field tile to create interest.



Bullnose: rounding of an exposed stone edge.



Cladding: when a wall is faced in stone.



Face: the portion of the stone tile or slab that is exposed.



Forty-Five: a way of describing a diagonal stone setting design (on the 45 degree angle...)



Grout: an epoxy based material used to fill joints between tiles.



Inserts: decorative tile or accents that can be inserted in the field tile design.



Joint: an area where two tiles or two slabs meet.



Liner: a long narrow piece of decorative tile placed within a design to create interest.



Mortar: the material used to set stone.



Quarry: the physical location where raw blocks of stone are removed from the earth.



Slab: a linear piece of stone cut from the original quarried block.



Watch for some not so common terms next week!



And by the way.....Un-gauged is when a tile has been cut without strict uniform thickness, igneous is a type of rock that is formed from the cooling of molten matter, and metamorphic rock is a type of rock that is altered in appearance by extreme heat or pressure.