OUTDOOR ISLAND STYLES

There is a lot to consider before you start designing you outdoor kitchen. How you USE the space is top consideration, as it dictates just about every aspect of your plan. At the center of your outdoor kitchen is your built-in BBQ island and there are three popular styles:

Basic: Most islands feature a grill, a sink, and a small counter for food prep. This basic design works for most cooks, but if you are a gourmet, you may want to consider something larger.

U-Shape: The U-shape island promotes distinct zones for cooking, prep and eating. One great advantage is that food can be served direct from the grill to your guest, putting it center stage for entertaining and conversations.

L-Shape: This configuration allows for separate spaces for cooking and preparing food and seating arrangement are usually next to the grill.

Other popular additions to your outdoor kitchens are refrigerators, fireplaces, fire-pits, pizza ovens and beverage bars. Bedrock Stone Fabrication can customize just the look you want. Add in a dining set, comfortable sofa, outdoor area rug and lighting and you'll never hang out in the house again!!

IT'S BBQ TIME

IT'S BBQ TIME and also the time of year when we look outside to our aging equipment and long for that perfect outdoor space. A 2009 survey taken by the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association (yes, there really is one!) detailed that Americans spent over $150 million on home renovations and one third was for outdoor living spaces! If you are planning to tackle yours, ask yourself these important questions:

• How much is your budget?
• What type of cooking will you do and how often?
• Will you eat your meals outside or take the food in?
• Will you use the BBQ to host parties?
• What kind of furniture do you like?
• Will you be using the space year round or just Spring and Summer?

Consider the above and let Bedrock Stone Fabrication get your design started. Our outdoor spaces offer some of the best designs in the county. Watch for our blog next week on three common BBQ island designs. Let's do this together!

THE TRUTH About Granite and Radon

Will this silly story ever die? Over and over people tell us that they worry about their granite countertop and indoor radon levels. We don't blame folks for wanting to get the levels in their home tested, but before you make the investment, please consider this important study:

The EH&E (Enivronmental Health and Engineering) has completed a detailed evaluation of the potential human health risks of naturally occuring radioactive material in granite countertops. This study found that the external doses of ionizing radiation emitted are well below levels that would pose a health concern. In fact, all of the homes tested had levels that were even lower than background levels typically found outdoors.

So breathe easy! You can view the entire report on the Marble Institute of America website.

AUTHENTIC HANDMADE GLAZED TILES OF MEXICO

Bedrock Stone Fabrication and Rite-Loom Flooring are proud to offer Patrico Talavera Tile, some of the most beautiful authentic Talavera tile on the market today. Talavera tile gets its name from a small village in Spain where the wonderfully bright tile and ceramic patterns took root in the 15th century. Today, skilled craftsman in Mexico produce this amazing tile in a number of family run studios. While many manufacturers try to duplicate this unique look, Patrico Talavera Tile is one of the most respected astisans. Through Bedrock Stone Fabricatioh and Rite-Loom Flooring, they offer incredible products in tiles, murals, sinks, pavers and accessories. Let your imagination run wild!

It is easy to do with the bright and intricate designs! Hacienda style homes, Spanish revivals and 1920's bungalows are the perfect environments for Talavera tile. Stair risers, flooring, walls, fireplaces, shower walls and countertop back splashes will come alive with this fun art form.

Because this tile is HAND MADE, no two tiles are exactly alike. In fact, much of their charm and beauty come from the ever so slightly unique contouring of each individual tile. The tiles come in several sizes: 4"x4" (the most popular), 2"x2", 3"x3" and 6"x6". All of these tiles are covered with a gloss glaze making them virtually waterproof.

Stop by Bedrock Stone Fabrication or Rite-Loom Flooring to view this classically beautiful art form and bring it into YOUR home.

GET A 15 YEAR WARRANTY ON YOUR STONE COUNTERTOPS - MARBLE INCLUDED!

It's important to seal your stone countertops, but now you'll be doing more than just protecting them - along with your sealer purchase you'll get a guaranteed 15 year warranty! DalTile's innovative "ProAdvanced Protection Program" gives homeowner's peace of mind that can only come when you know you're purchasing a top quality product AND doing what it takes to maintain your investment.

Here's How It Works: When you select and purchase your stone from DalTile, ask for the "ProAdvanced Protection" kit. This system includes the best sealer on the market plus a quality stone cleaner. Backed by DuPont and Microban, the sealer must be applied by a certified technician. But you're in luck - Rite-Loom Flooring and Bedrock Stone Fabrication are both certified! We register the kit on-line and take it from there. We apply the product to your stone when we fabricate your countertops. Then, just re-register after the installation and you'll receive your warrantee. And what a warrantee! It protects against ALL stains! But, if there is a stain that can't be removed, DuPont will pay for the new stone and installation! The warrantee is transferable too, which means that if you move, the new homeowner is protected.
For just $199.00 - this is a must-do, incredible deal. Stop by our Rite-Loom Flooring or Bedrock Stone Fabrication showroom and we'll help you set the process in stone!!

Make a Statement

Builders today do not consider stone counter tops an upgrade. In fact, home owners EXCEPT granite in kitchens and baths. While many play it safe with medium tones that are easy to dessign around, decorators are encouraging their clients to make a statement when it comes to many unique stones on the market today. Because of the new technology available to quarry it, there are some very interesting natural slabs available. One popular selection is onyx which is a translucent stone with dramatic veining that allows you to see light and shadows through it. Designers use this unique stone in applications that can be backlit such as bathroom vanities and bar tops. Instead of selecting your stone after you have planned your upgrade - use stone as the starting point! Bold colors of marble and granite in blue, violet, red, pink and gold can take the decor of a room from safe to sensational.

Crazy Weather

This week's crazy weather wreaked havoc on our schedule at Bedrock. Granite and stone won't get damaged from a windy down pour, but our installers are perfectionists and they do a lot of specialty fabrication right on the job, so Mother Nature did set us back a bit. The good that sprang from the dark and dreary days though, came from some unexpected sources. Former (but always welcomed) clients!! We had done some amazing work on their new home along the coast and they were back with some new plans for an enclosed veranda - a gift of an idea born while they watched the storm beat up their beautiful back yard. Thousand of dollars in landscaping blown away - literally! While they pondered the loss of a priceless soft scape that they had nurtured for years, they realized that a much better use of their money would be a timeless hard scape that could last for decades. Outdoor living spaces are all the rage and Bedrock shines in the sun as well as indoors. We'll be designing a new fireplace, outdoor kitchen and an amazing water wall that complements their pool and beautiful view of the ocean. It's an exciting project that will be done just in time for sunny days - which is something we ALL look forward to.



Do YOU have an idea that warms your heart? Let Bedrock set lay the groundwork and set it in stone!