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.