Countertop Questions

Can the pits in granite countertops be fixed?

The short answer is yes but the methods to be used will vary based on the size of pits in the countertop.  Keep in mind that some of the beauty of a natural stone is because of the pit’s makeup.  If the pit is deep enough (1/8″ or more), a two-part epoxy can be used.  An epoxy is what is used to make the seam. If the pit is not too deep, a two-part epoxy with an aerosol activator can be used.  There is no guarantee however as to how long the pit repair will last- 3 weeks or 3 years!

Can cracked corners of granite countertops be fixed?

Yes.  The cracked corner will need to be epoxied and put back in place. This is done with an epoxy being color matched to the stone and then mixed with a hardening agent.  Once cured (2-3 minutes), the excess epoxy will be cleaned off.

What is the difference between granite & quartz and which do you recommend?

Granite is a natural stone and varies according to nature and requires a sealer applied when installation is complete. This sealing of the stone is provided by the fabricator.  Quartz is a man-made product composed of 95% or more natural materials and held together with an epoxy resin. It does not need to be sealed because it is man-made. The quartz manufacturers are now producing more colors that replicate natural stone, by utilizing veining.

To answer the second half of the question, stone countertops are very personal. Each has its pros & cons. It is truly up to our clients to decide what best meets their needs and desires.

How much overhang can I have on my island and do I need to support it?

It is a simple 2/3rd to 1/3rd rule. A typical cabinet is 24″ deep therefore you can extend the top 12″ without extra support. I strongly recommend supporting with legs or brackets (corbels) anything beyond that.

What is the difference between honed and polished? Which is more durable?

A polished finish is a shiny finish where honed is more of a matte look. As far as durability, it is not really an issue with granite; however, a polished marble will etch and show water marks. A polished finish will also scratch much easier than a honed product.

Flooring Questions

What are my options for replacing asbestos floor tiles with a new floor with a wood look?

If you want to be 100% sure that the tiles are asbestos, an asbestos inspection/remediation company should be contacted to obtain samples and have them tested.  If the test comes back positive, a licensed company needs to remove those tiles. If you choose not to disturb the asbestos tiles,  a floating floor (vinyl planks for example) can be installed directly over the existing tiles.  My recommendation is to never disturb asbestos tiles!

Is an engineered wood floor better than a natural wood floor that needs to be sanded?

Better is a term I’d rather not use. Each individual has needs and expectations. Our goal is to meet and exceed those expectations within a budget. With that said, here are the pros & cons of each:

• Engineered Wood – quite a wide range in price and quality – labor is less money while the material is generally more costly – the color of your floor is limited to the colors of material available – a limited amount of dust created during install –  no fumes to contend with.
• Natural wood – the material is less costly – labor is more costly –  you may choose the color of stain to be applied to your floor or even customize if need be – dust is generated when the floors are sanded but a “dust-free” method is available for a nominal fee – the staining & sealing procedure does produce a smell initially.

General Remodeling Questions

Can I move or remove walls during a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Of course, the type of wall and what is housed inside of it will determine the cost and final appearance.  If the wall is load-bearing (holds up the structure of the house), and LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beam will need to be added and a soffit created. If the wall houses plumbing, electricity, or ductwork, the utilities will also need to be relocated.  In most cases, it is not a problem to remove or move walls but every project comes with unique situations that need to be addressed individually