You’re going to be in your bathroom every single day, so it’s important that it you enjoy spending time in there! Your bathroom should be a place of comfort; it should act as both a place to relax after a hard day and get ready efficiently during a hectic morning. Read on for 5 signs that your bathroom may be in need of an update.

1. Outdated Fixtures and Poor Lighting

Old fixtures can make your bathroom feel dull and out of touch. Something as simple as updating the faucet and light fixture can add new flare to your bathroom that will leave you appreciating it in a whole new way. It’s important to have good lighting in your bathroom. Look for a light fixture that is the perfect balance between too bright and too dim. Remember: brighter isn’t always better! You won’t be able to see properly if you’re being blinded by lights overhead.

2. Mold and Mildew

Older bathrooms can make the battle against told and mildew almost impossible at times. Dated countertops, floors, and showers can all make cleaning more difficult, giving mold and mildew the perfect environment to grow in. Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, they are unhealthy! Certain types of mold can cause allergic reactions and in some circumstances, serious health problems. These substances also create that “bathroom” smell that is impossible to get rid off. Bathroom materials — from tiles to toilets — are now built with cleanliness and mold prevention in mind, saving you time and stress.

3. Discolouration

Over time, everything in your bathroom will start to fade and lose its colour. This discolouration is generally caused by the excess moisture that is unavoidable in a bathroom. If you’re finding that your whites are now yellow, or your blacks have lost their shine, it may be time for an update. When painting or replacing other discoloured parts of your bathroom, keep in mind that a neutral palette will offer ageless beauty to your space.

4. Poor Layout

Back in the 20’s and 30’s, plumbing was still a new phenomenon in homes. This led to bathrooms having some pretty odd arrangements, such as having the toilet directly next to the bathtub. If your bathroom layout isn’t practical, it may be time to renovate. Bathroom layout needs also change over time. As you age, you may find that your porcelain soaker tub is too slippery and difficult to get into, and may opt for a tiled walk in shower instead.

5. Leaks

There are two kinds of leaks: small ones and big ones. If you have a big leak, you probably aren’t reading this article because you are too busy making sure your bathroom doesn’t flood! Small leaks usually result in brown water stains and can be pretty annoying if the leak involves a faucet that won’t stop dripping! When updating your leaky fixtures, look for models that conserve water — your wallet will thank you!

Ready To Reno?

Your bathroom is something you have to live with every day, so make sure it’s a space that is keeping you and your family happy and healthy. If you’ve decided that your washroom has passed its expiration date, contact the team at Stoneworks Granite & Quartz. Our team can show you all the options available when it comes to using stone tiles in your bathroom.

Walking into a tile store can be a bit overwhelming at times. With so many options and price points, it can be a struggle to know what’s best for your floor! Any type of stone tile is a great option for flooring because it is extremely durable and will add re-sell value to any home. Read on as Stoneworks Granite & Quartz dives into the different types of stone tile flooring that are on the market today.

Slate

Slate is a metamorphic rock, which means that it is the result of a transformation of a pre-existing rock. It was a rich, warm color palette that includes copper, navy, sage, tan and black to name a few. Thanks to this tile’s density, it’s extremely durable – making it a great choice for high traffic areas both indoors and outdoors.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone that exists in white, tan and cream-colored varieties. It is a sedimentary stone, which, if you’ll recall that geology course you took, refers to stones that are formed by deposits of minerals and other materials like sediment. Upon formation, those minerals and sediment are mixed around, giving each chunk of Travertine a unique pattern. Travertine is best used in light to medium traffic areas, as it is a softer stone.

Marble

Marble is another metamorphic rock that is composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. Due to the variety of minerals, it comes in almost any color you can think of – making it a great option if you’re looking for a specific color or tone. Because marble is a more porous stone, if you choose to use it as flooring for your kitchen or bathroom, it’s important that you maintain it properly to prevent stains or other damage.

Onyx

Onyx is a beautiful stone that is known for its transparent quality. Its smooth texture offers an elegant, modern look to any room. You can find onyx in a variety of earthy tones, from cream all the way to black. Being a softer stone, it’s best suited for indoor floors that see medium to light traffic.

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was created as a result of lava or magma cooling and solidifying. It is a very dense stone, and is known for its speckled nature and unique veining. It comes in a variety of colors and once polished, is completely scratch proof. Granite is an excellent choice for flooring in kitchens or other high traffic areas.

If you’re considering installing a tile floor, contact the team at Stoneworks Granite & Quartz. Our highly trained staff can help you to design and create your dream floor!

The kitchen is a place where friends and family gather. You spend a lot of time in your kitchen, so it’s important that the space not only nice to look at, but functional as well. Check out the points below and see if your kitchen applies. If it does, it may be time for you to start considering an update!

1. Not Enough Storage

If you’re experiencing an avalanche of food or Tupperware anytime you open your cabinets, it’s time to revamp your kitchen. Having enough cabinet space to store food and other kitchen items is an important part of keeping your kitchen looking clean and un-cluttered. Kitchen cabinets now a days come in all sorts of styles, some of which have storage solutions built right in! Adding new cabinets will give you a more efficient, functional kitchen.

2. Your Appliances Are Out of Date

Old appliances don’t just look unsightly, they also waste money and energy! New appliances are incredibly efficient and will help to save you money on your power and water bill each month. Replacing old appliances will give your kitchen a fresh, modern look while saving you money in the long run. Now that’s a win win deal.

3. Poor Lighting

Everyone knows that it’s important to be able to see what you’re doing… especially when there are hot stoves and sharp knives involved! If your finding that certain spots of your kitchen never get any light, it’s time to invest in some new light fixtures. A well lit kitchen will not only make cooking easier, it will make it safer as well!

4. Outdated Finishings

Kitchen cabinet styles often signify the era in which a home was built. In the 1980’s oak or oak veneer and white laminate cabinets with oak trim reigned. Finishes wear down, as do hinges and hardware. If cabinets are in good shape, paint can do wonders – just be sure to consult an expert first. Not all cabinets/cabinet species should be painted.

But if doors are warped, shelves are bowed, glides are off drawers, and cupboards near the stovetop are soiled with grease and beyond repair, it may be time to remodel.
Flooring and colors also change. The pinkish ceramic tiles of the 80s and anything mauve may be a turn-off to buyers and may require updating if you are trying to sell a home today.

Counter surfaces have changed dramatically. In the 80’s, white or off-white laminate counters prevailed along with ceramic tile counters set with bull-nose wood edges. Today, quartz and granite countertops provide easy to maintain work surfaces. Stone counters add beauty to a kitchen and are more durable than tile and laminate products.

Flooring is no longer the standard linoleum, which was susceptible to stains, wear and tear or unforgiving ceramic tile. Tile flooring is prevalent in many homes today because of the advances in finishes that them both attractive and durable.

5. Poor layout/too small

Adequate space: Are you satisfied with the amount of counter space, cabinet space and floor space in your kitchen? The position of your refrigerator or the shape of your counter may be taking away useful work space. When replacing a countertop or changing the shape of your kitchen, keep in mind that a total of 158 inches of countertop frontage, 24 inches deep with at least 15 inches of clearance above, is needed to accommodate all uses, including landing area, preparation and work area and storage.

Traffic flow: If there’s more than one cook in your household, consider making more room around the main work space. If you enjoy entertaining, you may want an open plan kitchen that allows for more social interaction between the kitchen and other rooms. The width of a walkway should be at least 3 feet, and the width of a work aisle should be at least 42 inches for one cook and at least 4 feet for multiple cooks.

Do any or all of these apply to you? Contact Stoneworks Granite & Quartz today to get started on your new countertop & cabinets!

Let’s face it – life gets messy sometimes! Whether its grease in the kitchen or toothpaste stains in the bathroom, it can be difficult to keep your tiled backsplash looking shiny and new. The good news is that most stains and messes can be taken care of using ingredients you have laying around the house! Read on for Stoneworks Granite & Quartz’s sure fire way to clean your backsplash.

Catch it Quick

In an ideal world, you would wipe up stains and messes right as they happen. Simply put, the longer the mess sits, the harder it’ll be to get off later. We know that this isn’t always feasible — especially when you’re trying to get food on the table for your busy family! However, if you aim to at least give your backsplash a quick wipe when you notice a splatter, you’ll save yourself some elbow grease down the road!

The Quick & Easy Clean

Most messes can be taken care of with warm, soapy water. Start by softening the grease or grime with warm water, and then use a sponge soaked in soapy water to buff away the dirt. Finish it off by drying the tiles with a dishtowel to remove any leftover residue that could attract dirt or dust.

The Tougher Stains

If soapy water doesn’t do the trick, you can try either a baking soda or white vinegar spot treatment. Combine equal parts warm water and baking soda and stir it into a paste. Apply the paste to the stubborn stain, and let it dry. Once dry, you can remove it with a soft dishcloth.

White vinegar is great for removing grease splatter and stains – simply combine equal parts warm water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the grease, and let it sit for approx. five minutes. Wipe off with a clean, damp cloth.
NOTE: no matter what you are using to clean your backsplash, make sure to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first!

Cleaning Grout

Whatever cleaning solution you choose, you’ll want to make sure that is safe for both tiles and grout. Because of the textured nature of grout, it tends to hold onto messes. A great way to clean grout is by using the same cleaning solutions mentioned above, and applying it with a toothbrush. That will give you the extra scrubbing power necessary to get in all the nooks and crannies.

Stoneworks Loves to Help

While we can’t come out to your house and clean your backsplash for you, we can sure give you our best cleaning advice that we’ve collected from our customers over the years. The team at Stoneworks Granite & Quartz is always ready to answer any questions you might have about your backsplash. Give us a call today!

Tile floors have remained a popular choice for homeowners because they are durable, low maintenance and come in a wide array of styles. Once tiles are glazed, they have a protective barrier that keeps dirt, water, and stains from penetrating the tile. This makes tile a great choice for high traffic areas in your home! While tile floors are easy to maintain, it’s still important to know how to clean them properly to keep them looking like new for years.

1. Don’t Let Stains Get Too Comfortable

Spills and messes happen, and while we know that it can be difficult to clean up messes right when they happen, the longer that mess sits there the harder it will be to remove later! So the next time your dog tracks in some mud on the floor, don’t wait until your next floor washing to clean it up — wipe it up right away! This will help decrease the dirt buildup on your floor, which we will talk about more in our next tip!

2. Regular Cleanings Keep Grimy Buildup at Bay

Over time, your floor accumulates dirt and dust. While this is usually invisible to the eye in the early stages, given enough time your floor will start to look dull and dingy. By regularly washing your tile floor — even with just warm water, you’ll remove any dirt or grime before it has a chance embed itself in the tile or grout.

How Often Should I Clean My Tile Floor?

You should aim to sweep your floor with a fluffy dust mop or vacuum every couple of days to remove any loose dust and dirt. NOTE: Don’t use a straw broom, as it can scratch the tile. Once a week, mop your floor with warm water to keep your tiles looking shiny and new!

3. Do A Deep Clean

If you’re finding that your tiles are looking dull or gross no matter how often you mop, it might be time for a deep clean! Adding some white vinegar or dish soap to your cleaning solution the next time you mop is a great way to remove built up grease.

4. Don’t Forget About The Grout

Dirty or discoloured grout can really detract from your floors overall appearance. To clean grout, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water (you can also try baking soda and water) and work it into a paste. Apply the paste to the grout using a toothbrush and let it sit until it’s dry. After it’s dry, wash the paste out with warm water. Another important step to maintaining your tile’s grout is sealing it. Your tile manufacturer can recommend a sealing schedule, though it is usually 1-2 times per year. Sealant keeps dirt and water out of your grout, thereby helping it to keep is colour and shine.

Questions? Call Stoneworks Granite & Quartz
If you have questions about your tile floor, or are unsure about what cleaning solutions are safe to use, give the team at Stoneworks Granite & Quartz a call!

A backsplash is a great way to add personality to a bathroom or kitchen. Simple or complex, a backsplash gives the room a cohesive flow. Read on for some tips from Stoneworks Granite & Quartz on choosing the right tile for your new backsplash.

Practical Considerations

Wear and Tear: Certain types of tiles require more upkeep than others. For example, natural stone, while visually striking, requires regular sealing. You also need to consider life span. Some tiles will hold up to wear and tear longer than others; however, those tiles are generally more expensive to purchase up front.

Ability to Clean: If your tiles are going to be in a high traffic, messy area like the back of the stove, you’ll want to consider how easy they are to clean. Having a textured backsplash can make cleaning strenuous, as grease will find its way into every nook and cranny. Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles all offer quick and easy clean up, and are less prone to stains.

Invest in Good Grout: Grout is the backbone of your backsplash, so make sure you account for this cost in your budget. Epoxy grout, while more expensive, is extremely durable and will keep your backsplash looking great for years.

Cost: A backsplash is as expensive as you make it. Tile prices can run from $2 a sq. ft to $100/ sq. ft. To find out how much material you’ll need, simply multiply the width by the height of the wall to determine the square footage. Tip: always add on an extra 10% to account for any mistakes when installing.

Design Considerations

What’s your style? The options are endless when it comes to designing your backsplash. Subway tiles offer a class look and are extremely popular. If you have a more contemporary taste, you could try placing the tiles vertically instead of horizontally. Stacked tiles offer an organic look that is becoming increasingly popular. No design is off limits! The best advice we can give is that whether your backsplash is big, small, simple or complex, make sure it compliments your own style (after all, you’re the one who is going to have to see it every day).

Size of the Room: If your working with a small space, a mirrored backsplash can make the room feel brighter and larger. Another trick to make a room feel larger is to extend the backsplash tiling to wrap around the room. Large rooms, or rooms with lots of windows may want to stick with a more basic backsplash, as a complex design can leave a large room feeling busy or disjointed.

Focal Points: If you’re planning on creating a design in your backsplash, find the focal points of the room. For example, in a kitchen the focal points are above the range and above the sink. Concentrating designs to these places will help to make the room ‘pop’.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are planning on installing a new backsplash and are looking for some advice, give Stoneworks Granite & Quartz a call! Our team can help you with every aspect, from design to installation.

A luxurious, customized bathroom can be the ultimate renovation project, both improving quality of life and resale value. No matter if in your home, business, rental property or another space, we here at Stoneworks pride ourselves on being up on not only today’s trends– but tomorrow’s as well. Read on for our guide to the best options for bathroom countertops and surfaces in 2016.

#1: Backsplash

One of the most overlooked spaces for décor and design in a bathroom is the backsplash. Where full-size mirrors and decorative tile have been the norm in recent years, contemporary designers are opting for a backsplash connected to the countertop or at least made from the same material. The expert techs at Stoneworks can laser cut your chosen option to custom-fit any space.

#2: Finished edges

Most bathroom counters and surfaces come with a standard edge, but that isn’t the only option! Decorative, S-shaped, angled and rounded edges are just some of the more popular choices in 2016, but our high-tech tools can handle almost any cut, finish or texture that you can imagine.

#3: Material

The battle rages on over which material should reign supreme! In actuality, engineered materials like quartz have caught up in leaps and bounds to natural materials such as marble or granite. So much so, in fact, that there are only a few stylistic differences left. Knowing this should free you to choose any of Stoneworks’ exceptional material for you bathroom surface or counter.

#4: Colours

Flexibility is key in modern design, especially in renovation projects like bathrooms. Fashion, lifestyle and hardware all evolve over time and contemporary designers recognize this fact of life. In turn, neutral colours and shades remain popular when choosing a bathroom countertop. Consider white, black, grey for maximum versatility– with earthy shades and muted tones at a close second.

#5: Accents

While the above design “rules” may cause you to feel hemmed in, there is still room to express yourself while staying on-trend. No modern bathroom design is complete without a bold splash of originality! Consider accenting your counters or surfaces with materials like concrete, tile mosaic or soapstone. Avoid coloured trim, instead choose one item or aspect and paint it entirely in your chosen colour!

If you have any questions, concerns or wild ideas for your bathroom renovation or upgrade– contact or visit Stoneworks today!

In the age of “fan caves,” board game nights and 4K ultra high definition cinema rooms, everyone is looking to take their space to the next level. Whether you serve cocktails or mocktails, a bar just might be the perfect addition. Basements, garages, staff rooms, treehouses– wherever your dream bar will live, Stoneworks wants to help you with the handy list below.

#1: Learn from the pros.

Before settling on any design choices, visit your favourite bars and take a good look at their work area. What do you like about the surface? What materials, lighting and other techniques did they use? What kind of experience do you want to offer your guests? All of these answers will help you narrow down what you are looking for in the perfect bar.

#2: Top shelf.

While it wouldn’t be a bar without, well, a bar, there are still other aspects to consider. An empty wall behind a fancy bar surface not only looks bad, it fails to live up to its potential. Consider custom surfaces for creative and unique shelving for your bar tools, glassware and bottles.

#3: Keep the regulars happy.

Don’t invest money and effort into a bar that will look shoddy in a few years of use. Talk to the experts at Stoneworks for a rundown on heavy duty surfaces that will not only resist wear, tear and regular cleaning, they will actually look better over time!

#4: Hole in the wall.

Do you dream of a personal bar, but only have a few square feet to work with? Never fear, Stoneworks is here to save the day with fully customizable bar counters and surfaces– laser cut to the exact specifications of your space!

#5 Where everybody knows your name.

Why stop at a custom shape? Stoneworks’ high-tech, computerized cutting tools can create holes for custom sinks and beer taps. Our designers can also take your bar to the next level with built-in refrigeration, storage and even lighting.

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to building your dream bar with the experts here at Stoneworks Granite & Quartz. Achieve your dreams by contacting or visiting us today!

When it comes to countertops, the kitchen renovation and design market is still dominated by two major materials: natural stones such as marble or granite and durable engineered stones like quartz. Using the material in unique ways can help the surfaces in the heart of your home stand out from the rest! Read on for Stoneworks guide to 2016 kitchen countertop trends.

High-tech

Our culture is becoming more digital by the day, so it’s no wonder that we are discovering more beautiful ways to integrate technology into our lives. A modern kitchen surface is no exception! Touchscreens, USB outlets and instantaneous devices such as Amazon Dash Buttons– these are only the beginning. Let our designers at Stoneworks customize a countertop that combines futuristic functionality with classic style.

Open concept

More than just a kitchen trend, almost all modern home design embraces the breezy yet intimate feel of an open concept floorplan. As kitchens have so long been the heart of the home, it can be difficult to find a balance. Transitional spaces are a current trend as their gentle blend of contemporary and traditional styles encourage flow between rooms. Thin, textured countertops and surfaces excel in these environments, especially when anchoring a kitchen island.

Utility

As we transition out of the era of the “all-in-one” mentality, kitchen design has discovered a renewed appreciation for usefulness and function– without losing its beauty. One such example is the trend of installing a second sink as the centrepiece for a secondary work area with a heavy duty countertop. It may seem redundant, but doubling up can save you a lot of stress by giving you the best of both worlds!

Colours & accents

In 2016 and the foreseeable future: neutral colours are dominant– for a kitchen surface, opt for flexible choices such as muted shades, earth tones, whites, blacks and greys. Save your bold colours and splashy materials to be used as accents throughout the kitchen. Experiment with different materials to enhance your countertops. A backsplash of stainless steel or bright tile can be just as striking as an insert made of concrete, finished wood or even butcher’s block.

The facets outlined above are only a small sample of the thousands of on-trend options available to you at Stoneworks. Contact or visit us today for a full assessment of your taste and needs.

Quartz is engineered to be durable and resilient, so once its installed– you have nothing to worry about… Right? Wrong! Quartz still needs your T.L.C. to realize its full potential as the ultimate countertop or surface. Consult Stoneworks’ list below for the five most important things to avoid when living your life around quartz.

#5: Don’t hulk out.

Yes, quartz is strong– but this doesn’t allow you to strike, chop, drop or otherwise beat the surface up. Always use cutting boards, trivets, potholders and other protective tools to ensure your countertop is free of unsightly scratches or nicks.

#4: Resist the proof.

There’s a lot to be said about heat resistant surfaces like quartz, but “resistant” does not mean “invincible.” A quartz countertop can be the superhero of your home or business– help it out by preventing hot objects and liquids from coming into contact with it. Practicing good care will prevent scorch marks, burns and discolorations.

#3: Dry me a river.

Any spills on your quartz surface or countertop should be blotted up immediately. Dark liquids can stain light surfaces and harsh or acidic items can also cause damage. Avoid caustic cleaners, too– all you need to properly clean a quartz surface is warm water with some gentle soap. Wipe with a dampened cloth and buff dry with a soft towel.

#2: Seal of approval.

Not all quartz surfaces call for sealant, but most if not all would benefit from a layer of protection. Sealing is usually an annual task, but follow all instructions for care and upkeep as outlined by the manufacturer. Improper sealing can do just as much harm as good.

#1: Ink about it.

Permanent markers, felts, paints, makeup and other strong inks or dyes can easily seep in and stain quartz surfaces. Even “stain resistant” varieties are susceptible to this type of damage. Always protect your countertop or surface when working with any of the above.

The above five issues are only a summary of the variety of complications life can throw at your quartz surface or countertop. If you have any questions and concerns, contact or visit Stoneworks today! Our quartz experts are waiting to appraise your needs and offer their years of experience.