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.

Nowadays, when almost everything we could want is available with a click of a button– it can be hard to visualize just how much goes into all of our favourite things. Surfaces and countertops from Stoneworks are no exception! Our customer service is so seamless, you may wonder if we pulled your custom order out of the ground as-is. Of course, millions of years and thousands of work-hours go into each slab behind the scenes. Read on for more!

STEP 1

Millennia of geothermal activity leads to the creation of a specific mineral, sought after for its durability and beauty.

STEP 2

A force of labourers and machines pull the mineral from the ground and divides it into slabs for commercial sale. Alternatively, some of this mineral may be reengineered into a synthetic material.

STEP 3

Stoneworks buyers select the mineral that will become your surface or countertop. Their years of experience give them a keen eye for details and defects. Synthetic materials are also purchased with care for its quality and resilience.

STEP 4

Our technicians take your chosen slab and mount it onto Stoneworks’ industrial saw table. Most slabs of material weigh upwards of hundreds of pounds.

STEP 5

Sophisticated software is loaded with a custom layout, allowing a “bridge saw” to precisely cut the perimeter of your surface or countertop.

STEP 6

The custom shapes are then put on a high-tech CNC (Computer Numerical Control) stone mill that removes any cutouts and polishes the edges down to the narrowest degree. This exact control allows for near-unlimited customization.

STEP 7

Stoneworks’ experienced craftsmen then go over the piece(s) by hand, ensuring each is cut, shaped and polished to perfection. Any defect or mistake is corrected in-house so you always end up with a quality product.

STEP 8

Careful technique and protective, A-frame carts are used to glide your custom product to its destination. Our expert delivery and installation service will carry your custom surface or countertop across the finish line!

…And that’s it! It may take eons to lead up to this point, but you are closer than you’ve ever been to improving your home or business with a custom countertop or surface. The real first step happens when you contact or visit us here at Stoneworks. Get the ball rolling on your dream project today!

If you currently have or are planning to have a marble surface or countertop installed, keep reading. Following Stoneworks’ guide to ruining marble may sound like a bad idea… but it’s actually a resource for every “don’t do” in the books! Do you want your marble to last forever? Don’t wait– start studying below.

#5: Seal tricks

Every slab of marble is unique and furthermore: each type or variety of marble has different properties. Verify with your Stoneworks professional whether or not your marble surface requires sealant. If it does, don’t take chances– seal it regularly and exactly as instructed. Think of sealant as body armour for your marble!

#4: Etch-a-sketch

When marble wears away, you will notice its shiny, warm finish becoming dull– this is a process called etching. Acidic foods and liquids, cleaning products, scrubbers and scour pads, excessive heat and even cold can etch marble surfaces. Avoid all of the above! If you are unsure, test the substance on a sample or a hard-to-see area.

#3: Food for blot

Always blot up spilled food and liquids instead of wiping or other cleaning methods. Absorbing the spill away from the sensitive marble surface is the only way to help prevent staining.

#2: True grit

Dust, grit, sand, gravel and other small particles can build up on your marble floors and surfaces. This may not seem like a big deal, but these bits can get caught underfoot, in wheels and in cloths– scratching and scarring the marble. Dust with a clean, dry, untreated mop or chamois and invest in doormats, runners and area rugs. When wet-mopping, only use marble-specific cleaning products.

#1: Under pressure

Marble surfaces are very rigid, so excessive weight or pressure can often cause them to crack. Avoid impact directly on the marble and never, ever sit or stand on a marble slab.

Don’t risk your marble masterpiece– if you have made or plan to make the investment, it is your best interest to avoid neglect and shoddy upkeep. Stoneworks’ list above is a good start, but always consult with our experts to ensure your concerns and questions are answered correctly. Care, installation and knowledge of marble products is one of our fortes and we are excited to put our services to the test! Contact or visit us today.

Whether you are admiring granite from afar or close-up, you may wonder: where does granite come from? While the short answer is a quarry– it’s clearly the boring answer! The true lifespan of granite spans all the way from the Earth’s molten core to your countertop or surface. Read on for Stoneworks’ life story of a very special stone called granite.

CHAPTER 1

The term granite was first used in the mid-17th century; it derives from the Italian granito (grained), itself rooted in the Latin granum (grain). The durable material, once unearthed, became a cornerstone of civilizations all around the world. Scientists would go on to dig up more information on the stone: granite begins life as molten stone, thousands of kilometres below us. Pressure forces the magma and other minerals to combine; as it rises to the surface, the igneous mixture hardens into the substance named granite.

CHAPTER 2

Granite quarries and mines make their living by extracting the stone from the Earth, so they know just how strong it is! Harvested, cut and polished– every piece of granite is unique, custom designed by its geographic and geological location. Strong and beautiful, all kinds of granite are prized for different reasons. Now, more than ever, people are discovering that granite’s warm, inviting presence excels as both a centrepiece or to accent our homes and businesses.

CHAPTER 3

You may look at one sample or one hundred samples, but there is a kind of granite out there that will spark your imagination. Whether custom or pre-cut, your chosen slab is treated with the utmost care and attention by the master craftsmen at Stoneworks. Each cut and polish is made with high-tech precision, ensuring your style is captured in all its exquisite beauty.

It may sound like fairy tale, but adding a granite surface or countertop to your story will always be a happy ending. Stoneworks Granite selection and service will help you turn the page on your home or business’ old look or celebrate the beginning of a new chapter if you are planning to build. Contact or visit us today!

If you currently have or plan to have a granite surface or countertop, keep reading. Below you will find Stoneworks’ guide to ruining granite– a checklist of everything you should avoid, if you want your granite to last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Hit the books!

#1: Spill the beans.

Hey, it happens– but clean up any messes on your granite surfaces carefully and immediately. Blot up liquids, instead of scrubbing or wiping. Failing to do so can cause stains and other permanent damage. Soft, non-scouring materials are the best choices for granite.

#2: Acid rain.

Beware acidic ingredients– nothing eats through granite quicker than regular or prolonged exposure to cola, coffee, fruit juice, tomato or even alcohol (especially wine). Never clean your granite with vinegar, ammonia or citrus-based chemicals and cleaners.

#3: Cover your butt.

If you don’t use coasters or heat pads for cold drinks and hot pans, prepare for scars and stains on your granite surface. Ensure all perspiring containers are set on an absorbent or hydrophobic material. Trivets, potholders and thermal-resistant pads are easy ways to prevent scorch marks and cracks.

#4: Chopped.

Some irresponsible salespeople may claim that you can safely use kitchen knives directly on your granite surface. While the stone is very strong, it can develop scratches, cuts and gouges– besides: granite is strong enough to dull, damage and chip any blade.

#5: Deep impact.

You may be eager to test just how strong your granite surface is, but resist the urge to strike or pound it unnecessarily. Getting overly aggressive with any slab of stone can cause stress fractures, superficial cracks and other irreparable damage.

Now that you know what NOT to know, read about proper granite care and maintenance! 

If you have made or plan to make the investment in a surface made of granite, don’t risk it with mistreatment or poor care. Consult Stoneworks’ list above and never hesitate to contact or visit us with your questions and concerns. Our experts are equipped with years of experience and knowledge in granite products, installation and care.

From columns of classical architecture to the steps of modern statehouses; from elegant eating areas to awe-inspiring works of art– marble has captured the human imagination for centuries. The lustre of marble is so captivating, many people forget to ask themselves: “Where does marble come from?” Stoneworks’ excavation of marble’s origins and history lies below: dig in!

CHAPTER 1

Historians and etymologists trace the word marble back to Ancient Greece, but its earliest origins may be buried under the sands of time. Marmaros (shining stone) and marmairein (to shine) are the logical Greek origins of the later Old French marbre and Latin marmor– terms used as a name for the stone, as well as a descriptor of the surface of the sea. More recently, geologically speaking, men and women of science identified marble as a result of stones such as calcite, dolomite or limestone undergoing metamorphosis within the Earth’s crust.

CHAPTER 2

Marble was a material of choice for classical builders— its warmth and style allows it to remain popular to the present day. Originally selected for its durability and because it holds a polish exceptionally well, marble can now be sourced from all over the globe. Diversity and unparalleled beauty are the rules of the marble market. Fortunately, we here at Stoneworks are experts at identifying, sourcing and crafting high quality marble products.

CHAPTER 3

Once you fall in love with a type of marble, our customer service professionals are standing by to help you make your dream a reality. Stoneworks will work with you to find the perfect pre-cut marble surface– or even design a bespoke marble feature or countertop– instantly upgrading your home or business. You can join a tradition as old as civilization itself by investing in the durable and beautiful stone we call marble.

Now that you’ve reached the end of the story, start your own by contacting or visiting Stoneworks Granite & Quartz today! Our marble experts will walk you through every step of the process, focused on bringing your project to a satisfying conclusion. Embrace classical style and make marble the climax of your renovation or new build.

Quartz often gets overlooked as a countertop option. It’s time to change this! Quartz is tougher than marble – less porous, not to mention physically harder, and is just as appealing as granite. However, because quartz lacks the cache of these other stones, it does not receive the recognition it deserves. Read on to learn the truth about Quartz.

Myth #1: You shouldn’t use quartz in your kitchen.

Because it’s less porous than other types of natural stone countertops, quartz is an excellent option to use in your kitchen. It will retain less bacteria, and will be tougher to stain or crack, simply due to its general makeup.

Myth #2: It’s impossible to scratch a quartz countertop.

While it is tougher to scratch quartz, than it is to damage marble or granite, quartz is not a magical scratch-proof material. You can scratch it, if you aren’t careful, but it is tougher to do so. Depending on the color of the quartz, it may be more susceptible to this type of damage. Basically, the darker the quartz, the more likely it is to be accidentally scratched.

Myth #3: Quartz is impervious to sunlight.

Actually, sunlight can damage quartz over time, especially if the material is subjected to direct sunlight on a continual basis. A quartz countertop won’t be harmed by occasional exposure to UV rays – for example, it won’t darken or become discolored, if it receives a few bits of sunlight a day; however, you shouldn’t install a quartz countertop outside in direct sunlight, because it will become discolored over time.

Myth #4: Quartz, like all natural stone, is unhygienic.

This is addressed somewhat above in the first myth, but it needs to be emphasized again. Natural stone, despite its porousness, is no more or less hygienic than stainless steel and other man-made materials. If taken care of properly, your quartz countertop will not spread or harbor germs.

Quartz is a great alternative to the more popular natural stones, and, when done right, looks great in a kitchen. Consider installing a quartz countertop in your next upgrade or renovation. Contact Stoneworks Granite & Quartz to learn more!