24 Oct 2023

Natural Stone Countertops for Pinehurst Homes

As a homebuilder or general contractor in Pinehurst, you have the enormous task of choosing home features that are going to attract home buyers or please the homeowners you are contracted with. When it comes to countertop installation, natural stone options should be a no brainer. Over the past thirty years, natural stone countertops, like granite, have risen in popularity. Today, granite is the preferred countertop for most Pinehurst homeowners.

When considering natural stone countertop options, it is not hard to see why granite, marble, and quartz have become popular countertop choices for Pinehurst. Granite is incredibly durable and second in toughness only to diamonds. It does not scratch or break easily, and it is easy to clean. Quartz is much the same way. A quartz countertop will have a small shimmer quality to it, like a gem, but it is as tough as granite while being slightly more eco-friendly for Pinehurst homes. Marble countertops are another popular countertop option. Marble countertops do require more care because marble is softer than granite, and therefore it is less stain resistant, but they look great in any kitchen or bathroom space.

Creative Stone specializes in granite, marble, and quartz countertops that come in a variety of colors and textures. We also offer a variety of countertop edges to add the perfect finishing touch for Pinehurst homes. Our standard option comes with no additional cost to the homebuilder. We also work with several local North Carolina vendors, giving you even more options in materials. There is no question about it, you cannot go wrong with natural stone countertops made of granite, marble, or quartz. You simply cannot beat the durability of these materials and they look amazing in any Pinehurst residential or commercial space. As a homebuilder or general contractor, your clients will thank you for suggesting natural stone countertops for their Pinehurst project.

Our professional and knowledgeable staff at Creative Stone would love to discuss your clients’ countertop needs with you. Our team will be with you through every step! We have satisfied customers all over North Carolina, including the Fayetteville and Pinehurst areas. Give Creative Stone a call at (910) 491-1225 or stop in to see us in our showroom every Monday through Friday anytime between 8AM and 6PM at our Fayetteville, North Carolina location.

23 Oct 2023

Keeping Your Home Warm In Winter Months With Carpet

After the long, hot summer that we just experienced, it may be hard to remember what colder weather feels like. The time is quickly approaching though when we will trade our flip flops for cozy socks and insulated boots. Inevitably there will come a morning when you get out of bed, place your bare feet on the floor and quickly pull them back under the warm covers. In that moment, you will wish you had carpet.

It may seem like common sense that carpet is a warmer flooring option than hardwood or laminate, but the why is a little more complex. You can tell immediately once your feet touch carpet in winter months that it is warmer than your bare floor, but did you know that having carpet throughout your home can actually warm it?

That is because carpet acts as a type of insulation, especially if your home was constructed on a concrete slab with nothing below it. When your feet touch the bare hardwood or laminate floor in winter months, the floor surface can be cooler than your body temperature, even if the room is heated correctly. A properly installed carpet will reduce the rate of heat loss in the room it is in, making the room feel warmer.

The type of carpet installed will determine the insulation effect of the carpet. Our team at Magnus Anderson specializes in finding the right carpet flooring solutions for our clients. With so many textures, styles, and colors to choose from, carpet installation is an inexpensive and simple flooring solution. As a matter of fact, according to “Floor Covering Weekly”, more people are choosing carpet over any other type of flooring option. While the most popular choice is carpeting made of durable nylon fiber, many clients are opting for a natural fiber like wool as well.

Are you interested in keeping your house warmer this winter by installing carpet? Let the professionals at Magnus Anderson help you! The staff at our Fayetteville, North Carolina location are certified and trained flooring professionals who have a history of impeccable workmanship and unrivaled customer service. Give us a call today at (910) 237-6749!

08 Oct 2023

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas For Your Home

When it comes to remodeling spaces in homes, American homeowners remodel their kitchens more than any other room. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that over eighty percent of home renovations were done in the kitchen. At Fayetteville Granite, we have spoken to countless customers over the years about their goals for renovations in their kitchen spaces. Since our expertise is in countertops, flooring, backsplashes, cabinets and sinks, we have had the opportunity to be a part of some really impressive kitchen remodeling projects.

If you are looking to start your own kitchen remodel, we have a few suggestions for taking your kitchen design to the next level. You can start with new countertops. If you are looking to upgrade from laminate countertops, you cannot go wrong with granite, quartz or marble countertops. All are high quality materials that are resilient and easy to care for. All three come in almost countless colors and designs. Match your new countertops with an upgrade to your kitchen cabinets. Switch to an open shelf design, or choose doors that are frosted or clear glass. If completely replacing the cabinets is not an option, simply paint them a new color that will pop against the color of the countertops.

If you change the color scheme of your cabinets and countertops, then you may also want to upgrade your flooring choice as well. Between laminate flooring, tile, hardwood flooring and many other choices, you will be able to find the perfect flooring solution for you that will help to create a stunning kitchen look.

Once you change out the cabinets, the countertops, and the flooring, you may want to update your appliances to create a cohesive look. The only thing left to do after all of those renovations is to change the paint color if needed.

If you are interested in getting started on your kitchen remodeling project, give Fayetteville Granite a call at (910) 483-0468. Our team of skilled professionals has helped many homeowners remodel their kitchen spaces. Our experts are ready to assist you in bringing your dream kitchen to life!

08 Oct 2023

The Importance of Sealing Granite Countertops

Granite countertops have been the most popular choice in countertops for homeowners for many years. Although there are other high quality choices on the market today for countertops, like marble and quartz, granite countertops remain the top choice. Granite countertops are so popular because they look great, are tough and are easy to care for. Granite countertops have also become more affordable over the years, helping them to become an industry standard.

Although granite countertops are resilient, they still need to be sealed every once in a while. Many homeowners will choose to seal their granite countertops every 6 months to a year. The process is not a difficult one, but it is important in order to protect the granite countertops from sustained spills or substances like oil that will permeate the granite.

Homeowners can perform a simple test to see if their granite countertops need to be sealed or not. In a small area of the counter, place a couple of drops of water. In another small area, place a couple of drops of a cooking oil. If the oil seeps into the countertop and the water does not, the granite counter needs to be sealed.

Before you apply a sealant, make sure the countertop has been clean for 24 hours. Clean the surface with a combination of gentle dishwashing liquid and vinegar in a spray bottle of room temperature water. Wait 24 hours before proceeding because it is imperative that there is no moisture present before you seal the counter.

When you apply the sealant, you will want to wear a pair of good kitchen gloves and make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the kitchen. An open window is necessary for ventilation, but if rain can get on the countertop then open windows in a room nearby. Apply the sealant from one end of the counter to the other in a circular motion and then wait the allotted time stated in the manufacturers directions before wiping the counter down with a dry, clean cloth.

Granite countertops are made to stand the test of time. With just a little effort, homeowners can keep their granite countertops looking brand new. If you are interested in granite countertops and how to take care of them, we would be glad to help you. Give Creative Stone a call at (910) 491-1225.

08 Oct 2023

How To Properly Treat Flooded Carpet

Just a couple of weeks ago, North Carolina was hit hard by Hurricane Florence. While there was a lot of structural damage done by high winds, billions of damage was caused by flooding in residential areas and business centers alike. If you are a homeowner or a home builder that was personally affected by Hurricane Florence, our hearts go out to you. We hope that you can rebuild and repair what was lost or damaged quickly and smoothly. The team at Magnus Anderson is here to help you in any way we can.

Our staff are experts in flooring. We love to find our clients the right flooring for them, whether it is wood, laminate, carpet and so much more. In today’s market, there are so many high quality options for carpet flooring. When flooding happens many homeowners wonder if they will have to discard their carpet flooring and replace it. The answer depends on a couple of factors. If the carpet flooring has been flooded for more than 24 hours then you run the risk of mold developing. Obviously, the longer the carpet has been flooded or wet, the more risk there is. It also matters what kind of water has flooded the carpet flooring. If the carpet was flooded by water that was pretty clean then there is a chance it can be saved. In the case of hurricane flooding, the flood waters could have been contaminated by sewage and it would be best to get rid of the carpet for safety purposes.

If you decide to attempt to salvage your carpet flooring, we highly recommend that you hire professionals who are skilled in cleaning carpets that have sustained a high level of water damage. They will know the best ways to dry the carpet, deep clean the carpet, and dehumidify the carpet. If you want to save the carpet, carpet professionals are your best chance.

If you decide to replace your carpet flooring, Magnus Anderson would love to help you with your choices. Give us a call today at (910) 483-0468.

22 Sep 2023

Kitchen remodeling begins and ends with your cabinets and countertops

Kitchen remodeling begins and ends with your cabinets and countertops. As the two main components of your kitchen, cabinets and countertops provide the foundation for aesthetic appeal and design in this gathering space. When considering kitchen remodel, the question that plagues many homeowners is whether to replace or refinish.

Kitchen Countertops

Because kitchen countertops provide the working surface in your kitchen, they must be durable and allow for easy maintenance and cleaning. Many homeowners choose to completely replace their existing kitchen countertops with natural stone surfaces when remodeling, which increases the value of their home. There are three main types of natural stone available for kitchen countertops:

Quartz – This popular stone is available in many colors and patterns. It is also resistant to damage, heat, and easy to clean, making it a popular choice in kitchen countertop remodeling.
Granite – Because this natural stone is so heavy, it is resistant to nicks, scratches, and heat. It is also easy to clean.
Marble – Many homeowners choose marble when remodeling their kitchen countertops, but we advise using this less durable stone in low traffic areas when remodeling your kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinets

Perhaps the most difficult decision homeowners face in kitchen remodeling is whether to refinish their existing cabinets or to purchase new. As kitchen cabinets are often the most expensive purchase in kitchen remodeling, you may want to consider refinishing your cabinets instead. Just be sure to clean the cabinets thoroughly before beginning the refinishing project. If you opt to buy new, plan to allocate funds toward the most high quality kitchen cabinets you can afford, noting the durability of the finish and the quality of the materials used.

From choosing your kitchen countertops to deciding whether to purchase new kitchen cabinets or to refinish, Fayetteville Granite is there for you. We’re happy to offer guidance and professional service throughout your kitchen remodeling project! Call us for more information, (910) 483-0468.

21 Sep 2023

Choosing hardwood floors

Choosing hardwood floors for homes and offices isn’t anything new, but did you know that this staple in home design can be more versatile than you think?

Your design choice for hardwood floors will impact the overall aesthetic of your home or office. From furniture placement to the overall feel of your space, the pattern of your hardwood floors is the foundation for your design.

Hardwood floors are traditionally laid out in a straight pattern, with the boards being uniform in shape and color. This design is useful if you desire a simple or contemporary home design, and it’s the least expensive option when installing hardwood floors.

If you like the look of simplicity and uniform color for your hardwood floors, but you want a little more detail or an old world feel, the random pattern is your best option. Much like the straight pattern, these hardwood floors are installed in parallel lines, the only difference being that the boards themselves have differences in width.

Other layout options demand attention, which is useful if you want to feature your hardwood floors prominently over other design elements. Choose from diagonal hardwood floor installations or parquet and herringbone patterns for a touch of luxury and elegance in your space. You can also create custom designs like puzzle pieces or mosaic images. The options for hardwood floor design is endless!

Whether you’re designing around your hardwood floors or you just want them to be an accent to the rest of your home design, Magnus Anderson can help you discover the hardwood floors that are perfect for you!

20 Sep 2023

Mixing Quartz and Granite Countertops

Who says you have to choose quartz OR granite? At Creative Stone, we say, “why not both?” The growing trend in home design is two tone countertops, or combinations of different types of natural stone in different patterns and colors.

Imagine you want to install a beautiful granite countertop throughout the kitchen, but it’s just not within the reaches of your homeowner’s budget. Instead, choose to install a cheaper quartz stone for the perimeter countertops, and only install the more expensive granite option for the floating island countertop.

The benefits don’t stop there! Maybe you have the budget, but your homeowners just don’t have the time for maintenance and care. Marble isn’t as tough as quartz or granite countertops, and it certainly isn’t as durable. Still, many homeowners will push for the beauty of marble in their kitchens. A compromise could be to install marble in less used areas of the kitchen and to install granite or quartz countertops elsewhere.

Think about location. Areas near the oven and sink are more prone to grease splatter and spills, so consider quartz or granite countertops for easy maintenance and high durability for these areas. In general, the perimeter a kitchen will see more use and have the most potential for damage and getting dirty. Granite and especially quartz countertops are resistant to staining, scratches, and heat, making them ideal choices.

Take the stress out of the decision by eliminating the need to decide between quartz or granite countertops! This modern trend to combine stone in kitchen countertop design is growing and is a creative, fun way to get the most out of your countertops and your budget.

Contact Creative Stone, and we’ll help you find the quartz or granite that’s best for your unique project! 910-491-1225

01 Sep 2023

Hardwood and Carpet and Tile – Oh, My!

At Magnus Anderson, we understand that when it comes to your home, you want nothing but the best. If you’re interested in redoing your floors, there are various options from you to choose from, which is why we offer them all. We understand that choosing can sometimes be the hardest part, so here’s some information on different flooring options to assist in narrowing down your search!

Hardwood

Besides it’s beautiful finishes and being able to easily keep them clean, hardwood floors offer various other benefits. Hardwood floors are resistant to stains and spills, which we know may be a common occurrence with little ones running around the house. Another benefit is that they don’t hold in dirt and dust, which can be a huge upside to those who are allergy prone.

Although accidents do happen, and scuffs and dents can occur, you can simply sand your floors down, smooth them over and refinish them. It is rarely necessary to have hardwood floors completely replaced.

Carpet

Carpeting comes in so many beautiful colors and textures that it’s almost more difficult to chose the exact carpet you want, instead of which type of flooring to choose from. At Magnus Anderson, we offer a large variety of carpeting to fit any lifestyle and style. Benefits of carpeting include how quiet it can be to walk on them, and how comfortable it can be to lay on them. Next to tile or hardwood, they provide a feeling of warmth as well.

Laminate

Water and scratch resistant sound too good to be true right? Well we’re here to tell you it’s not! Not only do they offer those two amazing benefits, but they also won’t fade in the sunlight like some of the other options. If that’s not enough to convince you, laminate provides easy installation, lower costs, quick maintenance and even expands more easily than hardwood without the fear of damage! If that hasn’t sold you, we don’t know what will.

Tile

Tiles biggest benefit is that it offers the largest variety in color, shape and size! The beautiful designs are endless! Tile flooring is easy to keep clean and very cost effective. Ceramic and porcelain options provide an incredibly long lasting and durable flooring; and let’s face it, who doesn’t love that? If that’s not motivating enough, tile flooring is actually a healthy option. Yes, that’s right, healthy. How you ask? Because they can help preserve your indoor air quality. Due to the way tile is created, it has little to no volatile organic compounds, which can contribute to various health issues.

If your home is in the need of new flooring, or you’re just ready for a change, look to the professionals at Magnus Anderson to provide you the highest quality, at affordable prices. We service Fayetteville, Raleigh, Wilmington and various other cities through North Carolina! To learn more visit us online today at magnusandersonnc.com, or call us to make an appointment at (910) 237-6749. With a reputation for providing the best flooring solutions, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

22 Aug 2023

Making The Most Of Your Kitchen Cabinets

The list of kitchen cabinet choices for homeowners is growing every day. From short cabinets, tall cabinets, open cabinet design and kitchen drawers, deciding which cabinets to go with for their kitchen can be a daunting task for homeowners who are looking to update their kitchen space. While the type of cabinet is important in the design of a kitchen, there are a couple of style elements that can take a great kitchen design and bring it up to a whole new level.

For starters, every cabinet and drawer needs good hardware. Some say that drawer and cabinet hardware is like the jewelry of the kitchen. Instead of traditional knobs, more modern options for kitchen hardware are nearly endless. These include drawer pulls or knobs made in different colors and finishes, and hardware made out of nontraditional materials. Homeowners have a great opportunity with their choice of kitchen hardware to really make their kitchen space fit the aesthetic they were hoping for.

Another option for making the most out of kitchen cabinet design is to add over the counter or under the counter lighting. This accent lighting is easier than ever before to install. Some types of accent lighting for the kitchen include rope lights strategically placed under or above cabinets, small track lighting or individual battery operated lights attached to the bottom surface of the cabinets, or long tracks of lights that run the length of a set of kitchen cabinets. For homeowners who choose cabinets with open space or frosted glass panels, the accent lighting can be attached inside the exposed cabinet space so that the light comes through the cabinet space instead of above or below it.

Some homeowners will elevate their kitchen cabinets by installing a backsplash underneath the cabinets. Depending on the color of the cabinets, and the colors in the backsplash, this will add depth to their overall kitchen feel or the kitchen will feel more open and modern.

When it comes to highlighting your cabinet choices, there is no shortage of ideas. If you are considering an upgrade in your cabinets, give Fayetteville Granite a call at (910) 483-0468. We will walk you through the process, from consultation to installation.