31 Oct 2023

Tips For Protecting Your Laminate Floors This Holiday Season

During the Thanksgiving holiday, it is estimated that nearly 51 million of Americans will travel for vacations or to be with family and friends. That number is close to double when you consider the Americans traveling for Christmas only a month later. If you are a homeowner with an investment in laminate flooring, and you are hosting family and friends this holiday season, Magnus Anderson would like to offer you some tips on how to protect your laminate flooring from the increase in home traffic and more.

Adopt a Front Door Policy For Shoes. Ask guests to kindly remove their footwear when they enter the house. This especially comes in handy when the weather is wet outside, or when guests are wearing shoes with pointy heels on them. If you are going to instill a front door policy for footwear, be sure to protect the laminate flooring near the front door by placing a towel or floor mat down to put shoes on. Keep the space dry from rain or snow.

Clean Up Spills Quickly. With a house full of guests, the chances are greater for floor spills. It is imperative that you clean up spills of food and drink quickly to prevent the possibility of stains or any other possible damage to your laminate flooring.

Seriously Consider a Tree Skirt. Many homeowners opt for real Christmas trees during the month of December. They look beautiful and they smell great. However, real Christmas trees also shed needles regularly and there is always the threat of overwatering while caring for the tree as well. A tree skirt will help to keep both tree needles and water off your laminate flooring.

Stop Damage From Your Furniture. Lots of families have had to maneuver furniture around their homes to accommodate sleeping and eating arrangements for visiting family and friends. Before you scoot furniture around your laminate floors, place felt pads under the legs to prevent any damage to your floors.

Magnus Anderson hopes you have a happy and memorable holiday season this year. If you are looking for gift ideas in the coming weeks, may we suggest the gift of new floors? We would love to help you find the best flooring options for you! Give us a call today at (910) 483-0468.

24 Oct 2023

Remodel Your Kitchen with Granite Countertops

It is hard to imagine that there was a time not that long ago when granite countertops were not the most popular material choice for kitchen remodeling. By the late 1990’s that had changed, and now granite countertops are the preferred countertop of homeowners all over the country in their remodeling projects, including the Fayetteville and Pinehurst areas. Along with granite countertops, countertops made out of other natural materials like marble and quartz are also gaining popularity among homeowners.

When considering natural stone options for your countertops, it is not hard to see why granite has become a popular countertop choice for kitchen remodels. Granite is incredibly durable, second in toughness only to diamonds. It won’t scratch or break easily, and it is simple to clean with just soap and water. Best of all, granite countertops look great in any kitchen or bathroom space. Granite countertops come in a variety of colors and textures, so you’re sure to find the perfect solution to make your kitchen remodel everything you dreamed it could be.

Our professional staff at Fayetteville Granite Countertop Company walks homeowners through the entire granite countertop installation process from start to finish. It all begins when you contact us for a free estimate of your kitchen remodel. As soon as we confirm the project and the granite is selected, our team will come into your home and create a template from your cabinet pattern using wood strips so that we can ensure a proper fit during countertop installation. Next, the countertop granite is cut and inspected before the installation begins. The entire process takes about four days to complete. Not a bad timeline for a kitchen remodel!

Are you ready to install granite countertops in your kitchen or bathroom? Fayetteville Granite Countertop Company serves Fayetteville, Pinehurst, and the surrounding areas of central North Carolina. We would love to start a free estimate for your kitchen remodel today! Give us a call at (910) 483-0468 or come visit us at our showroom and fabrication facility, open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM until 6PM.

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