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.

22 Aug 2023

Saving Countertops From Common Kitchen Dangers

Kitchen spaces are arguably the most important room of a new home build when attracting home buyers. Prospective homeowners love to see an attractive kitchen designed with functionality in mind. They understand the value of a great flooring choice, modern appliances, well thought out cabinet space, and durable countertops. Once they move in though, the challenge is to maintain the value of the kitchen by properly caring for its’ elements.

Many popular countertop options today got their popularity because, not only were they attractive, but they were fairly easy to care for as well. However, whether the countertop is made out of granite, quartz, marble, butcher block, or laminate, there are certain things that will cause wear and tear on the countertop to occur.

Depending on the countertop material, the kitchen dangers will vary. However, for virtually all countertop options, promptly cleaning up any spills, especially those from dark substances like coffee or wine, will keep the countertop from becoming stained. Also, not all countertops are heat resistant, so a good practice in any kitchen is to place hot pans or dishes on pot holders or trivets instead of directly on the counter surface. Equally important for most countertop options is to only use mild soap and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to wipe down the surface. On countertop surfaces such as butcher block, it is crucial that kitchen users keep the area sanitized. Using undiluted vinegar is a safer option then traditional kitchen cleaners and disinfectants.

A number of the common kitchen dangers that can damage countertop surfaces can be completely avoided by sealing the countertops, and then resealing them over time when necessary. In today’s market, most kitchen countertop materials are built to last a long time. By taking proper care of them, homeowners can enjoy their functionality for many years to come.

Are you looking to install new countertops? Creative Stone would love to help you find the perfect countertops for your kitchen. Give one of our knowledgeable professionals a call today at our Fayetteville, North Carolina location by dialing (910) 491-1225.

22 Aug 2023

Laminate Flooring Options For Your Home

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many of today’s homeowners because it is affordable and it is fairly easy to care for. In today’s market, there are quite a few laminate flooring options for homeowners to choose from. Whether you are looking for a more rustic feel or you think you would like a more modern look in laminate flooring, the floor experts at Magnus Anderson in Fayetteville, North Carolina can help you find the right type of laminate flooring for your home.

When it comes to installation options for laminate flooring, the three main types are glued laminate, glueless-click and pre-glued. Of the three options, glued laminate will probably take the most time to install and could be the mostly costly. Pre-glued laminate comes with glue already on the joints that just may need to be moistened before putting together. Glueless-click laminate flooring makes up the majority of all laminate flooring on the market today. These laminate flooring pieces click into place and are easy to install, making them the most popular choice among homeowners.

The texture and style of the laminate flooring you choose will determine the aesthetic of the room or rooms that they are installed in. Popular style choices include laminate flooring that looks like real wood, ceramic tiles and even stone. When it comes to texture, homeowners can choose from laminate flooring that is smooth, embossed or hand scraped. While hand scraped laminate and embossed laminate mimics the feel of real hardwood floors, smooth laminate flooring tends to provide a clean, sleek look.

If you have decided to give laminate flooring a try in your home, Magnus Anderson is here to assist you from beginning to end. Let our knowledgeable professionals help you choose the laminate flooring that will be the perfect match for your living space. With so many options to choose from, we guarantee that you will not be disappointed with the finished product. Come visit us in our showroom at 6253 Raeford Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina or give us a call today at (910) 483-0468.

14 Aug 2023

Don’t Forget to Coordinate those Colors!

When it comes to a kitchen remodel, cabinets and countertops are two of the most important and expensive parts of your kitchen. Whether you are replacing them both or just one at a time, it is a good idea to make sure that the colors complement each other.

Your kitchen countertops and cabinet facing is more or less permanent, and while paint can be re-done, it’s not a task you want to repeat more than you have to. If the colors are not compatible, it can make the space feel harsh, and that is not what you want at the end of a kitchen remodel. Carefully coordinating your colors takes equal parts personal style and inspiration.

When picking out the colors for your kitchen there are two schools of thought, one is to pick out two complementing dominant colors and the other is to use analogous colors. Complementary colors create a vibrant look due to the high contrast. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring. Analogous colors usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs and can be found in nature. With this color scheme you need to be careful not to “muddy” the colors together which will make the overall color of your kitchen muted, shaded, toned down or dirty. A third color should be an accent color that brings the entire room together while giving the room a little character. Avoid using too many different colors by staying within the 3-color plan.

A good idea is to pick your countertops first because they can vary in color, pattern, and style making it hard to match the cabinetry in your kitchen. Picking your countertops first allows you to better match paints, stains, hardware, and specialty finishes. Whether you choose granite, tile, wood, etc., your countertop can be a signature piece in your kitchen.

The kitchen is known as the heart of the house and if you are unsure of your ability to color coordinate such an important room there is no shame in asking for help from a professional. The experts at Fayetteville Granite will be happy to help with a free in-home consultation. Please visit Fayetteville Granite Co. or call 910-483-0468 to learn more.