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.

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.

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

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.

10 Aug 2023

Why Granite for Outdoor Kitchen Countertops?

Outdoor kitchens have become an important household feature in recent years. Whether you like to entertain large groups of people or just enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, an outdoor kitchen not only extends your family’s living space, but it may also add value to your home. When having the space designed, you will certainly want to include enough counter space for food preparation and serving. Your counters will need to look good, but you will also need to choose a material that can last. They will need to withstand both the elements and the other unique complications that come from having an outdoor kitchen. When making your decision there are several materials to choose from but let’s focus on the most recommended.

Granite is a natural material that holds up well in the elements and is durable enough to withstand all the barbecue recipes, food, drinks, and all of the fun outdoor dining and entertaining. It has the ability to withstand extreme temperature changes, so whether it’s below freezing, or there’s sweltering heat, granite will maintain its integrity. When properly sealed it is resistant to stains, mold, and mildew. It won’t etch, discolor, or lose its shine. Sealing granite countertops is recommended to prevent stains and can be easily done. Furthermore, many varieties of granite are dense enough that you may not need to apply a sealer. So, with normal clean-up, granite countertops will last for years and look great the whole time. This is why granite countertops are the first choice for homeowners with outdoor kitchens. Granite is an eco-friendly material that is built to last.

Not only is granite robust enough to withstand whatever the elements and family get togethers throw at it, but is also simply a beautiful material. Homeowners can choose among a wide range of colors and patterns that make each countertop unique. There are many different design options when it comes to granite, but most include a speckled or flaked pattern.

While many people may recommended granite due to its ease of care and durability, it is not the only material available. To view other materials such as marble or quartz or to get a free estimate visit http://creativeston.wpengine.com/. We have the skill and superior craftsmanship to turn your outdoor kitchen dream into a reality!

25 Jul 2023

Countertop Options For Your New Build

When constructing a new kitchen, there are many features to consider. From appliances to cabinets and flooring, all of the choices made have a big impact on the overall feel and functionality of the room. Countertops are no exception. In many ways, the countertops chosen for a kitchen construction project can make all the difference in the aesthetic of the room. In today’s market, there are many different options in countertop materials that are sure to make any homeowner happy. These options range from traditional choices like laminate and tougher materials like granite and quartz, as well as, fairly newer options like glass countertops, wood countertops or stainless steel countertops. Below are some of the options available to homebuilders.

If you are looking for a more affordable option for your countertops than most, laminate is a great way to go. Not only are laminate countertops friendly to most budgets, but the design possibilities are nearly endless. You can install laminate countertops in unique designs and colors, but also laminate countertops come in material that resembles the look of wood or quartz countertops.

If durability and ease of care are the priority, you cannot beat granite, marble or quartz countertops. The natural material is nearly indestructible and they are very easy to clean and maintain. Nowadays, pattern colors and design are more diverse as well.

Many homebuilders and contractors will choose wood countertops for the kitchen area. Wood countertops offer a rustic feel to most kitchen areas that they are installed in. Wood countertops are great for prepping food for cooking and they withstand high temperatures well. Wood countertops are also not as pricey as granite or quartz may be.

Stainless steel countertops are also great for prepping food, as easy cleanup of the steel material makes it one of the most hygienic options for countertops available to homebuilders.

Glass countertops are a fairly newer trend in kitchen countertops, but homeowners are choosing them for good reason. They are stain resistant and extremely easy to care for, and since they come in many different design options, they can fit into any design plan.

If you are looking for great countertop materials and options on how to install them, Creative Stone would be happy to help you! Come see us at our Creative Stone location in Fayetteville, North Carolina or give us a call today at (910) 491-1225.

29 Jun 2023

Say Bye Bye to Granite and Marble and Hello Quartz!

Are you thinking about remodeling your countertops? In newer, more modern homes, many homeowners are weighing the pros and cons about what type of countertops to install in their homes. You may notice quartz countertops are replacing marble and granite countertops and that may be for a few good reasons. Quartz has many benefits, such as color options, which can provide more of a variety than that of marble and granite. Because quartz is not considered an natural stone, it has a bit more durability and less weakness than that of granite, marble and slate. Still considering? Take a look at a few more reasons why quartz is taking over the countertop competition.

Quartz countertops have a unique molding capability which allows them to be molded and shaped into unique designs. Whether you want rounded counter bottoms or a total quartz sink, your imaginative design needs can be brought to life with this stone!

On the overall toughness scale, quartz rates higher than granite or marble. They are able to withstand the usual wear and tear that many traditional countertops cannot, and because they are not a natural stone, they have better durability that marble or granite. You’d have to take a sledgehammer to these countertops to scratch or break them.

Quartz is a non-porous surface, which means it is unsusceptible to any stains such as red wine spills or certain food dyes. It will not absorb any harmful colorations in the kitchen or the bathroom area, and it also won’t harbor any dangerous bacteria. This means a simple wipe down with soap and water will keep it clean.

Quartz is a no maintenance material. It does not require any extra conditioning after the install and unless you chip it with your big sledgehammer, there is no need for any later preservation.

If you still have questions about installing quartz countertops in the Fayetteville, NC area, drop by for a visit and receive an estimate on installing your quartz countertops today! To learn more visit us online at www.creativestone.com or call us at 910-491-1225.

18 Jun 2023

Remodeling On A Budget

One of the great benefits of being a homeowner is the freedom to take on remodeling projects to add beauty and value to your home. Many homeowners have a laundry list of remodeling ideas but simply do not have the budget to complete their list. When it comes to remodeling projects, there are a plethora of changes that can be made to your home without a large price tag attached. While cabinets and countertops are the specialty of Creative Stone, here are a few remodeling projects that can be done on a relatively small budget.

You already know that one way to spruce up a room is by changing the paint color on the walls, but have you ever considered changing the color of your ceiling? We have seen this color change create a more modern and sleek look to living areas. If color on your ceiling is not a good option, how about changing the color of the blades on your ceiling fans? It is a very simple color change but it can have a big impact on the overall look of a room. A trend we are seeing more and more among homeowners is bolder color choices for entry doors.

For a touch of added character inside your home, one remodeling project could be to place decorative trim around your windows and doorways. While you are at it, you could replace window blinds with roman shades for a quick updated look. Adding your own Wainscot paneling to living area walls, or changing the baseboard trim are budget friendly ideas as well.

Many homeowners want to focus their remodeling projects in the kitchen and the bathroom. When major changes are made, these two rooms can be a couple of the most expensive remodeling projects to undertake as a homeowner. However, small remodeling projects can still happen in bathrooms and kitchens. Consider changing the faucets on sinks, or the hardware on your cabinets.

At Creative Stone, we love to help clients with their remodeling projects. If you are looking to update your countertops or cabinets, let us help you find the perfect option for your design aesthetic and your budget. It can be done! Give us a call at (910) 491-1225 today!

15 May 2023
Granite, Marble and Quartz countertop store - Fayetteville, Southport & Pinehurst N.C

Kitchen Remodel Ideas to Get You Started

For many home builders and general contractors tasked with home remodeling projects, the first room of the house that homeowners want to plan out is their kitchen area. Homeowners tend to take their kitchens seriously, and believe especially that sprucing up their existing kitchens with a kitchen remodel will add flair and monetary value to their home.  At Creative Stone, we see this first hand on a regular basis, so we would like to give you some ideas on how to remodel the kitchen.

Change out the appliances. Appliances like the stovetop, built-in microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator can look dated after a few years of use. New technology, popular surface appearance trends, and dropping prices can encourage homeowners to change up their appliances. The best looking kitchen remodels reflect a uniform look to the major appliances in the kitchen.

Consider different flooring options. The possibilities for a flooring change in the kitchen are virtually endless. Several kitchen flooring options are more resilient, and easier to clean then some cheaper options. While vinyl or resilient flooring are good options for those on a tighter budget, many homeowners will choose to upgrade to tile or limestone, or hardwood flooring. Cork is another kitchen floor option that is gaining in popularity.

Give the cabinets an upgrade. Sometimes a kitchen remodel can be done just by changing the color of the kitchen cabinets. For a more drastic remodel, change the format of the kitchen cabinets. Switch out tall cabinets for floating kitchen shelves, or change the face of the cabinet doors from solid wood to a frosted glass look.

Don’t forget the countertops and backsplash. A backsplash between the countertops and the base of the cabinets will create a unique look to your kitchen space. With the wide availability of high quality countertop materials like granite and quartz, updating the countertops should be a serious consideration in any kitchen remodeling project. These countertop options are resilient to wear and tear and incredibly easy to clean. If you want to get the most money out of your kitchen remodel, upgrading to granite or quartz countertops is where it’s at. They will last a long time in your kitchen and it is highly unlikely you will need to replace them anytime soon.

At Creative Stone, we specialize in countertop spaces and cabinet installation. If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel, give us a call at (910) 491-1225 or come see us at our Fayetteville, NC location on Ireland Drive. We look forward to serving you!

05 May 2023

Five Countertop Edge Ideas For Home Kitchens and Bathrooms

Any good homebuilder knows that when it comes to the complete look of a kitchen or bathroom space, you cannot just consider the material and look of the countertops, but also the countertop edge as well. Styles of countertop edges range from the very simple to the more elaborate, but there are a few styles that seem to be more popular than others. For homeowners and homebuilders in Fayetteville, NC and the surrounding areas, the team at Creative Stone wants to share some of the most popular choices.

 

A Standard Flat Edge. This countertop edge is what you would expect from a flat countertop edge. It is a very simple flat edge. While you may not think you want a simple flat edge to your kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops, this style works really well in rooms that already have strong design elements in them. A flat edge will not distract from a great backsplash or new appliances.

 

A Subtle Bevel Edge. Bevel edges in kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops are quite popular, perhaps because they look stylish but are not as elaborate as other countertop edge choices. A bevel edge is typically about a 45 degree angle, but the angle and width can usually be customized in certain ways.

 

The Half Bullnose Edge. Seen in a lot of classic kitchen and bathroom designs, the Half Bullnose countertop edge has a thicker look than the other Bullnose edge option.

 

The Full Bullnose Edge. The other Bullnose countertop option is the Full Bullnose edge. It is also seen in many traditional kitchen and bathroom countertop designs, but is a thinner option than the Half Bullnose countertop edge.

 

An Ogee Edge. The Ogee countertop edge is a more elaborate choice for your kitchen or bathroom. It has an elegant edge that looks best in more classic kitchen designs. If you go with an Ogee edge for your kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops, you will want to show it off.

 

If you are a homebuilder or homeowner in Fayetteville, NC or the surrounding areas, the professional staff at Creative Stone wants to help you create the perfect space for your building needs. Give us a call today at (910) 491-1225 and let’s get started!