Archives for June 2016

Here’s the truth: not all natural stones are created equal. Some stain without a sealer, some etch and scratch, while others hold up over time with little to no maintenance. When choosing a material for your home project, we know the possibilities are overwhelming. Not only do you have to think about your daily lifestyle (Do you hate scratches or will you enjoy an aged look? Do you have kids that are prone to sticky fingers and spilled drinks?), but you also can choose from hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures.

Through our countertop maintenance series, we have talked you through caring for materials such as marble and granite, and weighed the pros and cons of a variety of surfaces for your home. Today, we are jumping into one of the oldest building materials on Earth – Travertine!

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Travertine is a type of limestone that has been used for construction throughout history. Some of the oldest iconic buildings – think the Colosseum in Rome, the Basilique du Sacre Coeur in Paris, and the ancient theater of Hierapolis in Turkey – were constructed using versions of travertine. Today, travertine is used for much more than just construction of buildings. From polished floors and tiled walls to kitchen backsplashes and an outdoor space, you will be surprised just how many ways travertine can be used in your home.

Tumbled, honed, brushed or polished – it doesn’t really matter when it comes to Travertine, because no matter what you choose, you’ll fall in love with the classic pattern and earthly tones of this ancient stone.

Here are five versatile ways to install this timeless and beautiful stone in your home!

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BATHROOM

Transform your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary with travertine tiles. We recommend choosing a tumble-finish (antique appearance) or a hone-finish (matte appearance) on a bathroom countertop or floor because these finishes can withstand spills that often occur in a bathroom (think makeup spills, hairspray and beauty product residue). But your options don’t stop there! You can use travertine tiles in your shower  as well!

FIREPLACE 

Bring out the drama in your living space (or even an outdoor patio) by adding a floor to ceiling travertine fireplace. Not only will it add charm to a rustic space and a contemporary centerpiece to an airy home, but an addition like this will have your house guests swooning. And you’re able to choose from an array of different finishes, textures, and colors to fit your home’s aesthetic!

ACCENT PIECE

Want to make a statement in the interior of your home? Use travertine as an accent piece! From a sleek coffee table to a killer dining room table, travertine instantly demands attention in traditional and modern homes alike!

 

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OUTSIDE

Travertine pavers are perfect for outdoor use! Not only can the material withstand weathering and erosion, but it also stays cool to the touch and has a non-slip surface, making it ideal for around the pool or on a patio. Travertine pavers also require little to no maintenance, so you can go ahead and design an outdoor space of your dreams – it’ll stay looking great for years to come!

KITCHEN

If there is one room where you should pull out all the stops, it should be in the kitchen! While many would advise using granite countertops (travertine is particularly sensitive to acidic liquids and is susceptible to staining and etching!), there are many ways to keep it looking great. Just like any natural stone, travertine does require a sealer to keep liquids from seeping into its pores. If you prefer to stick with a low-maintenance stone, opt for a one-of-a-kind travertine backsplash or install a unique pattern above the stove!

 

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Travertine care and maintenance:

Travertine can be left in its natural state with no polishing. However, it is prone to etching and stains if untreated. To avoid etching and stains by acids, travertine should be cleaned regularly with neutral or alkaline-based cleaner. Travertine should also be protected with a penetrating sealer to prevent staining and reduce soiling. Also, be sure to be proactive and take precautions to protect your surfaces. You can read the DO’s and DON’Ts of countertop maintenance here!  

For more information about choosing a material for your home, you can visit our countertop comparison guideline, where we break down different options and materials you can use in your home.

If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade (or any other upgrade in your home), you probably have quite a few questions. You’re probably wondering how we estimate the timeline of a remodeling project or the steps you should take to protect your countertop after it has been installed. You’re probably curious about how to prepare for a renovation, what the workflow will be like and if certain projects will boost your home’s value.

 

 

Most likely the thought of all these questions has you feeling a little bit overwhelmed right now! If you are, then you’re in the right place. At Cutstone, we take pride in improving your home without complicating your life along the way. Your questions, no matter how trivial you think they are, are not trivial to us!

We get asked a lot of questions during the renovation process, so we grabbed Korey Nations, Owner of Natco Construction and nagged him for the answers to your common inquiries!

• How long does a kitchen remodeling project typically take from start to finish?Remodeling projects on average take 5-6 weeks, but it really depends.
• How much does a kitchen or bathroom project usually cost?
  Kitchen: $35k – $50k (not including appliances)
  Bathroom: $15k
  Master Bath: $25k – $40k
• Why do renovation projects always seem to take longer than expected?
  A few things that can stall a project is not making final selections prior to the project’s start date, material lead times and labor backlogs.
• What should a client expect during a renovation?
  The schedule is set but flexible. Also, the client should expect a mess during the process, but it will all be cleaned up!
• Do you markup for materials and why?
  No. We do charge pass-through costs (fees paid to other companies that handle materials)  and an O/H fee.
• There are so many countertop choices, how do you help your client narrow them down?
  I always present clients with the pros and cons of material types and show pictures of prior jobs based on the homeowner’s lifestyle. Customers are always sent to Cutstone to view materials and discuss choices to fit their budget and lifestyle.
• What countertop material do you recommend most frequently to clients?
  Recommendations are made based on lifestyle.  Quartz is frequently recommended due to ease of care and the myriad of options available.
• What features typically cost the most during a kitchen remodeling project?Appliances, cabinets, kitchen countertops and plumbing fixtures will cost the most.
• What advice do you have for a client on a tight budget?
  Don’t change the layout of the space! Work with what you have by refreshing and updating surfaces and cabinets instead of replacing them. I also recommend using entry-level granite for clients who want the look of granite but don’t want to spend a lot.

Have a question we didn’t answer? Drop us a line!