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Accomplishing the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

 

Outdoor kitchens are IN this summer and you don’t have to miss out on the new trend. What better way to host your pool parties and get-togethers than having your meals alongside the fun? From party tips to kitchen maintenance, we are here to help you get started with this new outdoor necessity.

APPLIANCES

When choosing your outdoor appliances, keep in mind that these may be slightly different from your indoor appliances. Only consider appliances that would be able to withstand the elements they will be exposed to. For example, when choosing a fridge, faucet, or stove, shoot for stainless steel material so that it will not be affected by the weather or environment.

FURNITURE

Unless your outdoor kitchen is covered, most all furniture will need to be protected in the case of a storm. When deciding on chairs or bar stools, try to pick a material that will not be faded by the sun. Also, keep this concept in mind when choosing a stone for your countertop. Our team here at Cutstone recommends granite for outdoors due to its easy maintenance and strong durability.

PARTY TIME

Time to break out the snacks! The good thing about an outdoor kitchen is that you no longer have to worry about crumbs getting in the pool. Just set the chip bowls out on the counter and let the kiddos snack in the warmth of the sun. When the sun goes down, treat your friends and family to a relaxing evening dinner on the back patio. Crank up the tunes and become the ultimate party host.

Need to complete your outdoor kitchen by installing a beautiful and durable countertop?
Contact Cutstone today and we’ll get you started toward creating the home of your dreams!

Budget Tips for Kitchen Remodels

The first thing you typically notice when you walk into someone’s kitchen is one of three things: the cabinets, the counters, or the floors. Of course, everyone’s goal is to have the most unique and well-designed kitchen, but that doesn’t make it any easier with all of the expenses that come with it. Whether your kitchen needs a total renovation or just a few updates here and there, here are some ways to get the kitchen of your dreams, without the heavy price tag.

CABINETS

New cabinets are typically one the bigger expenses of a kitchen renovation, so why not work with what you have? If it is a simply a matter of outdated cabinet color or design, consider giving them a fresh new look with a little paint. A shade of white is a great choice if your goal is to brighten up your kitchen. On the other hand, if there is no turning back from the damage done to your cabinets, consider sprucing them up with new doors or knobs. Salvage what you can of your cabinets and go from there.

COUNTERS

Although the team here at Cutstone can be a little biased towards our products, granite is a solid choice for a countertop upgrade. This stone is the easiest to find, making it one of the least expensive to install. With our wide selection of the beautiful material, there is sure to be the perfect match for your unique kitchen. If you plan to splurge a little, try out of a few of our other stone countertop options!

FLOOR

While hardwood floors are the most popular option nowadays, dare to be different! Travertine tile has been a secret favorite of homeowners due to its incredible durability, easy repair and smooth natural surface. This type of material is a great choice, and one that we are positive will leave your kitchen looking priceless.

Need a new sink for your home? Contact Cutstone today and

we’ll get you started toward creating the home of your dreams!

Polished, Honed or Brushed Granite finish? How to Choose

When it comes to countertops, granite is one of the most popular choices. With its visual appeal, durability and easy maintenance, it’s often easy for homeowners to decide on granite. But even after choosing the material, there are many other options to consider. Not only do homeowners have to choose a color and an edge profile, but they also have to choose a countertop finish.

Most stone surfaces come in a variety of finishes, but the most popular choices are Polished, Honed and Brushed. Here’s how you choose the best finish for your kitchen project.

POLISHED

Polished granite is achieved through a process of grinding and buffing until it acquires a shiny, reflective appearance. The final product is a sleek surface that is both glossy and elegant. Glossed surfaces tend to resist stains better than other finishes, and may not have to be resealed as often as other finishes. If you are placing your countertop in an high-traffic area, then a polished granite is a smart choice.

HONED

Also known as “matte,” this type of finish is achieved through a grinding and sanding process to reveal a satiny-smooth appearance. Due to the characteristic dull sheen, stones with a honed finish do not show color and texture quite as well as the others, but homeowners still like this type of finish because of its ability to conceal flaws in the material.

BRUSHED

Brushed is considered one of the most high-maintenance finishes because of its manufacturing process. To create a brush finish, the material is brushed gently until it achieves a textured and worn-in appearance. Surfaces with a brushed finish will have little to no sheen, making the colors and veining of the material more subtle. Brushed finishes also have a slight texture making it an interesting addition to your space.

HOW TO CHOOSE:

Choosing the right finish for your countertops ultimately depends on the intended use and your personal design preferences. If your countertop will be placed in a high-traffic, busy area, then a polished granite may be your best option, as it requires little maintenance and is the most reflective of the finishes. However, granite is a naturally durable material so as long as you follow a regular cleaning and sealing regime, all three can still be a good choice for busy homeowners.

Other considerations that may influence your decision include the price and availability of the finishes. Being the most popular choice, polished finishes are often in stock and are the least expensive, while a special order brushed finish may take a dent out of your countertop budget. Shop around and see what’s available in your price range to help you make the best decision for you.

 

Need help deciding on the finish of your granite countertop? Give us a call to set up
 an appointment and get the process started toward the kitchen of your dreams!

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