Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Choosing Stone San Diego for Kitchen Countertops

Searching for the perfect San Diego stone surface for kitchen countertops doesn't have to be difficult. Davis Stone can offer you a wide range of countertop materials in natural stone and engineered stone,  We are one of the largest stone fabricators in San Diego and we \do stone installation too. Here are some pointers about the most popular countertop materials.

By: Alicia Garceau


​Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material's durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for a kitchen remodel.
Find a Good Fit
Homeowners have to assess the way they live before settling on a countertop surface, says Jeff Cannata, past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and president of Designer's Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill. "If they have three kids and they're making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the countertops every day, they might not want to go with that white granite."

Countertop Choices

The good news is if homeowners have their hearts set on a certain look, but the material just doesn't match with their lifestyle, odds are there's another material that does.
Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes. A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone, while honing is soft and matte. Costs for granite depend on many variables, including color, finish and origin of the stone.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Well Known Uses of Travertine Tile San Diego

BuildDirect.com

travertine tile San Diego
​As old an option it is for a sturdy and reliable building material, travertine tile San Diego remains a highly diverse natural stone, suitable for all kinds of applications. Travertine was used in the ancient world, but can also be found as a major component of many modern buildings such as the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the UCLA Medical Center. Travertine tile is used as floor tile in both residential and commercial settings, as well as a decorative option for wall cladding and backsplashes. Travertine tile has both indoor and outdoor uses, being a durable stone, and can be both functional and aesthetically striking. A featured design element of which anyone would find to be a source of pride, the popularity of travertine seems to be undiminished. In fact, it is getting even more popular!

Processing Travertine Tile San Diego
Travertine is removed from the earth in large blocks before it is cut into what can be recognized as travertine tile. It may be cut in any of the following ways:
  • Cross-cut - The travertine is cut with the grain of the stone bedding and on the same layer as it is formed in the earth. This makes for a more uniform texture and color
  • Vein cut - the travertine is cut across several layers of the stone bedding, making for a more mottled, tiger-stripe effect when cut into tiles.

After the travertine is quarried, it is strictly selected for color variances, and further assessed after it is cut for holes and chipped edges. Beyond the selection process, the travertine may be subject to any of the following processes:
  • Honed - the surface of the tile is sanded to create a matte finish
  • Tumbled - the travertine is literally tumbled with gravel and bearings, giving it a rough-hewn, aged appearance.
  • Brushed - a wire brush is used to give the surface of the travertine tile a worn, textured surface
  • Filled - The pores in the travertine tile are filled with colored resin or cement to produce a pristine, solid surface.
  • Polished - the travertine is sanded and polished, producing a shiny look

Most common indoor travertine usage in the US:
  • Floors and Walls
  • Stairs & Steps
  • Bathroom & Showers
  • Countertops & Backsplashes
  • Travertine Sinks & Vessels
  • Medallions
  • Fireplaces
  • Indoor Split Face Walls
Read more at BuildDirect.com

Natural Stone Installation San Diego - Things to Consider

natural stone intallation San Diego


​We have seen a large increase in the number of individuals having natural stone, marble, granite, limestone, sandstone or slate installed into their homes either as work surfaces or as flooring. No man made product can match the charm of well done natural stone installation San Diego with its myriad of colors and patterns which are unique to your individual stone.

In the past the majority of our work was in restoring old marble, granite or limestone however increasingly we are getting called out to deal with brand new tiles which have some established issues.

With this increased interest in going back to natural stone there has come an avalanche of products to clean, shine and seal the stones. Importers, tile sellers, builders and chemical firms have all got on the band wagon and see huge earnings in natural stone. Regrettably it would seem that really few of these business have any understanding of the products they are offering or fitting or recommending clients to purchase.


A few of these problems are;
  • Tiles being laid so that there is substantial per page in between them
  • Grouting spaces being too big
  •  Tiles smeared with grout after sealing
  •  Incorrect sealant being used
  • Acrylic sealants being applied
  • Polish or wax being applied to the surface
  • Marble and limestone being made use of in kitchen areas
  •  Slate being used in showers
  •  Not sealing the stone
  •  Applying a seal then assuming that it is now secured from all possible  sources of damage
  •  Discoloring of the tiles since sealant is left on the surface
  •  Use of acidic cleaners in the contractors clean
  • Poor or non existent care and upkeep program supplied to the customer
How do you ensure you are not left with a huge costs after the builders have vacated?
Research the subject prior to purchase so that you can ask pertinent concerns. If you get suspect or glib responses stroll away and shop elsewhere.
  • Do not simply go for the least expensive, they may end up being more costly in the long run.
  • If possible retain a portion of the money till the job is completed to your fulfillment. That way if there is a problem you can insist on it being remedied.

Your most significant defense is to get acquainted with the features and types of natural stone and its care and upkeep before setting out to acquire your preferred stone type. You can do this by carrying out the suitable search online.