Tag Archives: countertop

Keeping Your Countertop Clean

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Hi There, Fellow Gardeners!

This is AnnahMarie.

keeping your countertop clean ~ Design Build Planners (4)Today, Organic Gurlz Gardens of Fort Wayne, Indiana will be sharing information on keeping your countertop clean!

The breakfast bar – the commonplace in the kitchen for entertaining, enjoying a delicious meal, and an abundance of family fun. We at Organic Gurlz Gardens appreciate fun-times and scrumptious suppers, but could “normal” procedures in preparing meals be hazardous to one’s health?

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Green Onyx for Tile and Countertops

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Green Onyx for Tile and Countertops

green onyx for tile and countertops - Design Build Planners (1)Onyx is a beautiful stone that most people associate with jewelry, however, when managed correctly it can be used for tile and countertops. Onyx is a great alternative to other types of materials that are usually used in bathroom remodeling. Typically onyx is not seen on countertops and this is a bit of a rarity for those who actually have used this beautiful material to showcase their home. Some are a bit mistaken in thinking that onyx only comes in one shade—black. Naturally, that’s the color were used to seeing, however, onyx comes in a beautiful assortment of different colors.

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Wood Countertops for Your Kitchen

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Wood Countertops for Your Kitchen

Wood butcher block countertop - Design Build Planners (1)Many home owners view the use of the wood countertops as a cure for the cold of the common stainless steel. Wood countertops have been enjoying a revival after being eclipsed by showy stones like granite and marble. They are usually constructed from the hard wood and are also laminated together with glue making it strong and stable. The hard wood countertop always provides a warm and organic landing surface in a kitchen making it to become gentle and forgiving on dishware and also able to absorb the noise from a busy household. Another advantage about the wood countertop is that it can be repaired when damaged and also can be refinished if in any case it gets stained, dinged or gouged.

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Butcher Block Top Countertops

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Butcher Block Top Countertops

Wood butcher block countertop - Design Build Planners (2)The dated laminate counter-top in your kitchen reminds you daily that it is time for a kitchen makeover and it should start with the kitchen countertop.

Have you considered the use of a butcher top countertop?

This choice guarantees a perfect transformation of your kitchen within a reasonable budget. Before you make your decision, here are some things to help you know what the product is made up of and its benefits:

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Soapstone Countertops for Kitchen Remodeling

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Soapstone Countertops for Kitchen Remodeling

soapstone countertop ~ Design Build PlannersThe latest trend in high end counter tops for kitchen remodeling is soapstone. Soapstone is a natural stone that comes from the quarry. It is referred to as “soapstone” because of its soft and soapy feeling surface. There are two different varieties of soapstone: artistic and architectural. The architectural variety is the option you would use for your kitchen counter top, as it is the harder variety.

Soapstone comes in smaller slabs than granite and marble, so if you have a larger kitchen you will need to get more than one slap, which will cause visible seams. Unlike other natural stone options, soapstone is nonporous, which makes it easier to clean and maintain. It also does not stain as a result. You are also able to put hot pans on it without worrying about cracks or other damage to your countertop as soapstone is very heat resistance.

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What is a Quartzite Countertop?

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What is a Quartzite Countertop?

Super white quartzite countertop ~ Design Build Planners (1)When you are remodeling your kitchen, there may be plenty of things that you are planning to change. Perhaps you have some ideas about what you want to do with your cabinets and maybe you want some new appliances as well, but one thing that often gets overlooked is the countertops. There are many beautiful countertops out there but if you are a serious kitchen fanatic and you want to have a countertop that is durable, long lasting and will not show signs of wear and tear, you may want to consider getting a quartzite countertop. There are actually many reasons why people turn to quartzite and many different types of quartzite available. If this is the countertop material that you are considering, here are some things to ponder before making the purchase.

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How to Make a Concrete Countertop

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How to Make a Concrete Countertop

Concrete Countertops (1)-Design Build PlannersWhen you are remodeling your home, you may be looking to do something fresh and unique to really change things up. Something you should definitely consider when you are remodeling your kitchen is new countertops. Sure, there are many beautiful pre-fab countertops available but if you want to do something unlike anything anyone else has, why not consider making your own concrete countertop? This can be a fun, DIY project and can save you a lot of money, while providing you with a gorgeous and unique countertop. Even if you do not know how to make a concrete countertop, this step by step article will help you get the job done properly.

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Power Grommets Add Convenience to Kitchen Islands

This entry was posted in Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design and tagged , , , , , , , , , on by .

In almost every kitchen remodel, “more outlets” is a part of a homeowner’s needs list. Going a step further, we look to provide efficient outlets whenever possible. When designing an island, you can have a 2-tier (sometimes referred to as a waterfall) or a 1-tier island design. In a 2 tier design, the main cooking/prep area is 36″, while the seating area is 42″. This island allows the placement of outlets along the small wall between the two counter tops. Continue reading

Family Loves to Entertain But Kitchen Is Too Small

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Dilemma: A family that loves to entertain with a kitchen that is way too small.
Solution: Kitchen addition and remodel. The project includes a rear addition off the existing kitchen and also behind the garage to create a laundry/mudroom. The exterior features casement windows, a masonry patio with stone knee wall, grill, lighting, and a retractable canvas awning. The kitchen displays the unfitted design where all the cabinetry does not match. The perimeter cabinets are stained and the tiered island is a white painted beadboard. The wood flooring is bamboo with a dark stain. The wet bar, with beverage center and dishwasher drawers, is situated on the opposite wall of the cooking area. The addition has a vaulted ceiling and a rear feature wall painted “scarlet red.” The owners, avid Rutgers University football fans, wanted a great space to watch the games, entertain and always be in season! Continue reading

Simple Tip for Organizing Your Bathroom Vanity

This entry was posted in Bathrooms, Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons and tagged , , , , , , on by .

The Design Build Planners have visited thousands of homes to discuss remodeling projects. While we are not ready to write a tell-all book (yet), we have seen many interesting things over the years. Some of the hidden secrets are uncovered during bathroom remodeling estimates. Without naming names, some bathrooms are overly cluttered and disorganized at first glance. Then we need to inspect the plumbing set up below the sink. Opening the vanity doors sometimes starts an avalanche as the piled contents tumble out. Continue reading