Concrete counter tops?

Recently on a “This Old House” episode, on the Austin, TX project, they showed concrete countertops made with recycled glass in them. Does anyone know the company/web site for this company??? Thanks!!

Those types of counters are beautiful! So unique too! The concrete plus recycled glass is called “vetrazzo” or “terrazzo”

Countertops used in that episode
(CF Stoneworks installed it)

http://www.icestone.biz/new/

Custom Recycled Glass & Concrete Countertop
Arctic Sage (color)
Manufacturer:
IceStone
Brooklyn Navy Yard
63 Flushing Ave Unit 283, Building 12
Brooklyn, NY 11205
tel. 718-624-4900
www.icestone.biz
Contact: Miranda Magagnini, Co-CEO

This old house website

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh

austin house project site

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/products-and-services/resources/0,,1546552,00.html

other website on those kind of countertops

http://vetrazzo.com/index.html

For the second time in 6 months, our laminate countertops have warped-are they cheap, or do we do something?

For the second time in 6 months, our laminate countertops have warped-are they cheap, or do we do something wrong? The company where we bought them have come out and replaced them before, and now it has happened again!

Where are they warping? If it is along an edg enext to an appliance then it could be because of heat, they should install a heat strip between the countertop and the appliance.

Are you placing things on the counter top that should not be placed there, such as hot pans or some sort of acidic fruit or liquid?

There are a lot of reasons laminate warps, and it could be that the install was not done properly (and the fact that they quickly replaced them to start with makes them look a little guilty), but it could also be because of something that the customer has done.

Laminate is not the best material for countertops, if you can afford to do it I would see if the compnay instead of replacing them again, would credit the amount of the countertops toward the pruchase of some other sort of coutertop material, stone, granite, solid surfacing or even butcher block.

Extreme How To – Re-laminating Countertops

New kitchen countertops?

Comparable prices on granite – soapstone – cement – other nice looking countertops. Reply if you have recently redone your kitchen – how you felt about what you chose to install…price, etc. If you had to do it over would you do something different? Any suggestions very welcome.

As a professional kitchen designer, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients on selecting their countertops. There’s no one right answer for everyone. Here are a few considerations, though:

>Natural stone is the most beautiful, but it does need to be kept sealed to avoid staining and bacterial penetration. It also comes with no product warranties. Check out this posting on granite and radon, if interested:

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/07/granite-radon-and-cancer-media-hype-or.html

>Corian is easy to maintain and has a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty if installed by an authorized fabricator. It gives a seamless appearance and can include an easy-to-clean integral sink. It’s also repairable if damaged, unlike most other tops. Check out the new Illumination series that can be lit from below — very cool-looking!

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/08/image-right-marmoleum-click-offers.html

>Quartz is my recommendation for families. It’s got a warranty. It’s nonporous and very stain resistant. There’s no maintenance required beyond keeping it clean. It’s also highly durable. Check out this posting for more info:

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/07/ode-to-quartz-countertops.html

>Concrete tops are another good, durable, stain-resistant option. They offer the opportunity to include an integral sink and are seamless in appearance — ideal for oversized islands and tops with lots of joints. They are not necessarily heavier than stone, though they can appear so. It is crucial to find an expert installer in your area. Ask to see other projects s/he has done, and find out what warranties are included with the products s/he uses.

Making a Drawing for Granite Countertop Quote – Granite Shorts Ep. 5

What color tile should I put in my kitchen?!!?

I have a pale yellow kitchen with white appliances, white countertops, and white cabinets with pewter handles. I need to pick out tile TODAY and originally picked out a white looking tile with some beige in it, but now I’m not sure if it will look dirty. Should I go with more of a grey color to match the pewter handles?

have to say grey would be ok but can look dirty especially when paired with pale yellow ,try looking for a warmer beige even with some brown or terra cotta color in it ,believe it or not it will actually brighten your kitchen as well as adding depth

Completed Kitchen Remodel – IKEA Stat White with Custom Countertops and Backsplash

Where can I get wall tiles with an Italian design?

I’m planning to put a ceramic tile backsplash above my cooktop in my new kitchen, and I’d like to do something that expresses my Italian (specifically Sicilian) heritage. My countertop is brown and my floor has brown tile accents. My walls are green and my cabinets are a honey maple color.

I ,You can hire an artist to do a custom design or Lowes has pre painted tile (not sure they have mural tiles)
I painted and fired my own back splash,but there are glass and tile paints(at craft and Hobby Stores)Delta air-dry perm enamel is a good one you can put a glaze over the top(also by Delta) to seal it. As far as a design find a pattern you like have it blown up to size needed then transfer pattern to tiles with transfer paper(also at craft stores) and paint(kinda of like a coloring book)just stay in the lines

3BR Detached in District Heights: 2211 Ramblewood

How can I find a local or “Mom-n-Pop” place to purchase laminate countertops?

And do you think a local place would be cheaper than Lowes or Home Depot?

They won t be cheaper but they will offer a bigger selection like the others posted. You ll get better service than your big box store too. If you can t find a local place listed in yellow pages, Call around to local carpet/tile places or a cabinet shop. These people work with counter top people all the time or have knowledge of one they d recommend. GL

Try these other masters of disguise vinyl is not the sole master of disguise. Paint & Tile also imitate more expensive materials.
Selecting the Color for Granite Countertops – Granite Shorts Ep.6 – www.marble.com

How do I clean my Corian sink?

We’ve moved into a house with Corian kitchen sink. What should I use to clean it regularly (I’ve been using scotchpad and kitchen cleaner). Is Comet too harsh? Bleach/water? Also, there are stains all over that look like grey cracks or scratches. They radiate from the sink hole outward. I’ve run my finger through them and they are smooth to the touch. The sink doesnt leak. Are these fixable or should I replace the sink? Whats a good option? Stainless steel? The countertops are granite. Thank you!

You do not need to replace your sink. Corian is so easy to care for. Clean it with bar keepers friend once a week and keep it white with bleach water daily. Any type of stain or crack can be sanded down with a very fine grit paper and water. This will take care of cracks and stains. If its very deep you can call the company and they can fix it for really cheep!

What is the health risk of granite countertops?

I have read that if granite counter tops include radon it could lead to cancer?

Haven’t you heard…everything causes cancer.