Month: August 2016

4 Alternative Uses for Granite

Your countertops aren’t the only place for granite in your home.

Granite countertops are the most popular natural stone countertops in the U.S. Each slab of granite has a unique color and design, and no two are exactly alike.

Did you know that you can use granite in your home beyond the kitchen counter? Here are four alternative uses for granite that could make a statement in your home.

1. Backsplash

granite backsplash — Typhoon Bordeaux Granite with Full Backsplash

While you might think that using granite on your countertops and backsplash could be too much granite, using the same granite as the countertops for your backsplash creates a coherent, polished look. Having the same granite for both may actually look less busy than having a separate backsplash with different colors/textures. At the end of the day, choosing the right backsplash and countertops is a decision that should be based off of your own style.

2. Accent Wall

If you find a slab of granite that you love but feel is too busy or not the right color for your kitchen countertops, think about the possibility of having a granite accent wall in your home. For ideas on how to create an amazing space by using a granite accent wall, visit Houzz.

3. Floor Tile

granite floor — China Titanium Black Granite Floor Tiles, Black Granite Tile

In addition to granite accent walls, granite can also be used on your floor. According to M S International, Inc. “Granite tile remains a popular flooring choice because of its overall resiliency, strength, and number of unique color options.” Granite floors can be used commercially and in residential homes.

4. Fireplace

granite fireplace — Rainforest Green Granite & Leathered Antique Brown Granite Fireplace

Granite will make your fireplace the focal point of your home. The granite on the above fireplace has a leathered finish, which has the look and feel of real leather. Check out Granite Grannies, Inc. for more images of unique ways to use granite.

Turnberry Custom Homes specializes in new construction, renovations/additions and commercial fit-outs. We serve Berks, Montgomery and Chester counties.

Fun Friday: 5 Creative Uses for Your Throne

5 Alternative Ways to Use Your Toilet

Is it time to upgrade your toilet? Before you go out with the old and in with the new, take time to think about what you will do with your old toilet. While donating your toilet to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity is a great option, your toilet may have unforeseen potential in your existing home.

Before tossing away your old toilet, check out these 5 creative uses for your throne.

1. Toilet Fountain

For a complete set of directions that explain how to upcycle your throne into a pleasant fountain, read “How to Make a Fountain With a Toilet.”

2. Garden Planter

Your old toilet could be the perfect planter for growing flowers and fresh summer vegetables. Plants can grow in both the bowl and tank. To continue the theme of using old plumbing fixtures in your garden, try growing plants in your old sink or bathtub.

3. 2-in-1 BBQ Grill & Cooler

No grill? No problem! Your old toilet bowl is all you need for that late summer barbecue, and you can even keep beverages ice cold by taking advantage of the extra space in the tank. Check out nine other ways to barbecue without a grill.

4. Decorative Art Piece

Your old toilet is a blank canvas. Explore your artistic abilities by creating an original work of art that will truly make an unforgettable statement in your home or garden.

5. Fish Tank Toilet

Time to say goodbye to boring toilets and hello to the new focal point of your home! Last but not least, the fish tank toilet is an eye-catcher for any guest who enters your home.

Turnberry Custom Homes specializes in new construction, renovations/additions and commercial fit-outs. We serve Berks, Chester, Montgomery and surrounding counties.

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Granite Finishes: Which Do You Prefer?

As a natural stone, granite is derived from the earth and comes in a variety of different colors and patterns. Since no two slabs will look exactly alike, granite gives homeowners a sense of individuality in their home.

In addition to a variety of colors and patterns, did you know that granite comes in different finishes? Each finish has its own benefits and challenges but in the end creates a custom look. We visited Tropical Stone, LLC in Malvern to compare four of these textures: polished, leathered, brushed and honed.

Polished

The most popular finish on granite countertops in American homes is a polished finish. As the least porous out of all of the finishes, polished finishes are the easiest to clean. This finish is shiny, mirror-like and will be the center of attention in your kitchen.

On the downside, granite with a polished finish will easily show smudges and any other imperfections in the countertop.

Leathered

Granite with a leathered finish has the sheen look and feel of real leather. If you’re looking for a rustic, less-shiny look, then leathered granite may be the right choice for your home.

Unlike a polished finish, leathered finishes disguise smears and crumbs. However, leathered and other textured granite is not as easy to clean as polished granite and requires more sealing.

Brushed

Brushed granite has a worn-in look and uneven texture. This finish dilutes the color of the granite and makes the stone appear more natural and rock-like.

Brushed granite is more porous than polished granite and is more susceptible to dirt and stain because of its uneven surface. For this reason, brushed granite will require more frequent sealing and deep cleaning.

Honed

Honed granite has the feel and appearance similar to a blackboard. Like polished granite, it is soft and smooth to touch. Unlike polished granite, honed granite is not shiny, but rather has a subtle matte appearance that hides imperfections.

Deciding on the right granite depends on the person. Do you want your granite to be the eye-catching center of attention in your home, or would you prefer something more subtle? To choose the right granite for you, think about which finish is the best fit for your intended use and design preferences.

Turnberry Custom Homes specializes in new construction, renovations/additions and commercial fit-outs. We serve Berks, Montgomery, Chester and surrounding counties.

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