From the Floors Up

Spring Projects: Embracing the Blooming Season

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With the soon-arrival of the blooming season, homeowners may find themselves busier than ever. In fact, homeowners may even be participating in springtime’s associated activity “spring cleaning.” The activity derives from the fact that our homes will need a little more TLC since we are transitioning from colder, drearier months. During winter, we put these necessary home projects on the backburner until the weather begins to warm. Therefore, the opportunity to tackle these must-needed home projects is almost here. And to help you prepare for the day, we have created a list of five spring projects that you may want to start this season. Let’s take a look!

An Effortless Landscape

When you take a step inside, does your house feel underwhelming? If so, you may be in need of some new floors. In fact, flooring can set the stage for your design. So this spring, take some tips from the light and airy season by renovating your floors with this year’s hottest trends, including light-colored floors. From hand-scraped to wire-brushed trends to marble looks, the design possibilities are endless in 2020. Plus, with innovations in the industry, you do not have to settle for only one type of flooring in your home.

A Fresh Look

Every year, the global color authorities, Pantone Color, determine a “Color of the Year.” This year, Pantone Color chose “Classic Blue,” and its definition is not far from its name. This color is described as “calm, confident, and connective.” It provides a peaceful slate for our designs while captivating us through its thought-provoking properties. In fact, Classic Blue is the perfect paint color choice for any room that needs a relaxing yet timeless tone. You can incorporate this effortless color into your room’s landscape this spring for a refreshing twist on your interior design.

A Delightful Addition

Since spring embraces new plant life, we think that there is no better way to highlight your countertops than through the use of plants and flowers. In fact, plants can help provide greenery and life to a space while adding to the overall aesthetic. However, if you notice that your countertops are not as pristine as they once were, you have two options. One option is that you can have your countertops replaced. The renewing season of spring is the perfect time to refresh your design, especially when it comes to countertops. If you are looking to refresh your countertop design this spring, currently homeowners love the natural, one-of-a-kind beauty of marble and quartz countertops. Marble countertops feature an authentic, beautiful veining that is unmatched by any other countertop. However, if you are looking for a more durable & low maintenance countertop, quartz is a great option, you can opt for beautiful quartz countertops. Quartz is composed of natural crystals, which makes it an insanely gorgeous countertop option. Plus, quartz countertops are perfect for homeowners who love to cook because they are scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant.

A Sweet Escape

With the weather warming, there is no time like the present to upgrade your backyard. In fact, we like to capitalize on this sweet oasis during warm nights by utilizing our space. If you have not created an outdoor oasis yet, you can simply add items that make you happy. For instance, you can incorporate some comfortable seating for entertaining, build your own firepit for warmth, hang decorative stringed lighting for creativity, or make a beautiful paver pathway to and from your house. The options for your outdoor retreat are truly endless – just remember to add items that will have you coming back for more.

A Warm Welcome

Nothing says “welcome home” quite like awesome curb appeal. Plus, spring is the perfect time of year to spruce up your front yard. For instance, you can replace your house numbers, repaint your front door and shutters, add potted plants to your porch, incorporate a new welcome mat, and swap out your mailbox. Much like our backyard projects, our front yard projects are all about your personal preferences. Start with whatever you currently dislike about your curb appeal and work from there.

With these simple spring projects, you can create an inspiring, noteworthy design that is ready to take on the new year. We hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!

How to Clean Three Different Types of Countertops

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, yet it also can be home to a lot of messes. In fact, we are continually preparing and eating food on our countertops. Countertops can easily be a focal point in many kitchens. Because of their showcase quality, it is essential to help keep them clean for hygienic and longevity purposes. However, not all countertops are alike. Some cleaning materials used for one countertop may ruin your beautiful countertop. To help, here is what you need to know about cleaning some of the most common countertop selections:

Granite

Granite is one of the most common, prestigious countertop options. To clean granite countertops, start by mixing dish soap with warm water. Soak a rag in the solution and wipe away any residue or debris from your countertop surface. You can also dilute a solvent like an isopropyl in water to disinfect your countertops. Put into a spray bottle and spray counter after it has been dried. Use a paper towel to wipe countertops dry.

Marble

Another great natural stone is marble. This porous rock can be cleaned very similarly to granite. Use dish soap with warm water to remove residue and debris. However, be very cognitive of using any acid-base cleaner on marble. This soft rock can easily be etched. You should also be cognitive of staining. Both granite and marble countertops should be sealed annually to prevent damage.

Stainless Steel

Use a microfiber cleaning cloth and warm water to wipe down your countertops. Many manufacturers make specific products for stainless steel counters. Once you apply the approved cleaners, make sure to wipe your countertops dry. Stainless steel can easily show water spots and cleaner residue if not dried thoroughly. You can even use lemon juice to help clean these as well. They will not rust or corrode at all.

Cleaning your countertops is just another way to take pride in your beautiful kitchens. Make sure if you have a porous countertop that you have it resealed as recommended. Every countertop has different benefits and cons. Cleaning each one can have its set of rules to follow. Make sure you do the right method of cleaning to get the most longevity out of your counters.

Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops

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When designing your bath or kitchen, your countertop can have a significant influence on the design. Plus, there are several excellent options available on the market to choose from, each with their own sets of pros and cons. Marble countertops are always a jaw-dropping feature when incorporated in the design. These timeless staples have stunning features and veining, which allow every countertop to have its own characteristics. If you are considering this beautiful countertop solution, you should consider all the strengths and weaknesses it has to offer. Today, we will explore marble countertops and find out if it is right for you.

Pro: Aesthetically Unique and Beautiful

When it comes to a unique and gorgeous countertop option, you can never go wrong with marble. Marble offers an exquisite and classy feature in every room. Plus, it can be debated to have more character than its countertop rival: granite.

Con: Price

If you are looking for the most inexpensive route, marble will not be your optimum choice. Since marble is a natural element that is created into a slab for each countertop, it can be pricier than some other options on the market.

Pro: Natural Product

Marble is made from calcium carbonate. This countertop is a natural product mined from the earth. If you are looking for an all-natural product and one that is ecofriendly, perhaps marble is the best route to go!

Con: Maintenance

Being calcium carbonate, this product can have chemical reactions to acidic products like drinks, foods, and cleaning products. These acids can make a countertop etch and lose its natural gloss finish. To prevent this, each marble countertop must be treated once or twice a year with a sealant to protect them.

Pro: Durability

Marble countertops are a very durable option as well. This countertop choice can take a significant beating before breaking. However, you should still treat your countertops with respect. Be cognitive when cutting or placing hot containers direct to the countertop. While this may not damage them, you should always be cognitive of the possibility.

Marble is a great countertop option for any home. There are many applications in which marble is ideal. If you are looking to capture the beautiful nature with many added benefits, marble may be the right choice for you. Just remember to keep up on your maintenance and continue to take care of your product.

How to Fix Your Outdated Countertops with Concrete

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If you purchased an older home, you might have settled on a few of the home’s design aspects for a lower price. But the time has come, and you have had enough of your current countertops. We are all trying to be cost-conscious in this day and age; therefore, you are looking for a simple DIY project that will not break your bank. Look no further, because we have the perfect project to turn your old countertops from blah to ta-dah!

Supply List

  • Concrete Underlayment
  • Concrete Seal
  • A Mixing Bowl (Disposable) 
  • Metal Dry Wall Knife 
  • A Sponge
  • 150-grit and 220-grit Sandpaper
  • A Pair of Latex Gloves
  • Orbital Sander
  • Masking Tape
  • Dish Cloth (Disposable) 

Step One

You will want to prepare your countertop for the concrete by taking your tape and masking off the areas surrounding the countertop. You want to make sure that the concrete will not get on your cabinets or walls. Next, you want to remove your sink’s faucet, knobs, and drain. 

Step Two

Take your 150-grit sandpaper and begin to sand down the countertop. For the larger areas, you can use your orbital sander. Make sure you sand down every aspect of the countertop because it is a crucial step.

Step Three

Grab your dishcloth and get it a little damp then wipe off the countertop removing any remaining dust or particles. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you continue. 

Step Four

Follow the mixing instructions on your concrete underlayment package. Make sure to mix in small portions, so the mix will not harden while you are working. 

Step Five

Take your concrete mix and drywall knife and begin to scrape a very thin layer on top of your countertop – this layer will serve as the base for the rest of the coatings. 

Step Six

For the sink’s basin, put on your latex gloves and apply a very thin layer with your hands. 

Step Seven

 You can use your fingers to get into the countertop’s corners with the concrete mix.

Step Eight 

Let your countertop dry before moving on to the next step. 

Step Nine

Mix together another small portion of concrete for your second coat.

Step Ten

Take your drywall knife and begin to lay down the second layer. You can apply it in straight or cross-hatch lines for texture. 

  • Note: This layer will be thicker than the previous base coat, but make sure that the layer is even and smooth before proceeding. 

Step Eleven

Let your second layer dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step Twelve

Take your 150-grit sandpaper and begin sanding the dry surface. You want to take away any undesired, excess pieces of concrete. 

Step Thirteen

Grab your dishcloth and get it a little damp then wipe off the countertop removing any remaining dust or particles. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you continue.

Step Fourteen 

Apply your third layer of concrete mix to the countertop with the same thickness as your second layer. 

Step Fifteen

Let your third layer dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step Sixteen

Once your third layer has dried, begin sanding with your 150-grit sandpaper then use your 220-grit sandpaper to obtain a sleeker look. 

  • Note: The thickness of your concrete should be approximately 1/4” in thickness. 

Step Seventeen

Take the concrete sealer and apply three coats to your countertop with a clean sponge. Let each coat dry before moving onto the next coating.

Step Eighteen

Place your faucet, knobs and drain back on your sink and voila, you are finished!!

We hope you enjoyed this fun project to transform your old countertops into beautiful concrete counters. Let us know your thoughts and results below in the comment section.

Solid Surface Countertops FAQ

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Solid surface countertops are a manmade countertop solution that is created from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles to create an alternative to natural stones. These solid-surface countertops have been around for a long time and were traditionally a high-end option for living spaces. Today, however, solid-surface countertops are used more frequently in homes looking to eliminate the cons of natural stone. This frequency has made solid-surface countertops a little more common in the market, taking it from a luxury countertop option to a more practical option. Our readers still have many questions when it comes to this manmade alternative and its many benefits. Here are our top asked questions on solid-surface countertops to help address those concerns:

Q: Do solid-surface countertops have seams?

A: Yes, but unlike natural stone, they are much harder to see. Natural stones have a large variety of character and patterns, which makes it virtually impossible to hide the seam. No two slabs of natural stone are the same. However, solid-surface is fabricated and can come in solid colors which can make seams nearly impossible to see.

Q: Can I put hot pans or pots on my solid surface countertop?

A: No, because solid-surface countertops are made from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles, and both compounds perform poorly under extreme heat. This can cause discoloring, bubbling, and other unwanted damage.

Q: Are solid surface countertops durable?

A: Solid-surface countertops are very durable. They are antibacterial and nonporous, making them extremely low-maintenance. However, they can be scratched with knives or abrasive products and extreme heat. Professionals can renew the surfaces if damaged, which can save you from replacing your countertops early.

Q: What are the main advantages of solid surface countertops?

A: These countertops are primarily desired for their low-maintenance and inconspicuous seams. They may not be granite or marble; however, they still look beautiful in homes. Many homeowners and businesses enjoy how customizable these countertops can be since they can fit with any design theme in the industry!

The variety of colors, styles, designs, and versatility of solid-surface countertops is highly desirable. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, these countertops will work in almost any atmosphere! If you have more questions about solid-surface countertops, let us know in the comment section, and for more insight on other countertop solutions and maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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