Replacementcounters Blog

Countertop Guidance and Education

Caesarstone Countertops and Sustainability

clock March 4, 2010 00:49 by author mtemple
We wanted to take a moment to share the types of steps the products that we offer are taking towards sustainability. This month we are highlighting Caesarstone:
 

"Environmental protection - a key company goal. Their strategies:

  • Compliance with ISO 14001: 2004 to intensify environmental protection activities both in the manufacturing facilities and the outside world.
  • Adherence to an environmental management policy defined by our management
  • Guidance and instruction of personnel, sub-contractors and suppliers concerning our policy issues

Purification and recycling installations

  • Substantial investment in equipment supports our environmental policy
  • RTO (Regenerative Thermal Oxidized) installations in the plants and its surroundings
  • Collection of dust from shipping, handling, production and processing
  • Water filtering and recycling systems save 97% of water used in processing
  • Industrial waste recycling

Raw materials

  • They aim to use recycled raw material
  • They avoid using hazardous substances
  • They store raw materials in a safe, clean environment to prevent seepage into the environment
  • They endeavor to work with suppliers sensitive to environmental protection practices

Production

  • They actively work towards a clean, organized, and safe work environment
  • They continuously monitor energy usage and efficiency
  • They consistently strive to use recycled materials for developing and manufacturing our products

Products

  • Their output protects the environment and the wellbeing of their customers
  • Non-toxic in accordance with international NSF 51 standards
  • Totally inert via a singular and controlled manufacturing process
  • Non-porous to prevent surface mold and microbes
  • Low maintenance to decrease detergent usage"

 

 

 

 Ceasarstone countertops

Source: www.caesarstoneus.com



Pros and Cons of Stone Countertops

clock March 2, 2010 22:48 by author mtemple

As an example of some of the misleading information that is on the internet, I will take an article originally posted on homeguide123.com (http://homeguide123.com/articles/Stone%3A_Pros_and_Cons_to_This_Countertop_Option.html) and dissect it for you. It is not my belief that these companies are intentionally trying to mislead there readers. It is more an issue of not being able to provide the whole picture relating to a product in a short article. Sometimes broad brush statements do not capture the whole story.

1) First the title: "Stone: Pros and Cons to This Countertop Option"

Stone is a very generic term and could mean multiple types of stone. For instance Marble, Granite, Travertine and Soapstone are all stone countertop products but each one has there own pros and cons. For instance Granite is great for the kitchen and Marble is not. It is my assumption from the rest of the article that they mean granite.

2) "stone is becoming increasingly popular in kitchen remodels. Stone is the first choice for professional chefs in their kitchens, so it might just be your dream surface"

Granite is certainly popular, but saying it is the first choice for professional chefs in their kitchens may bring about assumptions that are not true. For instance although granite is a beautiful surface for the kitchen, it is not NSF approved. This means it can not be used in food preparation areas in public restaurants. This is due to the granites porous nature and other related items.

3) The article than lists some Pros

"Pros

  • Extremely durable with an upscale look.
  • Great for those bakers who need a smooth surface for rolling out dough.
  • When sealed, all stone resists stains. While one of the most popular stone options, granite, won't scorch, scratch or get damaged by water. "

Granite is certainly a durable product but not the most durable. I don't see how it is any better than any other service for rolling out dough (although I am sure it performs fine). Sealing will prevent staining and it is true that granite won't scorch, scratch or get damaged by water.

4) The article than goes on to list Cons"

"Cons

  • The most expensive option.
  • Hard to cut and install.
  • Due to its weight it needs stable support.
  • Needs to be resealed periodically.
  • Comes in very thick slabs since it's brittle and can break easily if thin.
  • Expensive to fix blemishes and other damage."

Granite is not always the most expensive option. You will find most countertop products intertwine in terms of pricing. It really depends on the colors you want. It is true that it is hard to cut and install. Leave this to the experts. All the rest of the cons are for the most part accurate.

The article than adds some side notes which are very helpful and true. Pricing at the bottom may be a little off in terms of a starting point:

"Side Notes

Due to its increased popularity in recent years, stone is actually declining in price, but here are some tips to save additional money. Consider using stone tiles with colored grout. According to Better Homes and Garden Magazine (www.bhg.com), stone tiles are a quarter of the cost of a slab. Not only are the tiles cheaper, but they are available in a wider range of patterns and designs, including borders.

Another way to stay on budget is to use stone along with other surface material around the kitchen. For example, use stone on the kitchen island where you plan on baking and use solid-surface, which resembles stone, in other areas of the kitchen. Price for stone varies between $80-$300 per running foot. Price includes the necessary installation fee."

Source: Homeguide123.com -  http://homeguide123.com/articles/Stone%3A_Pros_and_Cons_to_This_Countertop_Option.html



Meganite colors that look like IceStone

clock February 28, 2010 00:55 by author mtemple
Recently the solid surface product Meganite(r) came out with some colors that look very similar to some IceStone colors. Take a look below and tell us what you think:
 
IceStone Color                                     Meganite Color
 abc logo                    abc logo
Heirloom Grey                                      Moon River
abc logo                    abc logo
Denim Moss                                        Sea Glass
abc logo                    abc logo
Forest Fern                                         Surfin Safari
abc logo                    abc logo
White Pearl                                         Beyond the Sea
 
abc logo                    abc logo
Sky Pearl                                           Dancing w/ the Stars
 
Not convinced yet? Sometimes computer images are not the best representation. Give us a call and we can visit you with some actual countertop samples.


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