Showing posts with label interior design solutions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interior design solutions. Show all posts
Monday, July 20, 2015
When considering your kitchen countertop you want to be sure you’re making the right choice, especially as it’s not something you will be looking to change again anytime soon.
A subtle blend of natural minerals and clear acrylic, Corian can be moulded and bent to give a seamless finish.
Corian is a non-porous solid surface material that is stain-resistant. Corian is constructed using approx. 70% crushed stone mixed with acrylic resin and colour pigments. Due to the higher levels of acrylic resin Corian has a warmer feel to it than Granite or Quartz and can be moulded and formed into curved shapes including fully integrated sinks.
Easy to maintain and repair if necessary as stains and scratches can be sanded out. Seamless joins make a smooth, hygienic and tactile surface. Corian can be moulded to create contemporary designs and can incorporate fully integrated sinks and drainers. Worktops are lighter in weight than stone as the solid surface is 13mm thick and moulded over an MDF subframe. Scratches can be polished out with the supplied care kit and bigger chips can equally be readily and invisibly repaired.
Unfortunately it is a higher cost bracket - Corian is the Rolls Royce of kitchen worktops and it therefore one of the more expensive solid surface materials available. Template and installation is carried out by DuPont certified installers.
A durable, all round and affordable worktop that's easy to clean. Available in a large range of attractive colours and finishes.
The biggest advantage of Laminate Kitchen Worktops is low cost. Using modern techniques in photography, laminate kitchen worktops can now mimic almost any and other surface type, including slate, granite, quartz and wood. Whilst reasonably robust and waterproof, laminates cannot really to be compared in terms of durability against Corian, Granite, Quartz and other composite surfaces.
Concrete
Quartz
Marble is available in many colours. Gorgeous natural tones may be found to fit any home. No two pieces of marble are the same. The natural whirls, swirls and markings unique to the marble worktop will contrast with and enhance the look of any kitchen. The organic and subtle timelessness of a marble worktop defines the character of a room and speaks volumes about the owner’s attention to quality, longevity and beauty.
The material is softer and more porous than the nearly indestructible granite, so it can scratch easily, especially when touched for a long period of time by something acidic. A slice of lemon laid down on a polished countertop overnight can leave a mark in the shape of the lemon slice, duller than the surface around it. Marble can also stain; red wine and some fruits are infamous for leaving indelible stains on the marble.
Marble is a durable, stain resistant surface. With proper care, any marble worktop owner can avoid stains or chips and keep their marble surface looking brilliant and beautiful for a lifetime. Customers considering marble, but hesitant because of concerns about durability due to heavy use, children, household pets, may wish to consider granite worktops as an alternative. Marble is wonderful for working with pastry, since it is naturally cool; it doesn't conduct heat very well.
Glass
Glass work surfaces are very much at the higher spectrum of the market and quite rightly so. Perfect for those seeking a sleek, contemporary feel in a modern kitchen, glass offers limitless design possibilities and can be formed to suit any configuration for counter tops, splash-backs and breakfast bars up to 25mm thick. Available in many colours. As hard-wearing as it is stylish, glass is easy to keep clean as well as being acid, oil and water resistant.
Hardwood
Providing a warm-to-the-touch surface, bamboo is ideally suited to most neutral colour schemes and lends itself perfectly to almost every kitchen situation; each worktop bearing its own unique grain pattern.
Low heat resistance - always use trivets
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel combines a hard-wearing surface with stunning visual appeal. Whether used alone or combined with other materials such as timber or composite stone, it is an increasingly popular choice for striking kitchen designs in highly contemporary settings.
Always use a professional fitter. No matter how expensive and luxurious your worktop is, if it’s badly designed, cut and installed, it will end up looking cheap and scruffy. Don’t be in a rush to get it finished, make sure you ask for drainer grooves next to the sink if you want them and always clean with the recommended products.
Corian
A subtle blend of natural minerals and clear acrylic, Corian can be moulded and bent to give a seamless finish.
Corian is a non-porous solid surface material that is stain-resistant. Corian is constructed using approx. 70% crushed stone mixed with acrylic resin and colour pigments. Due to the higher levels of acrylic resin Corian has a warmer feel to it than Granite or Quartz and can be moulded and formed into curved shapes including fully integrated sinks.
Easy to maintain and repair if necessary as stains and scratches can be sanded out. Seamless joins make a smooth, hygienic and tactile surface. Corian can be moulded to create contemporary designs and can incorporate fully integrated sinks and drainers. Worktops are lighter in weight than stone as the solid surface is 13mm thick and moulded over an MDF subframe. Scratches can be polished out with the supplied care kit and bigger chips can equally be readily and invisibly repaired.
Unfortunately it is a higher cost bracket - Corian is the Rolls Royce of kitchen worktops and it therefore one of the more expensive solid surface materials available. Template and installation is carried out by DuPont certified installers.
Laminate
A durable, all round and affordable worktop that's easy to clean. Available in a large range of attractive colours and finishes.
The biggest advantage of Laminate Kitchen Worktops is low cost. Using modern techniques in photography, laminate kitchen worktops can now mimic almost any and other surface type, including slate, granite, quartz and wood. Whilst reasonably robust and waterproof, laminates cannot really to be compared in terms of durability against Corian, Granite, Quartz and other composite surfaces.
Concrete
While concrete isn't the only option for kitchen countertops, it offers a number of advantages that other materials can't match, particularly when it comes to versatility.
Large concrete countertops will have seams, but the appearance can be minimised with the use of a colour-matched filler. In its natural state, concrete is porous and may stain. Applying a surface sealer will make the concrete water and stain resistant. Colour options with concrete are nearly endless with integral colour, staining, or both. This gives you the ability to coordinate or match the countertop with other colours in a room.
Concrete can be cast in any shape and practically any size. Concrete countertops can be even personalised with unique embedded items such as pebbles, recycled glass and seashells.
Quartz
A hardwearing and easy maintenance quartz composite. Quartz worktops are made from minimum 90% crushed stone mixed with acrylic resin and colour pigments. In some cases crushed mirror particles are added to give a sparkle effect.
With a little specialist care needed, quartz is easy to maintain. Durable and hard-wearing (rated 7 on the 'Moh's Hardness Scale'). Heat, scratch and stain resistant. Ideal for kitchen worktops combines natural, durable quality with luxury and style. Moreover, quartz can be used in any area of the kitchen. Non-porous, hygienic and long lasting are perfect qualities around sink units and food preparation areas. Material is stain and scratch resistant. Although heat resistant to 2500C, we strongly recommend the use of pan rests/hob bars. Clean using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Quartz worktops are heavy (30mm worktop weighs approx. 72kg per square metre) and can have similar transport/install access issues as Granite. Unobtrusive, but visible joints. Uniform colour/design cannot be guaranteed due to the natural stone element of the material - However, this can also be the attraction of the material as each worktop will be slightly individual!
Available in an extensive range of colours and designs, there is a Quartz worktop to match every colour scheme. Choose from a standard high gloss finish or if you prefer a matt look check out our Zodiaq Quartz Concrete Range. This is the product to choose if you are looking for that 'sparkle effect' as some designs incorporate crushed mirror particles which catch the light and 'sparkle' as seen in many showrooms and high street retailers.
Quartz worktops can be cut into a number of different shapes and sizes, including curves and radius corners, using the latest in modern technology and is available in a finished thickness of 20-100mm. Like granite, however, it cannot be moulded to form integrated sinks or coved upstands due to the high percentage of natural stone content.
Quite probably the best value for money solid surface stone tops available.
Granite
With a little specialist care needed, quartz is easy to maintain. Durable and hard-wearing (rated 7 on the 'Moh's Hardness Scale'). Heat, scratch and stain resistant. Ideal for kitchen worktops combines natural, durable quality with luxury and style. Moreover, quartz can be used in any area of the kitchen. Non-porous, hygienic and long lasting are perfect qualities around sink units and food preparation areas. Material is stain and scratch resistant. Although heat resistant to 2500C, we strongly recommend the use of pan rests/hob bars. Clean using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Quartz worktops are heavy (30mm worktop weighs approx. 72kg per square metre) and can have similar transport/install access issues as Granite. Unobtrusive, but visible joints. Uniform colour/design cannot be guaranteed due to the natural stone element of the material - However, this can also be the attraction of the material as each worktop will be slightly individual!
Available in an extensive range of colours and designs, there is a Quartz worktop to match every colour scheme. Choose from a standard high gloss finish or if you prefer a matt look check out our Zodiaq Quartz Concrete Range. This is the product to choose if you are looking for that 'sparkle effect' as some designs incorporate crushed mirror particles which catch the light and 'sparkle' as seen in many showrooms and high street retailers.
Quartz worktops can be cut into a number of different shapes and sizes, including curves and radius corners, using the latest in modern technology and is available in a finished thickness of 20-100mm. Like granite, however, it cannot be moulded to form integrated sinks or coved upstands due to the high percentage of natural stone content.
Quite probably the best value for money solid surface stone tops available.
Granite
Granite is a 100% solid stone worktop. Natural granite is available in a choice of many colours.
Each work surface is unique with its own individual colours and markings.
Granite is a completely natural product with colour and grain variation found mostly in the medium and lighter colours. Darker granites are more consistent in colour but are not guaranteed to be entirely free from this possibility. Granite worktops are among the heaviest (30mm worktop 2.6m x 600mm weighs up to 145kg/23 stone) of solid surfaces and a fact to be considered if the destination has access issues (e.g. top floor flat or townhouse with kitchen above ground floor level).
It can be used in any area of the kitchen, including around the sink and next to the hob or oven. A large high gloss Granite worktop creates a stunning finish to an island unit or breakfast bar.
Granite is a luxury material that is timeless and complements traditional and contemporary styles alike. Choose from the classic polished high gloss finish or honed matt for a more contemporary look. Honed matt will incur additional cost.
One of the hardest substances on earth, Granite is extremely hard wearing and won't scratch under normal use. Although Granite is naturally porous it is one of the least absorbent stones and cleaning up spillages immediately will reduce permanent damage. Particularly take care with wine and citric acids. Hot pans should not be placed directly on a Granite worktop, use pan rests/hob bars. Using a stone seal product can protect against stains caused by food and drinks such as coffee and tea. If choosing to seal your worktop, do so approx. every 6 months.
Granite needs very low maintenance. Clean using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Marble
Each work surface is unique with its own individual colours and markings.
Granite is a completely natural product with colour and grain variation found mostly in the medium and lighter colours. Darker granites are more consistent in colour but are not guaranteed to be entirely free from this possibility. Granite worktops are among the heaviest (30mm worktop 2.6m x 600mm weighs up to 145kg/23 stone) of solid surfaces and a fact to be considered if the destination has access issues (e.g. top floor flat or townhouse with kitchen above ground floor level).
It can be used in any area of the kitchen, including around the sink and next to the hob or oven. A large high gloss Granite worktop creates a stunning finish to an island unit or breakfast bar.
Granite is a luxury material that is timeless and complements traditional and contemporary styles alike. Choose from the classic polished high gloss finish or honed matt for a more contemporary look. Honed matt will incur additional cost.
One of the hardest substances on earth, Granite is extremely hard wearing and won't scratch under normal use. Although Granite is naturally porous it is one of the least absorbent stones and cleaning up spillages immediately will reduce permanent damage. Particularly take care with wine and citric acids. Hot pans should not be placed directly on a Granite worktop, use pan rests/hob bars. Using a stone seal product can protect against stains caused by food and drinks such as coffee and tea. If choosing to seal your worktop, do so approx. every 6 months.
Granite needs very low maintenance. Clean using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Marble
Marble is available in many colours. Gorgeous natural tones may be found to fit any home. No two pieces of marble are the same. The natural whirls, swirls and markings unique to the marble worktop will contrast with and enhance the look of any kitchen. The organic and subtle timelessness of a marble worktop defines the character of a room and speaks volumes about the owner’s attention to quality, longevity and beauty.
The material is softer and more porous than the nearly indestructible granite, so it can scratch easily, especially when touched for a long period of time by something acidic. A slice of lemon laid down on a polished countertop overnight can leave a mark in the shape of the lemon slice, duller than the surface around it. Marble can also stain; red wine and some fruits are infamous for leaving indelible stains on the marble.
Marble is a durable, stain resistant surface. With proper care, any marble worktop owner can avoid stains or chips and keep their marble surface looking brilliant and beautiful for a lifetime. Customers considering marble, but hesitant because of concerns about durability due to heavy use, children, household pets, may wish to consider granite worktops as an alternative. Marble is wonderful for working with pastry, since it is naturally cool; it doesn't conduct heat very well.
Glass
Glass work surfaces are very much at the higher spectrum of the market and quite rightly so. Perfect for those seeking a sleek, contemporary feel in a modern kitchen, glass offers limitless design possibilities and can be formed to suit any configuration for counter tops, splash-backs and breakfast bars up to 25mm thick. Available in many colours. As hard-wearing as it is stylish, glass is easy to keep clean as well as being acid, oil and water resistant.
Hardwood
Few things compare with the look and feel of natural wood. Hardwood worktops blend into almost any kitchen design. Be it contemporary or old farmhouse, wood can create the wow factor you're looking for. Hardwood worktops are extremely durable and versatile. Consider the very good condition of the Oak built ship the Mary Rose after lying at the bottom of the sea for hundreds of years. If solid hardwood worktops become scratched or water stained, its simple to re-sand, re-oil and restore as good as new.
Bamboo
Bamboo
Providing a warm-to-the-touch surface, bamboo is ideally suited to most neutral colour schemes and lends itself perfectly to almost every kitchen situation; each worktop bearing its own unique grain pattern.
Low heat resistance - always use trivets
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel combines a hard-wearing surface with stunning visual appeal. Whether used alone or combined with other materials such as timber or composite stone, it is an increasingly popular choice for striking kitchen designs in highly contemporary settings.
Worktops Review
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Is it better to have lacquered or oiled floor? How to choose between pre-finished and unfinished wooden floor? These are main questions to ask before you select the floor for you house. One of the things that people often leave unconsidered until just before ordering is the finish they’ll choose for their new floor. How to choose the best option?
No matter what flooring species you choose – you will certainly have to consider whether the floor should be finished or unfinished. Finishing the floor provides that protective layer, sort of the top coat that seals your floor against stains, wear and tear and moisture. It also highlights natural beauty and characteristics of the floor.
Pre-finished floor
That protective cover is applied at the manufacturer factory under controlled environment that allow proper curing and drying. Those conditions also preventing the finish from getting dust, hair and other foreign particles. It is very hard to control this during on-site application of the finish. When the floor is pre-finished you get additional option of choosing plank with slight bevelling or square edge, which makes individual flooring boards more noticeable.
Unfinished floor
The name suggests unfinished floor leaves factory untreated. When you purchase unfinished wood flooring you can expect planks that are made of bare timber. It allows home owner to have the floor finished on site, after installation. That process gives maximum flexibility when it comes to selecting grades and species available. Unfinished wood flooring allows the home owner to select custom stains that can match or compliment the colour of existing floor. They are also available in different sizes and wide range of thickness which is perfect if you want to match up against levels of the floor that is already installed in your home.
The difference between oil and lacquer
Lacquer is a varnish like liquid that sits on the surface of the natural wooden floorboard. Thicker than oil, the lacquer liquid remains on the surface. End result is strong, smooth and slightly shiny look.
Lacquer is recommended in areas that have higher foot traffic, areas that might experience wet conditions and if you want to give the floor a slight glossy look. Lacquered floors (including matt lacquered) need very little maintenance; you simply sweep or vacuum and then very slight damp mop with eco-friendly floor cleaner.
Unlike lacquer finishes which only provide protection from above, oil finishes provide protection from both the inside and outside. The oil penetrates deeply into the wood providing long-term protection while also leaving a protective layer on the surface to protect the floor. Scratches on your floor tend to be less visible on oiled floors. The cleaning and maintenance is easy but natural oiled floors do require more maintenance; once installed it is recommended that another coat of oil is immediately applied. Heavy scratches and scuffs can be lightly sanded and a natural oil can be applied over the affected area. When it comes to maintenance, natural oiled wood floors do require oiling from time to time. Typically once a year will do.
If you are looking to retain the natural look of the floor than oil, particularly brushed effect oil finish is recommended.
The difference between pre-finished and unfinished floor
Pre-finished floor
That protective cover is applied at the manufacturer factory under controlled environment that allow proper curing and drying. Those conditions also preventing the finish from getting dust, hair and other foreign particles. It is very hard to control this during on-site application of the finish. When the floor is pre-finished you get additional option of choosing plank with slight bevelling or square edge, which makes individual flooring boards more noticeable.
Unfinished floor
The name suggests unfinished floor leaves factory untreated. When you purchase unfinished wood flooring you can expect planks that are made of bare timber. It allows home owner to have the floor finished on site, after installation. That process gives maximum flexibility when it comes to selecting grades and species available. Unfinished wood flooring allows the home owner to select custom stains that can match or compliment the colour of existing floor. They are also available in different sizes and wide range of thickness which is perfect if you want to match up against levels of the floor that is already installed in your home.
The difference between oil and lacquer
Lacquer is a varnish like liquid that sits on the surface of the natural wooden floorboard. Thicker than oil, the lacquer liquid remains on the surface. End result is strong, smooth and slightly shiny look.
Lacquer is recommended in areas that have higher foot traffic, areas that might experience wet conditions and if you want to give the floor a slight glossy look. Lacquered floors (including matt lacquered) need very little maintenance; you simply sweep or vacuum and then very slight damp mop with eco-friendly floor cleaner.
Unlike lacquer finishes which only provide protection from above, oil finishes provide protection from both the inside and outside. The oil penetrates deeply into the wood providing long-term protection while also leaving a protective layer on the surface to protect the floor. Scratches on your floor tend to be less visible on oiled floors. The cleaning and maintenance is easy but natural oiled floors do require more maintenance; once installed it is recommended that another coat of oil is immediately applied. Heavy scratches and scuffs can be lightly sanded and a natural oil can be applied over the affected area. When it comes to maintenance, natural oiled wood floors do require oiling from time to time. Typically once a year will do.
If you are looking to retain the natural look of the floor than oil, particularly brushed effect oil finish is recommended.
Staining Wooden Floor
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Ceramic or Porcelain? A common dilemma when it comes to choosing tiles is whether to pick ceramic or porcelain. What is the difference? Which do I need? Is one better than the other? Let's just take any doubt away and compare these two materials.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are essentially the same, with one slight difference.
Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay with a durable glaze; the biscuit of the tile is baked to reduce water content. Next the design is added to the same biscuit before it’s baked again in a kiln at a high temperature.
Porcelain tiles are also made from natural clay but of a denser nature, finely ground sand is also added into the manufacturing mix. This mixture is then pressed and fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic tiles, and also for longer to remove almost all of the water content.
Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0.5% as defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C373. Fired tile is weighed. Then it is boiled for 5 hours and then let to sit in water for 24 hours afterward. Then it is weighed again. If the tile weighs less than half of one-percent more as a result of water absorbing into its surface, it is considered porcelain.
Porcelain tile is often extruded; has less impurities than ceramic; is often rectified; and often contains more kaolin than ceramic. It's formed of quartz, clay, and feldspar that is fired at temperatures ranging from 1200-1400 degrees C.
But since that also defines many ceramics, again the difference is that porcelain has that 0.5% or less water absorption rate.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating (PEI rating) is a great tool to help you determine the recommended application for a tile. All tiles are classified with a PEI rating and the scale is as follows:
PEI 0 – No foot traffic (wall tile only)
PEI 1 – Very light traffic (e.g. bathroom)
PEI 2 – Light traffic (e.g. bathroom and bedroom)
PEI 3 – Light to moderate traffic (e.g. most domestic floors)
PEI 4 – Moderate to heavy traffic (e.g. entrance, hallway, kitchen, balcony and some commercial applications)
PEI 5 – Heavy traffic (all domestic/commercial uses with heavy abrasion/footfall)
Most ceramic floor tiles will carry a PEI rating from 3 to 4 with porcelain tiles ranging from PEI 3 to 5. Still unsure which tile you should be using where? Make full use of our expertise and get in touch with a member of our customer service team who’ll be able to help you.
Laying porcelain or ceramic tile outside is typically not recommended. Ceramic is usually not durable enough for exterior use because it absorbs too much water. If you live in areas which freeze, your tile would likely crack on the first freezing night. Stone is a better option.
Advice? Choose a tile that fits well with your home, style and lifestyle. You want to choose a tile that’ll stand the test of time, not just in the fashion department but in terms of practicality too. If you’re tiling a conservatory or kitchen, have dogs and children then you’ll want to pick a porcelain tile for extra durability. Renovating a tired bathroom? Pick any tile you love the design of, whether it’s porcelain or ceramic.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are essentially the same, with one slight difference.
Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay with a durable glaze; the biscuit of the tile is baked to reduce water content. Next the design is added to the same biscuit before it’s baked again in a kiln at a high temperature.
Porcelain tiles are also made from natural clay but of a denser nature, finely ground sand is also added into the manufacturing mix. This mixture is then pressed and fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic tiles, and also for longer to remove almost all of the water content.
Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0.5% as defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C373. Fired tile is weighed. Then it is boiled for 5 hours and then let to sit in water for 24 hours afterward. Then it is weighed again. If the tile weighs less than half of one-percent more as a result of water absorbing into its surface, it is considered porcelain.
Porcelain tile is often extruded; has less impurities than ceramic; is often rectified; and often contains more kaolin than ceramic. It's formed of quartz, clay, and feldspar that is fired at temperatures ranging from 1200-1400 degrees C.
But since that also defines many ceramics, again the difference is that porcelain has that 0.5% or less water absorption rate.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating (PEI rating) is a great tool to help you determine the recommended application for a tile. All tiles are classified with a PEI rating and the scale is as follows:
PEI 0 – No foot traffic (wall tile only)
PEI 1 – Very light traffic (e.g. bathroom)
PEI 2 – Light traffic (e.g. bathroom and bedroom)
PEI 3 – Light to moderate traffic (e.g. most domestic floors)
PEI 4 – Moderate to heavy traffic (e.g. entrance, hallway, kitchen, balcony and some commercial applications)
PEI 5 – Heavy traffic (all domestic/commercial uses with heavy abrasion/footfall)
Most ceramic floor tiles will carry a PEI rating from 3 to 4 with porcelain tiles ranging from PEI 3 to 5. Still unsure which tile you should be using where? Make full use of our expertise and get in touch with a member of our customer service team who’ll be able to help you.
Laying porcelain or ceramic tile outside is typically not recommended. Ceramic is usually not durable enough for exterior use because it absorbs too much water. If you live in areas which freeze, your tile would likely crack on the first freezing night. Stone is a better option.
Advice? Choose a tile that fits well with your home, style and lifestyle. You want to choose a tile that’ll stand the test of time, not just in the fashion department but in terms of practicality too. If you’re tiling a conservatory or kitchen, have dogs and children then you’ll want to pick a porcelain tile for extra durability. Renovating a tired bathroom? Pick any tile you love the design of, whether it’s porcelain or ceramic.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles?
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Just because your house is small doesn’t mean you can’t live large. Depending on the type of zone there is a lot of options to optically enlarge it. Change one wall into a mirror in your bathroom or put a floor standing one in the living room. You can also create a fake window using a mirror. Illusion of space guaranteed!
Enlarge Your Space With Mirror
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