BEAUTIFUL STONE. BEAUTIFUL WORK.
SHANNON'S RELAY NEWS
Thu. Mar. 18, 2010
Helping the Fight Against Cancer!
We are proud to be part of the Relay for Life here in Bluffton, SC.
The Relay is an all night event held at the University of SC in Beaufort.
This will be our second year participating with a team of 11 employees.
Our duty is to raise as much money as possible for the event on May 14th, 2010.
This money goes to a local chapter of ACS (American Cancer Society)
which aids the research and care for patients in our community.
We will be having a YARD SALE for the public April 17th, 2010.
Bright and early Saturday morning, StoneWorks’ employees and family members
will be selling their wares for this cause.
Please come see us!
For more info regarding the relay itself please visit:
www.relayforlife.org/blufftonsc
or email me directly to start your own team.
Shannon@hiltonheadstone.com
BRIAN'S BLOG
Thu. Mar. 18, 2010Slab sinks
Our fabrication shop has had an increasing call to fabricate sinks from slab material. The majority are farmhouse style kitchen sinks, but a few have been for bathroom vanities as well. We have fabricated custom sinks from limestone, marble, soapstone, honed granite, as well as Caesarstone. We have done many different shapes and sizes from a basic rectangular basin to more unusual designs like the half pipe style vessel sink. Sloping front panels, center dividers, and integrated decks are just a few of the design options that can be used. All of our sinks have a sloping bottom with a routed notch to accept the client’s specific drain fitting. Some clients choose to have their sink fabricated from the exact material used for their countertops. Others use a complimentary color from a different material. The sinks can make a great stand-alone feature as well. In all cases, the slab sink will turn an otherwise ordinary job into a truly custom and unique kitchen or bath.
We are currently working on a vanity sink made from honed Caesarstone that is integrated into the vanity top, creating a seamless contemporary look.
If you are looking for something to set your kitchen or bath apart from the standard, please have a look at our portfolio of custom built slab sinks. I think you’ll be impressed.
Brian Baltzegar
BRIAN'S BLOG
Thu. Jun. 18, 2009Last week, I had a customer ask how we are different from our competitors. I was stumped for a second, before I could come up with any real differences.
I know many things that we do differently, but I wasn’t prepared for the question. It will not happen again.
Here are just a few things that we need to point out to our customers:
- 5 day turnaround
- Custom layout. Customer can select the area of the slab they want to use.
-Bullet proof sealer ( Don’t just say sealer, say it by its brand name)
-All cutouts are reinforced with fiberglass rods. This is more expensive than typical steel rods, but eliminates cracking caused by rust. Some companies skip rodding altogether.
- Ledge overhangs are smoothed and enhanced.
-We have a large selection of remnants available at bargain prices. Our competitors sell remnants for the same square ft. price as anything else.
- Digital templating. This is the most accurate way to template, but we go way beyond the norm with our template process. The printer is in the van, and the customer can actually see the blue templates on their counter. If they don’t like a particular detail, we simply print again until they like it. Most places with a digital template system simply digitize the tops and leave the jobsite.
BRIAN'S BLOG
Wed. May. 27, 2009“S” Shaped Seams
S shaped seams are something that we have experimented with over the past couple of years. We first dreamed up the idea during a project for Harden Homes. The homeowner had selected slabs of Juperana Bordeaux for their kitchen. The only problem was that their island cabinet was much too large to fit into the slab dimensions. So, of course, we needed to have a seam somewhere in the island in order to do the job. We toyed around with several different seam placement options, but no matter where you put the seam it was going to be staring you in the face. The stone had some movement or flow to it, so we decided that a more flowing seam would work better. Rather than spending so much time trying to make a straight seam disappear, we incorporated an S seam into the island’s design. The end result turned out magnificent. A creative solution solved the problem, and the customer was extremely pleased with the outcome.
We have done several other projects using the S seam since then. The most recent was the Taggart house on Lemon island. Their island was massive in a piano shape with 2 ½” thick edges. The S shaped seam again turned an awkward island into a masterpiece that we can be proud of.
Rarely does nature have any straight line patterns, so why should your countertop?
Brian Baltzegar
JOHN'S VIEW
Fri. Oct. 3, 2008MINERAL DEPOSITS AND WATER MARKS
Mineral deposits on stone countertops are common in hard water areas of the country, such as Hilton Head Island. Tap water is the root of this problem. The water piped into your home is loaded with minerals, and even with a purifier, water is only as good as the filter.
Water gets on your beautiful stone counter and as this water evaporates from the surface, the minerals in the solution are simply left behind. This is how mineral deposits can build up on your countertops and around your faucet. Deposits can appear as white or dull areas, but all is not lost. The granite underneath these areas can be restored to its original luster.
The methods for removal are simple. If there is a substantial build-up, it will appear white-ish and crusty. It is usually concentrated around the faucet, but can be in any areas where water has been left to sit and evaporate. A single-edge razor blade will not scratch granite and will remove most of the mineral crust. Use a fine gauge steel wool for the rest . Once you’ve removed all the build-up, the granite underneath should be good as new.
Keeping the area around the sink dry is a good preventative measure. Drying with a microfiber towel is a quick and easy way to keep your countertops free of dulling mineral deposits.
John Baltzegar IV
PATRICK'S POST
Thu. May. 15, 2008SEAMS…… The unwanted stepchild of Granite Countertops
I’m going to dive right in here folks, nobody LIKES seams. Nobody. Anyone one who says they like seams is, well…., a LIAR. Let’s start internally. Templating a top is much easier to do without any seams. The layout goes much smoother when no one has to worry about matching the color of two pieces seamed together; Fabrication is a breeze when tops don’t have to be put together so the front edges can be gauged to ensure a perfect union between stones. And last of all Installation can take as much as 80% less time to install a seamless kitchen as opposed to one with seams. So now that we all agree it’s much easier for Stoneworks to go forward in a seamless world lets talk about home owners. In my experience I have yet to meet a homeowner that said I must have a seam or I just won’t be satisfied. Nor have I met a homeowner ecstatic that the main focal point in their beautifully designed kitchen would be set off with a seam right down the middle. So you may wonder why? If everyone agrees that seams are nobodies’ friend then why do granite fabricators use them? Well that’s easy, so we don’t install a broken countertop. Everyone agrees that seaming granite is a tricky process. Try fixing a broken top!
O.K all kidding aside, the bottom line is this. Seams are an unfortunate necessity in the granite business. You may find a young granite company, maybe a Corian fabricator trying to get into granite that will attempt these seamless feats of heroism. They will learn very quickly. Its wonderful when they say, sure we can do that with no seam. It’s a totally different story when the installation is attempted. A top is generally seamed for three reasons; the top is longer than the slab, the top cannot physically make it to its final destination, or the risk of breaking is too great. The top longer than the slab is an easy one. A top that can’t make it to its final destination can be for a number of different reasons. The most common occurs in finished high rises, Stairwells and/or elevators are too small. Or even houses with narrow hallways. Sometimes it’s a design issue like an L-shaped top that is surrounded by walls. It’s the last one that really gets the blood boiling, risk of breaking. The main complaint is “you guys are professionals, you should be able to install this top the way I want it”. This is very true and it is because that we are professionals that we add the seams in. Imagine this you come to Stoneworks and pick out an amazingly beautiful piece of natural stone. We show up to template and you don’t like the seam. We say alright and against our better judgment fabricate the top in one piece. Five days later here we come for the install, 5 or six guys struggle their way though your house an attempt to put the oversized top in place. Every one is huffing and puffing, the walls get nicked up and then it happens. CRACK….BOOM. The top has broken and maybe worse someone gets hurt of something gets damaged. There is no more stone left to replace the top. We don’t come out looking very professional and you are not a raving fan. These are the experiences a reputable granite company has lived and learned through. Stoneworks is that company. We understand than nobody likes seams, we don’t like them. But in the end some peace must be made with the unwanted stepchild of our industry. With age we realize that seams are here to help us, they mean us no harm and can be quite surprisingly pleasant. Another myth about seams is that they all look bad, not true. While granted some look better than others I have seen some that are hard to see even with professional eyes. So before you decide that seams are unacceptable think about why they are there .I promise Stoneworks will only add a seam to your job if it is our professional opinion that it is necessary.
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BRIAN'S BLOG
Thu. Apr. 24, 2008“Quartzite – What is it?”
Each day I am learning more and more about quartzites. I have to admit that up until about 2 years ago, I was not very familiar with quartzite at all. Quartzite is a metamorphosed sandstone comprised of mostly fine grained quartz.
Our company is directly importing slabs of this exotic and beautiful material from Brazil. I have talked to some of our suppliers about the stone, and I was surprised to find that their knowledge of quartzites is very limited. In fact, many quartzite colors are sold as “granite” to U.S. companies. This is a shame because quartzites have their own unique properties that should be appreciated.
First of all, the grain size is much finer than granite. This gives the stone a softer, almost marble-like appearance. Typically the slabs have a smooth flowing grain direction that resembles a painting with blended colors verses the hard, instantaneous color changes common to granite. So far, I have seen a wide color range of quartzites including green, grey, and red varieties.
When cutting quartzite, one will soon learn of its extreme hardness. This can come as a surprise because of its powdery grain and marble look. Don’t be fooled, use plenty of water, and keep your diamond blade dressed!
Another piece of advice for fabricators – Don’t hammer off a sample from a slab. The stone doesn’t break off exactly where you expected, and a larger area around the sample will fracture in a spider web pattern.
For practical purposes as a kitchen countertop, I think quartzite is an outstanding material. I have tested several different types of quartzite for staining, scratching, and etching. Of all the stones that I tested, none were etched by acidic products commonly found in the kitchen. I tested lemon juice, vinegar, and ketchup with the same result. Imagine that - The elegant look of marble without the fear of etching!
When properly sealed, I found that I couldn’t get anything to stain it either. Again, I tested several different colors with common stain producing products.
I tested for scratching as well. I found that quartzite can be scratched, but not easily. You have to use something very hard like the rough corner of a piece of granite. Even then, the scratch is very fine and not easily seen. I found quartzites are harder to scratch than many granites.
Of course, not all quartzites are exactly the same. Each color has its own unique characteristics. For instance, Luce de Luna ( white with soft gray / greenish veins) would not stain, but is instantly darkened by any moisture even when sealed thoroughly. The darkened areas will dry out within minutes, but this could definitely be a nuisance to a homeowner.
I suppose the best advice I could give someone considering a quartzite or any other natural stone as a countertop would be to take a large sample home and perform your own tests on the stone. There is a vast amount of information available on the internet and throughout the stone industry – helpful, confusing, conflicting, or just plain wrong.
Get familiar with your stone before making your final decision.
- Brian Baltzegar
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JOEL'S FILE
Tue. Apr. 15, 2008TO LAYOUT, OR NOT TO LAYOUT
Is your participation beneficial?
At last.... you’re done! Since the time you decided to use Granite on your countertops, you have been making exciting selections; what color stone to use, what type of backsplash to go with, should I go with a stainless steel sink or cast iron, and so on. The templates are made, the slabs of granite are ready to cut, you've made your final decisions...or have you? You receive a call that extends to you an invitation to participate in the layout of YOUR countertops. Sounds exciting!!
What is a layout, and is it something you should be involved in? The layout is a process that takes place a day before cutting. The slabs are all pulled out into an open viewing area. You are able to see all the various veins, grains, and patterns. The templates that were previously made are put on the slabs in such a way that they all fit in a comfortable way to physically cut. But it is very important to make sure that all the grain direction, if your particular color has one, is all running the same way. For instance if you have two tops next to each other, you wouldn't want them to have opposite grain direction. Going along with the grain direction is seams. If you have countertops large enough that require a seam, special attention is needed to ensure a good color match. Also in a layout you can personally get involved in capturing what you like the most in the slab, such as a deep, rich-colored vein, or brilliant
reflecting quartz in the granite. Yes, the layout gives you an opportunity to put your personal "touch" on your tops.
Now most companies do not extend this invitation to their clients. Once the selection is made, sometimes from a small sample, they cut your tops according to what fits best from a company standpoint. In my experience I find that, while not everyone chooses to come in for their layout, about 75% do. And of them all are excited to do so.
In the end you want your finished job to hit the target that you have created in your mind’s eye. Being involved, and actively participating in your layout will set you up for maximum success in insuring that your new granite countertops hit the bulls-eye!
Joel Zak
Layout Manager
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PATRICK'S POST
Fri. Feb. 15, 2008Templating Countertops
Digital Templates vs. Stick Templates
When it comes time for your job to be measured, there are many different ways of collecting the data. The majority of the methods can be broken down into two categories; stick templating and digital templating. I have done both methods and can be pretty proficient in both styles. Although, the bottom line is that stick templates seems almost primitive to the updated digital style of templating.
First let’s talk about stick templates - you start with strips of material or “sticks”. These strips can vary in size and composition. You take the strips, cut them to the right sizes and glue them together to make a countertop template - pretty simple. Then you mark the templates for finished edges, centerlines of sinks, appliances, etc.. Now you must transport the full size templates from the jobsite to the fabrication plant, where the countertop will be made. It all sounds pretty easy, huh??? Well the tricky parts lie in the small details. Let’s say a template breaks. Is it safe to assume that it can just simply be put back together and still work? What if a template is lost? If your fabrication process involves a CNC machine, how do you transfer a stick template to an image that the machine can read? Ahhh, now the true colors of this method are showing.
Now let’s talk about digital templating. There are a number of different ways to produce a digital template. There are lasers that can map out the kitchen or area to be measured. There is software that can make a template from taking photographs. There is one method, that I personally find unusable, that takes an “arm” that moves from spot to spot and digitally measures any given area. I use a Pro-liner which sits in a stationary position and has a “magic string” that I take around the area to be measured. The end result of all these methods are the same, a digital image.
Now that we have our digital image what is the rest of the templating procedure? The method I have found to be the most efficient, precise, and pretty much fool proof is a method pioneered by us here at StoneWorks. I take my Pro-liner, to the jobsite in my mobile office! That’s right I take my office with me! My office is a Sprinter Van, totally outfitted with a desk, laptop with internet access, a plotter, my Pro-liner and myself. I use my Pro-liner to collect the data inside the home I am working in. Then I take it out to my office, which is parked in the front of the house, and download the data into my laptop. I add sinks and overhangs, a few clicks here and there and boom, a full sized vinyl template is created on site that I can take back in the house and double-check for accuracy. Also the customer can see every aspect of their countertop, from sink reveals to faucet hole layout. It is an EXACT representation of their countertop. Another plus is if a template gets damaged or goes AWOL, I can just print another. How cool is that!? So Digital Templating vs. Stick Templating, It’s just not fair. Stick templates lose EVERY time.
Patrick Sumerau
Template Manager
StoneWorks, Inc.
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BRIAN'S BLOG
Mon. Feb. 4, 2008Fiberglass vs. Steel Support Rods
Most reputable granite fabricators insert some type of reinforcement rod into the weak areas of a countertop, such as the front and back side of an undermount sink cutout. The practice has been proven in tests by the Marble institute of America to significantly increase the strength of the stone in those areas. The typical method is to cut a groove into the bottom side of the slab in the front and back side of the cutout, a support rod is then glued into the groove before the sink cutout is made. The practice undeniably helps to ensure that the stone will survive the fabrication and installation process in one piece.
However, the specific details of the rodding process can greatly affect your granite counter in the years to come. For instance epoxies are much stronger and provide a better bond to the stone than the less expensive polyester resins that are often used.
Even more important is the type of support rod used. The most common material is steel flat bar measuring 1/8” x ½”. The steel works great for strength, but it can rust. If the steel has not been completely coated with epoxy inside the groove, then it will of course rust when it comes into contact with moisture. The rust
can eventually cause the stone to crack along the groove that was cut. This can happen long after the job has been installed.
In our process, we use a fiberglass support rod that measures 1/8” x 3/8”. We adhere the rod to the stone using a two part epoxy. The process is a little more costly than the typical method. However in the end, I feel confident that our counters are not going to crack.
Brian Baltzegar
StoneWorks shop manager
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JOHN'S VIEW
Thu. Jan. 24, 2008Q. How does white marble hold up as a kitchen countertop?
A. White marble ..... agh! Where do I begin? How about the marketing of white marble? Every kitchen and bath design magazine is littered with this beautiful material. The stone is used in an array of styles from modern to French colonial. These pictures make white marble look like a fantastic countertop, and the key word is "look”, because one thing you will never see in these publications is how they "look" after some use. You may have already made the mistake of purchasing white marble for your counters. The stone is "ornamental” - pretty to look at, but has little functionality. Think of all the old world statues carved exquisitely in Carrara marble. There is a reason it was sought after by sculptors and still is. The stone has a very fine, sugary consistency throughout and is easily worked with common tools (hammer and chisel). So now we have established that white marbles are soft, let’s talk about chemical composition. Marbles are made up of mostly calcium carbonate and the various impurities in the stone are what give it color. Calcium carbonate will react chemically with even mild acids, and there is no sealer that will prevent such a reaction. Take a look at the items in your refrigerator and think on all the items that will react with a marble countertop. The magazines promoting this "look" often will show lemons on the counter to add some color to their image. In the real world this may cause extensive and costly damage to the marble. Even some household cleaners will damage the stone. Last but not least are the seams in the countertop, you may think, what seams? The magazines didn't show any seams, and this is my point exactly . These publications of course would not show an eyesore like that, so they carefully omit the seamed areas or hide them in pictures with decoration. The truth is that the seams in white marble and other white materials are hard if not impossible to make look "good”. A good example would be the grout joint between two pieces of white ceramic tile. The grout does not blend one tile to the next. Expect a similar effect with white marbles. So after reading all this you may surmise that I really dislike white marble. Not true at all. It has its place, just not on my countertop.
