Granite or Quartz? Not Sure?

Granite Vs Quartz: Which is better? We all know that granite has been all the rage for kitchens and bathrooms for some time now. But I see quartz gaining momentum and even surpassing granite. As a Interior Decorator as well as a Home Stager, I try to keep current of what's hots and what's not. And lately, I've notice a trend towards quartz. And with good reason, here why:

1. There is no need to seal quartz, you do have to seal granite (unless engineered) every year.
2. Quartz is less porous then granite, making it more resisted to bacteria.
3. Quartz, although a natural stone, it is mixed with polymers resin, making it the best of both worlds, manmade and natural.
4. Granite, unless engineered gives off gasses called radon, which has been linked to lung cancer.
5. Granite has veins which can crack or chip. Quartz does not.
6. Quartz comes in many different colors.
7. Nothing beats the look of granite natural patterns.

According to the countertop industry trends, there has been a shift from granite to quartz. As a matter of fact, quartz has seen of growth of 13% as oppose to granite 5%. More and more designers and architects are choosing quartz over granite.

So what is quartz? Quartz is a silicone dioxide and forms individual crystals, patterns and colors. Quartz is then manufactured with a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% pigments and resin. The ratio can be change, the lower the quartz material, the lower the price and quality.

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Granite for all its beauty, has flaws. Engineer granite has the flaws engineered out, just like quartz.  Quartz seems to be the better choice, unless it's engineered granite. In which case, they became equal.

National Park service

Which ever you chose, you can't really go wrong. It's just a matter of preference.

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Wet Basement Problems?

Recently I was hired to come up with some design plans for a basement. The issue with the basement is, it sometimes gets flooded. So I had to come up with a viable solution. Carpet was no good, mold issue. Wood out of the question. Laminated floors, adhesive gets wet, making the tiles pop up. Floating floor, water will damaged the particle board. So what do you use for flooring?

Vinyl tiles or planks. Completely waterproof. Unlike conventional laminated floors, it won't swell or buckle in high humidity. And if you get flooded, you just pick up the tiles, let it dry and put them right back in!! What is the secret? It's an interlocking covering that is adhesive-free. Simply snap it together. No need to prep floors. No underlayments or moisture barrier. Simply put it over you old existing one. Damaged a tile? Simply pull up the tile and replace it. Easy to maintain, just damp mop using regular cleaners.

Place N' Go Flooring

Floors To Your Home

You can see why vinyl flooring is the way to go for flooring in your basement.  But it doesn't  have to end there. You can use this type of flooring in your mud room or even in your kitchen! Use it anywhere where water is an issue. I love this product!! Need help designing your room? Contact me!

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At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look, but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us and let's get started today!!