Common Granite Questions

Granite – everyone loves it, but it also comes with questions to really make sure that this is the purchase they want to go with!

How much is it?
It can start as low as $64 a square foot. From there it goes up. We have a wide variety within the starting point and high end – so don’t worry.

Can I place hot pans on granite?
Granite can handle up to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I cut on granite?
You sure can, but you are going to dull your knives over time.

How often do I need to seal my granite?
Once a year is a good guideline. Think of it this way. In the fall you change your clock, your fire alarm batteries, and seal your granite.

 How do I get my granite to shine?
The slabs of granite are polished during the process in the cutting mills. The final glossy finish is a process, not a product, which is achieved by buffing under a very high-pressure process.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions, but it is definitely not all that we have been asked. Feel free to stop by or call us to ask yours!

 

RV Camping in Alaska

We went and found what have been ranked among the top 5 campgrounds in Alaska! I hope you will take them into consideration during the summer just like we plan to!

 Brushkana Campgrounds (near Denali National Park)
This campground does also accommodate tent camping if you want to throw the kids outside. Each spot is close to wilderness, but they also provide toilet amenities to their campers. Camping fees are under $20 and are collected by a ranger every morning!

Hidden Lake Campground (near Cooper’s Landing)
The nice thing about this campground is that the paths are asphalt so you won’t be shaken like a martini on your way to your spot! Camping fees are only $10 and they offer plenty of amenities to keep you feeling not so left in the wilderness.

Granite Creek Campground (Glacier Ranger District)
Yes we liked this for more than just the name! With only 19 sites there is no need to worry about overcrowding! At under $10 it is a bargain as well! There are some amenities to keep you happy, and plenty of fun to stay busy!

We have not hit these just yet – but they are on our plan of attack. What are on your spots you always hit?

Empty Space Renovations

The kids are moving out and you have realized that there is room in your house to spare. What do you do now? Renovate! Now is the time to take all the ideas you have kicked around in your head and make them a reality.

It is time to make use of the space in your house to find yourself again! Maybe a workout room, a craft room, a sitting room or a man cave! There are renovations that can be done with just a couple modifications, or we can tear down and start from scratch – it is your call!

A craft room would be complete with a fantastic countertop made to withstand the abuse of cutting and ink. A new walk-in closest with a center island of granite to lay items out on sounds great! A sitting room with a fantastic coffee table that has a heat resistant top to help hold those cups of coffee during conversations with friends.

We can help turn now, empty space into rooms for living again! Your idea is where it starts – come in and lets talk about making them a reality!

Not All Sinks Are Created Equal

What do you know about sinks? Here are some things to consider when you start to look for new items to place in your kitchen.

Stainless Steel – this is the most popular style. It matches the style of appliances that are out there. Stainless steel offers tone of benefits like resistance to chipping, and cracking. The look it provides is sophisticated yet functional.

Granite Composite – one of the most durable sinks on the market today. The dense rock particles at the sink’s surface keep scratches and chips away.

Granite – these sinks can be installed as undercounted sinks, which is one of the biggest requests we get anymore. They also come in a variety of bowl shapes to fit every need.

Quartz Composite – these can resist everyday cuts, scuffs, and cleaners, but they are a step below granite when it comes to durability. The color on these are uniform throughout which makes them a good choice for some designs.

We try to best fit your design style with the items that we carry. We are always willing to sit down and talk you through what we have to help make your house a home.

Give us a call today to discuss your sink needs!

Statues of Stone

There are some amazing statues out there that are made from stone. Here are a few that we love and are pretty well known!

Mout Rushmore in South Dakota

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Martin Luther King Jr has some of his most famous words etched on the front and back of his memorial.

The Thinker by Rodin

What are some of your favorites?

So You Want To Go Camping…

You have decided that this is the year you will do it. You will pack up and go camping. Not like RV camping with luxuries like a bathroom and enclosed space with a comfy bed. You want to go camping with a tent and minimal items.  

#1 you are not in the majority, so have fun! Keep in mind that there are some things to consider while doing your camping in this approach.

Sleeping – Make sure you have a tent big enough for every person that is going, and you have the stakes to secure it.  Do you need to worry about anything if it rains?

Clothing – maybe only take one or two outfits besides the one you wear. You may get wet, or the weather may change. Keep your options low.

Food – Think about what you will have to cook with, or what your options of utensils are.

Comfort – Sleeping bag? Blankets? Cot? Only you know what you can survive with to get enough rest to stay safe.

There are plenty of websites to use for checklists and helpful hints – these are some of our favorites:

REI Camping Checklist
WikiHow – Camping Minimalist Style
Angelfire – Camping Basics

What’s In – What’s Out

There area always staples that will never change or go out of style – and personal touch is something to never underestimate. There are some trends that are being seen in the 2014 market that we would like to make mention of.

Opening up closed cabinets. No more doors! There are two ways to see this – one with just shelves and no enclosure, and those with glass doors to see inside. I am not so sure I want people to see my dishes, but I am more old school than 2014.

Lightening up dark floors – the late 90’s made way for super dark espresso flooring.  People are starting  to want to “let the light in” and go for a more friendly and bright look.

These are just two of the main themes popping up – what are the things you see coming and going?

Four Wheel Fun

Spring is here and so is outdoor fun!  When it comes to spending time outside I love to get on the ATV and explore what Alaska has to offer. I like to take these rides off the beaten path to find the untouched wilderness that The Last Frontier has but we don’t always see driving down the road.

Regardless if you are by yourself or with a crowd it is always important to make sure you take precautions for your safety.

• Helmets are a must.  Injuries can happen faster than you think – and with no time to react.
• Invest in a winch. If you get stuck and there is no one around to help or who can help, this is a fantastic piece of equipment to help get you out of that tight spot. Your cellphone might not work that far out.
• Extra Gas. A small can is all you need so that you can be sure to not get stuck if you wander beyond your limits without knowing.
• Fix-A-Flat.  A spare tire isn’t always easy to log around. Things happen in rugged terrain so why not keep some help in your back pocket just in case. A can is lighter than an extra rubber wheel.

No matter where you are, enjoy your time and have fun while doing it safely!

 

Granite Alternative: Quartz

Granite isn’t the only thing that we do – we can install Quartz Countertops for you as well! They have many great qualities including being durable and attractive in appearance!

This is a manufactured product and can be stronger than that of natural stone – depending on what you are wanting to do with it.  There is a much wider range of colors than that of natural stone due to it being engineered.  It has the strength of concrete but is able to stand up to the test of time and everyday life. It doesn’t chip as easy so you don’t have to cringe when something hits it.

There are not a ton of downsides to putting in quartz in your house. One of the biggest things you will see is price.  Keep in mind that the price you see is for a long lasting  countertop that will stand the test of time.  So it may seem like a lot up front, but over time – you won’t see more investment into it.  Seams can be noticeable and they are not resistant to heat as the natural stones, so you do have to be careful with hot pots, pans, and dishes.

This is a great option for a high end look but no real maintenance. They could be perfect for you if you are able to live with the very few drawbacks that were presented. Come in and let us talk through what works best for what you want!

Granite and Value

Granite is a popular choice in the kitchen and many more places in the house these days. The overwhelming questions that seems to come with it is “Is it worth it?”

We obviously think so, but here is the reason. Historically it will add about 25% value to your home. Who doesn’t like to hear “added value?” I know that when it comes to a market that can get saturated, it is a nice touch to set you apart from other homes in the area.

The kitchen is where people go to congregate it seems. It is a happy place and you spend everyday in it. You obviously want to enjoy this space. You know that your area will be unique because no granite is ever the same for starters.

Durability is also a key benefit. People like to buy something that is going to last. Even though it isn’t completely indestructible, it sure does seem like it when you see it in a home you want to purchase.

When there is more than one house in the same area up for sale and they have similarities, don’t you want to set yourself apart from the other? Granite is one of the top ways to do it. People remember houses, but they don’t forget granite.

Let us help you make your house unforgettable by setting up an appointment to view options for your space today!