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January 29, 2006

International Trends

By John Filippelli

BOLOGNA, ITALY — When it comes to high style, words such as tweed, twill and leather would typically conjure images of runway models in Milan rather than ceramic tiles in Bologna. But, kitchen and bath design professionals attending the 23rd annual Cersaie found these images abundant among the new crop of eye-catching ceramic tile innovations showcased at the event.

Billed as the world’s largest exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings, Cersaie once again showed how designers can help put more style in their tile, showcasing a variety of daring new formats and textures. These ranged from bold uses of color and unique patterns – including animal skin looks and braille-like patterns designed to aid the visually impaired – to more sublime applications featuring modish floral prints and vine-like aesthetics that “connect” tiles to one another. And, just as color and texture remain hot trends in the kitchen and bath, these elements were highly evident in the tile selections on display.
Chris Abbate, spokesperson for Ceramic Tiles of Italy and principal for Park Slope, NY-based Novita Communications, explains: “The overall theme was definitely texture and color, but moving in a new direction. There was a lot more color across the board, with much richer, brighter colors and a lot of play with black and gray.”
The word from Italy was also clearly modernist, with many design professionals in attendance commenting on the striking, contemporary designs.
“I was very impressed at the move toward modernism,” notes Eddie Jones, principal of Phoenix, AZ-based Jones Studio. “It was expressed at the booths as well as in the products.”
For those who prefer a softer contemporary look, there was also a noticeable Asian influence reflected in many of the tile designs, including raku effects in blues, reds and grays, many times complemented by landscape and picturesque patterns.
The retro design trend that’s increasingly showing up in the bathroom was clearly evident through the tile offerings on display, according to designers attending the show.
As Carl D’Aquino, principal of D’Aquino Monaco in New York, NY, commented, “There was a fascinating attempt at the retro, throwback feel with texture. There were tiles that were pillowed and looked upholstered, and others that looked architecturally shaped and resembled pottery shapes in a way.”
Other tile designs continued the “eco-friendly” theme featured last year, while still others introduced framed tiles, extra small mosaic pieces and tiny pebbles to create unique designs.

Designer Tile
Another key trend was the collaboration among tile manufacturers, architects and designers in creating the tile designs. Just as “name designers” are increasingly adding prestige to kitchen and bath products in the U.S., products created in conjunction with name design professionals in Italy seemed to do especially well at the show.
For instance, renowned Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas worked with Cerdomus to develop “Sculpture,” a 10"x16" porcelain tile series that features a corrugated surface that can be laid vertically or horizontally. Modish flowers – another big trend at the show – highlight Tord Boontje’s “Primavera,” the result of a commission by Italian manufacturer Bardelli. Part of a new compositional series offered by the company, “Primavera” features a soothing palette of platinum and spring-like colors to reflect a strong sense of nature.
Bardelli also partnered with architect, designer and commentator Nigel Coates to offer “Bodypark,” an eye-catching vision of platinum-colored, life-size human figures in motion, created with computerized scanning.
Bisazza worked with designers Carlo Dal Bianco, Marco Braga and Marcel Wanders to develop 11 new mosaic collections. The collections – which mix antique and modern, East and West, and minimal and baroque styles – feature the influence of 1950s upholstery, embroideries and classic textile patterns, such as “Chester,” “China Birds,” “Corallo” and “Paisley.”
Likewise, architect Marco Rosin designed Trend’s new collection “Brick,” which is a modular system consisting of transparent glass tiles with an interlocking plastic mechanism. “The ‘bricks’ can be easily joined together to form stunning room dividers, screens and panels without using cement, mortar or sand,” Abbate concludes.

Putting the Style in Tile - Feature Articles - Kitchen And Bath Design News

Posted by huligar at 06:19 PM | Comments (0)

January 28, 2006

Promoting Almerías Marble

ALMERÕAíS marble is a valuable asset to the regional economy although not, perhaps, as immediately visible as tourism and agriculture.

Both the provincial Chamber of Commerce and the AlmerÌa Port Authority are now working ñ albeit in different ways ñ to help promote this local product and assist exports.

A visit by ten representatives from AlmerÌaís leading marble firms to the Stonetech trade fair in Peking earlier this week was organised by the Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Centro TecnolÛgico Andaluz de la Piedra and the AsociaciÛn Provincial de Empresarios del M·rmol.

The trip to Peking enabled the AlmerÌa quarry companies to observe at first hand one of their principal competitors in this sector. Marble exporters as well as importers since the liberalisation of their countryís economy, the Chinese are now developing specialised quarrying, cutting and polishing machinery that were also of interest to the AlmerÌa expedition.

Meanwhile the AlmerÌa Port Authority is assisting exports thanks to an agreement with shipping companies who have now agreed to load containers at the AlmerÌa cityís docks. Until now local quarries have had to send marble by road to Algeciras or Valencia before shipping to their principal clients, the United States and the Middle East. Loading in AlmerÌa itself will reduce overheads that can be reflected in more competitive prices, which should in turn stimulate exports.

Posted by huligar at 05:21 PM | Comments (0)

January 27, 2006

Stone sculpture comes to Chelsea Flower Show

Guruve Gallery will exhibit a selection of Zimbabwean stone sculpture at the Chelsea Flower Show in May,...

effectively establishing it as the UK's leading supplier of large Zimbabwean sculptures of the highest quality. Guruve specialises in contemporary stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, finding talented young artists and bringing their work to a wider audience. They also promote artists from elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa who work in a wide range of media from oils to scrap metal. Although Zimbabwe's younger artists may choose modern themes, the striking simplicity of their pieces reveals they too belong to an art movement that first gained international exposure in the 1950s, when Frank McEwen was appointed as the first curator of the new National Gallery in Harare. McEwen was impressed with the talent of some of the artists he met in Zimbabwe, and he encouraged them to paint and later to sculpt. Because of his contacts in the international art world, he was able to give the movement that later became known as 'Shona sculpture' (after Zimbabwe's most numerous tribe) its first international exposure. McEwen encouraged the artists to look inward, to find their so-called tribal subconsciousness and express it through their art. Much of the early work was inspired by Shona mythology. Over the following 50 years, many first- and second-generation artists have become famous worldwide. They are classed among the world's most talented sculptors. Names to look out for include Henry Munyaradzi, Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Joseph Ndandarika, Colleen Madamombe (the best-known female sculptor) and Richard Mteki. Brighton Sango was a leading light of the second generation until his untimely suicide in the 1990s. Collectors include Prince Charles, who opened the first major exhibition in the UK at the Barbican centre in the 1980s, and Michael Jackson. Shona sculpture is widely accepted as the most important art movement to emerge from Africa in the twentieth century. It is very popular in the United States and Continental Europe, but it is less well known in the UK. General awareness of the art form in the UK was increased substantially by a high profile exhibition in 2000 at Kew Gardens in London, organised by Chapungu, featuring major works by many of the big names. There is a new generation of amazingly talented artists working in Zimbabwe today, some still in their teens but already showing great promise. One of the best places to see their work is the Chitungwiza Arts Centre, a new sculpture community located in the centre of Zimbabwe's third largest city, Chitungwiza. The city was traditionally known as a place where some of the best known sculptors lived and worked, displaying their pieces in their front yards.

The Shona Art Movement

Guruve specialises in stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, often known as the Shona art movement. Although the younger artists may choose modern themes, the striking simplicity of their pieces reveals they too belong to an art movement that first gained international exposure in the 1950s...

In 1957, Frank McEwen was appointed as the first curator of the new National Gallery in Harare. He had previously been curator at the Rodin Museum, Paris and had links with various artists of the time, including Picasso (who was himself heavily influenced by African art) and Matisse.

McEwen was impressed with the talent of some of the artists he met in Zimbabwe, and he encouraged them to paint and later to sculpt. Because of his contacts in the international art world, he was able to give the movement that later became known as 'Shona sculpture' (after Zimbabwe's most numerous tribe) its first international exposure. However, it is not fair to say that he created the movement.

McEwen encouraged the artists to look inward, to find their so-called tribal subconsciousness and express it through their art. Much of the early work was inspired by Shona mythology.

During the 1960s, Tom Bloemfield, a white farmer from Tengenenge in northern Zimbabwe, was looking to diversify land use on his farm. Tengenenge is located on the Great Dyke, source of good quality serpentine stone. He set up one the first, and now the largest and best-known, sculpture communities - many famous artists have worked there. (N.B. Guruve is the main town near to Tengenenge.) Other sculpture communities were located at Cyrene Mission near Great Zimbabwe and later at Chapungu Village in the suburbs east of Harare.

Over the following fifty years, many first- and second-generation artists have become famous worldwide. They are classed among the world's most talented sculptors. Names to look out for include Henry Munyaradzi, Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Joseph Ndandarika, Colleen Madamombe (the best-known female sculptor) and Richard Mteki. Brighton Sango was a leading light of the second generation until his untimely suicide in the 1990s. Collectors include Prince Charles, who opened the first major exhibition in the UK at the Barbican centre in the 1980s, and Michael Jackson!

Shona sculpture is widely accepted as the most important art movement to emerge from Africa in the twentieth century. It is very popular in the United States and Continental Europe, but it is less well known in the UK. General awareness of the art form in the UK was increased substantially by a high profile exhibition in 2000 at Kew Gardens in London, organised by Chapungu, featuring major works by many of the big names.

There is a new generation of amazingly talented artists working in Zimbabwe today, some still in their teens but already showing great promise. One of the best places to see their work is the Chitungwiza Arts Centre, a new sculpture community located in the centre of Zimbabwe's third largest city, Chitungwiza. The city was traditionally known as a place where some of the best known sculptors lived and worked, displaying their pieces in their front yards. The new Arts Centre was established with UNDP and Government Education Department funding, specifically to provide promising young artists with a stable base where they could develop their skills. With their new urban influences, these young artists are building on the old school of 'Shona sculpture' and creating a new modern style.

Posted by huligar at 07:21 AM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2006

Home Design Emporium Grand Opening

Triad -
Greensboro - Phase I of the Home Design Emporium at New Garden Village will celebrate its grand opening Friday, January 27, 2006 with an open house beginning at 1:30 p.m. and an evening reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. The first-of-its-kind, all-in-one complex was created to spark creative energy as consumers, builders, architects and designers envision what new and existing homes can become with a selection of distinctive home renaissance products, services and expertise. The Emporium will open with an array of shops, showrooms, home products displays, architectural/design studios and a fine living gallery.

New stores and showrooms include:

· Closet Genie, a custom closet cabinetry and professional design service. Closet Genie builds closet cabinetry for new homes, home remodeling, pantries, laundry rooms, garages, storage areas, and attic spaces, among others.

· Heart of Living Home Gallery, featuring original art, fine furniture, antiques and accessories in a home-like setting. Heart of Living is an independent gallery created for designers, builders and home owners that blends art and fine furnishings into an environmental showcase of expression, style, color, imagination and inspiration.

· Imagine Tile & Stone, one of the Southeast’s preeminent resources of tile and natural stone. From the classic look of marble or granite to the more decorative flair of architectural moldings and intricate mosaics, Imagine Tile & Stone helps customers make selections that reflect their personality and the décor of their home.

· Light – With Style, (coming soon) representing antique lighting from all parts of the world. In addition, Light-With Style will carry a variety of high end amenities for the home including Antique Building Products, Stone Age Design custom mantelpieces and architectural stone, Homefires gas coals and fireplace logs, Castle Entries custom-forged entry doors, Concrete Impressions stamped concrete and AGA cookers.

· Top Secret Custom Countertops, which designs, fabricates and installs solid surface countertops including granite, marble, Corian, natural quartz and exotic butcher block. Top Secret offers exclusive items that include new, thicker cuts of stain resistant marble and a new permanent sealing technology for granite countertops.

· Windsor’s Cabinetry, specialists in cabinetry designed for kitchens and baths. Windsor’s background in fine arts and interior design, and their experience in cabinet craftsmanship combine to provide unique insights into the quality of design, construction, installation and project management of custom cabinetry.

The Home Design Emporium is managed by Martha Faw, one of Greensboro's most respected builders. Faw, president of Southern Structures, Inc., has more than two decades experience in the fields of home and commercial design, engineering and construction.

Posted by huligar at 05:21 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2006

Plaza Towers owners will fix waterfall, install footpath

City commissioners agreed Tuesday to take up the Plaza Towers building owners on their offer to fix the 10-year-old sculpture and install a footpath between the Grand River and the 32-story hotel, condominium and apartment complex.

By Jim Harger
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Water finally will flow over the neglected Michael Singer sculpture downtown.

GRAND RAPIDS -- Water finally will flow over the neglected Michael Singer sculpture downtown.
City commissioners agreed Tuesday to take up the Plaza Towers building owners on their offer to fix the 10-year-old sculpture and install a footpath between the Grand River and the 32-story hotel, condominium and apartment complex.
Eenhoorn-Springlake had offered to fix the sculpture and install the riverwalk as part of a proposal to pay off a $4 million mortgage held by the city and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Eenhoorn officials also agreed to maintain the sculpture and fountain for 15 years.

First Ward Commissioner James Jendrasiak was the sole vote against the project. "Fifteen years from now, we're going to be in the same place we are now," he said. "It was just a bad decision to put the sculpture where it is now."

The Singer sculpture, installed 10 years ago at a cost of $1.4 million, never has operated properly and is prone to flood damage and graffiti. It was supposed to have pumps to create a cascading waterfall over its slabs of stone.

After it was installed, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality refused to allow the waterfall to operate because it would have resulted in city water flowing into the river -- an unauthorized discharge.

As part of the repairs, the sculpture will be re-plumbed so water from the river cascades over the rocks.
Eenhoorn offered to pay off the $4 million mortgage before its 2010 due date if the city and DDA agreed to accept $2 million in cash and the riverwalk and sculpture repairs in exchange. The DDA stands to get about $1.7 million from the offer while the city will get about $300,000.

While the DDA approved the offer, city commissioners balked at the request last November.

Eenhoorn officials refused to separate the sculpture repairs from their prepayment offer, saying the improvements were important to the riverfront as well as their own project.

Local philanthropist Peter Wege, who contributed to the original sculpture, and Alticor Inc., which is building a luxury hotel upstream, also urged commissioners to accept Eenhoorn's offer.
Mayor George Heartwell encouraged the commission to approve it, saying the Singer sculpture was a "significant work of art."

Posted by huligar at 07:21 AM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2006

Vanity Top Supplier Opens New Facility

FLORENCE, KY — Stonehouse Building Products, a Florence, KY-based manufacturer of solid surface vanity tops, has opened a new manufacturing facility here, the company announced.*

The new 50,000-sq.-ft. facility increases the company’s capacity for producing custom vanity tops, and will lead to nearly a doubling of Stonehouse’s 125-person workforce, corporate officials said.
“The new state-of-the-art facility will increase our capacity on one shift more than 300% and provide our customers with shorter lead times and a higher-quality product,” said Stonehouse president and CEO Bill Barkalow.
Stonehouse will continue to operate its 17,000-sq.-ft. facility in Hamersville, OH, where the focus will be on special orders and new product development, Barkalow pointed out.
___________________________________________________________________

http://www.stonehousebuildingproducts.com/advantage.php

*After browsing their site, one would believe that there was no such thing as a Stone Restoration Technicians or professionals. Is the art of Stone Restoration besmirched in this way by all faux-stone peddlers and look-alike retailers? Can we do anything to set the record straight for prospective consumers? Is this another example of the need to raise awareness.

Posted by huligar at 05:21 PM | Comments (0)

January 22, 2006

ogee edge on Paveo granite is too flat and so hazy and dull

Hello,
This is my first question for the forum and I hope someone can offer a solution.

The ogee edge on my granite is much flatter than I thought it would be. Also, there is a dull haze on the edge. Like it wasn't hand polished enough.

Anyway, I spoke to the owner of the company and they told me there was nothing they could do about it. I had wanted them to come to my home and re polish and router it deeper on site.

I have purchased marble waxes and 0000 steel wool and it helps but its very temporary. My shoulder is killing me from all the polishing I do.

Can this problem be fixed or do I just have to live with it.

Thanks for your help.
Lisa

I should mention that I did a lot of shopping around for my granite and I chose this particular yard because they were so nice and very professional. They were also the most expensive, but I thought they would do right by me. Boy, was I an idiot.

ogee edge on Paveo granite is too flat and so hazy and dull :: Stone Advice

Posted by huligar at 08:27 PM | Comments (0)

On the Way Out?

Avoid these now-popular home design trends in 2006
By Sally Beatty
From RealEstateJournal.com

Designers say homeowners are getting tired of shiny countertops. Photo by Diana Lundin

Judi Staab hopes she isn't a kitchen fashion victim.
For years, she and her husband wanted shiny granite countertops -- like those pushed on TV home-improvement shows -- so when the couple renovated their kitchen in Palm City, Fla., a few months ago, they made sure they got them.
But now that the Staabs have spent $45,000 on new fixtures and cabinets, Ms. Staab worries that soon it may all look so... 2005. "At some point, someone is going to say, 'Granite again?' I can't stand it," she says.
January's renovation resolution: Don't ring in the new year with a home-improvement look that's already on its way out. With the $233 billion remodeling business booming -- up more than 50 percent from 1993 to 2003 -- manufacturers and retailers are pushing more options for floors, countertops, bathroom fixtures and other stuff that costs tens of thousands of dollars to install and rip back out again.
But clearly, some big household fads are more quickly destined than others for the crowbar treatment. Those matte-surfaced, honed-stone countertops that have been big sellers over the past year or so? The idea may not look so brilliant in a few years, and even their makers say they chip more easily than shiny versions. Plus they stain.
So for homeowners considering installing open cabinets, floating staircases and bowl-shaped bathroom sinks, the question is: Which of these is the next doomed avocado-colored dishwasher? We talked to decorators, retailers and manufacturers and came up with five trends most likely to die.
It's getting tougher figuring out if your dream kitchen is destined to fizzle, because the options keep multiplying. In 2005, Armstrong Holdings introduced close to 500 new hardwood floor styles, bringing the company total to over 5,000. Ann Sacks, the tile outfit, now offers 200 collections -- double the number from 10 years ago -- including tiles made of aluminum, leather and even glass backed with 14-karat gold. (One of its new hand-set mosaic styles mimics a boardwalk in Rio De Janeiro and sells for $362 a square foot.) Wood-Mode, a custom cabinet maker in Kreamer, Pa., has recently introduced finishes that include as many as 27 manufacturing steps -- including fly-specking, sanding, baking, joint-splitting, hand-staining and worm-holing. Seven years ago, the company's special finishes required at most 10 steps.
But even as manufacturers push old looks out to make room for new ones, some manage to stick around. Stainless-steel kitchen appliances, for one, have been declared "out" off and on for a decade -- yet they're still a big seller, and real-estate brokers say they still boost home resale values.
The product glut parallels the renovation boom of the last decade. According to a study by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, almost 30 million homes were "significantly upgraded" in the past 10 years. The fastest-growing segment of the market was interior spaces, with kitchens accounting for the biggest chunk, at $13.5 billion, followed by bathrooms, at $10.5 billion.
With predictions that the housing market may start to cool, making the right decisions about fixtures and floors becomes even more important for 2006, since the investment might not earn back what it would have in a booming market. "It's been great the last few years," says Keith Hughes, a director of equity research who covers the building-products business for Atlanta securities firm SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. But now "that specific remodeling project could feel a little bit of pressure."
Some homeowners are ready to take a break from remodeling. Ellen Gefen, a TV producer in Greensboro, N.C., just finished redoing her kitchen, and was overwhelmed by the pressure to make the right choice in everything from paint color to cabinet knobs. She says she can't imagine ever renovating again: "It's different than having a baby, where you forget the pain."
Here are design trends that could be on their way out -- and what's likely to replace them.
Sinks
WHAT MAY DIE: Above-counter sinks
WHAT'S NEXT: Wet surface, farm-style
… … …
Kitchen Countertops
WHAT MAY DIE: Matte stone
WHAT'S NEXT: Engineered compounds
Polished granite has been fashionable for awhile now, but in the last few years it has lost its luster. "It's all about, 'I don't want shiny,'" says Marvin Daniel, president and chief executive of Kitchen Designworks, a kitchen designer and remodeler in Richmond, Va. "Shiny is conspicuous consumption."
That has given rise to a more subtle countertop -- with surfaces that are sanded or honed for a matte appearance. At Poggenpohl U.S., honed granite counters represent 39 percent of granite-counter sales, up from about 7 percent in 2000, while polished granite is down to about 61 percent of granite sales, from 93 percent in 2000. Similarly, Joanne Hudson, the owner of a kitchen-design firm in Philadelphia, says honed countertops now represent about 80 percent of granite sales, up from about 5 percent five years ago, while shiny granite has slid to 20 percent.
The problem: Honed stone is generally softer and more porous than polished versions and can end up chipped or stained. "If you leave a glass of red wine or tomato juice on a honed counter, you've had it," says Lothar Birkenfeld, president of Poggenpohl U.S. So while retailers from Gracious Homes in New York to Home Depot's Expo Design Centers are marketing honed to their customers, some decorators are advising their clients to steer clear. "I tell people you need to understand this is going to stain, but they don't always hear what you're saying," says Mr. Daniel.
With kitchen-countertop sales relatively flat, makers are pushing alternatives. One newer option: engineered slabs made from a mixture of quartz and synthetic compounds that feel like stone and come in colors like lime green and cherry red. Makers say the slabs are practical because they are stain- and scratch-resistant, and at $50 to $80 per square foot, a lot cheaper than Italian marble. In Boston, Dalia Tamari, owner of a kitchen-design business, says engineered stone countertops account for 35 percent of the countertops she installs, up from nothing two years ago.
Kitchen Cabinets
WHAT MAY DIE: Glass doors
WHAT'S NEXT: Dark woods, smooth surfaces
… … ….
Televisions
WHAT MAY DIE: Built-in flat-panels
WHAT'S NEXT: Flat-panels on top of furniture
… … ….
Tile Floors
WHAT MAY DIE: Tumbled stones
WHAT'S NEXT: Oversized tiles
In the past few years, tumbling, a process that gives floor stones a rustic, old feel, has become a mainstay of upscale tile firms. These makers push the look as unexpected -- bringing the outdoors inside -- and practical because their rough surfaces are less slippery than polished tiles.
But the tiles also have an impractical side: Because they're used to create a country feel, they're often installed with wide grout lines, which is hard to clean. What's more, now that more mainstream outlets like Lowe's are carrying tumbled wares, high-end tile stores are directing their clients to a more refined look. At Artistic Tile, a stone and mosaic importer based in Secaucus, N.J., tumbled stone accounted for 10 percent of sales in 2005, down from about 23 percent in 2001; the firm says demand is shifting to honed and polished styles.
One new look is oversized stone tiles, measuring 12 inches by 36 inches, instead of the traditional 12 inches by 12 inches. "It gives it a more substantial look," says David Meitus, a partner in Studium, a New York tile and stone importer. One caveat: Make sure the big sizes work in proportion to the rest of the room.

To see what the experts and the guy on the front line has to say. click on the link below.

Avoid these now-popular home design trends in 2006 :: Stone Advice

Posted by huligar at 07:21 AM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2006

10 Tips for Working With a Contractor

by Debbie Rodgers

This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck, add a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the research. It's well within your capability and you're looking forward to the satisfaction of creating a structure of beauty.

Or not. Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an outdoor structure but for you, it isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with a contractor.
1.Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a description. This will help you accurately convey to the contractor what you want the finished product to be.
2.Make a list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the names of reputable tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards, for example -- and ask for recommendations.
3.Get at least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to the temptation to automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. If you get a very low bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or forgotten to bid on everything you wanted. If they have deliberately low-bid, they may use cheaper materials or take shortcuts to make a profit.
4.Many states and provinces require registration and/or licensing. For the USA, www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point for your state and type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors License. If licences are required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask to see your contractor's licences and be sure that it's not expired.
5.Ask for references and then check them out. Look at the projects and ask the previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of work done, if it was started and completed on schedule and if it is complete.
6.Get a signed, written contract and be sure you understand it. The Construction Contractors Board of Oregon claims that the single biggest cause of homeowner-contractor disputes is the written contract: not having one, having a poor one, or having one everyone ignores. A good contract should include:
oThe company name, address (not a post office box) & phone number, the name of the builder, contractor and licence number, if applicable
oA detailed project description
oA materials list
oA statement that all necessary permits and inspections are the responsibility of the contractor
oStarting and completion dates
oWarranties of workmanship, the length of the warranty, and specifically what's covered and what's not
oContractor's guarantee that he carries liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage
oA statement that clean-up will be done by the contractor
oThe total price and payment schedule
Be wary of hourly, time and materials or cost-plus pricing where the final price is not determined until completion of the project. Although it may seem higher, a fixed price may give you the best protection and price.
Be cautious about upfront payments for more than 15% of the contract price.
The schedule and criteria for each instalment should be clearly defined in the contract.
Any instalments should be not be required on a certain date, but correlated to work completion.
Do not pay cash. A reputable builder will ask for a check.

7.Make any changes to the project in writing with a "work order change" to avoid misunderstandings and surprises.
8.Keep pets and children away from the construction site. This will ensure not only their safety, but also that of the workers. In addition, it helps keep the project on schedule.
9.Inspect the work regularly.
10.Pay directly and promptly according to the contract.
Above all, you should feel comfortable communicating with your contractor. If you sense he is being evasive when you are getting a quote, it won't get any better during the construction period. Find someone you understand and who understands you, and who is open and forthright.

Working with a contractor takes a little preparation, but following these steps is well worth it. Are you looking forward to your new outdoor space?

About the Author
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

Posted by huligar at 07:32 AM | Comments (0)

January 20, 2006

Natural stone

floors offer a distinct and beautiful alternative to your flooring choices. Each stone has it own unique visual appearance. Unlike glazed ceramic tiles, stone tiles do not have a protective glazed coating on top and the color goes all the way through the tiles.

Marble floors have been used for centuries and can add an aura of splendor and sophistication to any room. No two pieces of marble are exactly alike which helps create the distinctive natural visuals that are only achieved within nature. Polishing the marble tiles gives them a patina that enhances the overall beauty of each tile. Installation is really left to the professionals who know how to handle and worth with marble and other stones.

Granite is one of the hardest and most durable of all stones used in flooring. The speckled colorations found in granite a beautiful and subtle fine pattern of color. Polishing the granite adds a visible sheen and depth to each tile. Like marble, no two pieces are a like and color variations add to the natural beauty and appeal. Professional installation is highly recommended for installing granite floor tiles.

Slate Floors
Slate is more of a fine grained rock with traces of metal that were present during it's slow, natural formation in the earth. Natural shade variations are an inherent characteristic of slate and enhance the distinctive details of each piece. Slate has a rustic charm that appeals to our senses for natural materials.

Travertine Floors
Travertine stones helped build the Roman Empire and adds to the appeal for these stones. Crystalized minerals and limestone create these beatiful beige stones with unique color and veining characteristics. Polishing the travertine stones gve more depth, sheen and accents tbe natural variations of the stone. These two need to be installed by a professional who is use to working with stones.

Care of Stone Floors
Stones should have a special penetrating sealer to prevent staining and help protect the pores of the stone's surface. Use special cleaners made for stones that are non-acidic. Regular cleaning with a soft dust mop is recommended to help remove dirt and grit from the floor.

Posted by huligar at 07:17 AM | Comments (0)

January 19, 2006

How To Create a Flagstone Floor Using Paperclay

From Kim Walter,
Your Guide to Miniatures.
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This easy project makes a miniature stone floor using paperclay and a Houseworks plastic flagstone tile sheet. Learn how to use Creative Paperclay in your dollhouse miniature projects and keep your plastic tile sheets as molds for re-using.
Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 1 hour (not including drying time for paperclay)

Here's How:
1. Place wax paper on your table and place the two basswood sticks far enough apart to fit the size of the floor you need. Make sure that your clay roller or rolling pin is long enough to rest on both sticks - this is what determines the thickness of the clay when you roll it out

2. Take a hunk of the paperclay and place in between the two basswood sticks and slowly roll the paperclay out until the clay is the same depth as the basswood (3/32"). If you are using a wooden rolling pin, cover it in plastic wrap so it will not stick to the clay.

3. Once the clay is rolled out, take the Houseworks Plastic Flagstone Tile Sheet and gently press it into the top of the paperclay. (You can remove the strips of basswood on either side of the clay.)

4. When the sheet is pressed in over the entire clay surface, start at one corner and gently peel back the plastic sheet from the clay. You will see the pattern imprinted onto the clay.

5. If you need to trim your floor to size, use an x-acto knife or a plastic clay knife. If using the x-acto, be careful not to cut through the wax paper and damage the table surface underneath.

6. Using the stiff wire brush, beat texture into the clay. Do as little or as much as you prefer. If you do too much, you can always ball up the clay and start over again.

7. If you are putting the clay on top of a floor (inside a room or greenhouse), put tacky glue on the floor and then very carefully apply the clay to the floor.

8. Let clay dry overnight. If cracks develop in the floor you can add more fresh clay and let that dry.

9. Once the clay is dry, you can paint it with acrylic paints. Paint the grout color first, then with a pad of soft fabric or a sponge, dry brush the tops of the stones to create the stone colors. Use several different shades of the same color to achieve the look you want.

10. After the paint has dried, seal the clay with a spray or liquid varnish. Use either matte or semi-gloss depending on your preference.

11. Your floor is finished!

Tips:
While the paperclay is wet, you can always ball it up and start over if you make a mistake.
You can dry the paperclay in your oven if you need it to dry faster. It has more of a tendency to warp and crack though.
Use green foam to create moss in the cracks.
You can use other types of plastic sheets for molds - just make sure the plastic is flexible enough to peel away from the paperclay so it will not stick.
You have to roll out the paperclay and press the plastic into it. You cannot press paperclay into the plastic sheet, it will not come out of the mold in one piece.
What You Need:
Tacky Glue
Creative Paperclay
Houseworks Sheet of Flagstone Tile Flooring
2 Strips of Basswood 3/32” x ¼” x 24”
Wax paper
Acrylic floor
Wood or tile base if making a stand-alone floor
stiff wire brush
plastic clay roller or wood rolling pin or plastic pipe

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January 18, 2006

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January 17, 2006

NTC Seminar Announcement

Greetings! Well, its 2006 and NTC is kicking off another year of seminars. We are really excited this year for several reasons. The first is we have lots of new equipment at both our NC and CA locations, including a new CNC on its way to both locations. To start the year off right we are offering a 10% discount on all our seminars for the next two months. To claim this discount you must sign up 10 days before the seminar date. NTC and our staff wish everyone a happy new year.

Stone Flooring Restoration
Where: Asheville, NC: February 14-15 Gilroy, CA February 5-6 Cost: $800.00 per person This course will qualify you for the stone restoration certification test-ask us when you register Our popular stone restoration seminar is a must for those involved or for those entering the stone refinishing business. This two day program is divided into classroom and hands on training. This training includes all the latest up to date techniques including a complete review of all equipment and chemicals.

Stone Fabrication Seminar

Stone and Engineered Stone Fabrication- The Basics - This course will qualify you for the stone fabrication certification test-ask us when you register Where: Asheville, NC: 2006: Jan 25-26-27* Gilroy, CA Februar 9-10-11* Cost: $800.00 per person for two days; Optional third day for practice $300.00 per person *Optional practice day We have totally revised this seminar per our students request to be more hands on than ever before. Are you thinking about entering the stone fabrication business? Do you want to brush up on your fabrication skills? This seminar has been designed to show you all the latest, up to date techniques and equipment available for the fabrication of stone. This two day program will include hands on training. This year per our students request we have added an optional third practice day for those who wish to gain additional experience. Sign up today, space is limited. Selecting slabs for the task- sizes, degree of polish, consistency, imperfections, soundness, suitability and slab handling and storage. Layout and Cutting- book matching, vein matching and customer approval Laminating and sticking- purpose, adhesive selection, color matching and how to achieve tight joints Face Polishing- radial arm polishers and other polishing equipment, abrasives, and techniques Edge Shaping & Polishing- Equipment, abrasives and techniques Sink, Cooktop, and miscellaneous cut-outs- layout considerations, equipment, technique and mounting hardware Final Inspection before Installation Stain removal, sealers and protection Troubleshooting- many tips to solve your most difficult problems.

Stone Counter Top Repair

Seminar Where: Asheville, NC When: January 24th, 2006 Cost: $350.00 per person The polishing and repair of granite, marble and granite countertops is a growing business. One third of every new home built in the US has a granite countertop. With all these countertops, there is going to be a time when they will need repair and polishing. This seminar is designed to show you the techniques for the repair of chipped edges, on site profiling, scratch repair, repolishing and sealing and stain removal. This is a hands on seminar so dress accordingly.

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January 16, 2006

VIC INTERNATIONAL TO HOST 1st MIA ADVANCED COUNTERTOP SEMINAR IN MARCH

The Marble Institute of America will hold the first of three advanced residential countertop sales and production seminars in Knoxville, TN, March 2-3, 2006, an event that has been described as the best combination in the marketplace today of classroom instruction on countertops coupled with hands-on equipment demonstrations.
The first advanced seminar will be hosted by VIC International, headquartered in Knoxville. Other advanced sessions are slated for Portland, Oregon on July 13-14, 2006 and to Boston on August 17-18

"We're pleased to host the site of the first advanced countertop seminar and support the MIA's regional education program," said J. Vic Green, President of VIC International. "This seminar is for companies thinking about growth in the future and it will help identify markets, sales targets, equipment and procedures that must be in place."

Principal instructor will be G.K. Naquin, a 33-year industry veteran who was named "Fabricator of the Year" by Stone World Magazine in 2005. Naquin and his partners operate Stone Interiors LLC, with facilities in Loxley, Alabama and Columbia, South Carolina. Naquin is considered one of the industry's leading countertop experts.

The first day of the seminar will focus on classroom discussions on sales and marketing and taking fabrication and installation businesses to the next level. Day two will offer leading edge equipment demonstrations in a production setting, designed to help increase production and productivity.

Attendees can take part in one or both days of the seminar and fee structures have been designed to accommodate either one or two-day attendance. The MIA member rate is $329 for both days, with substantial discounts for multiple company attendees. Non-members can register for $379 for both days. Early registration discounts are also available.

For complete information on the seminar, visit www.marble-institute.com or call 440-250-9222.

About the Marble Institute of America
For over 60 years the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has been the world's leading information resource and advocate for the natural dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

About the VIC International
For 27 years VIC International has offered equipment and supplies to the Stone Fabrication, Ceramic, Tile, Concrete Surface Prep and Polishing, and Terrazzo Industries. The company headquarters is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Company President J. Vic Green serves on the Marble Institute Board of Directors.

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January 15, 2006

Cimex Planetary Machines

The Cimex Diamond Finisher is a heavy-duty stone and concrete refinishing machine. The unique patented three head planetary drive on our Diamond Finishing machines allow for aggressive grinding and re-polishing of all types of stone and concrete flooring. The action that is attained by the planetary motion eliminates lippage and produces a flat surface that is ideal for refinishing. The machine is portable, fitting through most doorways and available in 110volt, 15 amps, making it ideal for all types of jobs.

huligar.com forum :: View topic - Cimex Machines

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January 13, 2006

M Designs is excited to announce their retail design

M Designs is excited to announce their retail design commission for International Marble Collection’s Fort Worth, Texas Showroom. The new space is filled with an eclectic mix of styles supporting and showcasing the broad range of natural stone products IMC supplies and will open it’s doors in early 2006.

With ease of selection in mind, M Designs focused on making the flow of the showroom one where sales people and customers would be able to create a design from tile, to countertops, to sinks, in one location.

Located at 2100 Handley-Ederville Road in Fort Worth, Texas, the showroom houses a full working kitchen and bar perfect for entertaining clients on a daily basis, as well as hosting events for charities and groups in the Fort Worth area. The entertainment space also highlights a small portion of the backsplash offerings from IMC and allows clients a view into the possibilities of combining materials for a custom look.

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Having shopped at multiple stone suppliers throughout the metroplex, Denise McGaha, Design Principal, wanted to create a user-friendly display space for granite, limestone, travertine and porcelain tiles. The outstanding “Gallery of Stone” is located to the side of the reception area. The entire wall is dedicated to the art of stone and showcases a large portion of the IMC collection available in both slab and tile form. The collection rises like a forest out of a bed of river rock. Tiles and mosaics can be removed from the “trees” and used to create a vision of a client’s project.

IMC’s Fort Worth showroom is an education and a treat. The clear design aesthetic created by M Designs and the diverse product offering from IMC is a winning combination that provides a much needed offering for retail clients, designers and fabricators for miles around.

About M Designs: M Designs is a full service design firm offering complete interior design services, including, retail and commercial interior design, builder services for new construction, drapery, furnishings, and accessories. Under the direction of Denise McGaha, M Designs brings together a team with a wealth of skills and talent.

M Designs Creates Retail Showroom Design for International Marble Collection’s (IMC) Fort Worth Showroom

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January 12, 2006

Stone Industry News Rolls Out Newly Redesigned Website

Francis Heck, publisher of the Stone Industry News, the stone and tile industry’s independent trade publication recently announced the roll out of the print publication’s newly redesigned online presence, Stoneindustrynews.com. The goal of the website redesign is to not only update the site's “look and feel” in order to match the excellence of the services it’s print publication older sibling offers, but to add more available content for its visitors and draw more unique visitors for its advertisers.

Each month roughly 40,000 readers take the opportunity to read the Stone Industry News print edition to stay abreast of the latest industry news and events. The newspaper can be found in executive's suites, lobbies, engineering and production manager's offices, waiting rooms, employee lounges and lunch rooms throughout the industry. That translates into high visibility to a targeted and highly motivated audience for our advertisers. The re-design and re-launch of its online presence will increase those numbers in an exponential fashion for the news makers and advertisers.

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A change has been occurring in the way people choose to view news and locate information in an effort to make buying decisions. Buyers in particular and consumers in general are spending a larger percentage of their media time online, while percentages of advertising dollars are following suit. Internet technology allows advertisers to target website visitors in ways traditional media can't and Stoneindustrynews.com intends to harness that for its visitors/readers and advertisers.

The entire site has been re-worked from the ground up. The old hosting service was scrapped in order to take advantage of a much more powerful hosting solution that will allow the online publication to offer newer and more creative ways for Stone Industry News’ advertisers to communicate with their customers and potential business contacts via auto responders, forums and the like. A new content management system has been added that will allow the site to become more interactive for it’s visitors with features that not only allow for a fully searchable database of all articles ever presented but will also allow for exciting additions such as the ability to email specific articles and display ads to friends along with outbound RSS Stone Industry News feeds to other stone industry specific sites, just to name a few. There are of course, also features like the easier navigation, past edition archives, more color images, industry resources pages and the “Rock Solid” companies links directory pages.

“This is the twenty first century and we felt our readers and advertisers deserved a high-speed, low drag site from the industry’s independent trade publication” said Francis Heck. “We’ve only just begun to spread our wings on this” Heck added.

For stone and tile industry news, suppliers of marble, granite, natural or engineered stone, new or used machinery sales, cemetery monument manufacturers or information on industry trade shows, visit http://stoneindustrynews.com and see the new site.

To subscribe to the Stone Industry News or to view the publication on line go to http://www.stoneindustrynews.com

About Stone Industry News and Stoneindustrynews.com:

The Stone Industry News is the independent trade publication covering the news of the stone and tile industry and Stoneindustrynews.com is the online source for the latest news of the stone and tile industry.
When first envisioned in January of 2003, the Stone Industry News was designed and engineered as a publication that was beholden to no individual company. Since the first issue was mailed in March of that year, the response to this independent publication has been overwhelming. The company's mission statement says it all- "To impartially serve the stone industry through education and communication." Due to a reputation for honesty, integrity and excellent value the Stone Industry News has attracted the leaders of the industry to advertise with the publication. Thanks to their support, the Stone Industry News is able to provide the latest information to well over 30,000 people throughout our vital and vibrant industry.

The Stone Industry News staff and advisors are professionals who are knowledgeable and dedicated to the continued expansion the industry through quality craftsmanship and service to their customers. The organization continually updates the database of industry professionals and communicates the latest technology and methods. The classified ads for employment and surplus equipment offer opportunities for everyone throughout the industry.

The publication’s reputation for honesty, integrity and excellent value has attracted the leaders of the industry to advertise with us. This is a responsibility the publication takes seriously as it move forward with not only its print publication but its internet presence as well.

***
Stone Industry News
P.O. Box 1508
Powell, TN 37849 USA
865.947.9275
Press contact:
Francis Heck publisher@stoneindustrynews.com

Posted by huligar at 09:21 AM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2006

Cut Energy Use Up to 40 Percent with Speedheat Electric Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Tips for saving energy and still staying warm this winter. Includes latest Energy Information Administration's Short-Term Energy Outlook projections for home heating price increases (released January 10, 2006).

With natural gas prices anticipated to rise by 35 percent this winter, many Americans are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption by using www.speedheat.us [alternative heat sources].

Rhonda and Mark Havlish of Northern Indiana read about a unique “under carpet” heating system in This Old House magazine and decided to give it a try.

“Our family room is located over an unheated crawl space, and it always felt colder than the rest of the house,” Mrs. Havlish explains. “After reading about Speedheat’s electric radiant floor heating system, we decided to have two panels installed. Last month, it was unusually cold, and we put the product to the test. It surpassed our expectations. And, with gas prices higher this year, we have kept our thermostat turned down. We are so pleased that we are planning on adding Speedheat in at least two other rooms.”

Sponsor

Rising Heating Costs Are Only Part of the Problem:

The Havlish’s are not alone in trying to stay warm while turning back the thermostat. Higher energy prices are anticipated to hit most Americans in the wallet this winter. According to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Short-Term Energy Outlook released January 10, 2006, “on average, households heating primarily with natural gas likely will spend $257 (35 percent) more for fuel this winter than last winter.” The EIA also projected the following potential increases as compared to last year’s rates: heating oil — up 23 percent, propane — up 17 percent and electricity — up 10 percent. The EIA cautioned that if colder weather prevailed, expenditures could be significantly higher.

If this trend continues, investments made in www.speedheat.us [conserving energy] should pay for themselves in the future through reduced utility bills.

“Zone Heating” Offers an Ideal Solution:

“With the proliferation of today’s more spacious homes, the simple concept of ‘zone heating’ is becoming popular to easily reduce heating costs,” says Peter Newman, president of Speedheat US. “Zone heating simply involves heating the occupied rooms in your home while allowing unoccupied areas to remain cooler.”

Mark and Rhonda Havlish are using the concept of www.speedheat.us [zone heating] to their advantage. They turn on the Speedheat® panels when they are using the family room and turn them off when not in use. They have also been able to turn down their thermostat and still stay warm. “We have always had to have extra blankets on our chairs for those chilly nights, and I have put them all away,” Mrs. Havlish says. “It’s amazing what a little warmth on the floor can do to keep the entire room comfortable.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), “zone heating can produce energy savings of more than 20 percent compared to heating both occupied and unoccupied areas of your house.”

How to Cut Energy Use Up to 40 Percent:

For those desiring even greater energy savings, the Radiant Heating and Cooling Handbook calculates that for every 10 degrees the thermostat is lowered, energy consumption is reduced by approximately 40 percent. While saving this amount of energy is certainly desirable, staying comfortable is also important. With Speedheat, users can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Speedheat warms from the ground up and produces evenly heated rooms that are more comfortable at lower temperatures. So, when Speedheat is installed throughout a home, users can easily reduce the thermostat by 10 degrees or more and still remain comfortable.

“Until you have ‘experienced’ www.speedheat.us [electric radiant floor heating], it is difficult to fully comprehend,” says Mr. Pieter Jansens, chairman of Speedheat International. “Because the radiant heat warms ‘you’ and not the air, you actually ‘feel’ warmer at lower thermostat settings. While the temperature around you is lower, your ‘comfort level’ is actually higher.”

In addition to the “under carpet” heating system selected by the Havlish’s, Speedheat also offers electric radiant floor heating panels that can be used under virtually any floor covering. Speedheat’s installed heating panels also feature fully programmable thermostats.

RugBuddy Offers “Zone Heating” with Plug-n-Warm Simplicity:

Another unique “zone heating” option is RugBuddy™ — the only UL-listed heating mat in the world, approved for use under area rugs. Like an electric blanket for the floor, www.speedheat.us [RugBuddy] turns regular area rugs into invisible space heaters. It is an ideal solution when installing traditional electric radiant floor heating is not an option.

More About Speedheat:

Speedheat is the only electric radiant floor heating company in the world with products designed to safely and efficiently warm directly under virtually any flooring material including: exotic stone, marble, granite, tile, floating wood, laminate, vinyl, carpeting and area rugs.

As the inventors of electric radiant floor heating, Speedheat has produced quality heating solutions since 1985 and currently heats more than 30 million square feet of space throughout the world. Speedheat has offices in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom. Their United States headquarters are based in Woodstock, Georgia.

While relatively new to the United States, Speedheat has already started to attract media attention. This Old House magazine featured Speedheat in their “20 of the Year’s Coolest Tools, Gizmos and Gadgets” list for 2004. Speedheat also received coverage in Atlanta’s Points North magazine and Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine. The company was profiled on HGTV’s International Builder's Show 2004 program, featured on FloorRadio and the Web site FloorDaily.net and has already appeared once on the Ask Andrea nationally syndicated home improvement radio show and has been asked to reappear soon.

Sources:

Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, January 10, 2006

US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web Site

Radiant Heating and Cooling Handbook, Richard D. Watson and Kirby S. Chapman, 2002, McGraw-Hill

Posted by huligar at 07:06 AM | Comments (0)

January 10, 2006

Designer Thierry Francois

Stone Age Designs announces that no other home in the U.S. has more Scagliola custom stone than the home of Designer Thierry Francois. Exterior and Interior scagliola stone accents as a wonderful option to substitute cast stone accent, custom stone pedestals, Scagliola stone fireplace mantels and custom stone kitchen hoods make this French home unique.

Stone Age Designs announces that no other home in the U.S. has more Scagliola custom stone than the home of Designer Thierry Francois. Exterior and Interior scagliola stone accents as a wonderful option to substitute cast stone accent, custom stone pedestals, Scagliola stone fireplace mantels and custom stone kitchen hoods make this French home unique.

Sponsor

Stone Age Designs is the annual host to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as they bring music and art, composers and designers together for this annual event surrounded by the antique beauty of Scagliola Stone. Thierry Francois' Scagliola Stone Show House at 225 West Paces Ferry gives a unique sense of European flavor for this event.

Scagliola dates back to the 17th Century when it was first created by Italian Monks near the Italian city of Capri. Creating Scagliola Stone is a technique of blending and inlaying marble powders and pigments producing a marble-like surface that resembles a painting while the designs can range from classic to modern.
The original Scagliola can be found today in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and the Riche Chapel, Munich dating back to 1603. Today, the Scagliola of the Renaissance is used in more than palaces; Scagliola is used to enhance the antique beauty of the home with a special focus on Stone Fireplace Mantels, http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/mantels, and Stone Kitchen Hoods, http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/kitchen as well as Scagliola Columns, and Pedestals.

Scagliola Stone created by Stone Age Designs uses a secret recipe of Thierry Francois. New techniques blend more than crushed marble as Francois has added limestone, and travertine to produce custom stone fireplace mantels, stone mantels, as well as custom stone kitchen hoods to substitute cast stone kitchen hoods that are not nearly as costly as hand-carved stone and still special like those.

The Scagliola of Stone Age Designs is easy to use, easy to install, and the design possibilities are limited only to the imagination. Stone Age Designs’ Scagliola has the look and feel of hand-carved quarry stones and the elegance of the Italian Renaissance.
There are two other major design differences in Stone Age Designs’ Scagliola. “Our technique allows us the flexibility to hand-carve our Scagliola for very special projects, and our exclusive technique provides a sense of old-world elegance because it is layered, giving it the look of authentic custom stone.”

“We have so much artistic freedom today,” says Francois because “we can create what we see in the mind’s eye with the molds we create or from the designs of the past. We can also work from CAD drawings to create one-of-a-kind pieces in our own precious Scagliola Stone.”
Francois added, “this is one of the reasons we created the Scagliola Stone Show House with more Scagliola custom stone than any other home in the U.S. so that we would be able to showcase Scagliola designs of today exclusively from Stone Age Designs.”

Visit Stone Age Designs at http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/ and see the beautiful Scagliola Stone Collection of Thierry Francois, and you will find a one of a kind Showcase for Stone Fireplace Mantels and Surrounds, Stone Kitchen Hoods, Stone Stove Hoods, Stone Accents, Arches, Columns, Pedestals, and Statues. Commercial Architects and Residential Architects are moving to Stone Age Designs’ Scagliola for Stone Fountains, Moldings, Spiral Staircases, Walls, and even Waterfalls.

Stone Age Designs Showcase: http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/showcase/

Stone Accents: http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/accents/

Scagliola Stone: http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/scagliola.html

Kitchen Hoods: http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/kitchen/

Fireplace Mantels: http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/mantels/

About Stone Age Designs:
Since 1997, Stone Age Designs own Scagliola Stone Collection by Thierry Francois has been Showcased around the world as the company crafts antique-looking Scagliola Stone Fireplace Mantels, Scagliola Stone Kitchen Hoods, and architectural details. Their secret mixture of crushed marble, limestone, and travertine is becoming the market leader in Scagliola, or “Scaglia” which was originally manufactured by Italian Monks in the 17th Century.

Contact:
Bruno Francois
Stone Age Designs
1020 Huff Road
Atlanta, Georgia
404.350.3333 – Extension 4
F. 404.355.4570
http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/

Posted by huligar at 05:28 PM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2006

Properly Selected and Maintain Marble

When properly selected and maintained, marble can provide a novel design option for residential countertops

While granite has been the en vogue material for counter-tops for quite some time, there is also a “new” trend in place toward marble countertops — resulting in a timeless, classic look for a broad range of residential designs.

“Granite has always been the number one conservative choice for luxurious homes,” said Gervais Fortin, APDIQ, an interior designer in Montreal, Canada. “What I am experiencing now is an increasing demand for marble — white marbles precisely. I personally attribute it to the stressful, fast-pace modern life we all have to deal with, which leads us to crave for an unconstrained, contem-porary, Zen, pure, graceful look when we finally get home after a busy day. Without any doubts, I can say that now the majority [of my clients] prefer marble.”

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Fortin, who has been a designer for more than 25 years, works mainly on renovation projects in mansions from the 19th century. “The well-placed new owners who take possession of these types of homes undertake major renovations — from the basement to the attic — with an outstanding quality concern,” he said. “[They want a] roomy kitchen with marble, stainless steel, wood and lacquer, three and more complete bathrooms, a home spa, home gym, wine cellar, garden, pool, home sauna, and [they want] everything redefined, redesigned and completed with the utmost care and quality requirements.”
With the increasing popularity of natural stone countertops, using marble offers homeowners the opportunity to take a different approach to their kitchen designs — one that might not be in place at their neighbors’ home. “We looked at both granite and marble for our countertops and ultimately went with the marble,” said Joanna Silberman, a homeowner in Commack, NY. “We know that more care is needed for marble, but it is a beautiful material, and the color choices seemed endless. We also didn’t want to do the same thing all of our friends have done — which is install granite.”

Care and maintenance
However, when a customer asks for marble countertops, it is critical that the stone supplier makes sure the homeowner understands the care and maintenance requirements. This is the policy at Raccoon Stone and Tile Works, Inc., a fabricator based in Byron, GA. “Marble is generally a softer material and will need more care than granite,” explained Rick Coon of Raccoon Stone and Tile Works, who works alongside his wife, Mary. “It is more absorbent and scratches easily. With this in mind, once we orient them on its care and what to expect, it is a beautiful material in color and we will make an informed decision.”
In addition to explaining the basics on marble in general, it is also the responsibility of the stone supplier to inform the customer that each marble has its own set of technical characteristics, and only certain marbles are suited for everyday use as countertops. “Some are not as compatible as others in maintenance,” Coon said. “It is important that you research the stone matrix. Is it softer, overly filled or too dark? Does it scratch easily?”
Once a stone is selected, another critical step is explaining the proper care of a marble countertop. This will ensure that the customer is not only satisfied with the initial installation, but that they will remain satisfied over the long-term — a vital aspect for any stone project. Among the cleaning products on the market, Coon recommended cleaners that are formulated specifically for marble (as opposed to “general” cleaning products), sani-wipes or wax cleaners, such as stone polish.

Considering marble as a countertop material - Archives - Stone World

Posted by huligar at 10:35 AM | Comments (0)

January 08, 2006

Big Bucks Buest Bathrooms

Bold bath looks without big bucks Guest bathrooms typically are a hum-drum collection of white fixtures, neutral walls, nondescript lighting and basic flooring. But with a little imagination – and not necessarily a lot of bucks – it’s easy to ditch the builder drab for powder room pizazz.
The petite dimensions of a powder room lend themselves to creative approaches that punch up the “wow” factor.

“I like to be a little more dramatic, flamboyant” in a guest bath, said Jaci Smith, owner of Jaci Smith Design in Orting. “You can be a little more whimsical in there.”

Since a powder room might be used only occasionally, going bold won’t get old for the homeowners. “A lot of times that’s where you can go outside of the box a little because it’s not used every day,” said interior designer Kathleen Clemens, who owns An Inside View design service in Tacoma.

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And it’s possible to add flair to a guest bath without calling in the wrecking ball. The easiest things to change out – paint and hardware – are “two biggies” in the effort to create a more dramatic space, Clemens said. “You’d be so surprised at how much difference you’ll see.”

Even a guest bath that includes a tub or shower can take lessons from the same design book, creating the look of luxury for overnight visitors.

Here’s how to get started.

Color me bold

“The easy fix, of course, the first one, is always picking a paint,” Clemens said. Choose a “more toned color,” such as a cocoa brown, ginger red or silvery blue-gray, which will add instant drama, she advised.

Smith notes that wallpaper is coming back into fashion, after years of clients favoring faux finishes. She suggests trying a dark wallpaper with a large pattern. “It works wonderfully. You can do fun things like that in a small bath,” Smith said. Today’s wallpapers are more sophisticated, with better colors and improved printing methods, she noted.

Distinctive lighting

Lighting fixtures can make a big difference in changing the feel of a guest bath. Swap out a standard ceiling fixture with a mini-chandelier for elegance and sparkle, Clemens said. For visual impact, choose a chandelier that’s about 12 inches wide and drops only 8 to 12 inches from the ceiling (ceilings should be at least 8 feet tall if a mini-chandelier is used).

Many mini-chandeliers feature crystals and candelabra bulbs. “If you put an amber light in them, they’re gorgeous,” Clemens said.

For soft light in the guest bath, place a tall, slim lamp on the countertop, and use a timer to control it. “Then you have this beautiful ambient light in there,” something that guests will notice even as they walk by, Clemens said.

Metal attraction

Go with something a bit unexpected when changing the bath’s hardware, Clemens advised. Since bathrooms typically have only a few knobs or handles, it’s not very costly to splurge on gorgeous hardware. Consider switching from knobs to handles, choosing larger-scale handles and mounting them horizontally on the cabinets instead of vertically if the door style allows, Clemens said. “It gives it a clean look; it makes everything look a little larger,” she said.

Currently in vogue are hardware and fixture finishes that mimic antique bronze, antique copper and pewter, while satin nickel, brushed nickel and chrome continue to be popular.

“If you do something different in the bathroom with the fixtures, you need to be sure that everything is done” in the same finish, Smith said. That includes the towel bars, light fixtures and even the pipe running from the wall to the toilet.

Art and mirrors

Replace that boring builder-grade mirror with a stunning decorative mirror, Clemens suggests. “If your bathroom has brushed silver or nickel finishes, you might do a silver-leaf mirror,” she said; for brass-colored faucets, choose a mirror with a gold-toned frame. Go for the unusual and install an oval mirror on its side – for instance, if the wall is 5 feet across, use a mirror that spans 4 feet. “That looks really incredible,” Clemens said.

Another option is to mirror the entire wall above the sink, then mount sconces on the mirror to reflect light around the room. “I’ve seen that a lot, especially in bigger bathrooms where the mirror is very big,” Smith said. Use glass tiles, or have a glass company install a large mirror, with holes cut out for the sconces. “It’s not very expensive,” Clemens noted. For an elegant look, choose sconces that are somewhat slim, perhaps 3 to 4 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches long.

Don’t forget artwork in the guest bath. “A little powder room is a great place to display a small collection or a larger piece,” Clemens said. Posters advertising merchandise such as Italian pasta or French chocolates are popular today.

“If you can get an oversize poster and frame it, one big piece is stunning,” Clemens said. “People will always remember that piece because it’s oversized, and it’s just one.” Mount the poster in a simple black frame that has some depth to it, she suggested.

Sumptuous sinks

Add some opulence to the bath with a furniture-style sink cabinet topped with granite or marble. Many granite shops have surplus pieces that are leftovers from other customers’ projects, but still are large enough to use as a vanity top, Clemens said. “It’s much less expensive, and you don’t have to buy a slab,” she noted.

Above the counter, consider using small mosaic tiles that have a pearly luminescence. “They make absolutely gorgeous backsplashes,” Clemens said. “All the metallics are very big right now – pewter, copper, gold. You can complement your hardware in your bathroom.”

Smith likes mixing stone finishes, such as using tumbled marble for the countertop and polished granite for the backsplash, “so you get a real contrast between the two.”

What about the sink? Inset one into the counter, or for added dazzle, choose a vessel sink of glass or cut crystal, paired with a waterfall faucet.

Fancy flooring

If the guest bath project morphs from a cosmetic makeover to one that includes replacing the vanity as well as the toilet, consider changing the flooring at the same time. Stone is an upscale choice, but be careful not to use polished marble or granite as the main flooring choice, because it can get slippery, Smith said. Instead, select tumbled marble and use polished marble or granite as small accent pieces, Smith said.

But don’t discount the merits of vinyl, said Clemens, who just redid her guest bath with a vinyl flooring that looks like tortoiseshell. Another vinyl option mimics the look of stitched leather. “You’d be amazed at what’s out there these days,” Clemens said. “You couldn’t have imagined that vinyl could look like that.”

Posted by huligar at 08:24 AM | Comments (0)

January 07, 2006

Mario Marble & Tile Ltd.

Mario Marble & Tile Ltd. celebrated three years this January by renovating the company’s Function Junction showroom. Mario, who has been working in the marble and tile business for many years, often works with local interior design companies. Both Mario and his talented tile setters have done work in award-winning homes. They will work on the renovations in the showroom over the next few weeks and invite visitors to come in and see the changes. The new showroom will include bathroom fixtures and faucets. There will also be a tiled shower stall that shows the benefits of installing the “Schluter Shower System,” the new technology for waterproofing bathrooms. They have unique stone and granite sinks in stock, which will have a new wall display after the renovation as well. Visit them at their showroom at No. 103, 1010 Alpha Lake Rd. or look them up on the web at www.mariomarbleandtile.com http://www.mariomarbleandtile.com

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Posted by huligar at 04:31 AM | Comments (0)

January 06, 2006

The production of slate in India

Slate is a low cost decorative stone used for exterior and interior decoration of buildings. It is a fine-grained, hard, compact and cleavable rock derived from micro-crystalline metamorphic rocks of clays and shale. It has emerged as an alternative to granite and marble, which are comparatively costly.

Slate is used for a variety of purposes from road sub-bases to roofing. This is durable, attractive, non-inflammable and adaptable to most artistic architectural effects. Certain types of slates have high dielectric strength and suitable for electric panel and switch-boards. Soft and uniform colour slate is used in black boards and bulletin boards. In India, slate deposits are found in Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. The production is reported only from Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

The production of slate in India was only 29,725 tonnes in 1998-99. It increased to 72,211 tonnes in2000-01, because of tremendous rise in production in Andhra Pradesh. India exports slate to different countries like USA, Australia, European Union and Middle East countries. Certain special quality slates are imported in meager quantity for specific purposes.

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Posted by huligar at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2006

Rock of Ages Sells Its Four Retail Locations In New Jersey

Rock of Ages Corporation (ticker: ROAC, exchange: NASDAQ) News Release - Jan-3-2006

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, January 3, 2006 . . . Rock of Ages Corporation (NASDAQ/NMS:ROAC) announced today that it has sold its four retail stores in New Jersey to the owner from whom three of the stores were originally acquired in 1999. The purchase price was approximately $850,000 in cash. Rock of Ages said that it expects to report a gain on the sale in the current quarter of approximately $100,000.

"While the sale of these four locations will reduce revenue in our retail group by approximately $2.5 to $3 million annually, the locations lost money in 2003 and 2005, and the profit in 2004 represented less than a 3% EBIT margin. We determined that these stores will not deliver the minimum 15% EBIT margin we require going forward. We expect that profitability in our retail group will improve in 2006 and beyond as a result of this sale and the many operating enhancements we announced in November," said Chairman and CEO Kurt Swenson. He added that the four New Jersey locations have been appointed Rock of Ages authorized retailers in connection with the sale, and that the owner has agreed to purchase a minimum of $200,000 of memorials annually from the Company's manufacturing division for five years.

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Swenson also reported that sales of granite blocks to China in the fourth quarter are expected to be approximately $3,400,000. "This is about 15% below sales to China in the fourth quarter of last year, but it represents a dramatic improvement from the first three quarters of 2005 when granite block sales to China were down by 50% or more each quarter. This improvement in the fourth quarter is an encouraging development that is consistent with our belief that sales to China may be recovering from the cyclically depressed level we experienced there this year, a downturn which accounts for nearly the entire decline in revenue and the preponderance of the decline in earnings in our quarry segment for 2005," he said.

About Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages (www.RockofAges.com) is the largest integrated granite quarrier, manufacturer and retailer of finished granite memorials and granite blocks for memorial use in North America.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business or expected events based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual events, results or outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including the following: our ability to successfully execute our strategy to expand our business through acquisitions, opening new stores, maintaining our relationships with independent retailers, and forming and maintaining relationships with other death care professionals; changes in demand for the Company's product;, product mix; the timing of customer orders and deliveries; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the success of the Company's branding programs; the excess or shortage of production capacity, difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired businesses; weather conditions; and other risks discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports including, but not limited to, the risks discussed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 2005. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Posted by huligar at 01:28 PM | Comments (0)

January 04, 2006

National Institute of Rock Mechanics

National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) at Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, at present extends its R&D support to the industry in the areas of non-coal mines, coal mines, hydro-electric and tunneling projects and civil construction projects. The institute was established in 1988 to conduct research, render guidance and provide consultancy in mining and civil engineering sectors. During the year 2005 it has patented one of its technologies which has been assigned to National Research Development Corporation for commercialization.

NIRM has proven expertise in the key areas of research i.e optimum design of mining operations and excavation systems, design of support system for improving safety, conservation and productivity, prediction of un-known sub-surface features and monitoring stability of excavations. During the year it has carried out studies on evaluation of the stability of the crown pillar and the stopes. The institute has conducted training courses for the granite/dimensional stone quarry of operators and assisted in setting up a Test House for dimensional stones at Jaipur.

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One of the major thrust areas of the institute is to improve safety and productivity of underground coal-mines in the country. It carries out ground stability assessment through strata and support monitoring. It is involved in conducting rock mechanics studies required for excavations in several hydro-electric projects in India. It has also taken up various investigations projects in Katra-qazigund rail link in the mountainous terrain in Jammu & Kashmir. Geo-physical investigations were carried out at various tunnel portals and bridge abutments. It has taken up testing services like measurement of strain at high temperature under uni-axial and tri-axial compressive stress conditions and thermo-mechanical behaviors of rocks.

The institute is associated with 14 prestigious organisations and collaborated with Geo-Stock, France, Italian-Thai Development Public Co. Ltd., Larsen-Toubro Oman Lt., Tata Hydro Power Authority, Bhutan and UNIDO.

Posted by huligar at 06:11 PM | Comments (0)

January 03, 2006

Does my granite have effloresence?

I had some granite tile (called Giallo Santo) installed about a week ago. All of them were a rich brownish color when uninstalled, as well as after installation. Most of the tiles did not change color after installation, but a few began turning light after about five days.

The lightness started around the grout lines and has worked its way across the whole tiles. From what I have read, the only thing that accounts for it it effloresence.

The tile is impervious to water, oil, vinegar, and lemon juice, which I put on an uninstalled tile as a test.

I have read about applying an acidic cleaner to granite affected by effloresence, but I am wondering if it would penetrate the surface to the effloresence.

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Does my granite have effloresence? :: Stone Advice

Posted by huligar at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)

January 02, 2006

Ongoing Stone Debates

One of the ongoing debates at our unbiased forum. We do not take any responsibility for the way the information is used or the opinions of others.

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huligar.com forum :: View topic - Pre-fabrication Countertops Or Getting Better

Posted by huligar at 01:22 PM | Comments (0)

January 01, 2006

The "Natural Stone" Trademark

A trademark has been devised in order to safeguard natural stone products and to guarantee to the final customer greater professional reliability and quality

by L.D.

A trade mark has been created by Assomarmi adding more value to natural stone, at a time when the Italian marble industry is facing its most difficult challenge along with other industries such as ceramics and wood and the threatening competition from Asia.

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huligar.com forum :: View topic - The "Natural Stone" Trademark

Posted by huligar at 01:25 PM | Comments (0)