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Stephen Alberts

Designing Your Dream Kitchen – A Guide to Sink Options

Introduction

When renovating a kitchen, one important decision that must be made is the type of sink to use. There are several different options available, each with their own set of pros and cons. In this post, we will go over some of the most popular types of sinks that can be used for a kitchen countertop renovation.

Undermount Sinks

Undermount sinks are a popular choice for kitchen countertops because they offer a sleek, modern look. They are installed underneath the countertop, creating a seamless look between the sink and the countertop. This type of sink is also easy to clean, as there is no lip for food or debris to collect on. However, undermount sinks can be more difficult to install and may require special cutting of the countertop.

Drop-In Sinks

Drop-in sinks, also known as self-rimming sinks, are the most common type of sink used in kitchens. They are easy to install, as they simply sit on top of the countertop and are held in place by a lip. This type of sink is also versatile in terms of design, as they come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. However, the lip of the sink can be difficult to clean, and the sink may shift over time.

Apron-Front Sinks

Apron-front sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, are becoming increasingly popular in kitchen design. They feature a large, deep basin and a front that extends past the countertop, creating a unique look. These sinks are also very functional, as they offer plenty of space for washing large pots and pans. However, apron-front sinks can be more expensive than other options and may require special cabinetry to accommodate the extra depth.

Integrated Sinks

Integrated sinks, also known as integral sinks, are a newer option for kitchen countertops. They are made from the same material as the countertop and are seamlessly integrated into the surface. This creates a cohesive look and eliminates the need for a separate sink.

Conclusion

There are several different types of sinks that can be used for a kitchen countertop renovation. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, so it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern undermount sink, a classic drop-in sink, or a unique apron-front sink, there is an option that will work for you!

Rustic Charm – How a Farm Sink Can Transform Your Kitchen

Why choose a Farm Sink?

A farm sink, also known as a farmhouse sink or apron sink, is a large, deep sink that is typically installed in a kitchen. These sinks have a distinct, rustic look and are characterized by a wide front that extends past the countertop, giving the sink a “farmer’s” appearance.

One of the main benefits of a farm sink is its size. These sinks are often much larger than traditional kitchen sinks, which makes them perfect for washing large pots and pans, as well as for cleaning large quantities of fruits and vegetables. They are also great for baking and cooking enthusiasts, as they can easily accommodate large baking sheets and roasting pans.

Another benefit of a farm sink is its style. These sinks have a classic, timeless look that can add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. They are also highly versatile and can complement a wide range of kitchen styles, from traditional to modern.

Granite & Marble with Farm Sinks

When it comes to choosing countertop materials that complement a farm sink, granite and marble are both excellent options. These natural stone materials are durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, making them perfect for use in a kitchen. They also come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can easily find one that matches your kitchen’s aesthetic.

Quartz with Farm Sinks

Quartz is also a great option for pairing with a farm sink. It is an engineered stone made of natural quartz, resin, and pigments. It is durable and easy to clean, and it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It’s also resistant to scratches and stains, making it a great option for busy kitchens.

Conclusion

A farm sink is a great option for those looking for a functional and stylish addition to their kitchen. With its large size and classic look, it can accommodate a wide range of cooking and cleaning tasks, while complementing a variety of kitchen styles. Granite, marble and quartz are all great options for pairing with a farm sink to complete the perfect kitchen design!

Revolutionizing Countertop Measurements: Digital Laser Technology vs. Traditional Methods

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology continues to transform our lives in ways we never thought possible. The countertop industry is no exception, with new tools and techniques continually improving the way we measure and install these essential surfaces. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the two main methods of measuring for countertops – digital laser technology and traditional methods – comparing their advantages and disadvantages.

Traditional Methods: Tried and True, But With Limitations

traditional countertop measurement

While traditional methods of measuring countertops have been reliable for years, they come with certain drawbacks compared to digital laser technology:

  1. Human Error: Traditional methods rely on manual measurements using tools like tape measures and straight edges. This leaves room for human error, which can lead to inaccuracies and potential issues during installation.
  2. Time-Consuming: Measuring countertops using traditional methods is a labor-intensive process that requires more time and effort. This can slow down the overall project timeline and increase costs.
  3. Limited Flexibility: Traditional methods often involve creating physical templates from materials like cardboard or plywood, which can be cumbersome and difficult to transport. These templates may also be less accurate than their digital counterparts.

Digital Laser Technology: The Future of Countertop Measurements

laser countertop measurement

Digital laser technology has been a game-changer for the countertop industry, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and accuracy. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  1. Accuracy: Digital laser technology uses advanced lasers to capture precise measurements, reducing the likelihood of errors. This level of accuracy ensures a perfect fit for your countertop, eliminating gaps and minimizing the need for adjustments during installation.
  2. Speed: Measuring with a digital laser device is considerably faster than traditional methods, as it requires less physical effort and can instantly provide the necessary data. The time saved during this process can be spent on other aspects of your project.
  3. Digital Templates: One of the most significant benefits of digital laser technology is the ability to create digital templates. These templates can be easily shared with fabricators and installers, streamlining communication and reducing the chances of misunderstandings.

Conclusion

  • Both digital laser technology and traditional methods have their merits and drawbacks. However, the accuracy, efficiency, and convenience offered by digital laser technology make it the preferred choice for many homeowners and professionals alike. While traditional methods may still have a place in specific situations, the shift towards digital laser technology is clear, revolutionizing the countertop industry and paving the way for a more streamlined, precise, and hassle-free experience.

Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Cleaning

Spring is almost here, and what better way to start the season with a clean slate than by doing a deep clean of your home?

Given our busy schedules, it’s understandable that many of us will overlook this task for various valid reasons. It’s time-consuming, physically demanding, and incredibly overwhelming if you’re unsure where to start.

But spring cleaning doesn’t have to be daunting! Today, we’re sharing the Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist to help you declutter and clean your home with confidence.

Before You Start

  • Make a plan of which room to start with and what tasks need to be done.
  • Gather all cleaning supplies (like gloves, masks, cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, vacuum, mop, buckets, etc.)
  • Gather garbage bags, boxes, and labels for items you’ll repair, donate, sell, or throw out.
  • Ask for help or assign tasks to family members.
  • Open windows for ventilation and natural light.
  • Remember to start from the top and work your way down to avoid cleaning the same area twice.
  • Play some upbeat music or podcast to keep you motivated and make the process more enjoyable.
  • Take breaks when needed and revisit the list for another day if you run out of time.

Living Room

Living Room

  • Remove all items from shelves and tabletops before dusting.
  • Dust and clean all surfaces, including shelves, tables, and picture frames.
  • Clean windows and mirrors.
  • Clean electronics (TV, speakers, etc.) with a microfiber or scratchproof cloth.
  • Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners.
  • Clean upholstery and pillows according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Wash or dry clean curtains and blinds.
  • Polish wooden furniture and wipe down leather furniture.
  • Clean and vacuum the carpets and rugs.

Kitchen

Kitchen

  • Clean all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and appliances.
  • Wipe down cabinets and drawers, inside and out.
  • Clean the oven, stovetop, rangehood, exhaust fan, and microwave.
  • Clean the refrigerator and freezer (remove all food and shelves to clean thoroughly).
  • Clean the sink and faucet.
  • Sweep and mop the floor.
  • Clean and organize the pantry and fridge.

Need help with your kitchen renovation?
Check out some of our services here:

https://www.edgranitecity.com/services/

Dining Room

  • Remove all items from shelves and tabletops before dusting.
  • Dust and clean all surfaces, including shelves, tables, and cabinets.
  • Polish silverware and other metallic items.
  • Vacuum or steam clean carpets and rugs.
  • Clean the furniture and fixtures.
  • Clean windows and mirrors.
  • Wash or dry-clean tablecloths and chair covers.

Bedroom

Bedrooms

  • Wipe and dust all surfaces, including dressers, nightstands, and headboards.
  • Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture and in corners.
  • Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters.
  • Vacuum or dust mattresses and pillows.
  • Flip and rotate the mattress.
  • Clean the furniture and fixtures.
  • Clean mirrors and windows.
  • Organize and declutter closets.

TIP: Organizing and decluttering your closet is notoriously time-consuming. We advise setting aside a few hours or even an entire day to complete this task.

Bathroom

Bathroom

  • Clean the toilet (use a toilet brush and disinfectant).
  • Clean the sink and faucet.
  • Clean the shower and tub (you can use a scrub brush and dedicated cleaning solution)
  • Scrub the tiles and grout.
  • Clean mirrors and windows.
  • Clean and organize the medicine cabinet and toiletries.
  • Wipe down other cabinets and drawers, inside and out.
  • Sweep and mop the floor.
  • Wash or replace shower curtains and bath mats.

Laundry Room

  • Clean the washing machine, dryer, and lint trap.
  • Organize cleaning supplies and laundry detergents.
  • Wipe down surfaces, including countertops and cabinets.
  • Clean windows and mirrors.
  • Sweep and mop the floor.

DID YOU KNOW: Decluttering and organizing can improve mental health and reduce stress levels. A clean and organized space can help you feel more in control and can help you feel more energized and motivated for the new season!

Home Office

Home Office

  • Dust all surfaces, including desks, shelves, drawers, and cabinets.
  • Organize paperwork and declutter unnecessary items.
  • Clean electronics, including computer screens, tablets, keyboards, and mice.
  • Clean windows and mirrors.
  • Clean upholstery and office chairs.
  • Wash or dry clean curtains and blinds.
  • Vacuum or sweep the floor.
  • Clean and vacuum the carpets and rugs.

Hallways and Staircases

  • Dust all surfaces, including handrails and picture frames.
  • Vacuum or sweep the floor.
  • Clean windows and mirrors.
  • Organize shoes and coats in a closet or storage area.
  • Spot-clean any stains on carpets or rugs.

Ourtdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Areas

  • Sweep or power wash patios, decks, and walkways.
  • Clean outdoor furniture and upholstery.
  • Trim bushes and remove debris from the yard.
  • Wash exterior windows and doors.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts.

Planning a new outdoor kitchen this spring?
Check out some of our services here:
https://www.edgranitecity.com/services/

Additional Tasks

  • Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
  • Wash all windows and window sills.
  • Clean all baseboards and trim.
  • Clean all doors and doorknobs.
  • Organize and declutter other messy areas.
  • Dust and vacuum any other rooms in the house.

After You Finish

  • Dispose of all trash and recycling.
  • Launder all cleaning rags and towels.
  • Celebrate and enjoy your sparkling clean home!

Family Gathering Outside

Happy Spring Cleaning!

We’ve got just the thing for you! Download your free Countertops Buyer’s Guide without commitments and achieve everything you want without confusion, frustration, or stress! Plus, you’ll gain access to exclusive offers!


Planning to refresh and upgrade your home this new year? We are ready to help you choose the perfect set of counters, cabinets, and fixtures to complement your home. From the design process to installation, we’re by your side. Count on us for all of your custom kitchen and bathroom renovation needs!

P.S. Our Norcross Location is now open! Book your free consultation here: www.edgranitecity.com/norcross-location

Cambria Kitchen Countertop
Berkshire Steel Sculpted by Cambria


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I just got my countertops installed by E&D Granite City, and they are beautiful!

The installers were very prompt, polite, and cleaned up after they were done! I would definitely refer E&D Granite City to everyone!! I love my new countertops!

~ Denise B.

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7 Easy Tips for a Cleaner and Fresher Home This Spring

Happy spring! ‘Tis season most of us are looking forward to — where the trees are budding new leaves, the flowers are beginning to bloom again, and the warm sunlight touches our skin longer each day! But, like all matters of spring and beginnings, this season is also perfect for cleaning and sprucing up!

We feel you! It can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Having a clean, decluttered, and rejuvenated home might not be the easiest of tasks, but trust us — a refreshed and thoroughly cleansed home is one of the best springtime pick-me-ups there is! Aside from that extra serotonin boost, it gives you a head start before the hectic summer season arrives!

Today, we’re sharing seven easy tips to make cleaning more efficient this season. Spring cleaning can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult! So without further ado, let’s begin!

Start with a plan

To avoid the pitfalls of deep cleaning, always start with a plan. Start by taking a tour of your home, assessing the needs of every space, and then making a schedule. Use a checklist and update as needed to avoid forgetting anything. You can also create a checklist for each room to help you get organized and remind you of any areas that might require extra attention.

For example, if you plan to hire air duct cleaning services, you can call your provider and make arrangements before or after your cleaning day. If you have carpets or drapes that will require a specialist to clean, plan for the pickup and delivery so that they can deliver at your preferred date and time.

 

Check for hardware or equipment that might need repair or replacement

During your house tour, list down the things that might need repair or replacement. For example, do you have a leaky faucet? Does your countertop need resealing, or do you need to have it replaced or upgraded entirely? Are your appliances still working efficiently?

Repairing something as soon as you spot them can save you the burden of extensive planning and expenses in the future.

 

Get everyone to help

They say ask for help when you need it and you shall receive it, and spring cleaning is no exception. Assign chores for everyone, throw on some good music, and create a collective household reward to get the work done!

Organize and declutter

If you have items sitting in your attic, basement, cupboards, or closet that you haven’t used in recent years, maybe it’s time to throw them away, sell them, or donate them!

You can use bins, baskets, or boxes to store your items as you declutter every area in your home. For example, you can designate a space for the containers while considering everything. Or, you can bring the containers to every area while you declutter and categorize. It’s also best to set up your containers before you start. It can save you time as you won’t need to look for bins, boxes, or baskets while you’re decluttering.

Sort your items into different categories:


Keep: These are for items that have been misplaced in a room. This could be a toothbrush on your kitchen counter or pajamas in the living room. All in all, these items have their own spots and purpose in your home.

Repair: These are for items that can be repaired, like a missing button on a blouse or an appliance that needs servicing.

Sell: These are items you can no longer use, but you can sell. A tip, if you have no time to list your items for sale, put them in the next pile.

Donate: These are for items that didn’t make the piles above, and you may have no use for anymore, but others may have. This pile can be donated to an organization or to someone you know.

Throw Away: These are items that you can throw away immediately as they are simply of no use anymore, to you or anyone else. Don’t forget to recycle if you are throwing away paper, plastic, or glass!

Build a cleaning kit

Stick to the basics: an excellent all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth can usually do the trick. If you need to purchase other specialty cleaning supplies, do only as necessary and keep them to a minimum. Numerous cleaning supplies can also create unnecessary clutter.

Do it room by room

Cleaning an entire home is a big job, and the most effective way to do this is to approach it room by room. Focus on one room or area before moving on to the next space. Visually experiencing the success of your work per room can help with confidence and momentum.

Always be tidying

Maintenance is key, and spring cleaning is one of the best ways to establish ongoing cleaning habits. After doing your overhaul, you can re-tackle everything on your spring cleaning to-do list for at least 15-30 minutes each day — that’s at least 2-3 hours of cleaning time per week!

Carving out time each day can get you in the habit of tidying up and will make maintenance and cleaning much more manageable in the future.

We’ve got just the thing for you! Download your free Countertops Buyer’s Guide without commitments and achieve everything you want without confusion, frustration, or stress! Plus, you’ll gain access to exclusive offers!

Planning to refresh and upgrade your home this spring? We are ready to help you choose the perfect set of counters, cabinets, and fixtures to complement your home. From the design process to installation, we’re by your side. Count on us for all of your custom kitchen renovation needs!

P.S. Let’s talk about your home renovation project, and we’ll provide you with the resources you need to ensure your experience is simple and pleasant every step of the way.

Happy Remodeling and Happy Spring!

Dekton Countertop | cosentino.com

Schedule a FREE consultation with our specialists here.

 

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