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Archive for the ‘Countertop Materials’ Category

DuPont Backs Countertops With Industry-Leading Warranty

Monday, August 22nd, 2011
DuPont StoneTech BulletProof Sealer

DuPont says when treated with DuPont StoneTech BulletProof Sealer, its granite, marble, and quarts countertops are protected against common household stains.

DuPont has partnered with Protect Plus Surfaces to engineer a water-based surface sealer that it says is strong enough to resist tough oil- and water-based stains and is backing the claim with an industry-leading 15-year residential warranty.

The firm says that when treated with DuPont StoneTech BulletProof Sealer, its granite, marble, and quartz countertops are protected against common household stains such as coffee, red wine, ketchup, mustard, cooking oil, and soy sauce. DuPont also includes a special cleaner for owners to maintain the surface.

The warranty covers replacement labor and materials, and it transfers with the property title under no limitations. The manufacturer also offers a one-year warranty on select outdoor granite countertops. Etching of a natural stone countertop is not covered.

The sealer is only available through authorized distributors and dealers. For more information, check out www.stonetechpro.com/warranty, or call 877.786.6383.

 

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Energy-Efficient Products Bring Value to the Kitchen and Bath

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Energy-efficient products topped a list of trends for cost-efficient remodels in a  recent survey conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Thirty percent of the 822 NKBA members surveyed listed products such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances as the top design solutions for cost-conscious consumers, followed by alternative countertops and Shaker-style products. The open-ended survey also identified products that aid in water conservation and recycling.

For more information on the survey, and to read about additional trends, see the original press release here. – Victoria Markovitz

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Posted in Appliances, Bath, Cabinets, Closet & Garage Storage, Countertop Materials, Kitchen | 1 Comment »

Marble Institute Offers Contractor Accreditation Program

Friday, December 11th, 2009

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) now offers a contractor accreditation program to give builders and remodelers—and their clients—assurance that their products were installed to the highest standards of the natural stone industry.

According to G. K. Naquin, president of Stone Interiors and president-elect of MIA, the program is designed to increase installer competency and consistency across the industry, protect consumers, and enhance the industry’s commitment to the value of natural stone. The mission was developed in part to address some quality issues brought about by the explosion of granite countertops beginning in the 1990s; as demand increased, so did the number of less-qualified installers without deep knowledge of the material’s properties, leading to cases of sub-par installations.

To receive accreditation, installers must participate in rigorous training and pass an exam, provide documentation of business and employment practices, and undergo site/installation inspections. Three levels of accreditation are offered: Natural Stone Fabricator (residential), Commercial A (heavy commercial), and Commercial B (light commercial).

Currently, 35 Natural Stone Fabricators, one Commercial A company, and five Commercial B companies have received accreditation; an additional 200 are in the pipeline.

To find an accredited installer in your area, visit www.marble-institute.com/accreditedcompanies. The Web site also offers professional and consumer resources regarding stone materials, their installation and care, and other topics. –Katy Tomasulo

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Down Economy Driving Stone Trends

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Like every aspect of the building sector, the stone industry has witnessed a change in purchasing decisions and style choices due to the faltering economy: Excess is out, authenticity is in. In its “Perspectives” annual trend report, Charles Luck Stone Center provides a forecast of stone’s relationship to architectural and design trends, including how simpler tastes and a desire for the familiar are driving color and texture choices, as well as sizes and styles.

Below are the highlights from “Perspectives.” For a complete, detailed run-through of the trends, including numerous image examples, visit www.charlesluck.com/perspectives.

  • Whiteness: A need for serenity is driving a clean, understated aesthetic with shades of white as the focal point; monochromatic, semi-plain decors with no clutter. For stone, this means tumbled looks (instead of polished), tone-on-tone, and a resurgence of classic white marble.
  • Authenticity: Increasing importance of a story behind the material and for genuine materials. Trend will drive interest in reclaimed stones and those that exhibit a vintage patina or weathered look.
  • New Modern: Modern architecture is merging clean lines with natural elements; natural colors like grays, beiges, and whites. In stone, this translates to linear forms, large-format pieces, honed finishes, and metallic minerals.
  • Eco Design: Green building will drive use of natural, tactile materials, and natural-evoking browns and greens. Expect to see growing demand for locally sourced stone and more material reuse.
  • Artisan: An attraction to handmade products and those that tell a cultural story and feel one-of-a-kind will lead to more hand-crafted and hand-tooled stone products with a mix of textures and finishes; mosaics and accent detailing also will become more popular. –Katy Tomasulo

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