Granite Deals in the Boneyard
What happens to the material that is left over after a granite countertop is fabricated and installed? It depends on how much material is left over. After fabrication any full slabs that were set aside for the project but not used are simply returned to inventory. Partial slabs are measured and if they contain 25 […]
Lead Based Paint Testing
If you are thinking about remodeling your home you need to be aware of recent EPA regulations regarding lead based paint. The dangers of lead poisoning are well documented. Exposure to lead can affect the development of the brain and nervous system in children. It can lead to reduced IQ and be the underlying cause […]
Mirrors and Vanity Tops
Mirrors enhance the lighting and overall sense of space in any room. They are a practical necessity helping us look our best every day. Whether framed or frameless, beveled or flat they create a virtual window full of light and color. A mirror is generally one of the last design elements installed in bathroom. If […]
Not All Countertops Estimates are Equal
The following is a true story. “Your estimate looks great and I know your company would do a good job, but your price is just too high. I’ve got another estimate and I think we’re going to use them.” I asked, “How far are we apart?” “About $4,000.00,” he said. I was stunned, “Please don’t […]
Sealing Granite Countertops.
Many customers have heard that natural stone countertops are difficult to clean and require constant sealing and resealing. It’s just not true. The Hospitality Institute of American has repeatedly tested and demonstrated even unsealed granite is one of the easiest to clean countertop surfaces available today. The Marble Institute of America (MIA) observed, “If a […]
Solid Surface Countertops
Since their introduction nearly 50 years ago solid surface countertops have proven to be as beautiful as they are timeless. Today’s manufacturers offer bold and vibrant colors and patterns that fit as perfectly in a traditional ranch style kitchen as they do in a ultra modern design sculpted around stainless steel and glass. Solid surface […]
Remodeling Your Kitchen
Designing a new kitchen or redesigning an existing one is not a job for the fainthearted. You will find yourself playing multiple roles; interior designer, builder, project manager, installer, banker as well as customer. It may require abilities you don’t currently have. But if you do your homework and network with local professionals like Solid […]
Radon and Granite Countertops
Numerous media outlets have reported a link between granite countertops and dangerous levels of radon gas in American homes. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which results from the decay of uranium and thorium. Studies have shown prolonged exposure to elevated levels of radon is a significant health risk. According to the Environmental Protection […]
The Golden Rule
Henry Gordon Selfridge famously said, “The customer is always right.” He was wrong. None of us are right all of the time. Basing customer service on the presumption that someone is right when in fact they are wrong is both foolish and a sure to lose money. Solid Surface Designs’ philosophy of customer service has […]
Removing Stains From Granite Countertops
Last night’s party was a roaring success. In the morning you notice someone spilled your world famous cheddar-bacon-ranch dip on your brand new granite countertops and didn’t wipe up the mess. You clean up as best you can but now there’s a dark stain the size of the spill. How do you going to remove […]
Countertop Expectations
There is nothing more dissatisfying then not getting what you paid for. Customer dissatisfaction happens when reality falls short of expectation. The three expectations that are the leading cause of dissatisfaction are assumed expectations, unrealistic expectations and unfulfilled expectations. [ldq]I thought you’d take care of that.” is evidence of an assumption. We make it our […]
Quartz Countertops
If you love the polished look of granite but don’t like the random color and pattern inherent in natural stone, Quartz (engineered stone) is the answer. Quartz countertops were invented in the 1960’s by Breton S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer. Every manufacturer of Quartz countertops uses the same process they pioneered. First a recipe of 93% […]