Christopher Miller

Over the past decade, one of the biggest changes in the construction industry has been its adoption of “green” or sustainable building practices. The U.S. Green Building Council established the LEED® Green Building Rating System in 1998 and defines best practices for environmentally responsible building in five categories: Energy & Atmosphere, Indoor Environmental Quality, Sustainable Sites, Materials & Resources, and Wate...

Selecting the thickness of your natural stone countertop is a critical step in any updating or remodeling project. The thickness of the material, whether it’s granite, marble, or quartz, for example, can impact the cost, installation, and the overall design of the room. So, the decision will likely be based on the style you are hoping to achieve in the kitchen or bathroom, and the budget you have available to make it happen. It’s also...

Table of Contents It's All About Balance Choose From a Variety of Materials Think about the contrast in home design for a moment: A modern piece in a room that’s traditional, a splash of color in an otherwise monochromatic room, or a vintage camera in a high-tech home theater. Contrast makes an impact, whether it’s a subtle choice or a big decision that enhances the ambiance of an entire room. [get_quote]...

      Granite is a natural creation. One piece of rock is not like any other in the world. This is the one quality that makes this stuff so beautiful and in demand. The individuality of each granite slab is what lures so many homeowners into deciding on a granite countertop. This also means that no two granite slabs have the same absorbent qualities. If all stone came from one quarry, it would be similar, yet still u...

Table of Contents Can Granite Countertops Get Damaged from Hot Pans?  What is Thermal Shock?  What Can You Do to Protect Your Granite Countertops?  How Do You Re-Seal a Granite Countertop?    Granite countertops originate from igneous rock, which is rock that is formed by the cooling and solidification of lava or magma. This process occurs at very high temperatures. As for the countertops,...

  Table of Contents What Are Some Cheap Countertop Materials?  Ceramic Tile  Laminate  Cultured Marble  Granite  Cultured Granite  Butcher Block  Bamboo  Wood  Marble  Quartz  Recycled Glass  Slate  Soapstone  Quartzite  Paint  Cheap Countertop Materials: Comparing Costs  Frequently Asked Que...

Table of Contents How Does Granite Shine?  What Else Can Make Your Granite Shine?  Retaining the Shine  Enhancing the Shine  How Do You Clean Granite Surfaces?  What Are Other Ways You Can Keep Your Granite in Great Shape?  How Do You Seal Granite Surfaces?  Exercising Caution with Granite  Why Choose Granite Surfaces for the Home?  Frequently Asked Questions ...

Table of Contents What is Cultured Marble?  What is Granite?  Cultured Marble: Characteristics  Granite: Characteristics  How Much Does Each Option Cost?  Cultured Marble vs. Granite: Which is Better for the Home?  Both granite countertops and marble countertops are among the most desired on the market. Both natural stones hold significant appeal for various reasons. But there are altern...

Table of Contents What Kitchen Backsplash Materials are Best for White Cabinets?  Marble  Granite  Travertine  Glass  Tile  Stainless Steel  What Types of Backsplashes Are There?    Backsplashes are an integral part of any kitchen design. Beyond their beauty, backsplashes play the important role of protecting the wall space behind your countertops. In the kitchen, this...

Table of Contents What Are the Best Granite Countertops with Veins?  River White Granite  Delicatus White Granite  Giallo Renoir Granite  Peregrine Granite  Silver Paradiso Granite  Costa Esmeralda Granite  Juparana Exotica Super Granite  Giallo Ornamental Granite  Colombo Gold Granite  Van Gogh Granite  Fire Island Granite ...