Counter tops

We've gone as far as we can with the slate backsplash. The bottom row needs to be left off so the granite counter tops can be installed. For the most part the counter tops will be one piece, with the exception of a couple of small seams that will only be visible upon close inspection. I always encourage solid surface type counter tops. Not having grout lines makes for less maintenance and an easy to clean surface. Most people are familiar with Corian and Granite. Corian is nice, however some caution should be used when dealing with hot pots and pans. Granite is immune to the heat, however be careful with that glass of grape juice. If not kept sealed, Granite can be stained. Another option is a product called Silestone. That's the brand name, there are several other brand names that are made the same way. Various stones are ground up then mixed with a resin. In the end you have a product that looks a lot like granite, but won't stain and stands up to the heat of the kitchen. As for the price of each of these options, oddly enough they're all about the same. You can expect to pay somewhere in the $60-$70 per foot range depending on the type of edge design and the complexity of the job.

Slate change of plans

It was decided that the backsplash would look best if it were done in slate instead of matching the granite we're planning to use on the counter tops. It was a good decision. The colors in the slate go really well with the rock.

Rock on

We installed most of the rock today. It's really taking shape.  Next step will be to have the granite counter tops installed.

Completely scratched.

With the scratch coat complete we can begin installing the rock.  The customer has chosen Eldorado Stone, a company that manufactures stone veneers. They offer several different types of stone and  it looks unbelievably real but is a fraction of the cost of real stone.

Lath work

The lath on the outdoor kitchen is complete and ready for the scratch coat.  Once the scratch coat is complete we will begin installing the rock.

Latest work

Recently we started an outdoor kitchen in Chico. The finished product will have a 30 inch grill, 8 inch burner, 30 inch sink and stainless steel cabinet doors. The counter tops will be done in granite and the cabinets will be finished with rock. With the steel stud framing complete it's ready for lath and scratch coat.

My take on flooring

I am always searching for products that are functional, durable and cost effective.  Many times these products are imitations of the real thing.  For example.  I recently began installing a product called Amtico. Amtico makes a variety of flooring, ranging from stone, to hardwood flooring.  The catch is, their products only imitate the real thing.  There's no stone in the stone and no wood in the wood. Amtico floor tiles are made from resin compounded with high quality plasticizers and stabilizers, all compressed under pressure and temperature.  To put it in plain English, it's made of the same stuff bowling balls are made of.  I'm a hard person to please when it comes to imitations. Like most people, I like the real thing, but the practical\functional side of me isn't crazy about the idea of real hardwood floors. They scratch easy, they need to be refinished eventually, and heaven forbid you have a water problem. Real hardwood floors are beautiful, no doubt, but for me the negatives out weigh the positives.  Tile is nice, however it can be a little chilly in the winter. Amtico has solved all of these problems.  Their products are made to stand up to just about anything you, your kids, or your pets could possibly throw at them.  Amtico is glued down and is commonly used in commercial flooring applications, such as grocery stores, banks, and hotels just to name a few. The other nice feature about Amtico is the ease in which it can be repaired, should you find a way to harm it, like using battery acid to clean up the nail polish your teenage daughter spilled while painting her toe nails.  The planks come in 3 inch, 4 inch and 6 inch widths by 36 inches long. So in the event that you need to replace a plank, simply pry it up, prepare the area for the new piece,  apply the glue, wait a few minutes then put the new piece down. The hardwood comes in several different styles, from planks that look like recycled barn wood, to exotic Zebrano wood. There's no hollow sound while walking on it, and there's no underlayment to put down prior to installing it. If the look of tile is what you're after, Amtico comes in patterns such as African slate, granite and even marble.  They've even come up with a "grout" to use with their tile.  Take it from me, the fake stuff rarely meets my standards, but in this case it far exceeds my expectations.  To learn more about Amtico log on to www.amtico.com. To have it installed, see me.