by CHRISTOPHER SMITH
There once was a time when all windows were covered with some type of curtain. Fortunately, we now have more options available to us when we're looking for window treatments. Of course, there are also more options for windows than ever before. No longer are we stuck with the traditional rectangular shape windows. Instead, many homes are opting for the more elegant option of arch windows, which allow a lot of sunshine into the room. Of course, these create a unique challenge for homeowners who are looking to cover these windows.
Arched windows are considered to be very elegant and distinctive and as such, can also complement the way the house looks. You have to consider that in arched windows, there will be a semi circular arch connected over a window that has a rectangular shape. It is important that you should choose the right covering for this kind of window. For most people, finding a covering for arched windows is a very hard task. This is because the window covering should be one that can complement the window design as well as complement the interior of the house.
For this kind of task, one idea would be installing blinds for an arched window. Blinds are the only window covering option that can do the job of complementing an arched window as well as the interior of the room. Its important that your arched windows should have blinds that are custom fitted to ensure a perfect fit. Blinds are also very easy to use. By using motorized controls, you can control the blinds with ease. Also, it will allow you to control the amount of light entering the room.
First of all, there are different kinds of blind designs available. Also, there are manufacturers that can offer custom designs for both the mechanics and the decoration for the blinds. This means that you can have a unique window blind design in your home to complement your arched window. For example, if you like to view a picturesque sunrise or sunset, or you want a view of the sea you can easily get the window blinds designed with the mentioned scenery. Upon closing the blinds, you will see that it won't look like a blank window but rather great scenery that you will surely enjoy and relax you.
Arched window blinds are quite simple to mount when you have the mechanical know-how or if you installed window blinds before. If you don’t know anything about installing an arched window blind or you find the installation manual complicated and don’t understand things about it, you can get a professional window blinds installer to do it for you.
Today, a lot of websites are now offering arched window blinds designs. Here, you can choose from the different kinds of window blinds designs available. Most of this kind of websites offers a detailed instruction on how to measure your arched windows. The measurements can be sent to the manufacturers via email included in their website. Through the measurements, they will design a window blinds that is custom fitted to your window.
So, if you want to add more elegance to your arched windows, you should consider getting an arch window blinds installed. Not only that it will provide you with privacy, but it will also provide you with additional elegance that will surely complement your arch window and the room where the window is situated in.
Bathroom Rugs - The Centrepiece Of Your Room
by NIALL ROCHE
No modern bathroom is truly complete without a bathroom rug of some kind. These rugs are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles - there's something for everybodys taste out there. From your contemporary round bathroom rug to big shaggy bathroom rugs you're spoiled for choice when shopping online. Another nice thing about a rug like this is that it allows you to update the bathroom itself by just changing the rug and some of the basic accents and accessories in the bathroom - you don't always need to redecorate the entire room.
This can obviously save you a lot of money down the line as you won't need to totally redecorate your bathroom to give it a fresh look and feel each time you want to change it up a bit. Visualize your bathroom as it currently is and then change it a bit by changing the bath rug for a new style or color. Visualize how this can and will change your bathroom. Isn't it amazing how such a small change can make such a big difference to the entire room?
Bathroom rugs are popular for a lot of reasons but the main one is safety - their original purpose was to stop people from slipping on a wet or dramp floor after bathing or showering. The bathrug eliminates this fear because it gives the bather a stable and comfortable surface to dry themselves on. Bath rugs are really useful in a busy house with kids where you'll have the shower in use for hours at a time. If you have a very large bathroom rug then it can span that distance between the shower and the sink so you can move from showering to brushing your teeth and shaving in safety too!
These days bathroom rugs have moved beyond mere function. They obviously do still serve a purpose in terms of providing a safe surface to stand on after showering or bathing. It's just that they've also become a very real and very common bathroom accessory and are now normally integral in the design or remodelling of any bathroom; in much the same way that carpets or throw rugs are in any other room. Bathrooms are now becoming as much a statement of a persons individual style as they are a functional room that all humans need. In a way your bath rug will form the centerpiece of the room and will attract a lot of attention from visitors and say a lot about your taste and style.
Some people worry about being able to find the perfect rug.... don't worry it does exist and will complement your bathroom completely. It doesn't matter what style or pattern you're looking for you'll be able to find a match for it in at least one of the online stores and at a great price too. Some of my own personal favourites are dolphin designs (how can you not like dolphins?) and the new wooden duckboard mats that would be ideal for a more rustic bathroom design.
Your bath rug gives you a real chance to add a major dash of your own personality to your bathroom - make the most of this opportunity!
No modern bathroom is truly complete without a bathroom rug of some kind. These rugs are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles - there's something for everybodys taste out there. From your contemporary round bathroom rug to big shaggy bathroom rugs you're spoiled for choice when shopping online. Another nice thing about a rug like this is that it allows you to update the bathroom itself by just changing the rug and some of the basic accents and accessories in the bathroom - you don't always need to redecorate the entire room.
This can obviously save you a lot of money down the line as you won't need to totally redecorate your bathroom to give it a fresh look and feel each time you want to change it up a bit. Visualize your bathroom as it currently is and then change it a bit by changing the bath rug for a new style or color. Visualize how this can and will change your bathroom. Isn't it amazing how such a small change can make such a big difference to the entire room?
Bathroom rugs are popular for a lot of reasons but the main one is safety - their original purpose was to stop people from slipping on a wet or dramp floor after bathing or showering. The bathrug eliminates this fear because it gives the bather a stable and comfortable surface to dry themselves on. Bath rugs are really useful in a busy house with kids where you'll have the shower in use for hours at a time. If you have a very large bathroom rug then it can span that distance between the shower and the sink so you can move from showering to brushing your teeth and shaving in safety too!
These days bathroom rugs have moved beyond mere function. They obviously do still serve a purpose in terms of providing a safe surface to stand on after showering or bathing. It's just that they've also become a very real and very common bathroom accessory and are now normally integral in the design or remodelling of any bathroom; in much the same way that carpets or throw rugs are in any other room. Bathrooms are now becoming as much a statement of a persons individual style as they are a functional room that all humans need. In a way your bath rug will form the centerpiece of the room and will attract a lot of attention from visitors and say a lot about your taste and style.
Some people worry about being able to find the perfect rug.... don't worry it does exist and will complement your bathroom completely. It doesn't matter what style or pattern you're looking for you'll be able to find a match for it in at least one of the online stores and at a great price too. Some of my own personal favourites are dolphin designs (how can you not like dolphins?) and the new wooden duckboard mats that would be ideal for a more rustic bathroom design.
Your bath rug gives you a real chance to add a major dash of your own personality to your bathroom - make the most of this opportunity!
Add luxury to your bathroom and value to your home
by ANDREW REGAN
If you’re looking to increase the “wow" factor of your home or add value to your property, installing a well designed, modern luxury bathroom might be the perfect answer. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home; as a place of refuge and relaxation where you can spend time washing away the worries of everyday life - so it’s important to create a space that you enjoy and in which you can unwind after a busy day.
There are a number of ways to spruce up an old bathroom: by adding new features such as spa baths, walk-in showers and bidets you can create a bathroom that will impress family, friends and potential buyers alike, as well as reflect your personal taste.
Whirlpool baths - once only found in high-class hotel luxury bathroom suites - are now much more affordable to the everyday homeowner. They've rapidly increased in popularity because of their relaxing properties and hydrotherapy health benefits, which are well known for soothing away aches and pains. Such baths can range in size from large freestanding hot tubs which hold several people, to compact corner baths which even the smallest bathrooms can accommodate - so anybody can install one.
Luxury showers are another way of adding a touch of class to a bathroom or value to your property. Why put up with a shower that offers little more than a cold trickle when you can enjoy a walk-in shower that will massage your body with up to twelve jets? Or, why not install a shower with a steam system, FM radio and CD/MP3 player? Despite the high quality luxury nature of such showers, prices needn't break the bank either: jet showers start at well under £500.
If you think that a great deal of space is needed to install a luxury bathroom, think again. In fact, a number of suites cater to homes with limited space, offering compact corner showers and baths, as well as stylish slim line toilets and basins - all with a high quality finish. However, if space is no object, then a freestanding roll top bath will add an air of elegance to your bathroom. There are a range of styles available, from the traditional double ended model, to slipper baths, boat baths and corner baths.
Installing a modern luxury bathroom will ultimately help you relax, add class to your home and enhance the value of your property - not to mention, give your guests something to talk about!
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.
If you’re looking to increase the “wow" factor of your home or add value to your property, installing a well designed, modern luxury bathroom might be the perfect answer. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home; as a place of refuge and relaxation where you can spend time washing away the worries of everyday life - so it’s important to create a space that you enjoy and in which you can unwind after a busy day.
There are a number of ways to spruce up an old bathroom: by adding new features such as spa baths, walk-in showers and bidets you can create a bathroom that will impress family, friends and potential buyers alike, as well as reflect your personal taste.
Whirlpool baths - once only found in high-class hotel luxury bathroom suites - are now much more affordable to the everyday homeowner. They've rapidly increased in popularity because of their relaxing properties and hydrotherapy health benefits, which are well known for soothing away aches and pains. Such baths can range in size from large freestanding hot tubs which hold several people, to compact corner baths which even the smallest bathrooms can accommodate - so anybody can install one.
Luxury showers are another way of adding a touch of class to a bathroom or value to your property. Why put up with a shower that offers little more than a cold trickle when you can enjoy a walk-in shower that will massage your body with up to twelve jets? Or, why not install a shower with a steam system, FM radio and CD/MP3 player? Despite the high quality luxury nature of such showers, prices needn't break the bank either: jet showers start at well under £500.
If you think that a great deal of space is needed to install a luxury bathroom, think again. In fact, a number of suites cater to homes with limited space, offering compact corner showers and baths, as well as stylish slim line toilets and basins - all with a high quality finish. However, if space is no object, then a freestanding roll top bath will add an air of elegance to your bathroom. There are a range of styles available, from the traditional double ended model, to slipper baths, boat baths and corner baths.
Installing a modern luxury bathroom will ultimately help you relax, add class to your home and enhance the value of your property - not to mention, give your guests something to talk about!
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.
What Type of Bath Tub Is Better For Your Bathroom?
by CHRISTOPHER SMITH
So, you feel like purchasing a new bath tub but don’t know what design or type of tubs you should be opting for. Well, a bath tub is certainly the largest item that you put in your bathroom. And that is why it is essential that your bath tub conform to the bathroom design. Let us have a look at some of the tubs that you could choose from.
Cast Iron Bath Tubs
This kind of bath tub can be very expensive and if you are thinking of antique ones, the price can even higher. But when you have such a bath tub in your bathroom, it shows pure luxury and elegance. If you already have a cast iron bath tub, you should contact your local dealer first. You might find out that your old bath tub is actually worth something. You can sell your old one to a second hand store or even through a garage sale. As the popularity of cast iron bath tubs is increasing, it is actually a good idea to get your old cast iron bath tub renovated, rather than replacing it. This might be done at your home or you might get the bath tub transported to the service station. But it won’t be that easy as cast iron bath tubs are very heavy.
Modern Bath Tubs
Most of the modern bath tubs are made of steel, plastic and acrylic. The best thing about modern tubs is that they are very light yet they are very durable and tough. Due to plastic and acrylic materials, the bath tubs are so light that even one person can carry it. If bath tubs are made of steel, it would take at least two persons to carry it. Another feature of these modern bath tubs is that they can be made into different shapes and designs. These can have matching taps, panels and color patterns.
Circular Bath Tubs
The very first thing that you would need, if you want a circular bath tub in your bathroom, would be a large enough space. When you have a circular bath tub in your bathroom, it really makes your bathroom worth taking a look. The only thing needed would be conforming interior designs and then see the difference it brings!
Space Saving Bath Tubs
If space has always been the problem in your bathroom, you can have a bath tub that is specifically designed to maximize space. The thing is that the tub is designed in such a way that it takes very little wall space. It would provide space for shelves or a towel warmer. Since, it comes in a variety of colors, themes and sizes, you can have your pick as per your bathroom interiors.
Regular Bath Tubs
As the name suggests, regular bath tubs are the most common and the most inexpensive ones. This rectangular shaped bath tub can fit in any bathroom with any theme or design. You can get these bath tubs in different lengths as per your requirements.
I hope this piece of information on bath tubs will help you in deciding which one to pick for yourself and make your bathroom look one-of-a-kind!
So, you feel like purchasing a new bath tub but don’t know what design or type of tubs you should be opting for. Well, a bath tub is certainly the largest item that you put in your bathroom. And that is why it is essential that your bath tub conform to the bathroom design. Let us have a look at some of the tubs that you could choose from.
Cast Iron Bath Tubs
This kind of bath tub can be very expensive and if you are thinking of antique ones, the price can even higher. But when you have such a bath tub in your bathroom, it shows pure luxury and elegance. If you already have a cast iron bath tub, you should contact your local dealer first. You might find out that your old bath tub is actually worth something. You can sell your old one to a second hand store or even through a garage sale. As the popularity of cast iron bath tubs is increasing, it is actually a good idea to get your old cast iron bath tub renovated, rather than replacing it. This might be done at your home or you might get the bath tub transported to the service station. But it won’t be that easy as cast iron bath tubs are very heavy.
Modern Bath Tubs
Most of the modern bath tubs are made of steel, plastic and acrylic. The best thing about modern tubs is that they are very light yet they are very durable and tough. Due to plastic and acrylic materials, the bath tubs are so light that even one person can carry it. If bath tubs are made of steel, it would take at least two persons to carry it. Another feature of these modern bath tubs is that they can be made into different shapes and designs. These can have matching taps, panels and color patterns.
Circular Bath Tubs
The very first thing that you would need, if you want a circular bath tub in your bathroom, would be a large enough space. When you have a circular bath tub in your bathroom, it really makes your bathroom worth taking a look. The only thing needed would be conforming interior designs and then see the difference it brings!
Space Saving Bath Tubs
If space has always been the problem in your bathroom, you can have a bath tub that is specifically designed to maximize space. The thing is that the tub is designed in such a way that it takes very little wall space. It would provide space for shelves or a towel warmer. Since, it comes in a variety of colors, themes and sizes, you can have your pick as per your bathroom interiors.
Regular Bath Tubs
As the name suggests, regular bath tubs are the most common and the most inexpensive ones. This rectangular shaped bath tub can fit in any bathroom with any theme or design. You can get these bath tubs in different lengths as per your requirements.
I hope this piece of information on bath tubs will help you in deciding which one to pick for yourself and make your bathroom look one-of-a-kind!
Bedroom Furniture Terms Explained
by PETER G
The bedroom is the part of a home used mainly for sleeping. If a bedroom has a bookshelf or a computer desk, can serve as a study. Because the bedroom is the only private place in a home, it is often designed in a romantic way, and has only a night table and a bed. Other bedrooms have entertainment centers inside. Depending on your taste, furniture items in your bedroom may include a full, king or queen-sized bed with proper bedding, a nightstand, dressers and closets.
Now, let's take a look at a short list, not claiming to be exhaustive, of bedroom furniture terms you may not understand, although you see them often on furniture related websites.
The bedroom is the part of a home used mainly for sleeping. If a bedroom has a bookshelf or a computer desk, can serve as a study. Because the bedroom is the only private place in a home, it is often designed in a romantic way, and has only a night table and a bed. Other bedrooms have entertainment centers inside. Depending on your taste, furniture items in your bedroom may include a full, king or queen-sized bed with proper bedding, a nightstand, dressers and closets.
Now, let's take a look at a short list, not claiming to be exhaustive, of bedroom furniture terms you may not understand, although you see them often on furniture related websites.
- Armoire - A movable wardrobe, usually with one or two doors.
- Air Bed - A mattress filled with air, covered with cushioning and ticking.
- Baffle - A structure which reduces wave motion in a waterbed mattress.
- Bunk Bed - A type of bed in which one bed is stacked on top of another.
- California King Bed - A bed that measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.
- Chest - A rectangular piece of furniture with four walls and a liftable lid, used for storage.
- Comforter - A thick, fluffy blanket used as a cover on top of the bed.
- Daybed - Bed made out of wood or metal, used as bed and seating area.
- Double Bed - A bed that measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.
- Double Extra Long Bed - A bed that measures 54 inches wide by 80 inches long.
- Duvet Cover - A type of bedding, a soft flat bag filled with down or feathers, used on a bed as a blanket.
- Extra-Long Twin Bed - A bed that measures 39 inches wide by 80 inches long.
- Full Bed - A bed that measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.
- Full Motion - A waterbed that does not have wave reduction systems.
- Futon - A thin mattress of tufted cotton batting, placed on the floor or on a raised, foldable frame.
- Headboard - The piece of furniture that attaches to the head of the bed, to retain bed linens and pillows.
- King Bed - A bed that measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
- Motion Reduced - A waterbed that incorporates wave reduction devices to reduce wave motion.
- Motionless - A waterbed that incorporates wave reduction devices to stop wave motion.
- Olympic Queen Bed - A bed that measures 66 inches wide by 80 inches long.
- Pedestal Decking - A flat board which sits on a waterbed pedestal, below the frame.
- Queen Bed - A bed that measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
- Sleigh Bed - A bed with a high, scrolled headboard and slightly lower footboard resembling the front of a sleigh.
- Sleeper - A sofa which can be converted into a bed.
- Twin Bed - One of a matching pair of single beds.
What Is The Best Way To Have Carpets Cleaned - Professional Steam Cleaning Or Do It Yourself
by Christopher Smith
One of the best ways to clean your carpet is to have them professionally steam cleaned. It's definitely a plus in my book in the labor department and the results of having professionals come in and clean your carpets can be very little short of astonishing. Most professional carpet cleaners use a truck mounted carpet cleaning system with two large tanks: one for clean water and one for the water that has been recovered from your floor.
It takes a great amount of air pressure in order to push the steam through the pipes towards the wand. The steam is placed in the carpet at a temperature of 190 degrees. The steam combined with the chemical employed by the professional cleaners work together in order to clean your carpets. The water is then sucked from your carpet along with the dirt and grime that is normally lurking beneath the surface of your carpets.
You as the homeowner have many options when it comes to cleaning your carpets. You can opt to do it yourself by either renting or purchasing a portable carpet cleaning device. You also have the option of hiring professionals to come in and do the 'heavy lifting' for you. The cost of calling in the pros is going to be more significant than the cost of renting a Rug Doctor or some other brand of carpet cleaner so I strongly recommend that you call around for pricing quotes and take advantage of coupons and advertised specials.
Most people have their carpets cleaned far too infrequently when we live with pets and those who suffer allergies this can significantly reduce the symptoms of those allergies if it is done regularly. I recommend at least twice a year at the minimum four times a year for best results.
Professional carpet cleaning can and does extend the life of your carpet as well as your enjoyment of your carpet. You should also notice a difference in the quality of air in your home immediately after having your carpets cleaned. Not only will carpet cleaning help with odors and allergies it will also help prevent other health problems as well while preserving the beauty and prolonging the life of your carpet.
One of the best ways to clean your carpet is to have them professionally steam cleaned. It's definitely a plus in my book in the labor department and the results of having professionals come in and clean your carpets can be very little short of astonishing. Most professional carpet cleaners use a truck mounted carpet cleaning system with two large tanks: one for clean water and one for the water that has been recovered from your floor.
It takes a great amount of air pressure in order to push the steam through the pipes towards the wand. The steam is placed in the carpet at a temperature of 190 degrees. The steam combined with the chemical employed by the professional cleaners work together in order to clean your carpets. The water is then sucked from your carpet along with the dirt and grime that is normally lurking beneath the surface of your carpets.
You as the homeowner have many options when it comes to cleaning your carpets. You can opt to do it yourself by either renting or purchasing a portable carpet cleaning device. You also have the option of hiring professionals to come in and do the 'heavy lifting' for you. The cost of calling in the pros is going to be more significant than the cost of renting a Rug Doctor or some other brand of carpet cleaner so I strongly recommend that you call around for pricing quotes and take advantage of coupons and advertised specials.
Most people have their carpets cleaned far too infrequently when we live with pets and those who suffer allergies this can significantly reduce the symptoms of those allergies if it is done regularly. I recommend at least twice a year at the minimum four times a year for best results.
Professional carpet cleaning can and does extend the life of your carpet as well as your enjoyment of your carpet. You should also notice a difference in the quality of air in your home immediately after having your carpets cleaned. Not only will carpet cleaning help with odors and allergies it will also help prevent other health problems as well while preserving the beauty and prolonging the life of your carpet.
Granite For Worktops And House Signs: Just How Stain Resistant Is It?
by STEVE W
I have been a stone and marble mason for forty years and for all of my working life I have been obsessive about keeping potential stain creating products out of my workshop and away from my stocks of stone , marble and granites. It therefore follows that my experience of stain damaged materials have been limited to rare accidents over the years. And most of these have involved marble, in fact I have been unable to recall a single occasion when we had an example of granite staining.
With the increasing use of granite for kitchen worktops and my current speciality house signs, I have recently had cause to consider just how stain resistant is natural granite? To try to answer this question I set up a small experiment to try to deliberately introduce stain damage to a piece of granite using products found in the average kitchen. The Experiment: I used a piece of Nero Impala granite 20mm thick with a highly polished face. Nero Impala is a tight grained, mid to dark grey mottled granite from South Africa. I chose this type of granite as being a typical mid-range granite in terms of hardness and colour. This piece has a normal polished finish and has never been sealed to prevent staining.
I lay the piece of granite on a horizontal surface indoors and left it to thoroughly dry out for a couple of days.
I stuck a number of small labels across the face of the granite and next to each label introduced one of the chosen staining agents and as I introduced each new product, wrote he name of the product on the adjacent label in pencil. (Tip: if you are labelling something in conditions where the labels may get wet, use pencil.)
I then left the granite and the staining agents to do their worst for a full eighteen hours.
The Staining Agents: (and my expectations of them) 1. Vegetable Oil: Oils have always been taboo around marble workshops and are guaranteed to stain marble. I was certain these oils would leave at least a wet looking stain on the granite. 2. Same as vegetable oil really but different oils do have different characteristics and olive oil is common to most kitchens. 3. Soy Sauce: I thought the combination of the dark colouring and the potentially corrosive nature of the vinegar base would be a serious contender to cause damage 4. Vinegar: I expected the vinegar to act as a corrosive and at least slightly degrade the polish. 5. Beetroot Juice: Beetroot juice is one of the most deadly stains I know of, as any housewife knows and I was pretty sure that this would soak in and leave a nasty purple stain. 6. Ketchup: Contains oil and vinegar and a lot of colouring is superb at staining kids clothes! 7. Tea Bag Wet: Tannin is a strong staining agent I expected this to leave at least a surface stain and an underlying water mark. 8. Washing up Liquid: Soap will stain marble so definitely worth a try. 9.Scotch Whisky: Don’t panic! I used the cheap cooking stuff. I really was confidant that this would degrade the polish. On marble any strong alcohol spirit will cut through the surface polish so I assumed the same would be true of granite. 10. Red Wine: We all know how pervasive red wine stains can be. And any excuse seems good to open a new bottle! 11.Lemonade: You may be suprised to know that lemonade will also destroy the polish on marble if left for long enough, over eighteen hours I was pretty sure it would do some damage to the granite. 12. White wine: Ok I didn’t think this would do any harm but it was open anyway! 13. Tabasco Sauce: Hey! this stuff burns throats like anything so why not granite ? 14. Lemon Juice: Very acidic of course, and if the lemonade does the trick neat lemon juice should work even better ( or worse depending on your viewpoint!). 15. Half an Orange: Citric acid and orange colourant, should be interesting.
Ok that’s the lot, I was pretty confidant that the oil, the beetroot and the whisky would cause some damage but I was not sure about the others.
After the eighteen hours I mopped up the residue of the various staining agents and cleaned the surface of the granite with a normal kitchen spray cleaner and left it to dry for ten minutes.
I then inspected the granite in daylight for damage to the polish from corrosive acids and staining from the colourants and the oil based products.
The Result: Nothing! No staining no degrading of the polish not even the wet looking stains I was sure would be caused by the oils and the wet agents. This was a real surprise, eighteen hours is a long time and under normal domestic conditions any spillage would be cleaned up much sooner. This is a really impressive result for the granite but a bit of a blow for me as I had hoped to write further articles on removing stains and re-polishing alcohol spots!
Still I mustn’t be too surly about it, I have always been an admirer of the qualities of granite but now I can quote the stain resistant virtues of the stuff with great confidence.
One caveat however, there are many different types of granite and I cannot guarantee that this performance will be as impressive with them all, or that I have tried every potential staining or corrosive product, but I have no reason to think that other granites are more susceptible to damage or that any other agents pose a bigger threat.
Steve Walker has been a craftsman in stone and marble for 40 years. In his long career has practised as a stone mason, letter cutter, restoration carver, marble mason, and fireplace designer/manufacturer. He now specialises in engraved stone, granite and slate house signs as: www.stoneengravings.co.uk StoneEngravings, Engraved Natural Stone House Signs.
I have been a stone and marble mason for forty years and for all of my working life I have been obsessive about keeping potential stain creating products out of my workshop and away from my stocks of stone , marble and granites. It therefore follows that my experience of stain damaged materials have been limited to rare accidents over the years. And most of these have involved marble, in fact I have been unable to recall a single occasion when we had an example of granite staining.
With the increasing use of granite for kitchen worktops and my current speciality house signs, I have recently had cause to consider just how stain resistant is natural granite? To try to answer this question I set up a small experiment to try to deliberately introduce stain damage to a piece of granite using products found in the average kitchen. The Experiment: I used a piece of Nero Impala granite 20mm thick with a highly polished face. Nero Impala is a tight grained, mid to dark grey mottled granite from South Africa. I chose this type of granite as being a typical mid-range granite in terms of hardness and colour. This piece has a normal polished finish and has never been sealed to prevent staining.
I lay the piece of granite on a horizontal surface indoors and left it to thoroughly dry out for a couple of days.
I stuck a number of small labels across the face of the granite and next to each label introduced one of the chosen staining agents and as I introduced each new product, wrote he name of the product on the adjacent label in pencil. (Tip: if you are labelling something in conditions where the labels may get wet, use pencil.)
I then left the granite and the staining agents to do their worst for a full eighteen hours.
The Staining Agents: (and my expectations of them) 1. Vegetable Oil: Oils have always been taboo around marble workshops and are guaranteed to stain marble. I was certain these oils would leave at least a wet looking stain on the granite. 2. Same as vegetable oil really but different oils do have different characteristics and olive oil is common to most kitchens. 3. Soy Sauce: I thought the combination of the dark colouring and the potentially corrosive nature of the vinegar base would be a serious contender to cause damage 4. Vinegar: I expected the vinegar to act as a corrosive and at least slightly degrade the polish. 5. Beetroot Juice: Beetroot juice is one of the most deadly stains I know of, as any housewife knows and I was pretty sure that this would soak in and leave a nasty purple stain. 6. Ketchup: Contains oil and vinegar and a lot of colouring is superb at staining kids clothes! 7. Tea Bag Wet: Tannin is a strong staining agent I expected this to leave at least a surface stain and an underlying water mark. 8. Washing up Liquid: Soap will stain marble so definitely worth a try. 9.Scotch Whisky: Don’t panic! I used the cheap cooking stuff. I really was confidant that this would degrade the polish. On marble any strong alcohol spirit will cut through the surface polish so I assumed the same would be true of granite. 10. Red Wine: We all know how pervasive red wine stains can be. And any excuse seems good to open a new bottle! 11.Lemonade: You may be suprised to know that lemonade will also destroy the polish on marble if left for long enough, over eighteen hours I was pretty sure it would do some damage to the granite. 12. White wine: Ok I didn’t think this would do any harm but it was open anyway! 13. Tabasco Sauce: Hey! this stuff burns throats like anything so why not granite ? 14. Lemon Juice: Very acidic of course, and if the lemonade does the trick neat lemon juice should work even better ( or worse depending on your viewpoint!). 15. Half an Orange: Citric acid and orange colourant, should be interesting.
Ok that’s the lot, I was pretty confidant that the oil, the beetroot and the whisky would cause some damage but I was not sure about the others.
After the eighteen hours I mopped up the residue of the various staining agents and cleaned the surface of the granite with a normal kitchen spray cleaner and left it to dry for ten minutes.
I then inspected the granite in daylight for damage to the polish from corrosive acids and staining from the colourants and the oil based products.
The Result: Nothing! No staining no degrading of the polish not even the wet looking stains I was sure would be caused by the oils and the wet agents. This was a real surprise, eighteen hours is a long time and under normal domestic conditions any spillage would be cleaned up much sooner. This is a really impressive result for the granite but a bit of a blow for me as I had hoped to write further articles on removing stains and re-polishing alcohol spots!
Still I mustn’t be too surly about it, I have always been an admirer of the qualities of granite but now I can quote the stain resistant virtues of the stuff with great confidence.
One caveat however, there are many different types of granite and I cannot guarantee that this performance will be as impressive with them all, or that I have tried every potential staining or corrosive product, but I have no reason to think that other granites are more susceptible to damage or that any other agents pose a bigger threat.
Steve Walker has been a craftsman in stone and marble for 40 years. In his long career has practised as a stone mason, letter cutter, restoration carver, marble mason, and fireplace designer/manufacturer. He now specialises in engraved stone, granite and slate house signs as: www.stoneengravings.co.uk StoneEngravings, Engraved Natural Stone House Signs.
Have a Luxurious Home on a Tight Budget
Luxurious homes, inevitably, evoke one word from every aspirant of a luxurious home. And that is - 'expensive'. Normally, luxury homes are viewed from the amount of money invested in furnishing these homes. We tend to believe that royalty of luxurious homes come from money.
But, very conveniently, forget that some astute thinking and of course, little money can transform our homes into a royal castle. In fact, if we trace the journey of some of the luxury furniture, we can easily find out that the things that were commonplace in ancient homes have been rendered luxurious in the form of antiques. So, present day's luxury is yesterday's normalcy. So, why not try to make it a present day's normalcy?
The first thing to take care of is to avoid buying fakes. If antiques are your choice to bring in luxury to your home, never settle for cheap furniture or look-alikes. For instance, an exclusive Amish made furniture could be your ideal choice but never get duped by unscrupulous dealers, who make a quick buck out of the ignorant buyers. Always opt for a reputed dealer of Amish furniture who provides adequate guarantees and warranties on your purchase. Similarly, if dealing with Antique furniture dealers, always choose the one who has a good reputation both online as well as offline.
The next thing to plan is the art works. While expensive paintings by renowned painters may be out of your budget range, you certainly need not lose heart. A beautiful oil painting or water-colored painting can be an impressive alternative. The artwork need not be a “branded” one. The important things are that the painting should (a) gel with the overall scheme of the room; and (b) not look like a poor replica of some original artwork. As long as these two conditions are met, the “brand” won’t matter much.
Flooring comes next. A decent priced wool carpet or stone tiles can provide the look and feel of luxury to your home. A carefully crafted handmade carpet is any day better than artificially created custom-made flooring.
You must be extra careful while spending on furniture requirements. One thing about luxury furniture is that it acts like a seductive temptress. You have to be extra careful to resist the temptation of spending too much on luxury furniture items. A better option is to look for the reproduction pieces manufactured by furniture makers, like Baker Furniture or Century Furniture. Kitchen with granite finish can be inexpensively royal.
Affordable luxuries also come at a price but this should not daunt you, as the satisfaction of having a luxurious home is much more valuable than affordable luxuries. Apart from buying new items, you can also mould your existing furniture into a luxurious outlook. Silk pillows and tapestry finish are good options for affordable luxury. Decorative and inexpensive plants could lend the oomph factor in the drawing room. And most importantly, never clutter your home with excessive furniture. Always allow some breathing space in your rooms.
But, very conveniently, forget that some astute thinking and of course, little money can transform our homes into a royal castle. In fact, if we trace the journey of some of the luxury furniture, we can easily find out that the things that were commonplace in ancient homes have been rendered luxurious in the form of antiques. So, present day's luxury is yesterday's normalcy. So, why not try to make it a present day's normalcy?
The first thing to take care of is to avoid buying fakes. If antiques are your choice to bring in luxury to your home, never settle for cheap furniture or look-alikes. For instance, an exclusive Amish made furniture could be your ideal choice but never get duped by unscrupulous dealers, who make a quick buck out of the ignorant buyers. Always opt for a reputed dealer of Amish furniture who provides adequate guarantees and warranties on your purchase. Similarly, if dealing with Antique furniture dealers, always choose the one who has a good reputation both online as well as offline.
The next thing to plan is the art works. While expensive paintings by renowned painters may be out of your budget range, you certainly need not lose heart. A beautiful oil painting or water-colored painting can be an impressive alternative. The artwork need not be a “branded” one. The important things are that the painting should (a) gel with the overall scheme of the room; and (b) not look like a poor replica of some original artwork. As long as these two conditions are met, the “brand” won’t matter much.
Flooring comes next. A decent priced wool carpet or stone tiles can provide the look and feel of luxury to your home. A carefully crafted handmade carpet is any day better than artificially created custom-made flooring.
You must be extra careful while spending on furniture requirements. One thing about luxury furniture is that it acts like a seductive temptress. You have to be extra careful to resist the temptation of spending too much on luxury furniture items. A better option is to look for the reproduction pieces manufactured by furniture makers, like Baker Furniture or Century Furniture. Kitchen with granite finish can be inexpensively royal.
Affordable luxuries also come at a price but this should not daunt you, as the satisfaction of having a luxurious home is much more valuable than affordable luxuries. Apart from buying new items, you can also mould your existing furniture into a luxurious outlook. Silk pillows and tapestry finish are good options for affordable luxury. Decorative and inexpensive plants could lend the oomph factor in the drawing room. And most importantly, never clutter your home with excessive furniture. Always allow some breathing space in your rooms.
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