It sounds amazing, but I am currently working with a Mom from Gig Harbor and her daughter, owner of a doggy boutique, and they are already busy with holiday plans!  Mom is giving her daughter a granite kitchen for Christmas.  Wow, makes my sausage & cheese log gift set look a bit... Sorry, Mom.  Back to this story though.  We started out wanting a pitched or broken edge.  There is a large center island which wings out on two sides from the sink area. Currently, there is a raised bar. The clients considered lowering the bar to create a 1-level island, but in the end after consulting with Jeff Sheridan  of Natural Stone Refinishing who will do the tear-out & prep, that the least labor-intensive & costly solution would be to keep the island as-is, possibly adding a couple more inches to the raised bar to provide a larger top.  The client has a lot of beautiful glass items and candlesticks etc. that she displays on the raised top, so keeping it raised will allow her to show off her treasurers nicely as well. 
     About two weeks ago the gals tackled the warehouses in Tacoma to look at slabs and came back with a hold on 3 pieces of 3cm Sienna Bordeaux.  This is a popular B-level priced stone.  The idea was to laminate the raised bar area and lower island top but use a 1.25" single edge on the rear tops. We recently did this on another job in Bremerton using a 3 cm laminated edge that can be seen on our website which is called laminated top radius with 45 degree chamferr.  Wow, that one looks terriffic raised.  But back to this story.  The pricing came out  at a whopping $14, 000 since we are looking at three slabs.  Sorry Santa, but the budget here is only $10,000 which has to include everything.  So, let's talk about shopping. Had a man in yesterday from Maple Valley and he was completely shocked by the idea that you can shop granite slabs.  But, when you think about it, we have several local suppliers in Seattle as well as Tacoma and they have to move inventory as they are always receiving new product.  Who doesn't love a SALE.  Fabricators routinely receive special clearance pricing.  There is usually nothing wrong with the material. Usually, not always.  The material prices can be less than $20 per foot.  A second trip to Meta Marble in Seattle and we walked away (stole away?) with 4 book-matched slabs of Giallo Matisse 2 cm. This brought us in on budget, but the biggest factor is that the island needing a seam can now enjoyt the artistry of a book-matched seam.  The final effect will look like a million.  We plan to install a 4" splash but add a baby bullet liner from a Red Rock series on top that is 3/4" by 6" to finish the look.  The kitchen should be completed well in time for a family birthday event. 
      On another note, oddly related since when I met a couple from Tacoma recently their house was still decorated from Xmas or seems like it stays decorated year round?  Speaking of shopping, the husband had become smitten with a slab called Spectrus.  This material is dark with cream and wood tones but spendy--a C or D level.  We really hit a speed bump in Fife where most all slabs are 2 cm since they have pretty young grandkids that spend as lot of time at their eating bar and they really wanted a sub-top, so we took an unexpected trip to Dal Stone in Seattle where we got lucky with slabs that had been sized-down. This is where one end is amaller and the whole slab is priced at 52" instead of the 65" it is on the higher end. What a great savings! We came in under the price of 2nd choice Copper Canyon.  Seems like someone has been awfully good to get such a terricffic holiday surprise! Speaking of that, now is the time to get on the schedule if you want the tops in by Christmas or Thanksgiving. You need to figure at least a week turn-around from the time of measure, and this year we have a pretty full schedule brewing--oh yeah, it 's Halloween Saturday!  Have a great weekend and stay safe.

SO YOU WANT GRANITE ON YOUR KITCHEN...

... but don’t know where to begin.

Let me give you some idea on the step-by-step process involved in choosing and installing granite on your kitchen. Maybe this information can help get you started.
FIRST, you have to decide on whether you want a complete or a partial remodel. A complete remodel will of course means tearing out the old cabinets, old tiles, backsplashes, maybe even floorings and walls and putting in put in new ones. A partial remodel may mean just replacing your counter tops, and backsplashes. Now, whichever way you go, RAS is here to help with your countertop needs. We can also recommend remodelers that you will not be disappointed with. Hiring a remodeler and/or designer will save you the headache of planning and wading through the innumerable options, and countless decisions you have to make, which can be daunting and overwhelming.

SECOND, you have to make a decision about what kind of counter top materials to use. There are hundreds of choices out there from granite and quartz, to wood, glass, cement, steel, and various recycled materials. RAS is a natural stone fabricator, and prefer granite and other natural stones on kitchen counters.

Kitchen counter tops get a lot more wear and tear than the other counter tops in your house. It also is usually more visible, and gets more attention especially as kitchens have become today’s living room. As such, you have to be astute in choosing the countertop material that will not just take a lot of abuse, but would also be aesthetically appealing as well. We are at RAS cannot think of any other material that provide both durability and elegance other than granite.

Below is the comparative table between granite and a few other alternate counter top materials:

LAMINATES
The most popular type is Formica. A Laminates is made of a thin layer of plastic glued to a particle board. • Inexpensive

Advantages
• Numerous patterns/colors

• Fairly stain resistant

• Easy to clean • Can be scratched by abrasives, scorched by heat.

Disadvantages
• Sharp objects like knives can leave cuts and scratches

• Easily damaged by long exposure to water and can get warped

• Normally unrepairable, but again it is cheap so one can just replace it as easily

CORIAN and other acrylic/polyester plastics
Basically made of plastic (called resin in its unprocessed form)

Advantages
 • Stain resistant

• Not as easily damaged by abrasives

• Easy to clean

• Numerous patterns/colors • Some can scratch and not heat resistant (it’s mostly plastic!!)

Disadvantages
• Expensive – sometimes more so than granite!

• Appears less natural

ENGINEERED STONES such as Silestone, Caesarstone products, etc.
Granite and other stone grits and crumbs mixed with plastic, usually the polyester type (94% grits and 6% polyester beads).

Advantages
• More natural stone looking

• More heat and scratch resistant than laminate and Corian

• More consistent colors and patterns

• Easy to maintain • Some can be scorched by heat.

Disadvantages
• Un-natural looking like granite.

• Limited colors and patterns

• Often more expensive than granite and Corian

WOOD or Butcher Block
Mostly hard wood strips glued together

Advantages
 • Easy to clean

• Normal wear and tear can lend some aged look and easy to fix by sanding

• Will not dull knives

Disadvantages
• Turns black when exposed to standing water for a long time

• Can harbor bacteria

• Requires periodic sealing and oiling

TILES
Usually made of ceramic cut into different sizes and shapes

Advantages
• Durable and non-staining

• Endless shapes and colors

• Heat resistant

Disadvantages
• Chips, crack and scratch very easily

• Grout can lose color and stain easily and hard to clean

• Uneven surface

GRANITE
Igneous rock composed of feldspar and quartz. Granite is crystallized magma that cools slowly deep below the earth’s surface.

Advantages
• Scratch and heat resistant

• Appears natural because it is!

• Adds value to your home

• Rich and elegant looking and will last for a long, long time.

Disadvantages
• Expensive although there are some popular varieties which has become more affordable in recent years.

• Can be hard on porcelain and glasses

As you can see from the above table, granite wins - hands down!! It is the only material we know that can withstand a lot of abuse and yet present a beautiful and elegant appearance that last for hundreds (literally!) of years.

When you choose your specific material, consider the kitchen size, floor and wall colors and lighting. Smaller kitchens can appear even smaller with darker colors and materials with big or busy patterns, while lighter and smaller patterns can open up a room, making it seem bigger. Of course, most projects are determined by your budget, and your ultimate goal with the property you are renovating as it will determine how much time, money and effort you want to pour into the project.

Third, once the material has been selected, draw the kitchen lay-out and measure the edges including the backsplashes. If you are putting in new cabinets, your cabinet maker can provide the scaled architectural drawings. If you are providing the sketch, make sure you indicate the edgework, walls, backsplashes, and cutouts.

Fourth, choose the edge details. There are numerous edge details to choose from. When choosing your edge details consider:

• the type and thickness of your granite (granite and other countertop materials come in either 2 or 3 cm thickness). Usually the thicker materials do not need to be laminated.

• the overall look and design of your kitchen (there are edge details that go better with contemporary design while some go with a more traditional design),

• whether you have children and do not want them bumping onto sharp edges and corners,

• that rounded edges deflect heavy or harder objects better than square edges especially where the sinks are

• laminated edges hide subtops better

• fancier edges cost more as they take more time to polish

• that using laminated edge will add to the square footage of materials you will use.
Fifth, you need to know the exact locations and dimensions for your cutouts for your sinks and electric outlets. There are basically three types of sink cut-outs: the undermounted, where the counter top sits on top of the sink’s rim; the self-rimming/top mounted, where the sink with tapered edge sits on the counter top; and the vessel-mounted/top mounted where the sink simply sits on top of the counter top.

Here are examples:

                                                    Self-Rimming or top-mounted Vessel

                                                      Vessel-mounted/top-mounted sink

                                                                     Under-mount sink
Sixth, determining your backsplashes. Standard height for backsplashes is 4 inches and usually made from your countertop materials. RAS craftsman are well-known for their ability to bookmatch edges and seam for a flawless, and continuous look. However, there are a few types of granites that are much more difficult to bookmatch due to its patterns and colors. If you prefer to have a full height backsplashes we need your drawings to show the distances between the countertops to the bottom of the upper cabinets, and how many outlet cut outs.

Seventh, you need to look for contractors to do your cabinets and build the subtops. Granite installation require that there be a subtop made of plywood according to industry standard to hold your counter tops. We at RAS do not promote the tear out and install the same day method because, often we are not sure if the existing counter tops are perfectly flat and that there are not peaks and fulcrums which could eventually break the stone. We can recommend contractors that can tear out your old subtops if you are using your existing cabinets and put new subtops. Your islands and other counters with overhangs may also require some corbels and/or roddings to make sure your stone is well supported.

Eight, submit your drawing and contact information. We will provide you with a free estimate. We can even provide separate estimates factoring different material and edge options.

Ninth, go shopping! RAS sales rep will take you to our slab yard or our vendor’s to pick the exact slab for your counters. In choosing that perfect slab, pay attention to the imperfections such as pits, nicks, and hairline cracks. Make sure that these can be easily filled and will not too big and thus look ugly when filled. When the templates are available try to see that you are there to lay them on the slab so you can see how the patterns will translate onto the actual fabricates material. You can make sure that flaws are positioned so that it is not too obvious on your counter.

The LEMON TEST. To test how absorbent your granite is, do the lemon test. Take a small scrap of the granite you are interested in and place a few drops of lemon. If the drops spot turns dark very quickly, it means it is a very absorbent stone and will stain easily. You might want to pick another type. If the spot took a minute or two to have some discoloration, it can probably be remedied by a good impregnator type sealer. RAS uses a double dose of 5-11 Impregnator on granite we fabricate so that we do not have to reseal our finished product every year like our competitors. If the lemon drops did not have any effect on the stone, you have the perfect granite that will not stain!

Tenth, talk to your fabricator about where to position the seams (the most conspicuous places); and what needs to be onsite when they template and install. For instance, before RAS can template, cabinets must be set and leveled. Also at template, it is important that make sure you have the correct fixtures, appliances, door pulls and cabinet hard ware.

Eleventh, about over hangs. If you plan on having overhangs on some of your counters, remember that the 2 CM thick (3/4-inch), the industry standard allows only have up to no more than six inches. For the 3 CM granite (1 and ¼ inch thick), you are allowed only up to no more than 10 inches overhang. Longer overhangs need to be supported with metal of wood brackets underneath.

Twelfth, the installation. Your new stone will be sealed onto the wooden subtop. It is good practice to give your stone at least 24 hours to settle and be totally glued onto the wooden subtop before attaching plumbing fixtures.

We at RAS are here to take your hand and walk with you from the beginning (choosing materials), to determining design options, up to the completion of your kitchen remodel. Most of our sales consultant and craftsmen have more than 10 years of experience delivering satisfactory service to countless repeat customers.

     Such a busy time with the Home & Garden show coming up next week in the Tacoma Dome.  Come see us October 15th-18th in booth #931.  It ws a busy last weekend as well.  I enjoyed volunteering at the Tour of Remodeled Hmes an MBA event.  I was stationed in a Titlow remodel by York Enterprises a North end remodeler which was a design project for Michael Bowman & Sunny Houser who have also just celebrated the opening of a new Design Gallery studio in Lakewood.  In today's economy, it was impressive to see how much you can do on a budget.
     An interesting outcome yesterday whe comparing sink pricing for a couple from Allyn who were looking for a Kohler Lakefield undermount in almond.  Local prices came in as follows:
     --Water Concepts offered a similar sink  (Irontones) for $610 before tax. 
    -- Ferguson $449.45 before tax with a 3-4 week lead time.
    --Keller $463.27 before tax with 4-6 weeks lead time.
    -- Home Depot $518.59 before tax and available in about 11 days.
     Goes to show how a sink can delay a project. Just yesterday we were about a month out on a sink for a condo remodel here in Tacoma for the Mother of a previous client.  The job is otherwise ready, so it pays to think ahead when it comes to selecting a sink.
     Otherwise, I have recently been told by a prospective client in Olympia that he was asked to sign off on a statement that his installed granite might be subject to cracking. He asked about RAS written warrenty which we will gladly provide on all our projects.  Bottom line, granite can have natural occlusions and/or fissures however in hand-selecting your materials many of these  will be visable to be discussed.  Ask your fabricator.  Your slabs will have block and slab numbers in many cases or can be side-marked so you are assured of getting that slabs you have seen in person.  Properly supported, you should not have to live with a crack that has occurred during installation.  There were some other questionable items in the paper he was asked to sign, so read the fine print  on your contracts and warrenties, ask questions,  and be a wise consumer.  It's never a bad idea to get committments in writing. 

     Yesterday I worked on a North Tacoma project with a client who has used RAS for granite on a home previously.  This time, the look is traditional. White cabinets, dark granite, square edges.  With three kids still in school however, fingerprints were a big concern.  One possible solution was to look at the new blacks with satin or textured finishes.  The finish is very flat, so no concern about cleaning, but feels leathery.  The satin finishes have been growing in popularity and while once blacks were the norm, you can now find a number of colors with this finish-- even lighter options such as Kashmir White and Yellow River etc.  The material is not polished, so light reflects off it in a different way, resulting in nice-looking seams. 
     In this case, we have a center island made of a reddish wood.  The thickness of the wood top may be considered at some point, since it hasn't been ordered yet, to work with the size of the granite edge since most satin finished stones are 3 cm or 1.25" appx. single-thickness when installed.  Many times, wood tops can be ordered in different thicknesses, depending on what should take center-stage etc.  The warm tone of the wood can really be poicked up in the blacks that have some warm undertones such as Cambrian Black Satin or Mysore Black Satin vs. other that have more cool undertones.  The client shyed away from Absolute Black Anticado which is a heavier texture and seemed greyer and commercial for this application.
     Darkness was an issue, as we want the darkest look we can get.  We discussed the possiblie application of an enhancer/sealer.  There can be pros and cons since the enhancer may need to be re-applied  every so often and may not always go on evenly.  The material after the application of a test area of enhancer was at least a shade darker.  Enhancers can be purchased and applied either by the fabricator or homeowner, but the directions should be carefully read as some restrictions apply regarding temperature etc. 
     The texture finish will mask the fingerprints that would be a cleaning issue for this size family, and with the warm tones in the granite may feel more friendly in the long run.  The North Tacoma area is a beautiful community with many historical homes.  This kitchen should fit in perfectly, and many of the black satin finish granites are a bargain in price.

Pitched Edge

     Yesterday I worked with a couple from Olympia who are doing an island only with surrounding countertops to be laminate chosen after the granite is selected.  They are in a great situation as they have no overhangs, just cabinets below, so they have the advantage of selecting either a 3 cm material or a laminated 2 cm material.  A lot of times, in looking at islands, it seems like the architect or cabinet designer hasn't fully thought out if the island will be larger than a normal slab resulting in a large seam or large unsupported overhangs such as eating bars etc.  In a 2 cm with plywood, you  can overhang about 12" without re-support such as corbells etc.  With 3 cm you are limited to about 9".  There are a few other steps that can be taken, such as rodding the underside of a 3 cm material or imbedding flat bar into the substrate for 2 cm, if necessary.  A number of jobs chose to laminate the 3 cm material to about 2-1/2" finished edge, which really sets the island apart as a centerpiece of the kitchen.  To laminate 3 cm you will also need a sub-top of usually 1" material.
     In this case, the island is about 48" x 84" so easily fits on most slabs. We will be looking at a special edge which looks broken that is called pitched edge. 

We have a special new tool that creates a natural broken look either in a single edge or built-up.  Examples of this can be seen at RAS showroom in Tacoma.  Since there will be a cut-out for a cook-top, we will want to map out where the island will be cut and how it will be visually seen  in the kitchen space, so we know exactly what will be lost in the cut-out.  Sometimes the cut-out is saved and used later as a lazy susan or cutting board etc, if the edges are later finished.  Usually the home owners are involved in how the island will be cut on the slab, so they can anticipate the finished look.  We found several choices that would allow good possibilities for the laminate color choice.  The clients have been married over 30 years and this is the first kitchen remodel for them, so very exciting!

Working projects

     As an owner & salesperson here at RAS Granite, I work with lots of different people on various projects.  Yesterday was a busy day, meeting on site to see a project we are working on in University Place with a new design graduate Biz Lund of Design 54.  We went on to Seattle to visit a supplier Meta Marble where we pulled out slabs of 2 cm Red Dragon.

The slabs were matched like a mirror, which is called book-matching.  You can do a lot of special effects with book-matched slabs, and we used tape to look at how we might cut the pieces on the slabs including splash, keeping in mind how the veining might play into the whole picture of the room.

     In the afternoon, I met a client at Pental Granite & Marble in Fife to look at different options on Soapstone.  Usually 3 cm, Soapstone is softer than granite and usually a mineral oil is applied to the installed countertops to darken.  We looked at a number of blocks.  A block is a group of slabs.  Within a block, slabs should be similar, but when you pick out your slabs you may want to not the number of the block as well as slab numbers to be sure you have gotten the actual slabs you selected.  There are a number of different kinds and colors of soapstone-- in this case we were looking at Origional Green which is really more grey.  The slabs are sometimes smaller than granite which can impact your seams. 
     Last night we had a great time at a Remodelers Council meeting at Hammond Knoll in Tacoma.  They really have an amazing ability to clean and restore carpets and furniture.  It's great to be a part of a big local group of designers, remodelers etc.  There's a lot of history among everyone, and you know you can really count on people you know.