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Whether you have recently had a brand new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floor installed throughout your home or office, purchased a property with existing flooring or are considering making the change to the latest home decor trend, accounting for the cleaning needed is important. As with any flooring surface, routine maintenance allows for the materials to last longer and, in the instance of LVT, maintain the desired look and shine many homeowners love and appreciate for years down the line. 

As with anything you own, regular and routine upkeep keeps the flooring surface looking new and providing its intended purpose, but extra care for high traffic areas and those subject to spills - like the kitchen or hallways - can use a bit more daily attention. 

Not to say keeping your LVT floors clean is a daunting task, because the ease of maintenance is actually quite impressive. The resilience and durability of the LVT surfaces allow for the product to provide years of an enjoyable look and performance.

Routine Cleaning

Depending on your personal cleaning method preferences, sweeping or vacuuming the LVT flooring can help to eliminate any dust or debris that builds up on the ground. One key to maintaining the like new look, is to try and prevent these particles from accumulating in the first place. Unlike carpet, which can trap dust, dirt, and debris, many of the dirt causing elements on an LVT floor can be removed with ease. 

A daily sweep or vacuum will help eliminate dirt particles and dust on a regular basis. Also, quickly cleaning any areas which have been subject to a spill keeps your floor looking like new even after years of use.

While these acts are a start to clean vinyl flooring, every once and awhile, mopping should be administered for an even deeper clean.

Deep Cleaning

At times, after removing dirt and debris build up with a broom or vacuum on top of the surface, mopping of the LVT flooring is necessary. For repeated practice, simply mopping with water can assist in keeping the flooring clean but there are other products which can provide a good clean floor as well, although they should be used sparingly.

Reading the labels is important when choosing an outside agent, as some cleaning solutions are not suitable for LVT flooring. Also, deciding which mop to use should also be given special consideration. Any that include “scrubbing” brushes or pads are typically not recommended.

If you’re ready to install or keep your LVT flooring looking like new, then allow us the pleasure to assist with your decision. Natural Stone Sales has been serving the greater-Denver area for 15 years with a wide variety of available surfaces for view in our showroom to help you get a better understanding of what an LVT floor, countertop, backsplash, or any of our materials will look like inside your home or office. Our highly trained staff has been providing quality service and helping customers, completing installations, and even providing maintenance tips for many, many years. Contact us today at 303-777-7485 or visit our showroom to take a look for yourself.
 

If you are new to Denver granite countertop installation, you probably have no idea what to expect as you go through the process. You might even be a bit nervous about it; after all, installing granite countertops is an expensive investment. 
Be sure read this blog post, Denver Granite Countertops: Choosing the Best Color for Your Kitchen, before making a final decision on your choice for granite, then read on for what to expect as you go through the process.

Prepare for the Installation Ahead of Time

Make sure you create a clear path for workers to carry in the granite. Granite is heavy, so you want to make it as easy as possible for them to get through your home into the kitchen. If you have small children, you might want to make other arrangements for them on the day of the countertop installation.
If there is furniture or carpeting in the path of where the workers will be maneuvering the granite, you might want to cover them up to protect them from dirt or damage.
You will want to plan on being present when the workers come with the granite; they might have questions or you might need to make decisions about the project. For the average sized kitchen, the installation process takes about four hours. It might be longer than that or shorter, depending on the size your space.

Get Rid of Your Old Countertops

Your old countertops will need to be completely removed before the granite countertops are brought in. If you want to do the demo yourself to save money, the pros at the DIY Network offer these tips for tearing out your old countertops and sink. 

Placing the Granite

When the workers get the granite countertops situated on the cabinets, they will cement the pieces together (if there is more than one) using an epoxy that is either clear or a neutral color so it will blend in seamlessly. The granite will be secured to the cabinets with attachment blocks that have been specially prepared.

Making the Backsplash

Most people want to continue the granite up the wall for the backsplash. The workers will install these after the countertops are in place, making adjustments as needed. They will set the seams the same way they did for the main countertop, using a clear or neutral epoxy.

Cleaning Up After the Installation

Once the workers have secured the stone, they will clean up any leftover epoxy and seal the counters. You can expect there to be a bit of dust to clean up after the project—even with the cleanest and most courteous of workers. 
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will provide you with all the information you need so you can get your project underway. From first call to final install, we will be available to answer all of your questions about your Denver granite countertop. Natural Stone Sales has everything you need. For more than 30 years our expert staff has been satisfying customers throughout the Denver area with our superior and customized natural stone services. Call us today at 303-777-7485 or visit our showroom at 900 W. Mississippi Ave. in Denver anytime from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 

If it’s time to replace those scratched, stained, or outdated kitchen countertops, you have a real opportunity to completely transform your kitchen. There are tons of options available when it comes to Denver kitchen countertops. You are limited only by your imagination—and perhaps your budget.

Here are some of the options available.

Laminate

Laminate are for those who are truly budget-conscious. Today’s laminate looks a lot better than it did in the past; it’s also stronger and more resistant to stains and heat.

Solid Surface

This type of countertop creates a seamless look with nearly invisible joints. It’s also good for sinks and backsplashes. It is stain-resistant but it can scratch; be sure to use a cutting board on this type of countertop.

Quartz

Quartz looks a lot like stone, but it is easier to maintain. Set a hot pot on your quartz countertop—and it will look just as beautiful as it did the day you it was installed. The same is true for abrasives, knives, and stains. It’s not a bad idea to choose rounded edges for these types of countertops since they are somewhat prone to chipping.
Take a look at some of our prefabricated slabs; these are perfect for small kitchens that don’t need a full-size slab. These are available in quartz, marble, granite, and travertine.

Granite

Granite is still quite popular, primarily for its beauty and uniqueness. It’s strong against heat and scratches, but it will need periodic resealing. Its edges can also chip and will need professional repairs.

Limestone and Marble

Many people love the clean lines of a white marble countertop, but there is a perception about them that they are difficult to maintain. This classic material is fairly heat-resistant although some stains can be tough to get out. A bit of maintenance is required to keep them looking beautiful, although they tend to wear in a particularly lovely way. 

Butcher Block

If you are looking for something that adds a warm look and is easy to install and repair, butcher block might be the countertop for you. Keep in mind that the finish of these types of countertops is important, and varnish can improve its resistance to stains. If nicks and scratches happen—which they can pretty easily—they can just as easily be sanded out.

Contact Natural Stone Sales when you are ready to update your kitchen countertops and talk to us about the best options for your busy kitchen. For more than 30 years our expert staff has been satisfying customers throughout the Denver area with our superior and customized natural stone services. We can handle any of your natural stone needs, we use the best products available, and we would be glad to design and install a kitchen countertop that can maximize the attractive beauty and overall value of your home. Call us today at 303-777-7485.

Homeowners spend a lot of time choosing the right colors and materials for their countertops and cabinets, but they often forget about their backsplashes. A Denver glass backsplash can completely transform your kitchen—but you have to choose the right one! Here are some tips to help you make it happen:

Determine your style.

First and foremost, it’s important to figure out what kind of style you want in your kitchen. Do you consider yourself to be fairly traditional? Or do you think of yourself as more of an edgy trendsetter? If you prefer a traditional look, stick to classic glass designs instead of going with what’s new and trendy. Remember, it’s your home, so it should reflect your personal style! 

Create focal points.

Are you worried about overdoing it with a busy backsplash? If so, choose a simple, plain backsplash for the majority of your kitchen and then use bold colors or patterns in select focal points. For example, you could stick to a solid neutral color for the backsplash throughout most of your kitchen, and then switch to a bright color and create a bold pattern in the spaces above your sinks and stoves. These areas tend to get the most attention in a kitchen, so if you only want a splash of color in your backsplash, this is where it should go.

Another bonus? If you only use bold colors and patterns in these spaces, it’s very easy (and less expensive) to replace it when you want to try something new down the road.  

Consider the rest of your kitchen.

The backsplash may be a small part of your kitchen, but it’s still fairly noticeable, so it will stick out like a sore thumb if it doesn’t mesh well with the rest of your kitchen. Before choosing a glass backsplash, be sure to bring home samples or take lots of pictures so you can start to visualize how it will look with your counters, appliances, flooring, and cabinets. Everything doesn’t have to match, but the pieces should all complement each other. 

Look for inspiration.

Don’t settle for a glass backsplash that you’re not completely in love with. Before you choose a design, look for inspiration on sites such as Pinterest or HGTV. If you can’t make up your mind, you should also ask the staff at Natural Stone Sales to see examples of backsplashes they’ve installed for other clients. This is a great way to look for inspiration because once you find a look you love, you can ask them to use the same materials in your kitchen. Get inspired by these glass backsplash ideas.

Contact Natural Stone Sales for help with installing Denver glass backsplashes around your home. Our expert staff has been working one-on-one with customers in the Denver area for over three decades. We specialize in providing superior and personalized natural stone services using only the highest quality products on the market. Contact us today to find out how we can create a beautiful custom look for your home!
 

If you are updating the look of your home with Denver hardwood floors, you want to make sure to take care of them so they stay looking beautiful for years to come. Although hardwood floors are not high maintenance, there are certain things you’ll want to do—and to avoid—in order to keep the surfaces nice. 
As you get ready to put the floors in, you might be wondering if all your hardwood floors should match throughout your house. Houzz has some advice for you on this topic.
Let’s take a look at keeping those floors looking gorgeous.

Vacuum Every Week

You might think that because you aren’t dealing with carpet, vacuuming as frequently is necessary. This is not the case. Dust settles on a hardwood floor, and the fine grit is like sandpaper that will slowly but surely wear down your floor’s finish. Be sure to use the “floor” setting on your vacuum so you don’t scratch the surface of your hardwoods.
You can also use a mop especially designed for floors if you don’t want to drag out your vacuum cleaner every time. Swiffer has a line of great products that will dust your floors without damaging them.

Keep Floors Dry

Water that settles onto hardwood can ruin the floor’s finish, so be sure to close windows if rain is in the forecast. If you have any potted plants, make sure to put trays underneath them. If floors do get wet, wipe them up immediately.

Use Area Rugs Liberally

Constant walking across the hardwood surface can eventually wear down a floor’s finish, but you can help protect floors from this by using area rugs. Make sure you don’t use rugs that have vinyl or rubber backing as these materials can ruin a floor’s finish.
Try using an extra-long doormat in entryways so people walk off as much dirt from their shoes as possible before they hit your hardwoods. (You can also ask them to remove their shoes for even more protection for your floors.)

Use Furniture Pads

If you have kids, your furniture probably gets inadvertently bumped or moved, which can result in tiny scratches on your floors. Not only will furniture pads protect from inadvertent movement, but if you do want to move your furniture, the pads will make it much easier. Put the pads on the legs of all your couches, chairs, and tables to protect your hardwoods. 

Use Products Designed for Hardwoods

If you use the wrong product for cleaning your floors, you can strip the floor’s finish right off. A no-wax wood floor cleaner is best. You can also ask the pros at Natural Stone Sales what they recommend to customers who have hardwoods installed.

Contact Natural Stone Sales when you are ready to replace your flooring with beautiful Denver hardwood floors. For more than 30 years, our expert staff has been helping customers throughout the Denver area beautify their homes with our superior natural stone and hardwood services. We can handle any of your hardwood needs with some of the best products on the market. We would be thrilled to customize hardwood floors in your home.