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If you have finally decided to take the plunge and get to that kitchen remodel you have been talking about for years, you’ll soon discover that you will have to make a lot of decisions about the project. You’ll need to decide on countertops and cabinets, appliances and fixtures. But one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is deciding on a kitchen backsplash. If you want something that is priced reasonably, is easy to take care of, and looks positively stunning, a glass tile backsplash might just what your Denver kitchen needs.

Determine Your Budget

It’s not a bad idea to figure out a budget for your project first. Kitchen remodels add up, so whatever amount of money you might have for a backsplash can vary depending on the other finishes. Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring someone to do it for you is also important because labor can get a bit spendy. Glass tile is reasonably priced and can fit into a multitude of budgets.

Decide on Color

With glass tile, you can go for a pop of color or you can keep it neutral. This is usually a matter of personal preference. But you should also consider resale value. If you think you might sell within a few years, it might be better to go with a safer neutral. (This article from Forbes has many tips for getting your kitchen ready to sell: How to Prep Your Kitchen for Resale.)

Decide on Shape and Color

The shape and color of your glass tile backsplash is a matter of personal preference, and it might also be related to the décor style of your entire home. You might make a different choice if your home is a mid-century modern style versus a French farmhouse style, for example.

Make Sure It Coordinates Well With the Rest of the Room

It’s not a bad idea to figure out what your countertops and cabinets will look like before you decide on a glass tile backsplash. If you will have patterned countertops, it can be tricky to figure out how to make a patterned backsplash work well with them. If you decide on a color for your cabinets, such as green or blue, that too will determine what your glass tile choice might be for the backsplash.

Decide How Tall You’ll Make the Backsplash

Although you might be limited by the design of your kitchen and the location of your cabinets, you will need to decide how far up the backsplash will go. Some homeowners cut it short, while others have backsplashes that go all the way up to the ceiling of the kitchen.

Determine the Best Contractor With Whom to Work

You want someone who has experience and a good reputation to work with you on the design of your kitchen, including the kitchen backsplash. Check online reviews to find out what previous customers have had to say.
Whether you are looking for Denver glass tile to add to your backsplash, or a stone to add to your kitchen counter, Natural Stone Sales has what 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.

Although many neighborhoods these days have community swimming pools, there is nothing quite as fun and convenient as having a pool right in your own backyard. Having a backyard pool is a great way to beat the heat—and to entertain family and friends. Whether you decide on an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, you’ll probably want to create some kind of decking area, so you’ll need to figure out what kind of natural stone tiles to use for your Denver pool.
Before you decide to take the plunge—so to speak—and put a pool in your backyard, read these guidelines on what you should do beforehand from the experts at Homes. Now let’s go over options for the best natural stone tiles to use.

Travertine

Travertine is one of the most popular natural stones people use for pool decks, and it’s no wonder. This naturally porous stone means it stays cool on hot days—which is especially important with Denver’s bright sunshine—as well as slip-resistant. Its durability means that it can handle harsh Colorado winters as well, so it will be beautiful for years to come. Travertine is available in beautiful shads of gold, brown, and ivory that will complement any décor.
Sandstone
Sandstone is another natural stone option. It consists of quartz grains, is available in light browns and reds, and provides an elegant, dramatic look to any backyard pool area.

Granite

When most people think of granite, they picture countertops, but granite is also an excellent option for pool decks. It has a natural shine and water resistance that provides a safe, sophisticated look. It comes a wide variety of colors for homeowners who appreciate having plenty of options when planning their design.

Limestone

Limestone is used in a lot of public buildings because of its beauty and sustainability, and most homeowners overlook this exceptional stone. Its availability of warm, earthy colors—browns, tans, blues, grays, and pinks—provide a unique look for your patio. It is durable enough to withstand any kind of weather that Colorado might dish out.

Flagstone

Flagstone is another popular natural stone that people use for pool decks, and it comes in flat slabs of pavers. Flagstone pavers can be arranged in any number of ways, providing homeowners with lots of options for creativity. It comes in a variety of earth tones. It is a slip-free surface that is also moisture- and heat-resistant, making it a durable option for your pool deck area. Homeowners also appreciate the low maintenance that comes along with flagstone.

Whatever natural stone you decide on for your Denver pool deck, Natural Stone Sales has the product 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. We look forward to sharing our expertise with you! 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 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.

 

Whether you have home remodeling in mind or if you are building a new home, flooring is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make. It can also be one of the most difficult decisions because of the sheer enormity of materials and colors to choose from. If Denver travertine is on your list for flooring, you probably already like the look of this beautiful stone. But is it right for your project?

Let’s take a look at some of the plusses and minuses of this very popular flooring option.

Travertine Is a Green Flooring Option

The trend to go “green” has been growing in popularity in recent years, and this includes designing and building homes. If this matters to you, you’ll be pleased to know that travertine is a good choice. Because travertine is a natural material, there is minimal manufacturing involved so this means less carbon emission is released into the atmosphere when it is made.

Travertine Comes in a Variety of Styles and Colors

If you want color and style options, travertine might just be perfect for your home. Whatever color you might have had in your head, there is an excellent chance you will find just that shade. Take a look at some of the travertine options you can get at Natural Stone Sales.

Caution: Those who want travertine for their floors should be aware that it is a porous stone. It does have a tendency to show its wear and tear over time because of it.

Travertine Is Easy to Install

Travertine is one of the easier types of flooring to install because it is so easy to cut and shape. If you are doing your flooring yourself or if you have an oddly shaped space, this is good news.

Caution: Because travertine floors may be vulnerable to etching—which can make them look dull—it’s best to avoid using them for your kitchen floors. For example, if you drop a glass of orange juice on your travertine floor, you might have to replace the tiles affected by the spill. Travertine is great for kitchen backsplashes.

Travertine Is Fairly Easy to Maintain

To keep your travertine looking new, it must be sealed. This makes cleaning it easier as well. Dust or vacuum your travertine regularly. Mop with water only when absolutely necessary, and be sure to dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning.

Read How to Clean Travertine Countertops, Floors, Shower Tiles, and Backsplashes for more detailed information on caring for your travertine.

Contact Natural Stone Sales for help with Denver travertine, wherever you would like to put it in your home. For more than 30 years, our expert staff has been creating satisfied customers throughout the Denver area with our superior and personalized natural stone services. We can handle any of your natural stone needs, we use the best products on the market, and we would be glad to customize tiles that can adorn the beautiful appearance of your floor and maximize the overall value of your home.  

When it comes to countertops, many people immediately turn to what is most popular, and today that means granite or marble. But slate is another option that people should consider. Although slate is softer with a more matte surface, it’s beauty cannot be denied. People should be aware that there are advantages and disadvantages to using this smooth, metamorphic rock. Are slate countertops right for your Denver kitchen?
If you are still on the fence about what countertop material to use in your kitchen, read this article by HGTV: Choosing Countertops—Natural Stone.
Colors
Because of the matte appearance of slate, it lacks the shine that is available with most of the other countertop materials. This is a drawback for some people because it is different. There are also fewer color options available with slate, and if you choose this stone for your countertops, you will be limited to shades of black, gray, purple, and green.

Style

In contrast to those who miss the shininess and glossiness of marble or granite, many people appreciate the sophistication of slate. Its understated appearance provides a subtle beauty that cannot be replicated with granite, marble, laminate, or other shiny countertops.

Heat Resistance

One of the biggest advantages of having a slate countertop is its heat resistance. If you are a person who is always cooking, and you put a hot pot or dish on a slate countertop, there is nothing that could melt or burn away. This is largely because slate is unsealed. Another reason is because the slate is able to absorb the heat so it doesn’t stay focused on one area. You can pull something out of a hot oven and place it directly on a slate countertop—and your countertop will not be damaged at all.

Scratches

A disadvantage of slate countertops is that they are prone to scratching, so the tip of a knife or a fork could cause a blemish in your countertop. However, these scratches are pretty easy to remove. All you have to do is use a bit of mineral oil and a damp sponge, and rub the scratch until it disappears. For scratches that are deeper, you can use a piece of steel wool to buff them right out.

Ease of Cleaning

Because of slate’s porous surface, liquids can seep into the countertops over time. But the absorption rate is remarkably slow, so the countertops are not prone to holding onto the stains. Cleaning slate countertops is easy: just scrub them occasionally with a damp cloth or sponge.

Whether you are looking for Denver slate tile countertops for your kitchen, or you have plans to upgrade your bathroom, Natural Stone Sales has what 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.