Friday, June 20, 2014

God only makes cows so big!

Lady, we just can't stretch the granite!

Customers consistently ask if their job will require any seams. We assure them that we only put seams when they are necessary. To determine this, several factors come into play:

-What is the layout of the project?
-How large and what shape are the pieces?
-What is the size of the raw slab and how does the project layout on the slab?
-Where are the sink and cooktop cutouts in the lay-out?
-Is there easy access to the work area?
-What kind of stone is involved?

All of these questions come into play. On many projects we can eliminate all seams. However, on jobs with extra-long runs we cannot. Some customers try to demand that the job be fabricated without seams even if the cabinet sizes are longer than the slabs that they selected. We cannot stretch #granite. In comparison, how many leather coats have you ever seen without seams? Are the sleeves not generally sewn on? They only make cows so big and in certain shapes! Most informed and old time granite customers are aware of this and realize that this is part of the beauty and craftsmanship of natural stone.

An indication of a good #granite supplier are the locations of seams (when necessary) and the quality of the seams. Vacuum seam-setters should be used to insure a tight and minimal seam. Always ask to see an example of your installers work. Also, remember, earth tone and variegated stones hide seams better than dark and solid stones. On some stones they almost disappear.
For more information call us at 678-292-6600 or contact Atlantis Granite & Marble at www.atlantisgm.com.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

To Splash or not to Splash!

What is a backsplash?  This is a product intended to protect the wall behind your sinks and lavatories from water splashes. In the case of the kitchen it protects the wall from grease and food splatters as well.  Splashes also add an aesthetic value to your kitchen or bath. Backsplashes come in all colors, sizes, shapes and patterns, depending on if you are using tile, granite or marble.
Let’s discuss the 4” back splash first, using a matching material to your countertop or a tile alternative. In this case its main function is to protect the wall from water and not as much aesthetics.  Imagine that you spilled a pot of water.  The splash will protect the wall from the water dripping behind your cabinets and making a very expensive repair.  So at the minimum you need a 4 inch splash.
If you are tiling an existing wall with an existing countertop it is acceptable to tile above the 4” splash that you currently have.  However, if you are replacing this it may better serve you to save the money from the 4 inch splash and apply it to an alternate, more decorative full height tile splash.

There are countless tiles, some pre-matted mosaics, fabricated especially for the #backsplash area.  This tile can be glass, porcelain, ceramic or just about anything attractive to you.  It is normally installed from the top of the counter to the bottom of the upper cabinets. This is a much cleaner look. Tile prices can vary greatly, so do your homework and tally your totals.  This tile will vary in pricing from ultra-reasonable to very expensive. 


Full height #granite, #marble or #quartz solid surface splashes add an incredible look to your kitchen. The beauty of the stone is the continual movement of the veins or variegation that runs across your counters and then flows up your wall as a work of art. Full height stone splashes truly are God and Mother Nature’s artwork!
For more information call us at 678-292-6600 or contact us at www.Atlantisgm.com.

Monday, June 2, 2014

FAIR WEATHER AHEAD


FAIR WEATHER AHEAD

At a recent Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association meeting, a renowned national economist was forecasting a much improved future for the #homebuilding/remodeling industry. With the inventory of new homes very low and the fading of short sales and foreclosures, it is a great time to spiff up your home and get it on the market. Average times from listing to sale are very low and resale values are on the way up.

Most realtors will tell you two things that matter most when dressing up your home for sale. Outside, the curb appeal is key and inside the #kitchen is king. With just a few modifications you can transform your home for the market.

When addressing the kitchen or even the bathrooms, the easiest way to dress them up is with beautiful new granite #countertops. With granite now being so affordable and with so many pattern options, they are a must. Many homebuyers will not consider a new home that doesn’t have #granite, #marble or #quartz counters.


Atlantis Granite and Marble specializes in assisting homeowners in the design and completion of their kitchen and bath remodeling projects. Come by our showroom at 3280 Peachtree Corners Circle or call us at 
678-292-6600, and we will help you through the Granite 101 process.   Visit us on the web at www.atlantisgm.com.