One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make if you’re renovating or fitting a new kitchen or bathroom is which worktop material to use. That’s because this can make a significant difference to the value of your property, It also contributes to the overall look and feel of these rooms. But which natural […]
At this time of year, thoughts inevitably turn to outdoor living. And there’s been a definite trend towards stone flooring which flows seamlessly from indoors to outside, to create an al fresco living or cooking area. Clearly, the material you use for a project like this has to be strong enough to withstand the elements. […]
The long, lazy days of summer are finally on their way. And, according to Met Office forecasts, we could well be in for a warm one. So you’ll no doubt want to spend as much of it outside as you can. That means now’s a great time to sort out your garden furniture. For anyone […]
There are numerous benefits to using granite as a material for kitchen or bathroom units. This stuff is seriously resistant to chipping and scratching. It’s also relatively affordable and easy to clean and maintain. And it handles stains, moisture and heat well. So it’s good to have in high-traffic areas. Equally, it adds value to […]
While just over a fifth of us admit experiencing arachnophobia, or fear of spiders, you don’t have to be an extreme sufferer to not want these insects in your home. When it comes to keeping the little blighters out of your kitchen, it’s a good idea to give chemical deterrents a swerve, especially if you’re […]
Hardwearing, low-maintenance limestone gives a fantastic finish to a floor. You can also have a rich variety of colours, textures and finishes. But it does need to be sealed post-fitting, just as many other natural materials do. And that’s because it’s a sedimentary rock, mainly comprising calcium carbonate. It’s also naturally porous. So applying a […]
Over time, wooden surfaces can become dull and lose their natural shine. This is typically down to sunlight, dirt, dust and so on. Regular polishing removes all grime from the timber, restoring its appearance. At the same time, polishing protects your wood, increases its value and helps it to last longer. Finally, if you have […]
When it comes to keeping marble worktops in tip-top condition, prevention is always better than cure. And we’ve written before about the importance of using the right products for marble cleaning, stain removal and so on. Plus we’ve discussed marble sealing and the need to mop up any spillages as soon as they occur. What’s […]
The British Occupational Hygiene Society is a scientific charity which promotes workplace health. Now it says the UK should not follow Australia’s example of banning engineered stone countertops. Instead, it insists it’s possible to ‘manage out’ the potential dangers of silicosis from quartz and so on. Australia is the first country to ban the manufacture, […]
Thames Water says that more than 60% of us in the UK live in areas where the water is hard. And that includes London and Kent (among other areas), due to their limestone and chalk geology. Essentially, hard water means high levels of magnesium and calcium compounds, which cause limescale. Granite is comparatively impervious, and […]