Benissimo: An Excellent Renovation Solution

AS FEATURED ON HGTV!!

As we all know, today's market has changed considerably compared to that of just a few years ago. Just two or three years ago renovation of people's current homes was less popular, whereas new builds and flipping houses was all the rage. Now, many of us are faced with slightly tighter purse strings and people are starting to look at what they can do to make their current homes more livable, luxurious, and inviting.

One excellent countertop renovation solution that we have come across is Benissimo Systems. Benissimo is a fairly young company, founded in 2001, but already they have made an incredible impact on the countertop industry. Benissimo has taken the slab and renovation markets by storm, being the only modular system of its kind. Most recently, it was featured on HGTV's "I Want That!" and DIY's "Rock Solid," as well as receiving numerous mentions in print.

Benissimo offers a patented modular granite countertop system (read: tile system) that can be easily installed by most homeowners. This system offers about 14 granite colors from grade-A granite stock in tile,mosaics, trims, as well as all the accompanying bullnose edge pieces. Each piece is fabricated upon every customer's order, which ensures a perfect shade-match for each countertop installation. The end result is a countertop that looks almost exactly like slab granite, but sometimes at half the price!

In today's market, we're very excited to be able to offer this popular, up-and-coming product to our customers as an affordable, do-it-yourself solution for people in the market for new countertops. Whether you're re-doing a bathroom vanity or want new kitchen counters, Benissimo is an excellent system to consider! Check out their website for more info.

Greening Up

With the growing concern for our environment and move towards sustainable living, tile manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for alternative tile options in the building and renovation markets. What you, the consumer, need to know is that there are several ways this is done and several ways in which you can join this movement.

The most important ways in which tile manufacturers are making a sustainable difference in today's market is not only by offering "green" products, but also by taking up environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. You can purchase recycled product lines from a host of manufacturers, but even those that may not offer them typically do make environmentally sustainable commitments. This means that they are taking measures to ensure that their products are created using sustainable technology, such as using water treatments systems that recycle water in the production process. Others, like the award-winning Questech Corp., engage in sustainable practices by reducing or eliminating emissions during manufacturing.

Tile, when installed correctly, is the most sustainable flooring product on the market and has retained that accolade for many years. The life cycle cost of tile is the lowest in comparison to carpet, vinyl, hardwood, concrete and all laminate coverings. With an expected life-span of 50 years, it outlasts other flooring in durability, sustainability, cleanliness, and ease of maintenance. With the advent of new manufacturing and glazing technologies, consumers can now find the same sustainable features in durable, long-lasting tile that can look and feel like marble, wood, and even your favorite fabrics! Going green is easy to do with the commitments and efforts now being made by manufacturers. Tile isn't just green for your earth or your home, but also means green for your wallet!

Check out the Rock & Tile website for a list of our green manufacturers.

floorcoveringscomparison.pdf

Radon/Radiation Controversy - Valid or Not?

Many homeowners have had mounting concerns regarding the use of granite in their homes over the past year, due to reports of radon and radiation emissions. Various reports from scientists, media outlets, and non-profit groups have surfaced throughout last year on this issue, fueling the debate about which stone is better: man-made or the real deal.

What many consumers don't know is that most of these reports and studies have been founded on largely questionable science backed by the manufactured stone industry. Natural stone has long been the standard of luxury and excellence in countertop fabrication, while the quartz competition is often referred to as "fake stone" and taken on the role of the proverbial red-headed stepchild. The natural stone folks went on the offense against these reports in the latter half of 2008 and provided the public with numerous resources on the completely inconsistent accusations. While the rivalry still wages, it is exactly this competition that has brought to light the lack of regulations found on both sides and forced all to improve upon their product promotion.

The Marble Institute of America has taken it upon themselves to contest the allegations through their own studies and provided many internet resources for consumers to decide for themselves which material they most prefer. Most recently, the MIA has announced a comprehensive testing and labeling program for granite in an effort to ease consumer concern. The program will be launched over the coming months of 2009, allowing previously non-existent standardization within the natural stone countertop industry. Consumers will now be able to rest assured that their investment will not only be safe for their health, but beautiful for their home while standing the test of time.
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I've tried to compile some of the resources on the internet for consumers to get further information, but this list is not comprehensive by any means. The videos, articles, and studies on the web regarding this issue- from both sides- are incredibly numerous. I defer largely on the MIA's website, as they are the "governing" body of the stone industry and have the largest amount of information.

MIA - Radon Info
Stone Business - MIA Radon Testing Plan
Stone Business - EPA Revision Article
Stone Business - Controversy Continues
Slippery Rock Gazette - Countertop Study

Also check out the Marble Institute of America's video on the truth about radon and radiation.

Valentine's Day Wine Tasting

We are happy to announce that we have paired with Albert & Arnold's for an evening of wine and cheese tasting on Thursday, February 12th from 6 to 8 pm. Please join us at our new showroom on Wolfcraft Way in Charles Town. Enjoy their delectable wine and cheese pairings while surrounded by the beautiful tile and stone options now showcased at Rock & Tile!

Please call for further information about this event or visit our website for directions to our new showroom. Albert & Arnold's may be contacted at 304.725.7466 or www.albertandarnolds.com.