Stephen Alberts

Dec 28 2022

6 Steps to Repair a Damaged Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are known for their durability, but they aren’t indestructible. Sometimes, under the right circumstances, they can crack. This can be a stress-inducing, frustrating experience, but there’s no need to panic. All you have to do is understand how to fix them.

What Causes Cracks

Over time, if you’re not careful, you might notice cracks, dark patches, or fissures on your quartz countertops. These could be caused by the following reasons:

Sudden changes in temperature—avoid placing hot pans or bags of ice directly on your quartz.
Tossing objects like spoons and car keys onto the countertop’s surface.

Making Repairs

The process of repairing a quartz countertop is actually quite straightforward. All you’ll need is acrylic adhesive, epoxy, or a clear resin. For the best results, use a fast-setting clear epoxy because this dries to a hard consistency and blends with the aesthetic of the stone.

If your countertop is still under warranty when damage occurs, contact us at True Blue Surfaces before you get to work. We would love to help you out! Especially if the crack is large, it’s best to let the professionals handle the job.

But if you’d rather handle the job yourself, here are the steps to follow:

1. Examine the damage

Different types of damage require different filling techniques, so take a look at the location of the crack before you buy glue. If the damage is on a horizontal surface, then thin glue is your best bet. If it’s on a vertical surface, choose thicker glue and avoid drippage.

2. Clean the countertop

If you attempt to seal a crack on a dirty or sticky countertop, you’re not going to like the results. Clean the surface and ensure the whole area is dry before getting started.

3. Mask the crack

Use tape to surround the cracked area, as this will prevent glue from traveling to other parts of the countertop. If you don’t use glue to mask the area, the glue could flow to the entire countertop and produce inconsistent results.

4. Fill the crack

Apply your acrylic adhesive, epoxy, or clear resin to the broken area and make sure it spreads evenly—but don’t use your hands. Use a toothbrush or a paintbrush.

If you’re working with a small crack, place the tip of the glue on the crack and squeeze the tube. Use thin layers rather than filling the entire crack at once, and keep filling as the layers dry.

5. Wait

Now it’s time to wait for your countertop to dry. This might seem simple, but it could be harder than you realize not to use that section. Do your best not to use that part of your countertop for twenty-four hours.

6. Scrape the excess

Make sure that the epoxy is completely dry before you remove the tape and scrape away the excess glue. Use fine sandpaper to smooth out the spot you repaired to make sure it matches the rest of the countertop.

Taking Care of Your Quartz

As we stated, your quartz is tough but not indestructible. Cracks and chips are unlikely but possible. Take these measures to make repairs if they’re needed, or get in touch with us at True Blue Surfaces and we’ll handle the job.

Dec 15 2022

Warm Up your Holidays with Stone Fireplaces & Firepits

December is here!

Time to cozy up with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. And there’s no better place to gather than ‘round a stone-clad fireplace or fire pit crafted from eye-catching stone.

Stone, be it granite, marble, or slate, provides style and durability—a winning combo for a fireplace or outdoor fire pit. Whether you’re hanging stockings or lighting a menorah on the mantle, natural and sintered stone can create a jolly hearth for any home.

To make your holiday sizzle, here are some crackling fireplace looks inspired by stone.

Classic Marble Mantel

Nothing says “Happy Holidays!” like a garland hung on a mantelpiece. A traditional marble surround provides a timeless space for warming up on chilly nights, or during an unexpected Texas freeze.

“Classic” doesn’t have to mean “old-fashioned.” An accent wall of gorgeous marble with a fireplace tucked in makes a chic, modern statement. You can even carve out storage space for the Christmas Eve Yule log.

Send the Stone to the Ceiling

Santa can make quite the dramatic entrance down a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. This soaring style will add a sense of height to any living room. You can mount the TV right into the stone and watch your favorite holiday movie.

Widen your Horizons with a Rectangular Fireplace

Sure, it’s hip to be square, but you can create a futuristic cabin-in-the-woods with a rectangular-shaped stone fireplace. An elongated hearth can provide a chic, unconventional spot for sipping mom’s traditional eggnog.

Infinity porcelain, manufactured in large-size slabs, can mimic the elegant veining of marble, with a polished, contemporary look. These heat-resistant slabs can also come in a smooth, satin finish for style and functionality.

Festive Fire Pits

Bring your holiday spirit to the great outdoors with a stunning stone fire pit!

A round, granite fire pit is the perfect spot to snuggle in a woolen blanket while on the lookout for reindeer. A square or rectangular fire pit, surrounded by elegant stone benches, can add an air of sophistication to any New Year’s Eve celebration.

Fire pits aren’t just for the wintery months. They provide a year-round campground retreat—a place to sip warm apple cider and roast marshmallows.

Stone as the Standard for Fireplaces & Fire Pits

Time after time, natural stone such as granite and marble has remained in the top choices for fireplace designs. Engineered stone such as porcelain and quartz are also wildly popular for today’s homey hearths.

Why is stone a must?

Whether natural or engineered, stone possesses key traits that make it the perfect match for fire pits and fireplaces, including:

Heat Resistant. A fireplace made from stone can really handle the heat. Stone such as marble, granite, quartz, and porcelain are fantastic heat conductors, and can withstand continuous use.
Durability. You may be wiped out after the holidays, but stone can survive season after season without losing its luster. Natural and engineered stone is known for its indestructibility, with some types being scratch-resistant and impervious to mold and rain/water-damage.
Versatility of texture and color. Stone provides style options. Whether you’re going for a dark, rugged quartz or a white, polished marble, stone can accommodate any design aesthetic.

Trend Alert: Dekton

Santa’s elves have been particularly busy this season—making Dekton surfaces!

This durable, engineered stone is a type of quartz, and is quickly becoming a favorite for home countertops and fireplaces. Dekton is resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. And, unlike marble and quartzite, this stunning stone does not need to be sealed.

Build a Home for the Holidays with True Blue Surfaces

A stone fireplace or fire pit can add a real spark to your season. Let the experts at True Blue Surfaces design your dream fireplace or fiery outdoor getaway, and install a place of warmth and joy for years to come.

This holiday, give your home the gift of stone. Contact True Blue Surfaces for a free quote or consultation.

Nov 21 2022

7 Festive Stone Kitchen Design Ideas to Get You Holiday Ready

‘Tis the season!

Fall and winter bring crisp weather and opportunities to celebrate—hosting parties and holiday meals. Garlands and twinkle lights are great, but nothing adds more cheer to a home than a kitchen upgrade with stone countertops and inspired design elements.

Deck Your Home with Beautiful Stone

If you love to host family and friends at your home, an inviting kitchen is a must. Today’s stone choices offer many colors, edges, finishes and, of course, long-lasting durability. There’s no better way to ring in the season than with a splashy stone statement.

Here are 7 festive stone design ideas to make your kitchen the life of the party!

01. Solid Stone Backsplashes

Quartz, marble, granite—oh my! This season, think beyond individual tiles for a backsplash and opt for solid slab of stone. A crisp white marble backsplash flowing with gray veining can be as picturesque as a winter snowstorm.

Wanna really raise the roof? Install a stunning granite piece that runs from your counters all the way up to the ceiling.

02. Custom Stone Vent Hoods

While you’re making the holiday feast, give your guests something gorgeous to gaze at. A custom stone vent hood over the stove provides a striking focal point. Depending on your aesthetic, you could go with a simple, contemporary cut, or a more elaborate Tuscan design.

03. Built-In Coffee Bar

Love catching up with visiting friends and family over a cup of joe? Use stone to surround your own coffee station in your kitchen. Granite or quartz can be crafted into a cozy tea nook, and don’t worry – they’re resistant to coffee stains.

04. Butler’s Pantry

If you’re a consummate entertainer, you need a quality space to store your serving dishes and prep cocktails. Natural stone is perfect for a splendid Butler’s pantry, sleek, modern countertops or a rustic backsplash.

05. Creative Island Design

Company always gathers around an island in the kitchen. An impressive piece of marble or granite atop your island is essential. Go beyond a standard stone countertop for your island creative built-in elements such as shelves, or a custom marble pet bowl station (with a faucet!) for your pooch. After all, pets love to gather in the kitchen with you and your guests!

06. Waterfall Countertops

One of the biggest trends in kitchen design is a waterfall counter crafted from natural stone. Cascading marble from an island gives the dramatic effect of continuous elegance…and never-ending good times!

07. Deck Out the Dining Room

Why should show-stopping design stay in the kitchen? A stately marble accent wall can add an air of opulence to any event.

Ready to Go “Stone for the Holidays”?

The holidays are a busy time for those to love to host. Let stone do some of the entertaining for you! When you add natural or engineered stone countertops and other stone features to your home, you’ve established a warm, welcoming environment for friends, family, and future holidays to come.

Let True Blue Surfaces help you with your design dreams this season. Contact us for a free quote or to set up a consultation.

Nov 12 2022

Brown Is Back, Baby!

From 2022 fashion trends to home design, shades of brown are having a moment.

For the past decade or more, countertops went through a cooling off stage with taupe, gray and white leading the way in many new kitchen designs. However, in 2022, home design trends shifted to warmer tones like brown, beige and rust.

Paint industry leader, Dunn-Edwards, recently named its autumnal Art & Craft as the 2022 Color of the Year. And brown is resurging once again as a favorite amongst interior designers for kitchen surfaces.

What makes brown such a timeless choice for countertops? And, how can we update our home design aesthetic without looking like a 1970’s throwback?

Brown Is Anything but Boring

Brown. Dull? Never!

Brown is a neutral color that goes with everything, and comes in a vast variety of shades. When you pair brown stone counters with the right cabinets and furnishings, the result can be an elevated warmth you can’t get from a white or a gray.

For a modern kitchen remodel, choose from a range of stone materials that are softer white or cream with brown veins, flecks and ribbons to incorporate a touch of warmth.

Brown stone countertops can be:

Contemporary, without being cold. A copper-colored countertop against crisp, white cabinet creates a modern look.
Rustic & earthy. Brown, woodsy tones in your kitchen counters can bring the great outdoors in—connecting your home to nature. Incorporating warm metals and plants transforms any space to a natural escape.
Rich & luxurious. Dark oak- or chestnut-colored counters will boldly lend a hint of extravagance to any kitchen or bathroom.
Sophisticated & cozy. With chocolate counters and a cup of hot cocoa, your kitchen can feel like an intimate space to snuggle up with your favorite cookbook.
Toasty & inviting. A cinnamon-brown or caramel island will offer a festive centerpiece where family and friends can gather.

Popular Types of Brown Stone

There is a glorious array of browns to be found in high-end natural stone—ranging from solid tans to dark chocolate to stones streaked with ribbons of gold.

Some of the favorite natural stones for brown countertops include:

Granite. Granite has been the longtime gold standard of countertops, due to its elegant style, resistance to damage, and range of colors, including browns such as Coffee Brown, Macadamia, and Chocolate Bordeaux,
Fantasy Brown. Fantasy Brown is a light-colored stone with brown veining rippling throughout the surface. It’s technically a combo of marble and quartzite, making it an extremely durable choice.
Calacatta Laza Quartz is a white engineered stone with gorgeous brown veining to create a lavish marble look.
Chakra Beige Quartz weaves contrasting tones of creams and grays with rusty highlights—an ideal complement for natural wood cabinets.
Other popular quartz selections:
- Royal Teak (tan and chocolate)
- Statuario Gold (golden-brown veining)
- Calacatta Bali (taupe and brown veining)
- Clarino (golden-tone veining)
- Allegro (Long, rippling veins of gold)

Design Tips to Make Brown Its Best

When it comes to making the most of the brown in your countertop colors, consider the following:

Utilize light. If you have a lot of natural light in your kitchen, you can get away with having solid, dark brown countertops. If not, consider a lighter color with warm accents in the countertop surface and your wall paint or backsplash to brighten the space.
Tone down the brown. Don’t go with brown for everything. Create dynamic contrasts by layering a variety of tones and textures, be it with your cabinets, wallpaper, metals, or upholstery choices.
Decorative tie-ins. Choose décor accessories that bring out the browns in your counters—canisters, dish towels, or a wooden salad bowl, purposefully placed.
Compliment your furniture. The stain of your wooden dining room table will be a big factor when selecting the tone of brown in your countertops.

True Blue Surfaces: Creative Designs & High-End Countertops

Whether you’re after the latest trends in brown or other spectacular looks, True Blue Surfaces is here to help you design and install quality stone countertops that speak to your aesthetic.

Nov 09 2022

Showcasing Success With Stone Surfaces

Final installment in our binge-worthy kitchen series reviews the strong style sense from The Morning Show and Maid.

Part #3: Showcasing Success with Stone Surfaces

It’s always a pleasure to witness successful female characters in today’s most-watched TV series. Whether the host of a famed talk show or a prosperous lawyer, The Morning Show and Maid showcase strong, stylish women at the top of their game. As we witness their journeys, we shake our heads at some of these characters’ behavioral choices, but we always cheer for the fabulous interior stone designs featured in their homes.

The Morning Show

Jennifer Aniston is reported to have had a direct hand in designing her character Alex Levy’s to-die-for apartment. This swanky Manhattan penthouse on Apple TV’s The Morning Show embodies the pinnacle of success, representing a woman who calls the shots in her career and in her home. The wraparound, almost-lavender veined slab for the kitchen countertops are decadent icing on her dark, brown cabinets. The thick, stone island is certainly sturdy enough to withstand Alex’s heavy vodka pours.

But the real stone stand-out?

This tiered-marble serving station provides an impressive display, even without the finger foods. Whether it’s to serve up Alex’s daily news report, or all the Thanksgiving pies, this look is fantastically functional.

Maid

In Netflix’s Maid, a down-on-her-luck cleaning woman goes toe-to-toe with Regina, an intimidating attorney. But the real knockout comes from Regina’s kitchen—a dreamy isle of gray and ivory-veined dolomite, cascading top-to-floor in her cavernous, waterfront home.

And can we talk about the matching accent wall?

Wow! This floor-to-ceiling piece ties the great room to the marble in the kitchen. Bouncing the light from water-facing windows, it reflects the many shades of Regina’s personality. This is a house of a classy, educated woman. It’s no wonder the main character, Alex, wants to pretend it’s her own.

At True Blue Surfaces, we value the importance of creating a space where you can bask in your success. Reach out to True Blue Surfaces today to request a quote or book a showroom appointment for work done with pride, precision, and care.