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Countertops 101: Travertine Countertops

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This month, we are taking a look at popular countertop products. Today, we are exploring travertine countertops. Travertine is not a new countertop solution. In fact, travertine has been used for centuries in Roman colosseums and theaters. It is actually a stone that looks similar to marble, making it a popular alternative. To dive deeper into travertine’s characteristics, we are going to discuss three factors that set travertine apart from other countertops. Let’s take a look!

Diversity, Versatility, and Originality

Each travertine stone varies, making each homeowner’s travertine countertop unique. It comes in a variety of colors, allowing homeowners to choose a beautiful piece that is special to their home. Additionally, travertine comes in four different finishes (polished, tumbled, chiseled edge, and honed) to meet the homeowner’s design preferences. Lastly, you will find travertine countertops in two forms, solid slabs and tiles, further adding to its versatility.

Indoor and Outdoor Application

Travertine countertops are durable and resilient. In fact, they can withstand intense weather, making them the perfect solution for outdoor applications. In addition to being durable, they are also stain-resistant, with proper sealing, which helps with diverse design applications.

Care & Maintenance

Travertine is a naturally porous material, which means it will need to be sealed on a regular basis. Additionally, here are some precautious measures to take with your travertine countertops:

  • Avoid acidic cleaners, foods, and drinks on your travertine countertops.
  • Do not use ammonia or bleach on travertine countertops.
  • Only use cleaners that say “safe for natural stone” on your travertine.
  • Use trivets for heat and coasters for liquids.
  • Blot spills immediately instead of rubbing them.
  • Clean out its “pores” often to remove debris.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Are you interested in viewing our marble selection? At ICC Home, we make the design process easy by offering room scenes for customers to see what products would actually look like in their space. We encourage you to visit our showroom for yourself at 7226 East 87th Street Suite D1, Indianapolis, IN 46256 or call us for more information.

Image of ICC Home Kitchen Room Scene

Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back next week for a brand new topic.

Countertops 101: Marble Countertops

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This month, we are taking a look at popular countertop products. Today, we are exploring marble countertops which are often instantly loved for their attractive appearance. They have a veiny composition and derive from a metamorphic rock. This beautiful countertop solution instantly adds unmatched beauty, elegance, and value to any space.

With so many different countertop products on the market, homeowners can become easily overwhelmed by the selection. To help you better understand marble’s advantages and disadvantages, we are going to dive deeper into its three main characteristics. Let’s take a look!

Marble’s Finishes

Its veiny nature may, in fact, be one of the most beloved characteristics of marble countertops. While its veins may be the staple look of this countertop, shoppers should be aware that there are three different finishes available and each of them can drastically change the look.

The Three Marble Countertop Finishes

  • Polished: The polished finish is buffed until it sparkles. You will notice that the color and veins are more prominent with a polished finish as well as a little susceptible to scratching.
  • Matte: The matte finish is sanded down until it is smooth to the touch. With matte countertops, they do actually feel smooth like most matte products. Additionally, you will find that the matte finish helps to disguise scratches.
  • Leather: Leather finish is often used on dark marble, and it adds a certain texture that is helpful when hiding scratches and even fingerprints.

One of a Kind Beauty

Let’s be honest; marble countertops are easily one of the most beautiful countertop products on the market. Their veiny nature and natural composition make them a hot commodity. While they are elegant and beautiful, it is important to take care of them properly. Failing to do so will result in a less durable product.

Necessary Care & Maintenance

As we previously mentioned, the care and maintenance routine for marble countertops are essential. Since marble is porous, they will need to be sealed annually. This is an important factor to consider when budgeting for your countertops. Additionally, they will need to be cleaned frequently to maintain their beauty. Lastly, they can be etched by acidic foods and cleaners, so being aware of their sensitivity is critical. Here are some things to keep in mind with your marble countertops:

  • Always use coasters with marble countertops.
  • Wipe them down immediately, especially if there is food or liquids on them.
  • Never place a wet item on your marble countertops.
  • Always use a trivet when placing a hot pot, pan, or even a plate on your marble countertops.
  • Only use manufacturer-approved cleaners on your marble countertops.
  • Always use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on your marble counters.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Are you interested in viewing our marble selection? At ICC Home, we make the design process easy by offering room scenes for customers to see what products would actually look like in their space. We encourage you to visit our showroom for yourself at 7226 East 87th Street Suite D1, Indianapolis, IN 46256 or call us for more information.

Image of ICC Home Kitchen Room Scene

Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back next week, where we will focus on Travertine countertops.

Countertops 101: Granite Countertops

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This month, we are taking a look at popular countertop products. Today, we are exploring granite countertops. Composed of natural stone, granite is a timeless tradition in household designs. It adds an elegant look to any design while being a fan favorite.

Granite countertops have been used for years and are loved for its distinct, unmatched beauty and durability. If you are interested in learning about granite‘s benefits, we are going to focus on three features that you will love about granite. Let’s take a look!

Strength & Durability

It should be mentioned that granite countertops need proper care and maintenance. If you are uninterested in maintaining your counters, granite may not be right for you. Apart from its upkeep, granite countertops are considered strong, dense, and durable. When properly sealed, granite countertops provide good stain resistance and are easy to clean. Additionally, they are scratch- and heat-resistant, giving homeowners ease of mind.

Unmatched Beauty

Most homeowners choose granite because it is considered to be one of the most beautiful countertop options available, and we have to agree. This timeless countertop solution complements cabinetry and floors seamlessly while providing a stunning landscape for your food and dishes.

Care & Maintenance

As we previously mentioned, it is important to maintain and care for your granite countertops. Remember, they are an investment and should be treated as such. If you are new to owning granite countertops, here are a few maintenance tips and tricks to remember:

  • As soon as a spill occurs, be sure to wipe it up immediately, especially with oily or acidic foods.
  • Do not leave wet dishes on your countertops for extended periods of time. Be sure always to use coasters.
  • Take a damp, soft cloth and clean your countertops regularly.
  • Do not use dish soap because it can cause build-up.
  • Always use a cutting board.
  • Try to avoid ammonia, vinegar, and citrus on your countertops.
  • Only use stain-removers that are approved by your granite manufacturer.
  • Just to be careful, you should use a trivet under your extremely hot pots and pans.

Are you interested in viewing our granite selection? At ICC Home, we make the design process easy by offering room scenes for customers to see what products would actually look like in their space. We encourage you to visit our showroom for yourself at 7226 East 87th Street Suite D1, Indianapolis, IN 46256 or call us for more information.

Image of ICC Home Kitchen Room Scene

Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back next week, where we will focus on marble countertops.

Countertops 101: Quartz Countertops

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Composed of natural quartz crystals, quartz countertops are one of the most beautiful and durable countertop selections for your home. Amongst being a household favorite, quartz countertops are loved for their heat- and stain-resistant properties, making them one of the most durable countertops on the market. If you are interested in learning about this newer countertop option, today, we are going to take a closer look at quartz and all it has to offer.

Durable

Quartz countertops are heat-resistant, meaning they can withstand a certain amount of heat without seeing the effects. In addition to being heat-resistant, quartz countertops are also incredibly difficult to scratch. In fact, they rank higher on the Moh’s Hardness Scale at a 7, as opposed to Granite, which ranked 6 (a diamond is classified as a 10). This means that quartz can easily withstand daily wear and tear while remaining as beautiful as the day you bought them.

Luxurious

Quartz counters are easy to love and quite beautiful. They add a certain element of luxury to any space with their gorgeous reflective charm. That being said, it is important to be aware that quartz’s seams are visible. They are not extremely visible and are covered, but they are considered to be more visible than other countertop products.

Easy-to-Maintain

Quartz countertops are one of the easiest countertop products to maintain. Unlike its counterparts, quartz does not need any sealers. In fact, you do not need to seal your countertops each year since they are non-porous. Instead, you will merely need clear dish soap and a damp, soft rag to clean it. It is that easy!

Are you interested in viewing our quartz selection? At ICC Home, we make the design process easy by offering room scenes for customers to see what products would actually look like in their space. We encourage you to visit our showroom for yourself at 7226 East 87th Street Suite D1, Indianapolis, IN 46256 or call us for more information.

Image of ICC Home Kitchen Room Scene

Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back next week, where we will focus on granite countertops.

Flooring 101: Luxury Vinyl Planking

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In the last part of our four-part series, we are going to be focusing on Luxury Vinyl Planking. Luxury Vinyl Planking, also referred to as LVP, has taken the flooring market by storm. This revolutionary flooring product adds beauty, durability, and longevity to any home design project. Loved for its superior composition, LVP is a common choice amongst households.

Today, we are going to take a closer look at LVP’s key characteristics and attributes. If you missed any of our previous Flooring 101 posts, be sure to visit their corresponding links here: Tile, Hardwood, and Carpet. For now, let’s dive deeper into Luxury Vinyl Planking.

Composition

Luxury Vinyl Planking is composed of five distinct layers. Each layer helps add to the overall construct. The five layers include:

  • The Wear Layer: On the surface, you will find the wear layer. This particular layer protects your floors from everyday wear and tear.
  • The Luxury Vinyl Print: The next layer is the physical luxury vinyl print. The print is made in high-definition with a beautiful and realistic image of hardwood, tile, natural stone, etc.
  • The Interlocking System: Beneath your print, you will discover the interlocking system. This layer is used during the install. With an easy-installation in mind, it is user-friendly.
  • The Waterproof Core: Next, you will find the 100% waterproof core. You heard that right, waterproof! Its revolutionary technology allows it to be installed in moist areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
  • The Attached Underlayment: Last but not least, you will see the attached underlayment. This layer provides a comfortable and soft underfoot.

Durability

LVP is considered a durable flooring product due to its additional thickness, waterproof features, and the external wear layer. It is the perfect flooring option for active households with kids and pets.

Styles and Designs

LVP does not fall short in designs and styles. This extraordinary flooring offers homeowners an endless selection of designs and styles that mimic the look of our other flooring favorites. From hardwood to natural stone, LVP provides a realistic, beautiful look to your floors.

Easy Installation

With its interlocking system, LVP is the perfect flooring option for experts and do-it-yourselfers, alike. It offers an easy-to-install interlocking system to make install floors easier than ever.

Are you interested in viewing ICC Home‘s luxury vinyl planking selection? If so, one of our expert sales associates would love to assist you in finding the perfect floors. Be sure to contact us today for more information.

Flooring 101: Tile

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Tile has been used in homes since as early as the 8th century. From wall mosaics to decorative floors, tile is forever loved for its delicate beauty, incredible durability, and easy-to-maintain properties. That being said, while many households incorporate tile into their design, few truly understand its characteristics. In today’s part of our series, we are going to take a closer look at tile’s attributes and why homeowners select this flooring. Let’s take a look!

Ceramic vs. Porcelain

There are two types of tiles: Ceramic and Porcelain. While similar, these two types also differ from one another. Here are their key differences:

Porcelain

The key difference between ceramic and porcelain tile is that porcelain can be used outdoors. Due to its frost-resistant properties, it can be placed in environments that drop to the negatives. Additionally, porcelain has a low water absorption rate, making it the better choice for showers and pools. Lastly, porcelain is considered more durable and harder than ceramic tile, making it a great choice for households that are prone to drops and spills.

Ceramic

On the other hand, ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain tile. This is due to the way porcelain tile is manufactured. If you are looking for an affordable tile option, ceramic tile may be your way to go.

Durability

Tile floors are typically considered durable due to the way they are made. While being exposed to extremely high temperatures during creation, tile is incredibly tough and often difficult to crack; therefore, homeowners love the durability and reliability of their tile floors.

Hypoallergenic & Sustainable

Many homeowners choose tile because of its hypoallergenic properties. In fact, parents of children with asthma or allergies love tile floors because they cannot hold common household allergens. Because tile is an impervious surface, homeowners can rest at ease that their household floors will be free of bacteria, fungi, mold, and other dust mites.

Curated from natural and sustainable materials, tile is the most environmental-friendly flooring choice on the market. In fact, it can help moderate the temperature throughout your home and create a more energy-efficient space.

Water-, Slip-, and Fire-Resistant

While many homeowners are probably aware of the fact that tile floors are water-resistant, since they are frequently used in bathrooms, many homeowners may not know that tile floors are fire-resistant. In fact, its fire-resistant property can help homeowners feel at ease with their flooring decision. Since tile is a non-flammable material, if a fire were to happen, it will not produce smoke or burn toxic fumes, helping to give you peace of mind.

In addition to being fire-resistant, tile floors can have slip-resistant properties to keep your family safe. Some tile designs offer a slip-resistant barrier through their different textures and finishes, which works well in pool areas to help avoid any accidental falls.

All in all, tile is a very diverse and beautiful flooring choice. From pools to backsplashes to floors, tile can add a touch of elegance to any home design. For more information on ICC Home’s tile selection, please visit us here.

Additionally, if you missed the previous posts in our series, be sure to visit their corresponding links here: Carpet and Hardwood. Also, be sure to check back next week for our final part of the series on Luxury Vinyl Planking.