Countertop Buying Guide

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First thing in mind

The pricing comes first then find out the pros and cons of the materials you're bearing in mind particularly since some materials are close in price and special sales might control you. 

Think big

Small samples make it hard to imagine what the material will look like in your kitchen. Play with online design tools, but understand the materials up close and take home large samples, even if you have to pay for them. And whatever you're allowing for ask about the warranty.

What about the sink?

A top-mounted sink can be used with any countertop material and is released in after the counter is installed.

Ways to save

 Look for sales and think through when mixing materials and using the more expensive material on prominent areas such as an island and a less expensive material on the perimeter. 

Be precise

Have the designer take final measurements, making accuracy his obligation.

For the full article read this link:http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/countertops/buying-guide.htm

Reasons Why Wood is Excellent for Flooring

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Wood is one of the most valued flooring material in the home building and buying market. Valued for its outstanding good looks and warmth, wood is highly flexible and maintainable.

Splendor, comfort, toughness and value are among the various reasons why hard wood flooring is a excellent selection for your home.

Hardwood floors develop more beautiful as they age, however they can dull over time. A hard wood floor can be sandpapered and refinished many times over its life (up to 10 times depending on the board thickness) to bring back its original look and shine  adding to its value. At the end of its use as flooring, the wood can be re-purposed into other wood products, from furniture to fuel.

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In short,
1. Natural wood floors are among the most energy-efficient to produce and proficient to use,  made of by-products from manufacturing. For example, tree bark is shredded into covering, and sawdust becomes fuel used to operate furnaces or provides bedding for horses, cattle and other animals.
2. Sustainably managed forests certainly provide filtration and storage for our water supply, and they don’t need irrigation, aiding with crucial water preservation.
3. Hardwood flooring and laminates don’t gather dust or allergens like certain other materials, and the floors are simple to clean and maintain, decreasing allergens even more.

Full story at http://www.ocregister.com/articles/home-661120-choice-woodfloors.html