Remodeling your home can be a long and involved process; sometimes exciting, other times daunting. But there is one central theme that will run through your remodeling conscious…getting what you want versus what’s in your budget.

Home improvement costs can quickly escalate and at times it can be hard to determine what areas provide you the truest value and what areas can easily be cut to get your remodel completed within your budget.

Here at Surfaces USA our design team is adept at helping you achieve your design goals within your budget without sacrificing quality.

When deciding how to achieve your design aesthetic on a limited budget we always look towards creativity and quality of workmanship.

A theme I always go by is a great quote form legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden “If you don’t have time to do it right...when will you find the time to do it over”?

This is of central importance because placing emphasis on doing the job right the first time and not cutting corners is the surest way to guarantee your next remodel project will be amazing! We always advise placing a premium on craftsmanship and installation.

When cutting cost, focus on reducing material specs and details, never cut corners or go with cheap labor. A good installer or fabricators work will always shine through no matter what material they are using. The most expensive materials installed improperly will be an eye sore, completely diminishing the value of the materials you utilized.

Remember a professional installation will make even more economical materials look amazing and fabulous while not putting a hurt on your pocket book. The emotional investment of a remodel is often front loaded, so once you’re invested you really owe it to yourself to commit to having the job done right the first time because in the long run it is a lot less costly than doing the job over again down the road.

Come down to Surfaces USA today and learn more about our quality tile, stone and granite installation services. We are always dedicated to ensuring that your job is performed the right way with no corners cut.

One of the most common ways we take our first outdoor shower is at the beach. Do you remember how refreshing it felt?

We go home from the beach feeling refreshed and invigorated. What you may not realize is that you feel rejuvenated because you are interacting with nature. That's why one of the best ways to rejuvenate our spirit is to go into nature. Water happens to be one of natures most healing properties.

We don’t all live close to the beach. And you don't have to be shivering in a sandy swimsuit to appreciate an open-air shower. Even landlocked homeowners—stressed-out townies, gritty green thumbs, suburban soccer dads—are discovering that bathing outdoors is not just practical, it's downright luxurious. We can still optimize the space that we do have. Installing an outdoor shower is one way to optimize your living space.

Outdoor showers also accent pool areas or backyards, providing a convenient place to clean off and a yard feature that is artistic and functional. A shower outdoors is one of those things that seems odd at first, but when people see them at someone else’s place, they end up wanting them for their own backyard.

Picture above: Showers can be designed to blend in with your surroundings.  This was a great way to use a retaining wall that would have no use otherwise.

Materials used: Walls- Lotus multicolor slate 12x12

Shower pan- river rocks.

Picture above:  This outdoor shower layout is more complicated with a vanity, a changing room area and a door.

Materials used: walls- Crema Marfil Honed 8”x8”

Shower pan- natural river rocks.

Picture above: This shower was designed

To be an accent on the wall adding décor to the

exterior of the house.

Materials used: Walls- Mexican had painted tiles,

decos and moldings.

Picture above: This shower was designed to be natural, serene

and to blend in with the exterior surroundings. 

Materials used: Walls- Interlocking stacked stone on mesh.

Picture above: This zen like design shower is like an art piece in the middle of the garden.

Materials used: 5/8”x 2 glass tile.

Consult with with our knowleadgable sales staff today and we will help design the outdoor shower that’s perfect for you.

Surfaces USA materials used: Microcrystal white 12x24, Carrara White slab and showerpan-Carrara/Negro Marquina tumbled 4x4


 Example of framed glass:
 


Surfaces USA materials used: Classic Supreme F/H 12” and 18” and accent 2x2” AG105 glass
 
Glass shower doors are also transparent.  Even if you choose a heavily clouded model they will never be completely opaque.  If you feel that this lack of privacy does not work well with your living situation or modesty, a glass shower door might not be the right choice for you.

Now that you know that glass shower doors are durable, heavy, and semi-transparent, you can make an informed decision about their installation in your bathroom.

 

Have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment or question below! :-)

 

The most cost-effective and simple investment would be to update the color in the home. This fast and inexpensive fix could include paint and new countertops. It is amazing what a difference a new color on the walls and cabinets or a new countertop and backslash can dramatically change the feel and look of your kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to remove older worn cabinets, and update them with paint. It does not have to be painted a solid white, as most people think that is the only option for them. 

Browse through our extensive image gallery on SurfacesUsa.com and flip through some design publications to see if a style calls to you. With a little professional design knowledge and guidance, you should be able to recreate that style to suit your budget. As a professional interior designer, I have helped many homeowners do just that. Here are a few ore simple quick fixes:

1) To update an older set of wood cabinet doors, simply use a cream color base with a brown glaze on top. This technique will look like you invested thousands of dollars in classic new cabinets.

2) To update your 80'd style tile countertops- replace it with beautiful new granite and a mosaic tile backsplash. Your troubles with old broken and cracked tile and grout will disappear.

3) If your budget permits, you can replace your flooring with some affordable and easy maintenance tile, which will complete the whole look of your room without breaking the bank. 

These are just some of the very simple and affordable updates that will make your investment last a long time. A fresh coat of paint and a beautiful solid granite countertop will make it a pleasure for you to spend time in your kitchen. You will feel delighted about opening up your home to your family and friends this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

Please leave any questions and comments below!

Let Surfaces USA inform you about the ultimate protection for your home as well as for construction jobs. Join me next week where I will teach you how to prepare your shower pan before the hot mop. Please leave your questions and comments below!

While you are reading this you are hoping that brilliant and innovative kitchen countertop ideas will flood your mind. You may be a bit overwhelmed about the different kinds and colors and styles of natural stone countertops available. Later on, you'll be able to discern which of these styles and colors will look ideal in your kitchen, which ones you feel passionate about. The kitchen countertop installation will be a breeze after you determine exactly what you want.

Start your process by asking youself this question: Should I choose to be bold and daring by using a bright color, or bold patterns?  Or do I want a more conservative look by using a more natural earth tone. 

For help answering that question, get yourself in front of the actual stone slabs. Visit local slab yards that have a large selection of material like Surfaces USA. Natural stone materials such as, granite, marble and limestone are a great way to give your space an the look you desire.  I would personally reccomend choosing granite countertops for the kitchen considering you'll be putting one of the most durable alternatives on the market in the most popular room in your home.

With what you've just learned, spend some time deciding which kitchen countertop will best enhance your kitchen. Consider colors, textures and patterns to tie together the whole space. Make sure you spend time with an interior designer and ask questions to familiarize yourself with the materials. With such an abundant supply of stunning material out there, you are sure to find one that’s right for you and your new kitchen or bathroom.

Today, wainscot is used for more decorative applications, yet it still exudes an antique feel. Bathroom remodeling with waynes coating (secondary spelling) allows you to cover the lower 3 to 4 feet of your wall above the baseboard. Practically, it protects the part of the wall that is likely to get dirty more quickly. Aesthetically, the porcelain, stone, stainless steel or glass tile combines well with either wallpaper or paint. 

We recommend you start with the selection of your field tile.  If you want to create a more traditional look, you can select a decorative listello (a tile border) with a molding to go on the bottom and the top of the listello. Or for a more modern look , try using a stainless steel tile or glass instead as shown below.

Many customers continue the design from the shower and continue it into the wainscot to tie the bathroom together.

Please leave your questions and comments below!

Please leave any comments or questions below, Thanks!

Shower Remodeling Trends for Fall from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

How to Clean Granite Countertops from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Please leave any questions or comments for me below.

BEFORE

One of the most elegant and beautiful choices is to have the fireplace and hearth measured and then having a piece of natural stone slab installed right on top of it. A skilled fabricator and installer can do this seamlessly so it looks like the home was built like that.

Another option is to use natural stone tiles to cover the existing brick. This option can be a nice alternative as it lends itself to being more creative. You can also combine a decorative liner or mosaics around the firebox opening to create some contrast or to pull in other colors from the room.

Whatever choice fits your unique personality and style, adding a new natural stone and a coat of paint will update any unsightly brick fireplace and make it well-designed and stylish.

AFTER - Honed Galala Limestone

To Create your own fireplace remodel, please comment on this blog or ask any questions.

By Installing a handicap shower stall with the shower floor level with the bathroom floor it allows seniors, disabled persons, and people of all ages to enjoy a safe and comfortable bathroom without sacrificing style.

A "curbless" wheelchair accessible shower (or walk in shower, without a step) helps people with limited mobility to enjoy walking into the shower without barriers or for a wheelchair to be rolled directly into the shower over a collapsible water dam or water stopper. Handicap bars are recommended for extra safety measures and a bench can be built for sitting down.

Caregivers can easily assist in transfers when you replace your bathtub with a roomy roll in shower stall.

Here at Surfaces USA we can help you convert a tub area or standard shower into a handicap shower.

Here is an example of a tub shower before and after converting into a handicap shower:

Before                                                        After

Please feel free to leave your questions and comments below!

1) When creating a mosaic, it is a good idea to lay out the tiles first on a flat surface before you fix them with adhesive. This way you get an idea as to how the colors and shapes look together in the design.

2) Always lay tiles for the main subject first ( for example, the inside of a niche or a centered mural mosaic) and then do the border- as these tiles are the most important. If you need to cut or move tiles around each other it is easier to do so without the background getting in the way.

3) When laying the border tile of your mosaic, start in the corner and work your way out as the corner tiles are often a little more intricate than the normal side mosaic.

4) If you are going to grout your mosaic (which most people do) remember to use proper grout which can be sanded or non sanded depending on the material the mosaic is made from.  Either natural stone or glass  requires opposite grout materials that can prevent your tile from scratching the mosaic surface if used improperly.

5) When laying mosaic tile using the "direct method", you can either butter glue on each individual piece or lay each one down one-by-one. This process is slow however the results will be very accurate and you can see the effect each individual tile has immediately. OR, the alternative approach is to put a small amount of glue on the base (enough for about 6 pieces) and then quickly lay the tiles down.

Please leave questions or comments below and i'll make sure to respond ASAP!

Perhaps the most popular and simplistic choice is the bullnose edge it is known for it's soft roundness. The eased edge finds its use on granite backsplashes while the square edge is considered standard for contemporary granite countertops. The ogee edge offers elegance and delicate detail. A chiseled, or rock pitch edge offers a rustic feel and can be dramatic in the right application.
Keeping in mind the style of your home you can easily choose the right edge for your countertop. The pictures you see here are just a sampling of the different style options for edges.

Please leave any questions or comments below, and I'll make sure to respond. :-)

Fresh way to install subway tiles from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Mosaics range in sizes from 1/2" to 5/8" and larger pieces mounted on netted sheets. These mosaicsare available in popoular shapes such as Octagons, honeycomb, Circular, Oval , and your conventional square - which is most commonly seen.  Using mosaics in your design not only adds an artistic touch, but adds interest in the specific surface that it's being applied to.

For example, if you needed a mosaic that you wanted to add to your backsplash in a bathroom you would most likely want to choose a mosaic that carries a color that is similar to the countertop as a cohesive design that would be able to pull the colors and compliment both countertop and mosaics chosen as well. For any questions or comments please leave a message for me below and i'll be sure to answer it for you!

1) The first step in choosing an appropriate countertop material is to determine a budget for your top. Whether you're buying counters for one room or every one in the house, give yourself a maximum price.

2) Second step is to get out there and shop, explore solid surface material options. Some of the most popular countertops are granite, marble, limestone and engineered stone; they range in price and function. If you're new to refurbishing or replacing counters, you might want to looks at material costs before determining a budget.

3) Third step is to balance out the three factors of cost, aesthetics and durability and make your decision. Keep in mind that one factor will always weigh out another.  After evaluating the benefits of each material (pros and cons often overlap from one material to the next), you can then decide what's right for you. 

Please leave any questions or comments below.

Behind the Scenes: The Tile Cave from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

A Step Beyond Sexy Tile from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

The Stone Revolutionary Blog from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Here are some photos of a granite quarry:

Here are some photos of granite tile:

Here is a photo of granite cut and installed inside of a kitchen to make it beautiful and last a lifetime:

- Mosaics generally are sold in 12x12” sheets that come on a fiberglass mesh that have been glued on for easier installation process.

- Knowing how many lineal or square feet you will need for your project is THEE most important aspect. For instance, if your project requires the use of 4” strips for borders then when cutting them off a 12x12 sheet you have 3 strips of 4x12. or as I call it "a bang for your buck." Also, if you have the need for insert keys of 4’x4” you will have a number of 9 inserts that came from that 1 sheet that look terrific in combination with your field tile in mind.

Just be creative, think outside the box. And if you cannot, then just stop by or call one of our five southern California showrooms to pick our creative brains!

Please leave your comments or questions below!

1) Generally you want to select a field tile on the outside of the shower that is not busy, meaning the colors are not too intense and the veining is subtle. 

2) Then select the size and color of the molding to go around frame. The color of the molding can blend in with the surrounding tile or it can be a contrast, depending on how much pizzazz you want to create.

3) Lastly, select the inside of the picture frame which can be a mosaic or a different size tile on a different angle. 

Another idea is to create that same frame on the floor without molding and create a mirrored effect. 

Please watch our short video for an example of matching and contrasting picture frame designs!

Add Pizzaz to Your Shower with a Tile Picture Frame from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Happy Tile Shopping, please leave your comments and questions below.

Benefits of Granite as a Countertop from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Al has successfully completed a diverse range of projects using various styles from antique European living spaces to contemporary outdoor living areas.  Al believes that his primary responsibility when designing a client’s space is to focus first on the key elements in the home. The next focus is to create a beautiful yet, functional environment with a unique design that relates to client’s vision.
Whether it’s a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, or any living area in your home, Al is known to be the unique and innovative designer for any home remodeling project.  His motto is” I believe in first impressions, and your home is no exception.”

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are shopping for your natural stone countertop material:

1) You have to consider that besides the cabinets, the material you choose for your countertop surface will serve both for function and for ascetics. It is the ingredient that will help to pull all your other elements together.

2) Some homeowners start their remodeling project with the countertop selection, others start with the cabinets. Regardless of where you begin you should bring some tools with you as you shop. Bring whatever other materials you have being integrated in the area. Such items as, cabinet finish, door style (the door style may determine if you want a material with a lot of movement or a simpler pattern), flooring, paint, and furniture colors.

3) Another helpful tip is to remember that the lighting in your space is different than the lighting in the store where you will view materials like granite and marble. Therefore, once you narrow your selection down, it is always a good idea to take the natural stone sample home to your space and see it in the correct lighting.

The passion that you feel when you see all the design elements come together will put the fun back into your project. You will feel confident in your selection, and enjoy your new countertop for years to come. 

What kind of countertops are you shopping for now? What material are you most insterested in? Post your comments and questions here, and I'll make sure to respond.

   Would you like the feeling of being away in a paradise where you can bathe in a stone grotto and where waterfalls wash the dirt away from your body?  Hopping on a plane whisking away to an island retreat every time you take a bath is great, if you’re a millionaire.  What is the next best thing? Slate and quartzite stone tiles in your tub, shower walls and bathroom floor.

   Slate is a micro-crystalline metamorphic rock commonly derived from shale.  Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone, with a texture similar to slate with more iridescence.  These materials are more commonly seen in exterior areas.  But only for the creative and open-minded, can these materials be used and are practical in indoor areas also. They are very natural in color and texture and give you and very organic color scheme and feel.

Slate Versailles Pattern (Photo Below)

    Since slate can be found in many different shapes, mosaics and sizes think about what kind of design you want in your bathroom.  Do you want uneven or flat slate tiles? Do you want square or irregular tiles? Many different shapes and sizes are available to meet your design and we are here to help you select the correct ones for your home retreat.

Harvest quartzite ledgerstone (Photo Below)

Check out photos from our clients bathroom that we reomodeled (BELOW.) Here we used Harvest quartzite ledger stone to create a bathroom spa retreat for them:

China Multicolor Slate Tub Area (Photo Below)

China Multicolor Slate Shower (Photo Below)

Our next shower (BELOW) is installed in our showroom, with a polished Ocean Green quartzite 6" x 12" on the walls and matching moldings around the picture frame. The shower pan and inside picture frame is slate in random mosaic form (all materials availabe at Surfaces USA).

We have over 30 shower installations in our showroom in San Diego to inspire you an spark your creativity! If you don't see it in our showroom, then let's work together to create something original. Please leave me your questions, comments or suggestions below! Happy Friday all. :-)

LAWRENCE JOSS WEB VIDEO 2 from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Remodeling a Guest Bathroom from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Hot Company, Cool Showers from Surfaces USA on Vimeo.

Brandi is always striving to bring her diverse backgrounds and knowledge to all her projects to give her clients exactly what they have dreamed of. Brandi keeps up with the latest design trends by attending industry trade shows and continuing her education.

Awards and Recognitions

• 2005 IDS Best Kitchen Design
• 2005 IDS Best LA  Designer
• 2005 Wellness Community Showcase  - Kitchen
• 1999  Pasadena Showcase House - girls room
• 1994  Pasadena Showcase House - guest house LR
• 1993  Pasadena Showcase House - girls house bath
• Martha Stewart Living - Walker Zanger Ad
• Romantic Home Magazine - Bath remodel
• Christopher Lowell Show- Bath remodel
• LA Daily News - Special Home Section color red
• Acorn Newspaper - Feature on Wellness  Kitchen
• San Bernadino Sun News - Article on design trends

                                     Please feel free to Leave Brandi a Comment or any questions below!

Please feel free to post any comments or questions below.

I tell them,  “You will know as you travel the slab yards which one will just jump out at you and ignite this passion.” I strongly believe that when selecting a countertop material for your home, it should be about the feelings that are evoked when you look at that slab for the first time. It could be the most beautiful piece of granite that you have ever seen, and yet there will always be someone that prefers a different one.

Keep in mind that the material that you select should adorn your countertops and be the element that seamlessly ties in your cabinets, backsplash, flooring and other details. As a person who appreciates the beauty of natural stones, I often get emotional about my clients selections and always bring my desire to seek out the passion. The ultimate result of your endeavor will be a room of your dreams that you can live with for years to come.  

Please feel free to comment or leave any questions for me below.

Joe and Nancy Ward are a knowledgeable team of industry professionals with a combined 25 years of experience in the natural stone and installation industry.  Nancy Ward started her career in the natural stone business in high school where she fell in love with exotic stones from all over the world.  Joe Ward started his career in construction, and when he married Nancy he became curious as to why she loved her career so much.  Joe soon joined Nancy in the stone and tile world, and now they are both very well known and trusted by many contractors and other stone companies throughout San Diego, CA.  This expert team specializes in home remodeling projects from start to finish.  From helping clients select the stone and design best fit for their lifestyle, to helping clients with proper installation. The Wards live in San Diego with their two children and love to help and give back to local communities.     

Please feel free to comment or leave any questions for them below!