Category Archives: ES Process

Tired of All That Grout? Time for a New Shower Surround!

Posted by ExquisiteStone on October 23, 2023

When it comes to designing a stylish and functional bathroom, one often overlooked but highly valuable addition is porcelain shower panels. These versatile and beautiful panels offer a range of benefits that can transform your showering experience and enhance the overall aesthetics of your bathroom. Let’s explore the advantages of porcelain shower panels and why they are becoming increasingly popular in modern bathroom design.

1. Elegance and Aesthetics

Porcelain shower panels exude elegance and luxury. They are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, making it easy to find a design that complements your bathroom decor. Whether you prefer a sleek, contemporary look or a more traditional style, porcelain panels can provide the perfect backdrop for your shower space. The high-quality finish and rich, timeless appearance make porcelain a popular choice among homeowners and designers.

2. Durability and Longevity

One of the standout features of porcelain shower panels is their exceptional durability. Porcelain is a dense and hard-wearing material, which makes it resistant to scratches, chips, and stains. This resilience ensures that your shower panels will maintain their appearance and structural integrity for many years, even in high-traffic bathrooms. Unlike other materials that may wear or discolor over time, porcelain panels remain as beautiful as the day they were installed.

3. Easy Maintenance

Porcelain shower panels are known for their low-maintenance requirements. They are impervious to water and moisture, preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which is a common issue in bathrooms. Cleaning porcelain panels is a breeze – a simple wipe-down with a mild cleaning solution will keep them looking pristine. The minimal maintenance makes porcelain an excellent choice for busy households or those who simply prefer a hassle-free bathroom.

4. Hygiene and Cleanliness

The non-porous nature of porcelain is a boon for hygiene. Because it doesn’t absorb water, it won’t harbor bacteria, making it a safe and sanitary choice for your shower walls. Additionally, porcelain’s resistance to staining means that you won’t have to worry about soap scum or mineral deposits tarnishing your beautiful bathroom surfaces.

5. Versatility in Design

Porcelain shower panels offer versatile design possibilities. They can mimic the look of natural materials like marble, granite, or wood, giving you the aesthetic you desire without the maintenance and cost associated with these natural materials. Porcelain also allows for intricate patterns and textures, providing a unique and customized look for your bathroom.

6. Eco-Friendly

For environmentally conscious homeowners, porcelain shower panels are a great choice. Porcelain is a natural material that can be recycled, reducing waste and minimizing its environmental impact. Furthermore, the long lifespan and easy maintenance of porcelain panels contribute to sustainability by reducing the need for replacements and harsh cleaning chemicals.

7. Resale Value

Investing in porcelain shower panels can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are often drawn to the timeless beauty, durability, and easy maintenance associated with porcelain. Therefore, upgrading your bathroom with porcelain panels can be a wise decision, not just for your daily comfort but also for your home’s market value.

Porcelain shower panels offer an array of benefits that make them an attractive choice for any bathroom. Their elegance, durability, low maintenance, and versatility in design provide a compelling case for their inclusion in modern bathroom renovations. If you’re looking to enhance the aesthetics, functionality, and value of your bathroom, consider incorporating porcelain shower panels into your design. These panels are more than just a cosmetic upgrade – they are an investment in the comfort and longevity of your home.

Quartz – The Unexpected Heavy Hitter

Posted by ExquisiteStone on July 13, 2023

Thinking of new countertops for your house?  Quartz is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops due to its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of colors and patterns. It is a man-made material that is made from natural quartz crystals, resin, and pigments.

Montauk Hanstone Bathroom Top

One of the best features of quartz countertops is their durability. Quartz is a hard, non-porous material that is resistant to scratches and stains with reasonable use. It is also easy to clean and maintain, as it does not require sealing like natural stone countertops.

Hanstone Slab

In addition to its easy maintenance, quartz also looks great in a variety of installations. Its wide range of colors and patterns allows for endless design possibilities, and it can mimic the look of natural stone such as granite or marble.  The value of installing a marble-look material without the care requirements of natural stone is very exciting.

Quartz countertops can range wildly in price, but they are a durable investment that will likely last for the life of your home.

Stop by the Exquisite Stone showroom today for a free estimate!

Granite – Stone of the Centuries

Posted by ExquisiteStone on June 15, 2023

Granite is a natural stone that has been used for centuries in a variety of applications. One of the earliest uses of granite was in the construction of ancient Egyptian pyramids and temples. Granite was also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for a range of structures, including temples, public buildings, and monuments.

The Colosseum

In more recent times, granite has been used for a variety of purposes, including paving stones, building facades, and cemetery markers. It was not until the late 20th century that granite began to be widely used for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

The use of granite for countertops gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, as it was seen as a high-end, luxurious material. Its durability, beauty, and versatility made it a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike.

Today, granite is still a popular choice for countertops and other surfaces, and it is available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit any style. If you’re considering granite for your home, be sure to consider sealing the granite to protect it from stains and moisture.

Snowfall Granite Peninsula

Visit Exquisite Stone to shop granite for your next project!

Granite Countertops for Everyday Life!

Posted by ExquisiteStone on May 18, 2023

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen?  Granite is one of the most accessible countertop materials available today.

Granite is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops due to its durability, beauty, and versatility. It is a natural stone that is formed over millions of years and is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

New Blue Dunes Granite and Opalescence Granite helped to improve this dated kitchen.

One of the main benefits of granite countertops is their durability. Granite is a hard material that is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. It is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.

In addition to its practicality, granite is also a visually appealing option for countertops. Its natural beauty and unique patterns add character and value to any home. It is also available in a variety of colors to match any decor.

If you’re considering granite countertops for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, granite is a natural stone and no two pieces are exactly alike.  This unexpected advantage adds individuality to your project, highlighting the variation that makes natural stone so desirable.  Second, it is a good idea to seal the granite to protect it from stains and moisture. 

Thirdly, granite countertops can be a bit pricier than some other options.  This may seem overwhelming on the surface but this durable investment will likely last for the life of your home.

Blue Dunes Granite for the win!

If you have any questions or would like to see some of our available granite options, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Visit our showroom in Elk River to pick out countertops for your next project!