Quartz countertop care and maintenance

Care and Maintenance for Quartz

Many people today choose a Quartz counter surface because it is a non-porous material that is resistant to scratching, heat, and stain.   It does require some maintenance and it will scratch, burn and stain when it is not protected from harsh environments. To maintain the beauty of your stone, please use the following precautions with your counter tops:

·         Place hot pad and Trivets under items removed from your stove top or oven

·         Use cutting boards when working with knives and sharp tools.

·         Avoid dropping heavy items on the counter top surface

·         Do not use harsh chemicals, powders or abrasives like: bleach, oil soaps, oven cleaners, furniture cleaners, comet, and oil based products.  The best way to maintain your surface is to clean it with soap and water on a regular basis.  Non-abrasive cleaners are recommended.

·         Avoid using permanent markers, dyes, stains, paint thinner, strippers and chemicals with high alkaline/ PH levels.

Recommended cleaners for Quartz include:

·         Soap and Water

·         Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean

·         Simple Green

·         10 X Stone Polish

·         Denatured Alcohol

·         Rock Doctor cleaner

·         Hopes Surface Cleaner

To remove substances like gum, paint or tape use a plastic putty knife with soap /water and  gently scrape the counter top. If you have any questions, contact Kurt at 612-644-8779 or check us out on the web at www.brflooring.biz.

B & R Hardwood and Tile

Chanhassen, MN 55317

Hardwood Flooring Re-Finish Process

B & R Hardwood and Tile Floor Re-Finishing Process

B & R has been in the flooring business for 14 years restoring hardwood floors to their natural beauty.   Our crews are trained to follow the National Wood Flooring Associations guidelines.

·         B & R meets with the client to evaluate and measure the floor.  During this time, we inspect for pet damage, cracked boards, uneven boards, warping and other issues that can impact your flooring over time.  We measure the hardwood including, closets, hallways, treads and risers and other areas the homeowner wants refinished.   Bids are emailed to the homeowner within 3-4 days. 

·         Generally, we do not recommend removing trim during the refinish process.  Trim removal and re-installation is not included in our price but can be done for an additional charge.

·         Our process includes two cuts of sanding and three coats of finish.  Our finish usually is two coats of high quality professional oil base finish followed by one coat of water base finish.  This creates a smoother and tougher finish.

·         Most refinishes are completed in 3 days unless the homeowner decides to add a custom stain color.  This is an additional charge and takes an additional day to complete.

·         B & R uses state of the art dust containment equipment for the best professional results.  The homeowner should expect to find minimal dust throughout the work area as a natural result of refinishing floors.  B & R can provide cleaning services at the customer’s request for an additional charge.

·         If the homeowner hires B & R, they will be responsible for removing all furniture, household items, window treatments, items in closets, and wall hangings.  B & R can assist with furniture removal for an additional fee. If our crews arrive and have to move belongings, they will charge the customer extra for these services.

·         During the process, be prepared to avoid using the areas that are being refinished. You will not be able to walk on the floors because they will be drying.  Also be prepared for a very strong smell which will dissipate over time.

For all of your re-finish needs, contact Kurt Kuhlmann at B & R Hardwood and Tile . Phone 612-644-8779 or find us on the web at www.brflooring.biz

Buff and Coat verses full hardwood re-finish

Refinishing your hardwood floor versus using a buff and coat system

 If you have hardwood flooring in your home, it is very important that you know how to maintain and preserve its beautiful finish.  Over time your floors will sustain some damage from normal wear and tear.  This brings to mind two questions. How do you know when it is time to refinish my hardwood floors?  Should I completely refinish the floors or just have a buff and coat finish?

As a general rule, hardwood floors should be refinished every 5-7 years when it has deep scratches and dirt becomes imbedded and is hard to remove. If your floors are newer and have only slight surface scratches you may be able to get by with a buff and coat.  Although both processes require the homeowner to completely remove all furnishings from the room, there is a difference in price, quality, process, and life expectancy for the different finishes.

Buff and Coat processes are an inexpensive solution for newer floors that are in excellent shape and just need slight restoration.  They generally cost about $1.50 per square foot and can be done in one day.  Their finish life expectancy is about 2-3  years which means you are just delaying the inevitable full refinish of your flooring.  I would probably only consider this process if you are in a hurry and planning an event like a high school graduation or the sale of your home. 

Hardwood floor refinishing reconditions your wood, protects it with multiple coats of finish, and has a much longer life expectancy for the finish. It generally costs about $3.00 per square foot and has a life expectancy of 5-7 years. Hardwood Refinishing takes several days but in the long run may be your best option because when you factor in the savings over time, refinishing your hardwood may be the most economical solution. 

For more information contact Kurt Kuhlmann at 612-644-8779 or visit us on the web at www.brflooring.biz

B & R Hardwood and Tile

8445 Powers Place

Chanhassen, MN 55317

Re-Facing Exterior Brick

Recently, B & R Hardwood and Tile re-faced the exterior brick on an Edina home. The home had recently changed its siding color and the old brick looked dated and stood out against the new siding.  I recommended the homeowner try a new product that allows us to install  a new facade right over the existing brick. In less than the week, the old tired brick was replaced with a beautiful "dry stack" type style.  The homeowner was thrilled with the results.   Below I am posting a pictorial showing our process.  If you are interested in a free consultation, call me at 612-644-8779 or contact me on the web at www.brflooring.biz.