Natural Stone Concepts Blog

Dry Treat Dealer

Deanna — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:30:48 +0000

Natural Stone Concepts is proud to be the new dealer for Dry Treat in the Alabama area. Dry Treat is an impregnating, invisible and breathable sealer that protects exposed natural stone, tiles, pavers, concrete and grout from damage caused by water, salts and oil-based stains. Treated indoor and outdoor surfaces become easier to clean, maintain, and keep looking good for longer.

Dry Treat has a 15 year warranty guarantee. When we seal your countertops with Dry Treat – they will send you, the customer, a written warranty. The warranty is between the customer and Dry-Treat and states that if the sealed surface is properly maintained but fails then it will be re-sealed free of charge.

Isn’t Granite – Just Granite?

Deanna — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:30:43 +0000

A few weeks ago, I happened to pick up an incoming call from a customer who had some questions in regards to her bid. I listened to the questions and then answered them for her, as well as some others. Feeling confident she was interested in pursuing the order, I asked her about possibly getting her on our measuring schedule. The customer however, mentioned that she was getting a few other bids and was really concerned about price. I replied, “Well–that is fine if you are getting some other bids, but just make sure you are comparing apples to apples.” I explained that we are definitely not the cheapest fabricator, nor do we want to be, but do offer competitive pricing that is a great value for what you get. I also pointed out that if she is just all about price, she should at least do a little investigating in regards to the other companies and also ask some questions about their fabrication processes, etc. She seemed a bit perplexed and responded, “Isn’t granite just granite?

What?!

That is like saying, “Isn’t a car just a car?”…And we all know the answer to that one. You can buy anything from a Geo Metro to a Rolls Royce, plus a bunch of other varieties in between each with their own set of bells and whistles, and pros and cons, not to mention the companies that make them each has their own set of standards and practices.

So technically speaking, if you are just talking about granite as a material, granite is granite. However, if you are talking about installed granite countertops, granite is not just granite! It is the fabricator that makes the difference in the way they distinguish themselves from others by the quality of their work, customer service, etc.

Thanks for reading!

Granite…not just for Kitchens!

Deanna — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:05:22 +0000

Often times, when people are looking for granite, it is for their kitchen countertops and islands. While granite is a great option for the kitchen, it also works well for fireplace surrounds, vanity tops, laundry tops, and bar tops. With several of remnants available in our granite stock you will be sure to find a color selection that is both, unique and fitting for any of your projects.

Start by faxing, emailing or calling us with dimensions of the project you are doing. We will be happy to provide you with a bid within 24 hours. If you already have a specific color in mind we would be happy to check our stock for availability. If you have no color idea in mind, feel free to stop into our showroom and view the remnants that we have available.

Start the year off by sprucing up some areas in your home with beautiful granite that will last a lifetime.

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A Job Well Done

Deanna — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:35:53 +0000

I don’t know about you, but it always brings a smile to my face when I open the mail and come across a thank you card amongst the usual bills. It is funny, but most people these days don’t take the time to send a hand written thank you note, so when we receive one it always special. We often hear verbal comments such as “our granite countertops turned out beautiful,” or “your intstallers did a great job,” but a hand-written note, or e-mail is always meaningful. At NSC, we always make sure that these notes get passed around to the entire team, so everyone can feel positive about their work and a job well done. To see what our customers are saying about us, please make sure to visit our testimonial page.

Visualize your New Kitchen

Deanna — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:09:03 +0000

A friend of mine always has to “visualize” things before actually doing something. With that said, imagine, new granite countertops, new appliances, new floors, and new lighting. During the holiday season the kitchen is usually the most highly trafficked area in the house. Wouldn’t it be fun to have an updated, functional kitchen that reflects your personality and needs? We have all heard about the decline in new home construction, why not remodel your existing home to accommodate your lifestyle? At the same time, you will be adding value to your home and making your living area more enjoyable. Natural Stone Concepts would be happy to provide you with an estimate on granite countertops to get the process started. Either fax, or email us your drawings and we will send you a bid within 24 hours! If you have qustions feel free to contact us.

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Cheaper isn’t always better..

Deanna — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:39:38 +0000

Many people these days are price conscious. I can’t tell you how many times we hear that so and so is selling their granite countertops for “x” amount less. You have to remember however, “You get what you pay for!”

The other day I came across, “Too Poor To Buy Cheap,” an article found in an issue of Selling Power magazine that caught my eye. The author mentioned that he once bought a suit for $100. While it was a good price, it ended up that it was not a good deal. He actually only wore the suit once and never wore it again because he didn’t like the way it fit. In reality— it was a very expensive suit.

Consumers need to keep in mind that when they hear of a fabricator selling granite countertops way below others, most likely they are cutting corners to sell it for that price. There may also be change orders to “up” that price down the road. Sometimes investing more for something up front will actually save you money, and most likely alleviate a lot of headaches.

Thanks for reading!

Pecan Tassies

Deanna — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:12:09 +0000

Ingredients

2 cups margarine
4 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the margarine and cream cheese until well blended. Beat in flour, 1 cup at a time, until the mixture forms a smooth dough. Roll into small balls, and press into the bottoms and sides of tart pans or mini muffin pans.
In another bowl, mix together the eggs, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the pecans. Use a spoon to fill each of the crusts 2/3 full with the filling mixture.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven, until shell is light brown, and the filling has puffed up. Cool, and carefully remove from pans.