SINK MATERIAL OPTIONS

  For this discussion we will be focusing on the most popular sink materials. Although there are several additional types of material on the market, I will not be going into discussing soapstone, copper or glass as we rarely run into these situations, but if you have questions about these materials please let me and I can easily get back to you.
  Stainless steel is the most popular material used for kitchen and laundry room sinks. Stainless steel has come a long way since your mother’s sink and the “pinging” noise we all knew well when water hit the bottom of the sink. Today’s stainless steel can be found in several different gauges; we recommend at least 18 gauge, (the lower the number the better). There are several brands that also offer a 16 gauge as well.
Stainless steel offers quality, durability and ease of cleaning, and is not affected by hot or cold objects and.. Pricing can run from economical up to expensive depending on the brand and design. Today’s finishes go from the old “shiny” look which requires more maintenance, to the brushed stainless steel look that I like because it does not show fingerprints. Stainless steel sinks are available in a large number of design configurations.
  Porcelain or enamel over cast iron is what many people have with their tile countertops. The sinks are extremely heavy and considered very durable. They are resistant to hot or cold but can be chipped or damaged.. Heavy duty or aggressive cleaning, is not recommended as it may dull the surface or cause discoloration which cannot be repaired.
  Enamel-over-cast iron is similar to the porcelain sinks, but not as durable, although more cost effective. This is available in a nice palette of colors to choose from.
Integral acrylic, (or solid surface sinks) allow the sink to become part of the countertop and without any seams or caulking, there is nowhere for dirt or moisture to build up, making cleaning very easy. Integral sink require a bit of care as you must have warm water running in the sink prior to pouring hot water from a pot or pan from the stove directly in it.
  Composite sinks are the newest item on the market and considered one of the best for durability. Granite composites are 80% granite with a 20% resin filler, (which acts as the glue). The sinks are considered scrach, chip, and heat resistant. Because of the density of the rock particulates they are considered heat resistance to 535 degrees. (Personally, I have always let pots or pans cool down a bit before I put them in my new composite sink or in my old stainless steel one as well).
  Although I have not seen quartz composite bowls, I have been told they are 70% quartz, 30% resin.
Composite sinks are easily cleaned using everyday cleaning products, as well as Blanco has come out with their own cleanser that works nicely on the composite sinks. Although originally available in only a couple choices, Blanco has added additional colors bringing their color palette to around 7 choices.
Today’s possibilities for kitchen sinks are amazing!! Need more help discussing materials or looking at ideas? Please let me know!! http://www.monarch-designs.com/

SINK STYLES

  Today’s choices in sink styles, materials, and finishes can be overwhelming for many homeowners. For this discussion we will focus on the most popular sink types.
  Self rimming (or topmount sinks are what most of us grew up. The rim extends above the countertop and supports the sink’s weight. Food has to be brushed into your hand and then dumped into the sink as it has a tendency to get stuck around the edge. This style sink is still very popular for the ease of installation. In most cases the faucet mounts directly on a deck or “ledge” along the back edge of the sink. A topmount sink can offer a slight cost saving with quartz or granite countertops as there is no need to polish the sink cutout, but since it sits on top of the new countertops, it shows less of the new material and can become an unintentional focal point as it falls right within your line of sight as your eyes follow the countertops.
  Undermount (or undercounter sinks) have become increasingly popular as the undermount style offers a large variety of models and designs. The undermount installation highlights the curved contours of the sink basin at the same time allowing your eye to roam seamlessly over the new countertops catching the color and pattern of the new tops with nothing to distract the eye. Food and debris are wiped directly into the sink making clean up a breeze. Faucets and fixtures are mounted directly into the stone allowing for easier cleaning around the fixtures and a more sleek look.Changing out an undermount bowl can be done, though not easily, but only if you are replacing it with an identically configured bowl.
  Front apron (or farmhouse sinks) offer the opportunity for a period-style feel to the kitchen. This style sink has a front “panel” which becomes a focal point in the kitchen and is usually a single basin style.
It is important to evaluate your needs when deciding on a sink. In addition to deciding between a topmount or undermount sink, you also need to look at your bowl requirements. Although double bowls are still popular, they restrict the size of pots and pans that can fit easily in to be washed. Other configurations including a variety of larger + smaller bowl combinations have become very popular. We have also seen an upsurge in the number of single bowls we have been installing. This style bowl allow for larger items such as cooking sheets, woks and bigger pots and pans to fit in and be washed easily.
  Giving thought and making sure you are purchasing a kitchen sink that will work for your lifestyle is just as important as the countetops it goes with and goes a long way to ensure a great looking, and great functioning kitchen. http://www.monarch-designs.com/

WHY CHOOSE MONARCH SOLID SURFACE DESIGNS?

  Looking for new kitchen countertops? How about a vanity top? Shower walls? A desk top for your new home office? Countertops for the laundry room, or craft room? We fabricate and install all these plus commercial projects as well!!
  Even a small remodel such as a new vanity top can be stressful .You are spending your hard earned money on something that you will be looking at for many years to come. It is  important to ensure that not only are you happy with your final selection, but just as happy with the company who is taking care of you.
  I am our customer care person - I am the person who meets you at our showroom or your home, or both if you prefer.  Although the showroom is open by appointment, I make myself available to accomodate our customer's schedule. We do not have a 8AM - 5PM schedule as many stores do. Early morning, late evenings or weekend appointments are available.
  I am big on passing along information and educating you. In order to make correct and educated decisions on what will fit your needs, it is important you get as much information as possible. As I tell many customers, welcome to Surfaces 101!!! I will explain the difference characteristics of all materials, pros and cons of each as well as a comparison. We cover information regarding sink, faucet, and backsplash options, as well as your cabinet colors, room lighting, flooring, and paint.I get great satisfaction when a customer look at me and says, "no one has ever asked me those questions!!"  Regardless if it takes you two times of looking at samples to pick your final selection or ten times, there is never pressure to hurry up and sign. It is very important to us that you are comfortable with your choices and when you are ready, we are here!!.
  What about communications about questions, concerns, or general information? That is me as well.  I take care of all phone calls and e-mails. If more technical infomation is needed, I will foward your name and number or e-mail to Ken and have him call.
On most job tear outs, templates, and installation, Ken is on site with our guys. Personally, I like working with a company and knowing the owner is there if I have a problem or questions.
  Ken is meticulous with details and has never met a challenge he has not been able to work out! In many cases it is not until a customer has been to someone's else home and looked at a family or friend's  project that they realize the care and quality workmanship that Ken puts in.
  Not sure how something might look or want a feel for how we work? We are happy to take you by a former customer's home check out our workmanship, look at color, or ask the homeowner questions. We are careful in your home and always clean up the area, vacuum and wipe down your cabinets inside and out, as well as take our trash with us when we leave. We are happy to provide references and encourage you to call. People may ask for references but then become unsure about actually following through. Please do!!
  Still not sure if I am the shop for you? Call or e-mail me to meet!! Our showroom provides large, easy to view samples, and old fashioned  customer care! http://www.monarch-designs.com/

HELP! I AM NOT A DESIGNER!!

  Not everyone is confident in putting together ideas, colors, and designs for their project. Sometimes we need a lot of help, other times maybe just someone to bounce ideas off of. Although many people work with professional designers, not everyone needs help to that skill level, or perhaps hiring a designer just doesn't fit into your budget.
  Although I am not a certified designer by any means, I have worked with many of our customers over the years. The thing I feel I offer the most is a sense of neutrality. While I have seen many designers design to their own likes and dislikes (while disregarding the client's likes and dislikes), I work hard to present options to our customers while keeping my personal opinions out of it. I feel this is very important as what one person likes, another cannot stand. But then, that is part of what makes the world go round!! It's not uncommon to find me taking a customer to shop for tile, pick our slabs of granite, or shopping for sinks & faucets. Need help with evaluating paint colors? Choosing a cabinet stain or new flooring? Not a problem.
This is a service I offer to our customers at no charge (although those who know me know I am always good for a card to Starbuck!!)
  Big projects require a different type of designer service, and as we claim, we are a true family business. For those in need of assistance for large residential remodels or commercial projects, my sister-in-law is a fabulous interior designer (as well as occasionally wearing the project manager hat).
  Not sure where to go to look for cabinets, flooring, or tile? Need a good general contractor or tile person to install that amazing tile you just bought? We work with many other small businesses and are happy to pass on referrals. Help support you local economy by working with small companies. We are happy to supply names for whatever type of referral you are looking for.  http://www.monarch-designs.com/

GRANITE SAMPLES / VIEWING GRANITE SLABS

  Viewing samples of granite is very different then viewing samples of quartz. Since quartz manufacturers have not been able to quite emulate the same "veining" look that granite it known for, (Cambria has been successful to coming close with seveal of their new colors), veiwing a small piece of granite is not going to give you the true picture of what your stone will look like. Although there are some granites that are a more "what you see if what you get look", (Blue Pearl, Absolute Black, or Black Galaxy are several colors that fall under this look), most are drawn to granite because of the random-ness of the coloring and veining. For this reason it is important to not only view slabs of the granite to decide what you like, but to also remember that even thought various stores may carry slabs of granite that carry the same name, anything with veining may vary in color and pattern depending on where is is from, even varying from pallet to pallet as slabs are mined from another area of the quarry. This is important as customers have found that something they chose months before at a store may not look the same when they go back to the same store later.
  In addition, remember that when you ask for a sample of granite, (or even quartz on occasion), the small piece you take home is going to look different as you are looking at a very small piece out of a very large slab. If this happens don't panic - if you found a slab that goes well with your cabinetry, paint, flooring, etc., then go with it. Don't second guess your self because things don't match that very small piece you took home. If you need to, go back and view the full slab. Once you have reassured yourself you picked out the color that truly works for you, be confident in your choice. And don't let well meaning friends or family sway your choice - but that is a whole other topic!! http://www.monarch-designs.com/

VIEWING SAMPLES

  Being able to view samples of potential materials and colors you are contemplating is crucial to helping you make a decision on what looks good for your project. We pride ourselves on being able to offer our customer 10" X 10" samples of quartz to view instead of a small 3" X 3" piece.
  For viewing acrylic samples we offer  4" X 4" sample sizes (instead of the smaller 2" X 2") and carry
10" X 10' samples of the Corian Private Collection which offers the look of "veining".
  Even viewing a large sample of the Private Collection color cannot truly reflect what the full sheet looks like and for this reason we are happy to take you over to the distributor's warehouse to view a full sheet; no commitment, no pressure. We just feel it is important then you understand exactly what somethint is going to look like installed in your home. Our objective it to ensure that whatever your final choice is, you are truly happy with it. http://www.monarch-designs.com/

TILE COUNTERTOP REMOVAL & DAMAGED CABINETRY

  The majority of old countertops we remove and replace are tile. Even a small countertop will look larger once the "broken" up look of tile and grout has been replaced with single slabs of stone or a seamless countertop of acrylic.
  Unlike laminate tops that pop off, tile countertops have been known to present both the homeowner and countertop person with an occasional surprise. Underneath most tile tops are a combination of mortar, chicken wire and tar paper, with the tar paper being the bottom element. The tar paper is pulled down over the edge of the cabinetry before the chicken wire, mortar and tile are laid down. After the tile has been set the tile person would go back and trim the the tar paper even with the countertops. If they were careful, the paper was trimmed properly and things were good to go. In the event they were in a hurry and quickly ran a knife to cut the paper, there is always the chance the cabinetry may have sustained damage in the shape of a deep cut that runs the length of the countertops.
  The drop down edge of the countertops is generally 1 1/2". This allow the edge to come over the top the tops of the cabinetry and cover any scars from the old tile that was torn out. But in the case of the cabinetry having been damaged by a knife or blade, this edge size may not work. Previously homeowners would take a small dowel and nail it under the new countertop with finishing nails and stain it the same color as the cabinets if possible. Although this worked for some customers, others didn't like the idea, feeling it looked like an afterthought, which it actually was.
  In the past several years we have found that the best way to hide this scarring and allow the cabinetry to look as new as possible, was to go with a larger 2 1/4" drop down edge. Although this larger edge is costlier, it eliminates the need for any dowel and presents a clean, neat cabinet appearance, with nothing to detract from your new countertops.
  We never know what we are going to find until we actually rip the tile out, but any time I meet with a customer having a tile countertop I mnetion this possibility. Although we find a need for this heavier edge only 50% of the time, I prefer to present the worse case scenario up front and explain what we might find. This allows customers to be forewarned in the case that we need to go with the larger drop down edge and eliminate any thought that we might be doing a "bait & switch" - selling one edge and then coming back to say it will cost more for another edge.
  Being a small business means being proactive. We prefer to let you know up front any potential issues that may arise versus waiting until they happen and then letting you know there may be more cost involved. We all work hard for our money, and none of us like surprises! http://www.monarch-designs.com/

MIXING MATERIALS & COLORS

  There was a time not long ago when options seemed more limited, design choices were more "stay in the box". If shower walls were acrylic, (think Corian), then the vanity top needed to be acrylic. If the kitchen countertops were granite, the island top had to match. And for many people that is still the look that they love.
  But for other other craving something different and very much their own, mixing and complimenting material, colors, and patterns provide a way to customize your bathrooms or kitchen into something uniquely your own.
  In kitchens, we are seeing more mixing of countertops and island colors & patterns. If you are looking to present a striking look, try with a combination of something more "stone" looking on the main countertop or island, and a softer more solid color on the opposite island or countertop. Can't afford quartz or granite throughout the kitchen, then what about acrylic on the main countertops and a stone island or raised bar top as a focal point? For something unique on an island with a raised bar top, try mixing two complimentary colors; one for the lower top, another color for the raised bar top.
  The same goes in the bathroom. Acrylic is fantastic for tub & shower walls offering an affordable and  no maintaintance product, but perhaps the matt finish is a little too tame and you want the vanity top to really "pop". With high gloss finishes and an amazing palette, both quartz and granite offer a huge selection of colors and textures. Remember, as long as the elements "work" together to provide a harmonious enviroment, there is no right or wrong answer.

 Regardless of what material catches your eye, just remember that if you get stuck, don't worry - you can always mix and match! http://www.monarch-designs.com/

WHAT ARE TEMPLATES? HOW DO YOU TEMPLATE?

  Templating is the process where an exact duplicate mimicing the size and shape of your finished project is made. Since most walls are bowed to some extent, a template allows us to take this into account and produce a product that will match as closely as possible while minimizing any unnecessary gaps.
We start with sheets of "door skins" that we cut down to three inch strips. The strips are then cut and laid out following the outer edge of the surface. The strips are then lightly hammered down with small finishing nails in several places to keep things from moving. We then come back with smaller strip and lay them across, (front to back) to keep the template from breaking when it is moved. The strips are then hot glued together. Once the glue cools down the nails are removed. Pertinant information including your name, manufacturer and color choice, edge detail, sink set back and sink model (if applicable) and any other needed measurements are written on the template in permanent marker.
Templates are then stored until fabrication starts. Because the needed information has been written on the template previously, any of our fabricators can take down the template and know the particulars of your project regardless if he was involved in the templating process or not.
Although other companies may build off verbal specifications, to acheive the "cleanest" and best fit possible, we feel that templates play an important role in acheiving the best possible finished project to meet your expectations. http://www.monarch-designs.com/

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?!

     Much like Hewlett Packard, my husband and I started our business in our garage. (Although I don't think HP had the police called on them for using power tools at night!) We started quietly in 1999 working the job "that paid the bills" by day and worked on learning our trade and building our business one kitchen, vanity top and shower wall set at a time by night and weekends. In 2005 we decided to take a leap of faith. Ken quit his job in the semiconductor industry, (I had left several years prior), and we decided to give it a go. it was sink or swim time!
   Having both come from the semiconductor industry where quality is everything and zero defects is the standard for which you strive, we based our business principles on the things that were important to us; offering fair pricing, quality products, attention to details, and outstanding customer care. (I intentionally do not call it "customer service". Service is something I "seek"; but "care" is something I provide.)
    Over time we have slowly built our business. When other companies we knew were becoming larger and hiring more and more people, we intentionally stayed small. Growing too big, too fast wasn't where we were looking to go. Not to say there weren't times we wished we had more employees, but we wanted to be the "mom & pop" shop that our parents grew up with. The sort of business where you knew your customers by name, face, and sometimes even by voice. We wanted people to feel they were dealing with "friends", not some slick sales person who blew in, and offered a "great deal and 10% off if you sign up tonight".  We worked hard to take care of our customers. When other shops were going for quantity, we stayed focused on quality. And when the economy took a turn for the worst and every trade magazine recommended companies to rethink their business strategy and focus back on customers, Ken and I just smirked. That was always our goal and we never strayed far from it.
  Being a mom & pop shop has its advantages as well as disadvantages. The biggest advantage customers like is knowing who they are dealing with and the one-on-one service. I answer the phone, the e-mail, meet customers at the shop, help with designs when asked, handle the office and work on the bids. Ken is involved in every tear out, most of the templates and most installations. We now have guys to help with the fabrication process so Ken can work on tear outs, installs and meet with contractors, but its not uncommon to find him at the shop evenings and weekends working on a customer job.
  And when we say a family owned business, we aren't kidding! Beside Ken and myself, its not uncommom to find our son working (when not in class at SJSU), or our nephew when he is on break from college as well. Have a large project or in need of a serious designer or project manager, let me introduce you to my
sister-in-law!
  The down side of staying small is that I don't turn jobs in 2 days. My emphasis is on quality, not quantity. I am always honest with my customers. If I can't meet their expected time table I tell them up front. As I tell people, you may not like my answer, but I will always tell you the truth. I hate when people make a commitment to get a job knowing darn well that can't meet the deadline and then have all sorts of excuses of why they can't meet what they already committed to. I give my customers fair and honest answers. That isn't to say we haven't on occasion run into problems with a job and had to push out the install by a day, but I can also say we do our best to meet our commitments. You can ask the customer we commited to that we would have her kitchen countetops and full height backsplash in by Thanksgiving because everyone was coming to her house. She was slightly skeptical, but I assured her we would commit to it if we didn't feel we could meet our commitment.At 10:00PM the night before Thanksgiving Ken was there finishing the final silicone. And on Thanksgiving day, her kitchen looked amazing!  As I said, we do our best to meet our commitments and please our customers.
  Please also note that if the most important thing to you is the bottom $$$ cost, I am not the shop for you. My prices are fair and competitive, and my quality unmatched.  I can fabricate any size or shape that you want to throw at me, but I do not give my work away. Quality takes a bit of time to get everything right. If you have to have it tomorrow and you want to nickel and dime me to death but still want 110% quality, I cannot help you. (The nice thing about our parents generation is that they appreciate quality workmanship and don't mind paying for it).
   Although I never claim to be an expert about everything having to do with surfaces, I think I have worked with products enough over the years to be pretty knowledgable. The goal of my blog is to present information that I think is helpful. I may discuss different materials, care and maintainance of stone versus acrylic, (think Corian), how we template for a surface, or why you can mix different materials in the same room. Suggestion for topics or questions would be greatly appreciated!! http://www.monarch-designs.com/