There are few design elements that spark heated debate and divide homeowners as much as granite and quartz. Don’t believe me? Tune into any show on HGTV and you’ll likely hear the prospective buyer/renter wax poetic about their preferred counter top material and shun the other vehemently. But is one really better than the other or is it merely a matter of aesthetics?

To help break down the granite vs. quartz quandary,we thought up five categories to help show the differences between both. By the end of this article,you can decide which one you prefer. Before we get into all of that though,exactly what is granite and quartz?

Granite is a very hard stone and 100 percent natural. It’s mined from quarries all around the world,cut down to a manageable size,then afterwards polished to a fine finish.

Quartz is slightly different because it is not 100 percent natural. Instead,countertops are produced using 95 percent ground natural quartz and 5 percent polymer resins.

Now that you know the basics,let’s see how they compare against one another.

1: Appearance
Granite

Granite comes in various colors and patterns due to the way it’s formed (cooling and strengthening of molten materials). Whether you’re looking for a subtle complement to your kitchen or a standout slab with unique mineral inclusions,there is an almost unlimited selection to select from and no two granite countertops are the same.

Quartz

Among the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is because of appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing property owners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in regards to appearance,you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. With quartz,the selection process is a lot easier.

2: Price
Granite

According to HomeAdviser.com,the average cost to purchase granite and have it installed can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. You can save money by purchasing the material from a wholesaler and doing a portion of the preliminary work yourself but the actual fabrication and installation of the countertops should be left to a professional.

Quartz

Depending upon the quality of quartz and style of edging,HomeAdvisor.com places the average cost to install quartz countertops between $1,500 and $5,500. You can do some of the preliminary work to save money,but because engineered quartz is heavier than other stone surfaces,a professional installer needs to make sure the space is structurally sound.

3: Environmentally-Friendly
Granite

The only way granite ends up in your kitchen is if it’s quarried which uses a lot of energy. If you select a high-end slab from Italy,for example,there will be considerable transportation involved. Try using indigenous stone when possible or visit salvage shops for pieces that can be cut to fit your needs.

Quartz

Since quartz is engineered,it can be more environmentally-friendly than granite if you use regionally manufactured stone and local fabricators. This cuts down on the distance the material needs to be transported.

4: Maintenance
Granite

Granite countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. Some oils and acids can stain so do your homework first to avoid stains. To ensure the longevity of your investment,consider having your countertops resealed once a year.

Quartz

Like granite,you’ll wish to clean any spills on quartz countertops with soap and water or a household cleaner,but that’s about it in terms of maintenance. The solid surface means that there is no need to have your countertops resealed.

5: Durability
Granite

Granite is a durable material that’s resistant to heat and many other kitchen elements. Due to its porous nature though,there can be some staining if spilled liquids are left sitting and damage can be done if your counter receives a high impact blow.
Quartz

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus,more durable. In point of fact,quartz is nearly indestructible,and because it isn’t porous like granite,it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat,so use heating pads at all times.
If you ‘d like to explore the differences yourself,contact Peakstone Granite at (336) 324-2875 or visit them at http://PeakStoneGraniteMarble.com

Car wraps are becoming a huge marketing and fashion tool these days. Companies all over the place are starting to put custom wraps and graphic on their business vehicles to make them stand out against the otherwise bland traffic. The wraps look incredibly complex and flashy,and that’s the point. The truth is,while designing and printing these graphics is difficult and complex,the actual installation isn’t. And the removal of these graphics is even more simple. These truths can end up saving you hundreds of dollars,if you know what you are doing when you get your wrap.

There are two different basic ways to install car wraps. One is known as wet application and uses water to help apply the wrap to the car,similar to some wallpapers. While most people think that attempting a wet application is the easiest way,experts say that isn’t the case. Almost every application expert will tell you that a dry application is the way to go. This means that you simply pull the wrap over the car without anything additional.

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Once you know the way that you are going to attempt to put on your car wrap,you will want to make sure that the wrap is going to fit your car. It should obviously fit since car wraps are made specifically for certain vehicles,but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t test it. The best and easiest way to do this is simply with masking tape. Lay the sections of the wrap over your car and tape it on. Once you have all of the pieces taped on,step back and take a look at how your car will look once you are finished.

Now that you know that everything is going to work for your car you can start removing the backing of your car wrap. You will want to use a squeegee to apply the wrap to the sections of the car. You will want work slowly and use the squeegee to make sure the wrap is laying flat on your vehicle. Many people think that you should have to pull and stretch car wraps to make them fit. While the wraps are made to stretch,pulling them tight will actually create weak spots and potentially tear your wrap.

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Your next step is going to be looking over the car for air bubbles. These bubbles will ruin the appearance of the wrap on your car and will also no ensure a strong attachment to the car. The best way to solve this problem is to use a pin or needle. Poke a small hole in the center of the bubble and slowly press the air out and use your squeegee to smooth it out. Avoid using razor blades on car wraps. Cuts are hard to make small enough with a razor blade and will often form weak spots on the wrap. With these weak spots,the wrap can actually start ripping and then be useless.

Finally,now that your car wrap is on the car,you have to start cutting the wrap to allow you to open the doors,use the mirrors and operate the windshield wipers. The hardest thing about this step is make sure that you aren’t cutting too deep so that you don’t cut the paint on the car underneath. It is always better to have to make more than one cut,than put a slice in the paint of your car. If there is ever a question or hesitation when installing car wraps,always consult a professional. If you are uncomfortable with these steps,don’t attempt installing car wraps alone.

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Keeping Comfort in, Elements Out: The Importance of Insulation for Shipping Containers with Giant Lockbox

When repurposing shipping containers for various Projects, one essential consideration often overlooked is insulation. Whether you’re converting a container into a living space, office, workshop, or storage unit, proper insulation is crucial for maintaining comfortable interior temperatures, preventing condensation, and protecting your belongings from the elements. At Giant Lockbox, we recognize the significance of insulation in maximizing the functionality and comfort of shipping container structures, and we offer a range of insulation solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.

Insulation serves as a barrier between the interior and exterior of the shipping container, helping to regulate temperature and humidity Levels. Without adequate insulation, shipping containers can become unbearably hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter, making them uncomfortable and inhospitable for occupants. Additionally, fluctuations in temperature can lead to condensation buildup inside the container, which can cause mold, mildew, and damage to stored goods. With proper insulation from Giant Lockbox, you can create a climate-controlled environment inside your shipping container, ensuring year-round comfort and protection.

One of the most popular insulation options for shipping containers is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is applied directly to the interior walls and ceiling of the container, expanding to fill gaps and cracks and creating an airtight seal. This type of insulation offers excellent thermal performance, moisture resistance, and soundproofing properties, making it ideal for various applications. Whether you’re converting the container into a living space, office, or workshop, spray foam insulation provides superior insulation and energy efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and quiet environment regardless of the weather outside.

Another insulation option for shipping containers is rigid foam insulation panels. These lightweight panels are easy to install and provide excellent thermal insulation properties, helping to maintain consistent temperatures inside the container. Rigid foam insulation is available in various thicknesses and densities to suit different insulation requirements, and it can be installed on the interior or exterior walls of the container. With rigid foam insulation from Giant Lockbox, you can create a well-insulated and energy-efficient space that meets your specific needs and budget.

For those looking for a more eco-friendly insulation solution, natural insulation materials such as sheep’s wool, cellulose, or recycled denim may be a suitable option. These materials offer excellent thermal insulation properties, moisture regulation, and fire resistance, making them ideal for Sustainable building projects. Natural insulation materials are non-toxic, biodegradable, and renewable, making them an environmentally responsible choice for insulation. Giant Lockbox offers natural insulation options for shipping containers, allowing you to create a healthy and sustainable living or working environment.

In addition to temperature regulation, insulation also plays a crucial role in soundproofing and noise reduction. Shipping containers can be noisy environments, especially in industrial or urban settings where external noise sources are prevalent. Proper insulation helps absorb and dampen sound vibrations, creating a quieter and more comfortable interior space. Whether you’re converting the container into a residential unit, office, or studio, soundproofing insulation from Giant Lockbox can help create a peaceful and productive environment free from outside disturbances.

Insulation is a vital component of shipping container modifications, providing essential benefits such as temperature regulation, moisture control, soundproofing, and energy efficiency. With the right insulation solution from Giant Lockbox, you can transform your shipping container into a comfortable, functional, and sustainable space that meets your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re converting the container into a living space, office, workshop, or storage unit, our insulation options ensure that you can enjoy year-round comfort and protection from the elements.