Eco-friendly Finish Outperforms Granite

Sept. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- For environmentally-conscious homeowners, the lustrous beauty of granite has several drawbacks. A large amount of energy is consumed in the quarrying, long-distance transportation, and polishing the rock to a smooth finish. Some granite counter tops have been found to exude harmful quantities of radon gas inside the home, and the sealants used to counteract granite’s porosity contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that steadily release into the air and break down and must be reapplied periodically to maintain the integrity of the surface. In addition, existing cupboards often cannot support the weight of granite counter tops, and must be thrown away and replaced.

Granite is a brittle substance, therefore it chips easily, is sensitive to heat and cold, and can be stained by oil, fruit, peanut butter, and other commonly used kitchen substances. Quite honestly, more and more consumers are requesting an alternative to common granite.

Dave and Jeanne Taylor of Hernando, Florida, offer attractive options that provide the same beauty and color as granite with a number of additional benefits. Distributors and Instructors for a line of “green” and eco-friendly products from Granicrete International (one of the nation’s premier decorative concrete overlay and finishing networks), the Taylors have risen to the top of their field. They are applying their expertise to commercial and residential countertops, tables, and an ever-widening array of surfaces. This couple uses their expertise and clever materials to match any decorative scheme, beautify indoor or outdoor walls, floors, bars, and furniture, as well as teaches others to use their products for satisfying results. They create exquisite granites, marbles, travertines, and onyxes-- all by hand! Granicrete is now being featured on HGTV, Extreme Makeover Home Edition as well as ABC, NBC, and other networks including TLC and A&E, Flip This House.

Eco-friendly means that these finishing materials are made from natural and renewable ingredients to create an unlimited variety of looks and textures. This includes color-fast, earth-ground pigments, naturally occurring micas, and an incorporation of a wide variety of aggregates, including 100% recycled glass. Using a “one-bucket system,” the simple application process eliminates waste and leftovers. Counters are seamless, creating the impression that the whole kitchen appears to be cut from one mass of stone. Any edge can be replicated for no additional charge.

These new surfaces are three times harder than normal concrete, yet retain a tensile strength and flexibility that only extends their life. The epoxy used is non-porous, therefore rendering it stainless. This coating is completely inert with zero VOCs, meeting all FDA and USDA food safety regulations. The only care required is cleaning with water and a good- quality microfiber rag. Neutral pH cleaners are helpful also. A coating of carnuba or bees wax can be applied every few months if desired.

Architects, designers and homeowners are continually finding innovative ways to use these materials. The Taylors, who have worked as artists and designers for over 30 years, help local residents to beautify their homes with custom counters, flooring, furniture, interior and exterior artistic finishes. “Any surface can become a work of art”. They now offer a line of concrete countertops, ideal for barbecue and lanai areas. Monolithic, tile, slate, flagstone and granite looks are also available for driveways, garage floors, sidewalks, pool decks and indoor spaces, in an almost unlimited variety of earth-ground colors. As certified instructors, they regularly communicate the essence of their system to others.

Examples of their work are showcased in the Centre Faux Finishes, 1635 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, Florida 34461. You can see them by appointment, as well as schedule a class, simply by calling 352-634-0631, or visiting www.centrefauxfinishes.com and sending an email.