How to Take Care of Your Sink

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When choosing the perfect sink for your kitchen, bathroom or bar, it is important to understand how to clean and upkeep the sink’s material – allowing you to have a stunning, shiny sink for years to come. From dos to don’ts, the All Concepts team has all the tips and tricks to keep your sink in tip-top condition!

Stainless Steel

When it comes to stainless-steel sinks, there is no such thing as cleaning too much! While corrosion and rust are factors to watch for in stainless steel, frequent cleaning will never cause wear and tear. For many, cleaning and maintaining their stainless-steel sink is mainly for aesthetic purposes, as well as corrosion prevention.

Stainless steel sinks make the perfect addition to a kitchen or bar because of the ease of keeping it stain-free! Here are a few tips for keeping your stainless-steel sink beautiful and shiny:

  • The best way to maintain a clean and aesthetically pleasing stainless-steel sink is to blend a daily after-use cleaning routine with a weekly deeper cleaning routine.
  • We recommend using a gentle cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend or Bon Ami, with warm water and a clean cloth or sponge to effectively clean the surface.
  • Immediately rinse the surface of the sink with clean, hot water to wash away any harmful residue and leave the sink with a glimmering glow.
  • Wipe down the sink with a dry towel to avoid water or rust spots.

For an additional shine, try rinsing your stainless-steel sink with club soda! Baking soda is also a good alternative to washing away stuck-on grease and hard water deposits.

While stainless-steel sinks are hard to wear down, there are a couple of mistakes to avoid when cleaning, including:

  • DO NOT scrub the sink with steel wool or carbon steel brushes as they will leave behind iron particles that could potentially cause corrosion or rust.
  • To avoid dullness and bacteria on your sink’s surface, it is essential to NEVER dry out your towels, sponges and cloths in or on the sink.
  • Knives and other sharp objects should NEVER directly touch the surface of the sink as they may cause serious damage.
  • DO NOT leave cast iron or steel cookware in the sink for a long period. The mixture of moisture and iron can cause corrosion and rust.

Porcelain Sinks

Our standard vanity sinks – both oval and rectangular – are made of porcelain, and this durable material is consistently the most popular bathroom sink option. Porcelain is a hard, non-porous material that stands up to daily wear and tear, as well as regular cleaning.

Here are the steps to care for a porcelain or porcelain-coated sink:

  • Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild cleanser diluted with water to wipe down the sink.
  • Be sure to completely rinse away the soapy residue after cleaning.
  • Once clean, dry the surface with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Use hydrogen peroxide to diminish the appearance of scratches or stains if they occur on a porcelain sink.

While porcelain sinks are incredibly durable, there are a few things to avoid when cleaning:

  • DO NOT use an acidic or abrasive cleaner or harsh scrubbing tool.
  • Steer clear of scouring powders.
  • To avoid chips or scratches in the porcelain, avoid dropping heavy items into the sink.
  • If rinsing dyes, paints or other materials that could leave a stain, be sure to keep the water running until it’s all gone to prevent the porcelain from absorbing any of the colors.

Enameled Cast Iron

Cast iron sinks are pleasing to the eye, extremely durable and super easy to clean! While they may look like porcelain, enameled cast iron sinks boast a heavy, iron foundation with a hard shelling – giving a durable-yet-glossy finish.

Here are the best ways to clean your enameled cast iron sink:

  • We recommend using a non-abrasive cleaner with hot water and a clean cloth or sponge to effectively clean the sink’s surface. 
  • Use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any tough stains.
  • Be sure to rinse the sink immediately and thoroughly after every use and dry it completely to avoid water marks.

Although enameled cast iron sinks are easy to clean, there are a few practices to avoid, including:

  • DO NOT scrub the sink with steel wool or carbon steel brushes as they will potentially damage the sink’s surface.
  • To avoid hard stains on the surface of the sink, NEVER leave elements such as berries, coffee, tea bags or other potent liquids in the sink.
  • DO NOT leave cast iron or steel cookware in the sink for a long time as it could scuff the surface.
  • Our preferred enameled cast iron sink is the Kohler Whitehaven. Kohler offers a Cast Iron Cleaner that does a wonderful job removing pot marks, rust and other blemishes to clean and restore enameled cast iron surfaces.

composite sink in a kitchen

Granite Composite Sinks

Designed with durability as the top priority, granite composite sinks are the perfect option when choosing a sink for your kitchen! To keep your granite composite sink looking its best, it is crucial to clean it routinely while utilizing the following tips:

  • The best way to maintain a clean and aesthetically pleasing granite composite sink is to regularly wipe down the sink with hot, soapy water – you can do this daily or every other day.
  • For tough stains and hard water, we recommend using a baking soda mixture with a soft sponge or clean cloth to deep clean the surface.
  • Immediately rinse out the sink with clean, hot water to wash away any residue.
  • Wipe down the sink with a dry towel to avoid water marks.
  • Most granite composite sinks sourced through All Concepts are BLANCO sinks – they offer a great cleaning product called BLANCOCLEAN Daily+ Sink Cleaner. This product is gentle enough for regular use and tough enough to provide a deeper clean to reduce limescale and soap scum buildup.

In addition to practicing the above tips, it is important to avoid the following mistakes when maintaining your granite composite sink:

  • DO NOT scrub the sink with carbon steel brushes or steel wool as they will potentially damage the sink’s surface.
  • To avoid tough stains on the surface of the sink, NEVER leave dark foods or liquids in the sink.
  • DO NOT leave cast iron or steel cookware in the sink for a long time as it could scratch the surface.

Ceramic Sinks

Much like porcelain, ceramic offers a hard, shiny, non-porous surface that makes a beautiful sink. However, ceramic is more prone to chipping as it’s not as hard as porcelain. Despite the fact that you have to be a little gentler with a ceramic sink, it’s an increasingly popular option thanks to its ability to be created in a wide range of styles and colors.

Ceramic sinks are super resistant to discoloration and scratches, but they still require regular basic maintenance. Here is how we recommended caring for your ceramic sink:

  • Use an all-purpose cleaning or small amount of mild dish soap with a soft sponge to maintain your ceramic sink.
  • Once your sink is clean, be sure to thoroughly dry it.
  • To brighten and whiten your sink, coat it with lemon juice from fresh lemon slices and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly.

If your ceramic sink needs a deeper cleaning, use a sprinkling of baking soda around the sink to remove any buildup or grime. You can also use toothpaste on a soft, damp sponge rubbed in circular motions if you don’t have baking soda on hand!

In the event stains occur on your ceramic sink, apply a mixture of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar to the stain. Wait 10 minutes, then remove it with a soft sponge. Or, spray a bleach solution mixed with water on the surface. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse clean.

Caring for your ceramic sinks is fairly simple, be sure you avoid using any scouring materials or highly concentrated drain cleaners.

Interested in learning more about our go-to sink selections? View them here in our Concept Collection Countertop Catalog!

For more information on how to hire All Concepts for all your sink, cabinet or countertop needs, call us at 770-534-0942 or contact us here.

Introducing our Concept Collection of Countertops

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Our aim at All Concepts is to simplify the homebuilding process, particularly when it comes to cabinets and countertops, which are often the most challenging part of a project. We hear from our new builder clients time and time again that countertops and cabinets are where their projects experience the most delay and uncertainty.

Another complaint that we heard all too often was the decision paralysis that builders and their clients would experience when presented with the vast array of options available to them. For builders without a dedicated design expert, choosing the right mix of cabinets and countertops was a challenge that ate away much time and energy.

In an effort to solve both of these problems, our team developed our Concept Collection. This curated collection of selections options for countertops and cabinetry features a variety of on-trend options that are readily available and able to be mixed and matched. Builders are presented with a manageable list of options from our team and say goodbye to unpredictable delays and costs.

Concept Countertops features eight distinct product levels to choose from featuring granite, quartz, marble and quartzite options. Keep reading to learn more about each level and what’s included:

Level 0 – Basic Granite Selections

Our first level features the most affordable granite selections that work with a variety of design styles. Granite continues to dominate the builder market – especially among spec and semi-custom builders. A naturally occurring stone, granite is available in a wide range of colors and patterns with no two slabs exactly the same. Granite is also an incredibly durable material that withstands heat, scratches and chips, which makes it low-maintenance, too. An occasional coat of sealant to prevent stains and bacteria buildup (since granite is porous) is really all that’s required!

Four popular colorways are available in our Level 0 granite selections:

  • Dallas White – Our top-selling granite, this popular slab includes a white range of colors that make it a viable option for most design schemes. A base of white scattered with mineral concentrations of gray, black, brown and even some lavender tones throughout make for a beautiful, versatile combination.
  • Luna Pearl – Our second most popular granite color, Luna Pearl has a tight, uniform pattern of small flecks of whites, creams, blacks, browns and grays throughout.
  • Caledonia – A darker granite option, Caledonia features shades of grays, taupes, browns, and black. This option has major appeal for customers looking for something dark, but warm.
  • Uba Tuba – The darkest option of our Level 0 granite, Uba Tuba is actually a dark green granite that is often confused for black. This color pairs especially beautifully with lighter cabinets for those looking for a sharp contrast in their design.

Level 1 – Granite Options

Level 1 countertops also consist of all granite options with a wider array of color options:

  • Santa Cecilia – Neutral tones are back in home design, and Santa Cecilia is a great affordable option for homes moving away from grey and white! This stone has yellow undertones with burgundy, brown and black flecks.
  • Santa Cecilia Light – The very light sister colorway to Santa Cecilia, Santa Cecilia Light includes the same tones – yellow, gold, black and burgundy – with a much lighter, creamier background than its big sister!
  • Giallo Ornamental – This beautiful, light option includes a creamy white background with dark gray and brown flecks throughout. This color palette is also quite similar to Santa Cecilia, but Giallo Ornamental boasts a tighter and slightly more linear pattern with softer dark spots.
  • Azul Platino – Featuring a relatively consistent and tight color pattern, Azul Platino takes us over to a cooler palette with its white base and specks of black and grey blended with silver and light blue. In the right lighting, you can catch a fun glimmer on the crystals packed into this unique stone.
  • Beige Butterfly – Another great option for our earth-toned lovers, Beige Butterfly very traditional granite from Brazil with large chunks of gold and taupe packed among smaller concentrations of white and black throughout.

Level 2 – Granite and Quartz Options

In our Level 2 options, we introduce our first quartz options from Element Stone. Created by Element Surfaces, this line of quartz countertops are named after the world’s greatest wines to designate the depth of color and veining. With a focus on sustainable practices, Element not only provides a beautiful product but peace of mind from knowing you’re working with a company that demonstrates a commitment to the highest environmental standards in the world.

A manmade choice, quartz countertops include natural crushed quartz crystals combined with resins, pigments and other materials. Quartz has quickly become a popular option thanks to its durability and minimal maintenance, as well as the vast color options it’s available in. Because it’s manmade, quartz can be created to mimic granite or marble, or be completely unique. Arguably the biggest perk to quartz: its material makeup means it’s nonporous and requires no regular maintenance other than regular cleaning – no sealing required! Quartz is also favored by many because it’s considered an eco-friendly product. In fact, many quartz options are made from recycled materials!

Our Level 2 selections include two quartz and two granite option:

  • Fairbanks quartz by Element Stone – A clean, bright, creamy white option, Fairbanks quartz is a white countertop with flecks of clear, off–white and soft grey quartz crystals throughout.
  • Nantucket quartz by Element Stone – Matching in tone to Fairbanks, but with a very fine gran, Nantucket is a true solid option of in creamy white for clients searching for a very clean, simple surface.
  • Steel Grey granite – A near black countertop option, Steel Grey includes light grey specks to contrast its dark background. This charcoal granite is a customer-favorite with a leathered or honed finish upgrade.
  • Black Pearl granite – Another dark option, Black Pearl has a deeper, richer black look with subtle specks of gold, silver, brown, green and gray throughout.

Level 3 – Granite, Quartz and Marble

Our only marble offering in the Concept Countertops collection is available in Level 3. Hard marble is beloved thanks to its elegant, natural beauty, durability and heat resistance. Marble is porous and can easily absorb liquids and stains, meaning it requires more maintenance than most other countertop options, but the density of hard marble is a bit more forgiving than softer marbles and performs similarly to granite. Regular sealing and maintenance to prevent stains and etching is required, and an occasional repolish can be necessary to ensure marble maintains its luster. For those willing to put it in a little bit of extra TLC, marble is an exquisite addition to any home!

  • Viscount White granite – This distinctive stone is a mesmerizing blend of black, white and grey waves.
  • Brown Fantasy hard marble – Because marble is naturally occurring, every slab is unique. This warm, eye-catching option can include a variety of colors including cream, brown, white, pink, red, grey and green. As the top-selling upgrade in our Concept Collection, this customer-favorite seems to go with everything.
  • Whitehaven quartz by Element Stone – This bright, crisp, solid white is elegant, modern, and clean.
  • Biltmore quartz by Element Stone – This unique quartz option has a concrete-like appearance with warm grey tones. This special selection is only offered with a matte finish – no finish upgrade required!

Level 4 – Granite and Quartz Countertops

Our Level 4 options in our Concept Collection of countertops include beautiful granite and quartz options with unique colorways.

  • Cotton White granite – Cotton White granite boasts a primarily white background with grey and black accents and low color variation, offering a consistent look across your surfaces.
  • Blue Dunes granite – This beautiful earth-toned granite boasts varying tones of cream, grey and black with specks of blue throughout, hence the name!
  • Bianco Antico granite – This popular stone works with a variety of color schemes thanks to its soft grey or nearly white background with blends of chocolate brown, black, warm taupe and pink throughout. The dark, linear crystallization in this color is really something special.
  • Torano quartz by Element Stone – Enjoy the marble look in a man-made material with this beautiful option that has a white base and soft grey or taupe veining.

Level 5 – Quartzite, Granite and Quartz

Our only quartzite product is available in our Level 5 countertops collection. Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone made when quartz sandstone is exposed to high temperatures and pressure, which result in the recrystallization of the sand grains and silica cement that binds them together. The result is an incredibly strong stone. Homeowners love the stone’s marble appearance and little maintenance, although it must still be sealed to maintain its durability.

  • White Pitaya quartzite – This unique colorway includes a white background with specks of black, grey and off-white, as well as a light grey veining.
  • White Ice granite – This popular stone works with a variety of kitchen cabinet colors from light to dark thanks to its mesmerizing blend of steel grey, bright white, cream, and black colors.
  • Ranier quartz by Element Stone – This milky white quartz has a very airy feel with swirls of off-white, grey and black throughout.
  • Hawthorne quartz by Element Stone – This soft white countertop option is a lot like its sister Ranier, but takes on a warmer personality with its creamy tones and whisps of soft grey and tan throughout.

Level 6 – Quartz Countertops

Level 6 consists exclusively of manufactured countertop options by Element Stone, Silestone by Cosentino, and Q Quartz by MSI. Founded in 1975, MSI Surfaces’ goal is to contribute to a world where anyone can afford to create a beautiful space to live, work and play. With an impressive array of product offerings in every budget and a charitable trust aimed at improving the communities its employees live and work in, we are proud to work with a company like MSI.

  • Brunello quartz by Element Stone – Consistently one of our top-selling slab options, this warm, dramatic option mimics marble with its milky white background and brown-grey linear pattern that looks like veining.
  • Piedmont quartz by Element Stone – Similarly dramatic, Piedmont quartz has a much cooler marble look with its soft white background, broad veins of light grey, and thinner veins of darker gray .
  • Eternal Charcoal Soapstone by Silestone – Inspired by traditional soapstone, this beautiful stone has a blue-grey finish with stunning soft grey highlights.
  • Calacatta Classique by MSI – This classic color has a clean white background with striking narrow veins spreading across the slab in a non-linear pattern.
  • Calacatta Botanica by MSI – Another soft white background with gray veining, this color takes on a whole new tone with the subtlety of its soft marbling and fine veining. MSI calls this “unfussy elegance” and we have to agree.
  • Cashmere Carrara by MSI – Cashmere Carrara is a simple, sweet staple for the traditionalist and modernist alike – you can’t go wrong with this stunning white with understated marbling.

Level 7 – Quartz Countertops

The top level of countertop options in our Concept Collection of Countertops, all Level 7 countertops are engineered Silestone options. Silestone is the leader in all types of mineral surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms. Silestone countertops are incredibly durable and available in a variety of colorways and finishes. Enjoy the look of nearly any type of countertop material with limited maintenance and maximum toughness when you select a Silestone option.

  • Eternal Statuario by Silestone – Inspired by the classic Italian Carrara marble, this countertop option has a white surface with very soft, sparkling grey highlights.
  • Eternal Calacatta Gold by Silestone – This popular option features a white background with wide, grey highlights and unexpected golden glints throughout.
  • Ethereal Glow by Silestone – Similar to the Eternal Calacatta Gold option, this surface has smaller grey veins following a more linear pattern and interspersed with more gold throughout.
  • Eternal Marquina by Silestone – Designed to look similar in appearance to the Spanish Black Marquina marble, this stunning countertop features a deep black background with bold white veining throughout.

Concept Collection Countertop Finishes

When you purchase countertop options from the Concept Collection, a polished finish is included standard. The most common finish, a polished finish is the typical glossy, reflective look that provides a smooth feel and enhances the colors by making them appear richer and darker.

Upgraded finish options are also available on all of the natural stone and Silestone quartz products in our lineup. The upgrade finish options include:

  • Honed or “Suede” Finish: This matte or flat option provides very little to no sheen and a smooth feel. The velvety appearance creates a more casual, cozy feel and colors are typically more dull in appearance. It’s important to note that this finish option can be higher maintenance when it comes to stains. Silestone refers to this finish as “Suede” and it is the only finish upgrade offered on our Concept Collection colors from their lineup.
  • Leathered Finish: Another popular option, leathered countertops have a very distinctive finish. This option has the same matte appearance as a honed finish, but the countertops are not smooth. During the finishing process, the slab is textured using diamond-tipped brushes that create a dimpled surface. This option doesn’t fade the natural colors, keeping the countertops rich, while the texture resists stains and hides water spots and smears.

Concept Collection Countertop Edge Profiles

All Concept countertops come standard with an Eased Edge profile, which is basically a squared edge with softened edges so the corners aren’t actually sharp. However, a variety of upgrade edge profiles are available:

  • Pencil – Similar to the Eased Edge, this option just has more rounded edges, which creates softer corners. This is a complimentary option.
  • 1/4 Bevel – A beveled edge is when the top angle of the countertop is flatted at roughly a 45-degree angle, creating a slanted edge. This option is the smallest bevel option, where just the top quarter of the countertop edge is flattened. This is a complimentary option.
  • Half Bevel – Just like the 1/4 Bevel option, the Half Bevel features angled corners. This option just includes larger angled corners with half of the countertop edge flattened.
  • Half Bullnose – This edge profile means your countertops will have the largest curved edges available on the top half, but the base or front of the edge remains flat.
  • Full Bullnose – With this option, the entire edge of the countertop is curved on top and bottom. This is a great option in homes with young children thanks to the fact that there are no sharp edges. However, this style can make the countertops look thinner.
  • Small Ogee – A popular, intricate option, an Ogee is a concave S-shape that provides an elegant, eye-catching design.
  • Large Ogee – Just like the Small Ogee, this option is a concave S-shape, but it’s deeper than the Small Ogee version.
  • Chiseled – Also known as a rough edge, Chiseled Edge countertops use the natural edge of the stone showing its distinct texture and natural characteristics. This countertop option generally feels much more informal and is ideal used in outdoor spaces, wet bars and other casual areas.
  • Laminated Large Ogee over Full Bullnose – This elegant option combines the classic S-shaped curve of the Ogee with a fully rounded edge below it, creating a thick and attractive edge profile that’s especially beautiful on a kitchen island.
  • Laminated Large Ogee over Large Ogee – This double Large Ogee profile features a double concave S-shape and adds extra depth to your countertop. Because of its thickness, this is best used in larger kitchens.
  • Mitered/Waterfall – Nearly all of the countertops available from All Concepts can be installed with a mitered or “waterfall” profile. The “turn-down” can be any length, but the most popular options are 3” (to create the illusion of an extra thick material) or to-the-floor. This option is especially popular for countertop ends or kitchen islands – a waterfall edge to the floor creates the appearance of the stone ‘waterfalling’ over the edge of the cabinets or island.

Interested in downloading a copy of our Concept Collection Catalog? Click here!

To learn more about our Concept Collection or to hire All Concepts to simplify your home’s cabinet and countertop process, call us at 770-534-0942 or contact us here.

Georgia Cabinet and Countertop Showroom Simplifies Design Process

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Cabinets and countertops are often the most complicated part of the homebuilding or renovation process, but at All Concepts, our goal is to simplify those steps in every way we can. Our Georgia showroom is an integral part of the simplification process, allowing our builder clients and their homeowners to see all their cabinet and countertop options in one place.

Our Georgia showroom, located in Gainesville, is designed specifically for our builder clients. Our builders can bring their homebuyers to view the extensive cabinet and countertop selections in our Concept Collection. This collection of cabinets and countertops is displayed in full, and many of our sink and accessory add-ons are built into our displays as well.

This showroom is the ideal place for builders to host design or selection meetings with their clients and interior designers. With a myriad of selections available to view on site and the countertop fabrication center and slab yard just 1 mile away, it’s easy to see all the selections in person!

The Georgia showroom is located at 2190 Hilton Drive in Gainesville. The showroom and countertop facility are open by appointment only. To inquire about scheduling an appointment, contact showroom@allstonega.com.

All Concepts helps builders create more beautiful custom homes by delivering quality work and a painless process. Serving North Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, our team cares about the work we do, but more importantly, how people are treated along the way. Learn more about our proven process.

Hot Countertop Trends for 2023

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With 2023 just around the corner, the upcoming year’s kitchen trends are beginning to appear. From earth tones to all-white, our All Concepts team has all you need to keep your kitchen trendy for the new year!

Quartz

The number one hottest countertop trend in the 2023 forecast is quartz! This recyclable material is easy to clean, ultra-durable, long-lasting and comes in a variety of colors and design options to satisfy all aesthetics. Housing slabs ranging from bright and airy to dark and moody, our Georgia and South Carolina showrooms offer quartz countertops perfect for any home.

For a light and airy look, try our Fairbanks design – a cool-toned white featuring grey specs throughout the piece. For a moodier and darker feel, try our Eternal Marquina design – a jet-black countertop with beautiful white veining.

Quartzite

Following closely behind quartz on the 2023 countertop trends ladder is quartzite. This beautiful stone is UV and heat-resistant, low-maintenance and environmentally friendly. Quartzite features naturally occurring elements that allows it to provide an earthier feel to your kitchen. 

Perfect for showcasing on a kitchen island or as your main countertop, our White Pitaya selection is a light and minimal quartzite with a cool-toned white base with grey specs and muted veining throughout the slab.

Marble

The top pick for the 2022 countertop trend forecast, Marble has trickled its way down in the lineup. Well-known for its display of elegance and wealth, Marble is heat-resistant and long-lasting with regular sealing and upkeep. This stunning material adds value to the home and comes in various designs and colors with unique veining and ribbons. 

Our customer-favorite hard marble option, Brown Fantasy, boasts a beautiful array of muted greys, browns and whites which make it one of our most versatile and unique offerings. Emulating a harmonious blend of sand and the ocean, this selection provides an earthy yet luxurious feel.

Granite

While granite may be lower on the 2023 countertop trend totem pole, it is still a homeowner and builder favorite! With various color and design options, the possibilities are endless with granite. This stunning natural material is long-lasting, durable and heat resistant. From light to dark to multicolored, our warehouse holds a granite countertop option for any home décor style.

Always classic and neutral, Dallas White and Luna Pearl led the pack for our builder selections in 2022, but we’re seeing a steady increase in interest for Azul Platino, which has some really special added shimmer and dimension to the lightest parts. For a warmer selection, try our Santa Cecilia and Giallo Ornamental designs. Our Steel grey and Uba Tuba designs are ideal for incorporating darker elements. Try our Cotton White design to add depth to your all-white kitchen!

For more information on how to hire All Concepts to simplify your home’s cabinet and countertop process, visit www.AllConceptsUSA.com.