One of the most common questions our countertop shoppers ask is, "What's the difference between granite and quartz?" Both are beautiful, high-quality materials, but there are some differences that are helpful to know before deciding which is right for your home.

Perhaps the biggest difference between quartz and granite is that granite is a natural stone that is harvested from the earth, cut, and polished. Quartz is man-made from a process that combines ground quartz and polymer resins. Since quartz is man-made, it's usually going to be more expensive than granite because of the production process it undergoes, unless you choose a high-quality exotic granite. Quartz can be manufactured in a wide variety of monotone and variable shades; however it's no match for the unique colors, variants, and striations mother nature bestows upon granite.

While neither material requires a great deal of maintenance, there are some things of which to be aware. Both surfaces are easy to clean with soap and warm water or a mild household cleaner. Quartz is a solid, non-porous substance. Therefore, it does not harbor germs or bacteria, nor will it allow stains to seep in. Granite, on the other hand, is porous and must be sealed and resealed, usually every year. If not sealed properly, bacteria and stains can seep into granite, thus compromising its beauty. 

Another thing to consider is that granite can tolerate heat, so there's no need for pot holders; however, granite can chip or crack if heavy impact occurs from large pots or other objects. Quartz can be damaged by heat, but the production process makes it harder and less susceptible than granite to impact damage. In addition, if you're planning countertops for an outdoor space, granite is a better choice than quartz because it won't fade from the sun's rays.

Now that you know the difference between granite and quartz, we hope this makes your shopping experience a little easier. As always, we're here for you to answer any questions and help you decide which is best for your home.

Is 2019 the year you finally give in and remodel your kitchen? Well, not to worry! We’ve got the latest design trends to help you find a new look for your space.

Let’s talk appliances and fixtures first. Appliances are evolving into functional statement pieces that look like works of art. Vintage elements are combined with mixed metals and colors for a modern feel. We’re not just talking ranges. Range hoods, refrigerators, and dishwashers are holding their own with sleek design and unexpected features like bold colors or non-traditional materials like wood. In addition, faucets and other fixtures no longer have to match appliances or even each other. Mix it up with brass, chrome, polished or brushed metals, nickel, pewter, whatever look you desire. The goal is not to look messy but eclectically modern.

Usually when we talk finishes, we have to mention cabinet hardware, but this year trends are leaning towards streamlined drawers and cabinet with cut-outs rather than handles. Dark or colored cabinets are pushing out white this year and are joining with free-standing islands and massive wall cabinets for storage. Speaking of storage, how about some deep storage drawers for those big pots and pans, rather than experiencing an avalanche every time you open a cabinet? Couldn’t we all use beautiful, spacious floor-to-ceiling cabinets for all our dishes and cooking supplies?

Of course, we can’t talk cabinets without mentioning countertops. Trends are moving toward stone countertops with an industrial or minimalist feel; think concrete, quartz or terrazzo. There is also a trend towards using wood countertops to offer a warm, natural feel in a space. People are shopping for specialty sinks, made from the likes of copper and granite, and some look for covers to allow for more counter space as needed.

What about tile? Statement floors and backsplashes are what will really set your kitchen apart. Take your backsplash all the way to the ceiling with bold colors, patterns, shapes, and designs. Mirrored or Moroccan tiles, glass, fish scales, or even graphic prints are huge this year. You can still go for classic subway, but try it in a different size, not just 3x6, or maybe even a color other than white. Vintage tiles that hearken back to a simpler time are also popular, whether on the floor or wall. Also look for different finishes like weathered, acid-washed, or tumbled.

Everyone’s style is different. While we like to stay abreast of current trends, we also know that you want a home that reflects you, not what a magazine or blog tells you to like. In our showroom, we have something for everyone. Let us help you find what you need to make your kitchen reflect your style. Visit shopabbey.com.

Today we’re talking with Southern Kitchen & Bath showroom manager, Lynay Armbrester, getting to know a little more about their business and customers, as well as current kitchen and bathroom trends. Southern Kitchen & Bath is the showroom for Southern Pipe and Supply, which for the last 30 years, has been helping people in the Anniston area outfit their kitchens and bathrooms with custom plumbing fixtures, tubs, toilets, and appliances. They have many items in stock but can pull from a large warehouse in Mississippi and special order from many major vendors such as Kohler, Delta, and Brizo. Southern Pipe is also the only dealer in the area of the high-end luxury Viking appliance brand.

What types of services and supplies do you offer?
We sell almost anything plumbing related—toilets, tubs, faucets, sinks. We do sell a few brands of appliances too.

Who is your typical customer?
We deal with a lot of builders and plumbers, but of course walk-in customers too. Typically, either a builder or plumber will send in their customers to pick out what they want—faucets, toilets, tubs, etc.

What do you see trending in bathroom and kitchen design?
Definitely free-standing tubs. Everybody wants one of those at least in their master bath. Finish wise, we’re seeing a lot of chrome, shiny finishes. Even gold is popular again, kind of getting more contemporary, away from old, traditional looks. People will put different finishes in every bathroom. As for showers, lots of people want rain heads. Custom showers in general are pretty popular, with people putting in multiple shower heads, hand-held showers, and body sprays.

​For kitchens, mostly people are going towards farmhouse sinks and anything undermounted. People are going with solid surface countertops like granite and quartz. They also tend to put the same plumbing finish throughout a kitchen.
 
We’re also a big seller of Viking appliances, the only dealer in the area. Their ranges and appliances are really nice for people that like to cook a lot. Their ranges have higher BTU’s, so they cook things faster. They also give a nice industrial look to a residential home.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
When people come in here with an idea of what they want, I like to be able to help them put all of that into real life. I can help them choose everything that’s going to coordinate and match. I like being able to help people get what they want and see it come together.
 
The customers that bring in samples and pictures are really easy to work with because they already know what they want. It’s not a lot of staring at faucets, for instance, and trying to decide what color they want and what style they want. A lot of people, because of things like Houzz and Pinterest, they get on there and know what they want. The hard thing sometimes is though when they come in with a picture of something I’ve never seen before, and they want you to find it. For instance, I had a customer wanting a satin brass finish for her kitchen-sink, vegetable sink, pot filler, and butler pantry sink. She wants all those to match in a bridge-style faucet. I was able to find it, but we’re not sure if it fits in her budget.
 
What are the most important points for your customer to remember about their project?
Think about everything you’re putting in your house and make sure it’s something that’s going to last. If you plan on staying in the house any length of time, be sure you’re getting good quality products so that you’re not having to replace things.
 
If you’re getting ready to have Abbey Carpet remodel your bathroom or kitchen, don’t forget about your fixtures and appliances! Go see Lynay at Southern Bath & Kitchen at 800 Gurnee Ave., Anniston (256.237.5415), for the latest styles, highest quality products, and personalized service.

Are you ready to make a bold statement in your home? There's no better place to add some spice to your life than in the kitchen! If you're tired of traditional, bored with basic, or wiped out with white, we've got your back. Browse through the photos below and learn how to add a little kick to your kitchen. (Several photos are linked to their original sources for more fun info!).

Granite continues to come out on top as the preferred choice for kitchen and bathroom counter surfaces. The most obvious reason for granite’s popularity is its visual appeal. Granite is a unique natural stone with wide variations in color and pattern. There is a granite to suit any home décor. A slab can boast rich earth tones like vibrant shades of green, blue, and yellow, to more basic black, white, and beige tones and anywhere in between. Granite encompasses so many colors and also patterns vary from bold with veins or color flecks, to more neutral, clean lines.
 
Aside from the unmatchable beauty of granite, it’s also very practical because of its durability. Granite is tough, resistant to staining and etching, and won’t scorch if you happen to place a hot object on it. Maintenance is also easy. Once the granite is professionally installed and sealed, it only requires a wipe down with a damp cloth and gentle, non-abrasive cleaner.
 
Another aspect of granite that makes it a popular choice is its longevity. Granite countertops will last a lifetime or more when properly taken care of, including being sealed every two to four years. Man made surfaces are not as durable, and though the initial cost may be cheaper than granite, they may have to be replaced or show signs of wear long before a granite surface. In addition to style, durability, and easy care, granite will add lasting value to your home, making it a good investment for years to come. Visit our website to find out more!

​Cabinets, counter tops, light fixtures etc. When you’re renovating your kitchen, there are many features to choose to update. One relatively small area in the kitchen is the backsplash. Even though the backsplash is often just a small part of the kitchen, it can add eye- catching appeal and make a statement that ties your whole look together.
 
There are so many options in tile. How can you decide what tile combinations to use? For starters, get inspired. Look for pictures and others forms of inspiration to help you get an idea of what you like. Keep in mind your color scheme and the style you’re trying to achieve. Do you like bright colors or neutrals? Glass or stone? Metallics or mattes? Are you traditional or trendy? There’s a tile for all of these! Today we’re going to look at three different backsplash options including classic, modern, and vintages styles.
 


​A classic style encompasses neutral colors along with fewer patterns. Textures also often play a part in the depth of the classic look. Below is a combination of Tesoro Glass Lux and Crema tile that offer a stone look in a neutral color.

At Ted’s Abbey Carpet & Floor, we’re more than just floors. In addition to building and installing showers, backsplashes, and tubs, we also install granite countertops. Just like new flooring and tile, granite countertops are a great investment that adds value to your home. Granite is a beautiful and strong natural stone that’s popular in areas like kitchens, baths, bars, etc. We offer a good selection of top quality granite, installed by professionals.
 
Today we have the privilege of talking with long-time customer, Sherry Ward, about her experience with granite countertops from Abbey.
 
What did you think of the selection of granite countertops at Ted’s Abbey Carpet & Floor?
 
"They had just what I needed. I love the granite I picked, and my sales person even helped me to match it to my décor in the kitchen.”
 
Was your installation timely and professional?
 
“Yes, the installers were great, and they finished my very large kitchen in less than a day.”
 
Would you choose Ted’s Abbey Carpet & Floor again for counter tops or other home projects?
 
“Yes, I’ve been very impressed and happy with all the work I’ve had done by them.”
 
At Ted’s Abbey Carpet and Floor, we treat our customers like family and want you to trust us for your next project. Whether it’s floors, baths, kitchens, etc., stop by to see how we can help you, or call us today to schedule a free estimate. 256.231.0008.