How Natural Stone Adds Equity to Your Home
When you are considering upgrades to your home, your strategy should include what fits your taste and style but also what could add value to your home should you decide to sell it in the future. When spending money on upgrades, it makes sense to do the things that add the most equity to your home so you get the most bang for your buck. One of these value-added upgrades is natural stone throughout your home.

Where Natural Stone Can Add Value
According to sites like BankRate.com, natural stone can add value to some of the most important rooms in the house that are often the deciding factors on whether a house sells or not at the price point requested.

The top two areas where equity can be added are the kitchen and bathroom, which also happen to be where natural stone is most often added, including natural stone countertops, natural stone backsplashes, natural stone showers and bathtub surrounds, and natural stone vanities as well as flooring in both rooms.

Why StonePly Residential Stone Panels Add Valuable
Our natural stone panels add value to a home in many ways:

• It’s beautiful: Most people like the look of natural materials like marble and granite over composites and ceramic tile. This is because it reminds them of their natural environment and often provides a soothing feel that is so important in a home. Natural stone also offers an extensive range of color and pattern choices that enhance the look and feel of different rooms, complementing other natural or manmade materials.
• It’s durable: Natural stone, when well cared for, tends to last a lot longer than other materials. Our natural stone panels are comprised of both natural stone and a strong backing that provides greater strength and durability, especially for those areas that get used more frequently. By sealing these authentic stone panels, countertops, floors, and showers can look practically brand new for years to come.
• It’s low maintenance: Typically, natural stone products just need to be regularly wiped down, cleaned with natural stone cleaner regularly, and resealed once a year. Taking it one step further, our natural stone panels provide a way to include natural stone without grout lines, which means even less cleaning and maintenance.

With natural stone, it is that old adage that “you get what you pay for,” so you pay a bit more than other products but you get so much in return in terms of current enjoyment and future equity. Not to mention, when a buyer is looking at multiple homes and sees yours has these upgrades, they will be more likely to choose yours over the competition.

Just remember to select a natural stone that complements your existing architectural style and décor.

Free Estimates for Natural Stone Products
From natural stone countertops and backsplashes to vanities and showers, StonePly Residential has what you need to add the upgrades to your home that build in equity. Contact the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com.  You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

Source: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/BuyerGuide2004/increase-resale1.asp

One of the most luxurious looks for a bathroom is to add the timeless elegance of natural stone. If you are considering where to start with changes, consider starting with your countertops. This guide explains the benefits of including natural stone countertops as well as installation tips and tips on selecting stone type and color.

Benefits of Natural Stone Countertops in the Bathroom
Today’s materials offer a wide array of possibilities for bathroom countertops, including everything from stainless steel and concrete to glass and ceramic tile, manmade materials and natural stone. However, more than any of the other materials, natural stone’s list of advantages makes it worth the investment.

Besides the stunning appearance it provides, natural stone has so many patterns, styles, and colors that it can easily integrate with existing fixtures and cabinetry. It is also a very low-maintenance countertop material and has the durability to retain its beauty for years to come.

Many types of natural stone have also been found to add to the overall value of a home, providing a return on investment that can be enjoyed through a higher re-sale home price.

Selecting Natural Stone Type and Color for Bathroom Countertops
When it comes to selecting a bathroom countertop, appearance is key.

Creating an appearance that makes you feel as though you have stepped into an oasis is easily achieved with natural marble or granite. Natural stone helps in building a bathroom that is ideal for de-stressing and relaxing. This means selecting a stone type and color that makes you feel good which makes natural stone countertop selection a personal choice.

However, you want to make sure that the natural stone type and color you select complements the home’s architecture and other bathroom fixtures, including the shower and/or bathtub, cabinetry, flooring and color scheme.

One of the best things you can do is request a sample of the types of natural stone that appeal to you so that you can place it next to your other bathroom materials. This will provide a clearer picture of how it might all look when it is installed together. As you continue to consider what type of natural stone and color works for your bathroom countertops, use the Internet to search decorating and remodeling websites and social media sites to see different bathroom designs and find one that matches your individual and home style.

Installing Authentic Stone Countertops
You may have heard that natural stone countertops are heavy and cumbersome to work with because they are often delivered as a large slab. While this is true of some types of natural stone countertops, StonePly Residential offers a great alternative that incorporates authentic stone, such as marble or granite, in a lightweight design that is just as durable and beautiful but much easier to install. It can be cut and sized on-site plus is easier to handle, transport, and set. It can even be installed on top of your existing substrate and typically requires no new construction.

Free Estimates for Natural Stone Bathroom Countertops
To get a free estimate for your natural stone countertop and learn more about the styles and colors available, contact the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com.  You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

Tips for Designing Your Marble or Granite Shower
A natural stone shower is a luxurious addition to your bathroom that adds to the ambiance of your home’s interior and can provide an oasis away from the stress of life. It can also be a smart decision when it comes to return on investment for your home in terms of raising its re-sale value. Before remodeling your bathroom with a natural stone shower, consider these design do’s and don’ts to make sure you get the most out of your project.

Design Do’s for Natural Stone Showers
In terms of design do’s, consider these suggestions for selecting your natural stone shower:

• Do your research by using the Internet to seek out design ideas. There are numerous websites and Pinterest boards dedicated to bathroom design ideas. This research will help show you what is possible so you can consider options beyond what you thought was possible.
• Do select an appropriate surface material for your natural stone shower. First, it is important to select a material that looks great and complements the existing look of your bathroom, including color and cabinetry. The material must also be able to withstand daily use.
• Do pick a material that fits your budget. While it is nice to have an expensive natural stone for your shower, there are many natural stone options that are not as pricey so you can still enjoy the luxurious look without blowing your budget.
• Do go for a design that makes you feel good. Your shower is often the place where you can get away from everything and truly relax after a difficult day. Consider a stone shower that makes you feel good when you look at it. Plus, upgrade the showerheads and even add body sprays or a steam generator so you can truly get the most out of your shower experience.

Design Don’ts for Natural Stone Showers
There are just as many don’ts when it comes to designing your natural stone shower. Consider avoiding these actions:

• Don’t rush designing your natural stone shower. You want to make sure it is truly the right design for your lifestyle and reflects your personal style. Also, if it is part of a bigger bathroom remodeling, it is important to spend time on the planning process so that nothing has to be redone and ends up costing a lot more money.
• Don’t cut corners to save a few pennies. While it is important to stay on budget, you should not compromise on materials because higher quality materials will help your natural stone shower last longer and provide a better return on your investment.
• Don’t buy materials online without seeing them first. Many companies offer natural stone online but the quality, color, and pattern need to be checked first to save time and money. Go with a company that offers samples that can be shipped in advance so you can ensure it will work with your overall design and the quality matches your expectations.

Learn More about Natural Stone Shower Designs
To get a free estimate for your natural stone shower and learn more about what is possible for your bathroom project, contact the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

StonePly Residential granite panels feature a fiberglass backing for added strength and durability.

Fiberglass Backing Benefits
Our innovative thin granite panels for shower and tub surrounds as well as for kitchen countertops, backsplashes, and trim offer a lightweight, highly durable solution for enjoying this stunning natural stone while benefitting from easy transport, cutting, and installation as well as other advantages that make it an ideal option for remodels and new construction projects.

Lightweight
Up to 80% lighter in weight than traditional slab granite, our innovative design allows you to enjoy real stone for your bathroom or kitchen at a fraction of the weight. That means it is easier to work with in terms of transporting, cutting and installation.

Even more beneficial is the fact that, just because it weighs less and uses a thin sheet of natural stone, it does not compromise on strength or durability. The fiberglass backing bolsters that strength along with an incredible adhesive that bonds the natural stone to the fiberglass, adding strength that can compete with traditional granite slabs that are so much thicker.

Easy Installation
With the lighter weight, you can also enjoy easy installation. The large but thin natural granite panels can be added quickly to a bathroom or kitchen. In fact, these granite panels are faster to install than tile because they do not require grout application. For an added benefit, we also offer shower kits that come in traditional sizes for even easier installation.

No Construction
There is no construction needed when you use these granite panels. That’s because these panels can be installed directly over the existing substrate, including tile or green board. This cuts out both demolition and construction labor and the costs that go with both.

With shower kits, plus a wide array of granite panels, you can cut further time off your project. In addition, if you need to cut these panels, you can do so on-site with just ordinary tools.

Selection
We offer a varied selection of colors and patterns for these granite panels with fiberglass backing. This allows you to coordinate with your bathroom or kitchen design. If you don’t see a granite choice you like on our site, give us a call. We have access to quarries all over the world and are sure to be able to find the perfect granite for your project.

Great Value
You may think that these granite panels are too expensive, but all and all the cost is significantly less than you’d think, and well worth it. Plus, you save on transport and labor costs, creating further value. And, because the natural stone granite panels are easy to clean and maintain, resisting mold and mildew as well as chips and scratches, they last longer so there is not the cost of replacement in the future.

Proven Reputation and Exceptional Service
Now available for residential projects, these granite panels have already been proven to work well and last on numerous commercial projects around the globe, including in some of the world’s finest hotels, restaurants, casinos and retail shops.

In addition to all these benefits, you get the advantage of working with a team that is known for its exceptional service, including excellent customer care.

Order Your Granite Now!
To get a free estimate for your new granite shower or bathtub surround or countertop, you can reach the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

StonePly Residential makes it easy to use real quarried marble in your bathroom shower.

Natural Granite vs. Cultured Granite
When remodeling your shower, you may be struggling to decide between going with natural granite or using cultured granite because you heard it could save you some money but offer a similar look. This article provides you with information on both types of shower materials, including the benefits of each type as well as how StonePly Residential’s granite shower kits combine the best of both types of materials.

Natural Granite
Natural granite comes from quarries and is made from mica, feldspar, silica and quartz. It is an igneous rock that comes from volcanic material that has cooled, producing a wide selection of colors, patterns, and speckle. No two pieces of granite are alike, which creates a unique look for your bathroom shower. Its beauty is difficult to replicate even with today’s technology.

Being a natural product formed of the earth, granite is strong and highly durable. Granite’s beauty can be expected to last for generations because it stands up to all kinds of elements. This also helps granite add to a home’s equity.

Granite tends to be an expensive material to use because a specific color or pattern may be rare. What makes it costly though is the installation. It is thick and heavy and requires special equipment to cut and shape the pieces to fit your bathroom.

Cultured Granite
As an alternative to natural granite, cultured Granite is a man-made material that combines polyester resin, a catalyst, fillers and pigments. It is mixed up and put in molds that have been coated with clear gel, which gives the cultured granite a tough and durable surface. It can be produced in a wide range of colors.

This man-made material is durable, resisting chips, dents, abrasions, mildew, water and stains under normal use and with proper maintenance. It costs less than quarried granite and offers a seamless look. Cultured granite is fairly easy to clean and maintain.

While cultured granite may achieve a look similar to that of real granite, it doesn’t add to a home’s value like the addition of natural quarried stone.

Granite Shower Kits and Custom Granite Showers
Our shower kits and custom granite showers provide an excellent alternative to cultured granite by making natural granite simpler to work with. The StonePly Residential solution uses a thin sheet of natural granite and applies a lightweight but highly durable and flexible material to this sheet. It looks like natural granite because it is natural granite but since it is not as thick, the StonePly material is easier to cut, shape, handle, transport and install. This gives you natural granite for your shower but at a much lower price.

Other advantages include a seamless look with no grout lines, easy maintenance, and long-lasting beauty. Plus, you can enjoy the same low maintenance as cultured granite without concern that the material will become vulnerable to water.

You can enjoy one of StonePly’s granite shower kits that are great for standard size shower spaces. Or, if you are looking to create a more expansive shower for your master bath and have special measurements, we can create a custom granite shower for you.

Order Your Shower Now!
To get an estimate for your new granite shower you can reach the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

Marble showers from StonePly Residential are beautiful and superior in every way.

Real Marble vs. Cultured Marble
When you decide to remodel your shower, there are many options to choose from when it comes to the materials to use. While you may think marble is beautiful, you might also believe it is too expensive and rule out it for cultured marble. However, there are differences to consider and you may be surprised by the misconception that marble is too expensive.

Marble
Marble is a natural stone that is classified as a metamorphic rock. This means that it has changed from one type of rock to another after being exposed to heat and/or pressure. In the case of marble, it started out as limestone that was then changed through a recrystallization process from this heat and pressure.

It is known for its natural beauty with unique veining that is hard to replicate; no two pieces of marble are exactly the same. Marble is often highly prized because of its aesthetic beauty. When used in a home, marble may help to improve the value of the property.

Marble may stain easily if it is not sealed properly when it is installed. It does need to be wiped down as water spots tend to form if left with standing water.

Marble can be difficult and expensive to repair if it chips or cracks, but with proper care and its overall durability, this rarely happens.

Cultured Marble
Cultured marble is a manufactured product made of acrylics, resins, pigments and marble dust. This man-made product can be molded or formed into any shape. It also can be created to look very much like real marble in small samples, but it often has veining that looks too perfect and uniform and some colors of cultured marble tend to look like plastic. When used in showers and baths, the cultured marble undergoes a process that lines it with a gel coating to protect it from water.

Like marble, it offers a seamless construction so that you do not have to look at grout lines like tile. This reduces the cleaning and maintenance involved. The cultured marble is typically less expensive than marble because it does not have to be quarried, transported, and cut.

Cultured marble does not have to be resealed because it is not porous. This means it can resist staining and just needs a shower cleaner to maintain it. Overall, it is durable and not likely to break or chip. However, it is vulnerable to scratching so care needs to be taken with cleaning and regular use.

Our Marble Shower Kits and Custom Marble Showers
If you prefer marble for its higher level of beauty but are looking for something affordable and low maintenance, we have the solution. Our marble shower kits and custom marble products can provide what you are looking for.

Our solution uses natural marble that has been cut into a thin sheet and adhered to a high-strength backing material. The reduction in weight is significant, helping to save you money on the cost of transportation and installation. The high-strength backing also offers durability that goes over and beyond what is usually expected with quarried stone. We even offer marble shower kits that fit standard size shower areas. Or, if you need a custom size, our marble products easily install directly over the old shower walls.

Order Your Shower Now!
To get an estimate for your new marble shower you can reach the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneplyresidential.com.  You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

This neo-angle shower features beautiful Baltic Brown granite.

Choosing between Granite and Tile for Your Shower Project
When you are looking to create that incredible shower for your bathroom, one of your main decisions is what type of material to use. Should you go with tile or granite? To help you decide, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of materials.

Tile Showers
Let’s start with tile showers. The first assumption is that a tile shower will be cheaper to install. While many types of tile are definitely low cost, there are ceramic tile choices that can actually be more expensive than granite.

Tile typically has grout lines, which must be sealed regularly as well as cleaned or it will stain. Depending on where you live, hard water may also stain the tiles or lead to calcium build-up. This can make them difficult to clean. Eventually, these tiles would have to be replaced.

Tile is also vulnerable to damage, including chips and cracks. Tiles may show scratches, depending on the color and type of tile used. While tiles are fairly easy to replace, this can still be a hassle and lead to more expense.

Granite Showers
Then there is granite, which is known for its natural beauty and incredible aesthetic. While there are natural variations in granite, the color will never change. Keeping its vibrant color provides you with more enjoyment and less concern about replacement in a few years like tile.

Granite is also more durable than tile. It will not scratch or chip with normal use. It is also heat resistant. Because of its durability, granite is fairly easy to maintain with little to no effort needed to keep it clean. To ensure this beauty, however, granite should still be sealed after installation.

Granite can be heavy, especially when installed as a slab. This can put significant weight load on your walls when used in a shower. Often, granite is presumed to be out of the price range of many homeowners, but this material is not necessarily as expensive as you may think. In fact, our granite products for showers cost about the same as a tile or synthetic materials.

Our Granite Shower Kits and Custom Granite Showers
Our granite products use natural stone that has been cut into a thin strip. A high strength backing is then added to this natural stone. This gives you the look of granite without the weight. In fact, it only weights three pounds per square foot.

That reduction in weight helps to decrease the price of transportation and installation. Our natural stone for showers is so easy to work with that it can be installed directly over the old tile shower you are thinking about replacing. That means no demolition mess or expense.

However, when it comes to holding up and providing long-lasting beauty in your shower, our natural stone for showers is no lightweight. Lab tested, our material has been proven to last, offering exceptional value.

Order Your Shower Now!
To get an estimate for your new granite shower or to learn more about how our natural stone solution works, call us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

Marble and granite can help create a beautiful, comfortable shower.

Choosing the Right Materials for your Dream Shower
Whether you are remodeling your master bathroom, constructing a new home, or adding a bathroom to your house, you want to build a shower that is both relaxing and beautiful. There are so many options today that make showers into a mini oasis with numerous jets and luxurious surrounds. Here are some tips on building the perfect shower, using StonePly Residential’s stunning and innovative shower surrounds to create easy elegance.

Things to Consider before Remodeling Your Shower
When you are thinking of remodeling or installing a shower for any bathroom in your home, you want to consider a few factors first:

• Your shower size. Your height and amount of space you want for cleansing and relaxing are important in determining the size of your shower. Some homeowners like the idea of an enlarged shower that has room for a seat or fits more than one person. There are shower inserts in specific sizes or you may need to create a custom shower size based on your needs and space.
• Your budget. Budget is very important in building your perfect shower. With some materials priced higher than others, you must consider which materials you prefer and which you can afford.
• Personal style. Have you looked online or in design magazines at shower designs to help you decide what color and pattern you would like, as well as what type of materials you would like to use to match the rest of the bathroom décor,?
• Fixtures. What type of fixtures do you want for your shower? For example, there are all types of jets, sprays, and rainwater inserts to add to creating the perfect shower.
• Door or curtain. What kind of shower door, if any, do you want for your shower? Or, would you prefer the option to decorate with a shower curtain.

Our Luxurious Shower Products
At StonePly Residential, our natural stone products are second to none when it comes to quality and beauty. Our natural granite and marble panels and accessories are the perfect addition for any shower, adding luxury, style and charm. Aside from their good looks, StonePly Residential panels are easy to install and boast superior strength to tile and synthetic stone. Also, natural stone adds value to your home.

Refreshing Benefits of StonePly Residential’s Shower Options
Besides the value-added cost, there are many other benefits to our granite and marble shower kits and custom stone showers:

• Our shower inserts are made of a thin strip of natural stone that is adhered to a high strength backing so you have the beautiful look of granite or marble but in a lightweight product, weighing only three pounds per square foot!
• It is easy to install and can even install right on top of the old tile in your existing shower!
• The lightweight product helps to minimize labor costs and lowers emissions because it takes less space and added weight in the truck to transport compared to boxes of tiles or a slab stone.
• There are no grout lines to clean and the surface of the granite is easy to maintain, lasting for many years to come.

Order Your Shower Now!
To get an estimate for your shower or to learn more about building the perfect shower, call us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

ACM backing from StonePly Residential.

Advantages of ACM

When looking for a way to include marble in your home, whether for use as fireplace surrounds, shower walls, bathtub surrounds, steam rooms or countertops, more contractors are turning to the use of aluminum composite materials (ACM) for backing on marble panels to provide beautiful, natural marble without the weight and installation challenges that using natural stone often creates. This blog provides information on how working with aluminum composite materials creates a unique advantage for your home or residential project.

Learning about ACM

ACM is applied to the back of thin panels of natural marble, which changes what is possible for home construction projects. This is a great solution for making over your bathroom, kitchen, and fireplace surround, adding the inherent beauty of marble without many of the challenges that are often associated with adding natural stone.

Lightweight and Durable

Using a thin panel of natural stone greatly reduces the weight. This makes it easier to transport and work with as well as minimizes the load on the structure it is added to, whether that is a wall or countertop. Transporting more with less labor not only reduces the overall cost of a residential project, but you are also helping to reduce emissions and go easy on the environment.

Not only does it compete with traditional natural stone slabs in weight but it goes the distance in terms of strength and durability. The ACM or fiberglass backing used adds strength to these panels. Already tried and tested on many commercial projects around the world, this stunning product is now available for use in your home. Imagine having the same luxurious look as some of the globe’s most well-known hotels, casinos, and restaurants.

Selection

There is a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from, which makes it convenient for you to find the perfect match for your interior design and color scheme. Our website offers a full catalogue and a brochure that shows you many of the options that are possible for your home or residential project, including an array of different marble shade and pattern choices.

Ease of Installation

Since these are large, lightweight panels, they are easy and faster to install. In fact, it is faster to install these natural stone panels than tile as no grout is required. The panels can even be installed over most existing substrates, which means no construction or demolition for greater time and cost savings.

Low Maintenance

After installation, you can enjoy this beautiful option with little to no maintenance. It only requires sealing once a year with no grout to clean. The surface only needs to be wiped down with a hand towel and gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to retain its beauty for years to come.

Free Estimates

To get a free estimate or a sample as well as to learn more about StonePly Residential’s innovative stone solution for your home or residential project, contact us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com.  You can also fill out our contact form found here: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.