The Home Improvement Thread

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Cappy

Has anyone gotten the 3M film guard for their countertops rather than annual seals?

I just installed quartzite and it was mentioned that some people are installing this rather than sealant. Some companies will do it for a few hundred - couple thousand depending on the size.

Wondering if it's worth it

3M film on a countertop is going to behave really weirdly. It'll be weirdly grippy, prone to scratches/staining, melting etc. The odds of it preventing a chip isn't enough I'd consider it IMO. I understand what you're trying to do, but I think there's better use of money than 3M on countertops.

I'm not going to claim I know everything about quartzite, but I assume porosity wise, shouldn't it behave somewhat similarly to quartz? t's not to say you won't have a coffee ring or wine ring that won't come off with a quick wipe with a dry paper towel after it's properly sealed. In those situations shouldn't a wipe with an ammonia/bleach based cleaner break down the stain? That's what I did on my old and current quartz countertops. I've never really had an issue or considered re-sealing it. Something like this seems good enough... it's cheap? Or is this the wrong product?

https://www.amazon.ca/Weiman-Quartz-..._source=1&th=1

Even this doesn't seem too insane? Just make sure to ventilate/ventilator when doing it?

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m..._wcB#store=419

Online it also says to seal a quartzite countertop is like $100-300 and a simple DIY. You'd also probably only have to regularly do the re-sealing on a high traffic areas like an island and the area by a sink vs needing to do all of the quartzite. Low traffic areas, you probably don't need more than the initial sealant and it'll still be fine decades+ later.


EDIT: Did some quick research. Quartz doesn't need sealing. Quartzite does. Quartzite needs regular maintenance. Quartz does not. Annoyingly different for something of similar name.

https://www.realsimple.com/quartz-vs-quartzite-8403398

I sorta understand the question now. IMO I would not do 3M on all Quartzite. For some of the higher traffic areas prone to exposure to oils (primarily around the stove and sink) I think it could make sense after the sealant is down. (ie: Kinda like 3M clear bra on a car front with the highest risks, but not the entire vehicle). Hell, ask whoever is doing the 3M if they'd to the backsplash surrounding the stove. It'll be worth it IMO, but not 3M all of the quartzite surface.

Island, I wouldn't recommend 3M. Just regular maintenance and sealing. The texture and grip difference to quartzite will be weird. Take the cost savings and buy a half a dozen extra trivets and a dozen extra nice looking coasters. Then $30 for that cleaner stuff and use it once a month or something.

Quartzite might have been the wrong choice if you wanted something nearly maintenance free. It seems it's not as maintenance free as something like Quartz.

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Do you need to do anything to quartz? I never have.

Originally Posted by Wormius

I don’t think you need anything for quartz. Just clean up spills in a timely fashion. For things that stained, just went lightly with a magic eraser.

I assumed the same as you both. But after a quick look at that link above, quartzite isn't as maintenance free as quartz. Similar name but quite dissimilar maintenance and upkeep requirements.

[Fuzz]

Thanks for clearing that up, I'll make sure I go quartz when I do my kitchen. Maintenance tasks suck.

[Shazam]

Quartzite sounds like it's just like granite in terms of care.

[Wormius]

I don’t know. We got our quartz from Baystone and they have a section on care and cleaning. Basically the gist is use cutting boards and pot holders and don’t use any harsh cleaning products.

https://www.baystonecanada.com/care-maintenance/

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Do you need to do anything to quartz? I never have.

Quartzite is natural stone - similar to marble. It's finicky with water, but heat resistant. It's porous so can stain or crack if not sealed.

Quartz is man made - usually a product of quartz and resin. Water resistant, but not heat resistant. If you want low maintenance you go with quartz for sure.

Some Quartz is produced to mimic the traditional marble (like Taj Mahal), but its usually more neutral in colours (grey, black, beige, white).

Quartz was cheaper, but i think the demand for it (due to its durability) has increased the price considerably.

Does anyone here have quartzite? if so, how much of a pain is it with regular sealing? I had a dark marble before this and has no issues, so i think it will be similar, but this is a bit lighter and contains more of an ethereal look that makes me a bit more worried about stains.

https://www.marbletrend.com/products...-slabs/#109626

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

3M film on a countertop is going to behave really weirdly. It'll be weirdly grippy, prone to scratches/staining, melting etc. The odds of it preventing a chip isn't enough I'd consider it IMO. I understand what you're trying to do, but I think there's better use of money than 3M on countertops.

I'm not going to claim I know everything about quartzite, but I assume porosity wise, shouldn't it behave somewhat similarly to quartz? t's not to say you won't have a coffee ring or wine ring that won't come off with a quick wipe with a dry paper towel after it's properly sealed. In those situations shouldn't a wipe with an ammonia/bleach based cleaner break down the stain? That's what I did on my old and current quartz countertops. I've never really had an issue or considered re-sealing it. Something like this seems good enough... it's cheap? Or is this the wrong product?

https://www.amazon.ca/Weiman-Quartz-..._source=1&th=1

Even this doesn't seem too insane? Just make sure to ventilate/ventilator when doing it?

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m..._wcB#store=419

Online it also says to seal a quartzite countertop is like $100-300 and a simple DIY. You'd also probably only have to regularly do the re-sealing on a high traffic areas like an island and the area by a sink vs needing to do all of the quartzite. Low traffic areas, you probably don't need more than the initial sealant and it'll still be fine decades+ later.


EDIT: Did some quick research. Quartz doesn't need sealing. Quartzite does. Quartzite needs regular maintenance. Quartz does not. Annoyingly different for something of similar name.

https://www.realsimple.com/quartz-vs-quartzite-8403398

I sorta understand the question now. IMO I would not do 3M on all Quartzite. For some of the higher traffic areas prone to exposure to oils (primarily around the stove and sink) I think it could make sense after the sealant is down. (ie: Kinda like 3M clear bra on a car front with the highest risks, but not the entire vehicle). Hell, ask whoever is doing the 3M if they'd to the backsplash surrounding the stove. It'll be worth it IMO, but not 3M all of the quartzite surface.

Island, I wouldn't recommend 3M. Just regular maintenance and sealing. The texture and grip difference to quartzite will be weird. Take the cost savings and buy a half a dozen extra trivets and a dozen extra nice looking coasters. Then $30 for that cleaner stuff and use it once a month or something.

Quartzite might have been the wrong choice if you wanted something nearly maintenance free. It seems it's not as maintenance free as something like Quartz.





I assumed the same as you both. But after a quick look at that link above, quartzite isn't as maintenance free as quartz. Similar name but quite dissimilar maintenance and upkeep requirements.

This is actually a decent suggestion. The cooktop is in its own "space" countertop-wise (surrounded on both sides by fridge and pantry) so it wouldn't be a bad idea to do it there. The backsplash is the same as the countertop so that could all be done.

I do have a small leftover piece and could try it on there first.

FYI - i put the website for the coating on my last post - its called Stoneguard

[Titan2]

Originally Posted by photon

Was looking again at those large louvered pergolas at Costco...



The feet I assume you would just bolt to the deck surface.. mine is plywood with that vinyl deck stuff on top, I guess my concern would be keeping the waterproof nature of the deck surface, bolting it down puts holes in that. Would some kind of silicone sealant rated for outdoor use be sufficient?

I'd just be afraid that making some kind of weights wouldn't be enough for how windy it can get where I am.

I saw online that someone put sand into the legs to provide added heft and durability. Considering that for mine, not sure if necessary but I liked the thought process at the very least.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by photon

Yeah or put blocking between the joists where the feet are to attach to and bolt into those

I think I've seen rubber bumper pads used as the seal. Something that looks like this, but not sure if this is the right product?

https://www.rubberfeetwarehouse.com/...ide-x-1-height

In terms of the pergola flying off, if the slats are in the correct position (angled vs perpendicular to ground, doesn't the aerodynamics technically help push it down? (Ie: open patio umbrella in windstorm vs closed). I've heard of canopies flying off in the wind, I've never heard of a pergola blow over?

[Bill Bumface]

I'm looking for some type of solid surface shower walls/base for a very small neo-angle shower.

I have a neighbour who's a contractor who's I'd like to give the business to, but he's not dealt with this stuff before so doesn't have experience with various suppliers. I was thinking Corian from brief internet research, but I'm very open to other similar options.

[photon]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

In terms of the pergola flying off, if the slats are in the correct position (angled vs perpendicular to ground, doesn't the aerodynamics technically help push it down? (Ie: open patio umbrella in windstorm vs closed). I've heard of canopies flying off in the wind, I've never heard of a pergola blow over?

I guess in theory, but I don't think I've ever seen one not secured down either

I wouldn't depend on someone forgetting to set the slats to the right location to prevent the pergola from flying into the neighbour's yard and hitting their kids on the trampoline.

Those rubber feet are an interesting idea.

[CroFlames]

I can't stress this part enough, when you are done installing the pergola, you have to slap it and say this puppy ain't going anywhere.

[TheIronMaiden]

I am looking for an outfit that installs shade sails.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Well, team green, the siding has started. Hope it was the right call...

[DoubleF]

Not intentional, but that blue could make a hell of an iconic look for that type of property. Dang. It's pretty.

[Titan2]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Well, team green, the siding has started. Hope it was the right call...

:cens ored:

In case I did not make my allegiances clear.

TEAM BLUE FOREVER!!

Enjoy your pea soup!!

[Titan2]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

I am looking for an outfit that installs shade sails.

I am also considering hiring out assembling our pergola/sun shade thing.

Sojag Messina Gazebo

https://www.costco.ca/sojag-messina-...100178358.html

thanks.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Not intentional, but that blue could make a hell of an iconic look for that type of property. Dang. It's pretty.

I think it's called "hospital scrubs blue".

[Titan2]

Originally Posted by photon

I guess in theory, but I don't think I've ever seen one not secured down either

I wouldn't depend on someone forgetting to set the slats to the right location to prevent the pergola from flying into the neighbour's yard and hitting their kids on the trampoline.

Those rubber feet are an interesting idea.

The gazebo we are replacing was bolted to the deck, but it is just the wood slats without the covering. I would think outdoor silicone would seal the holes just fine.

In thinking about installing our replacement, I am considering having a 2x4 under the deck and then having carriage bolts(?) through the deck and then through the 2x4s, with washers. What I found taking down the old gazebo was that it was bolted to the deck boards, but the holes had enlarged, likely due to the movement of it in the wind. This may be overkill, and good washers and keeping them snug may be enough. But where is the fun in that?

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Not intentional, but that blue could make a hell of an iconic look for that type of property. Dang. It's pretty.

There is a colour sort of close to that called Boothbay Blue.

Spoiler!

I like it okay but it requires white trim and windows. Black would look super weird IMO.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

I think it's called "hospital scrubs blue".

Valid. I was thinking shop towels.