KITCHEN SURFACES
AKMENS GALDA VIRSMAS
We manufacture high-quality kitchen countertops and islands from quartz, granite, and marble.
We offer to produce both simple and economical surfaces, as well as surfaces from exclusive materials - with the most complex designs. We are proud of the kitchen and bathroom surfaces we have produced for expensive brands, and we are also happy to cooperate with all the leading local manufacturers of quality furniture.
STONE TABLES
Countertops can be either an individual accent or matched to the kitchen worktop. Surfaces can be made of marble and granite, as well as quartz composite materials. In our offer you will find stones from manufacturers such as Caesarstone, Silestone, Technistone, SENSA, etc.
All tables can be made in different stone profiles. Stone tables are most often made from 2 or 3cm thick material, but 1.2cm thick stone is also available - but this requires a more serious construction, or a full base underneath. On the other hand, if you want a thicker material than 3cm - you can glue the stone at 45 or 90 degrees and glue it to the desired thickness.
Stone dining tables
Stone sheets come in sizes from 3m x 1.4m to 3.4mx 2m. This allows you to create a large dining table without seams. A 3m table is designed for approximately 12 people. Stone table tops can be placed on metal structures and legs, wooden structures. The table top can be embedded in a wooden frame, the legs can also be finished with stone, and many other options are possible.
Coffee tables and console tops
For small stone surfaces, such as dresser tops, coffee tables, shelves, it is better and more economical to choose a smaller piece of stone from our warehouse - VIA's warehouse has a wide variety of granites, marbles, and quartz.
Garden and barbecue tables
Granite and DEKTON materials are suitable for garden tables. Because they are frost-resistant, heat-resistant, and resistant to ultraviolet radiation - they do not fade in the sun. We do not recommend other stones for outdoor tables.
SINK IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS
When choosing the right and only material for your kitchen worktop in our warehouse, we mostly encounter customer confusion in the wide range of sink offers and the question - how to choose the right and best kitchen sink? Having gathered all the things that interest our customers, we decided that these questions can best be answered by none other than FRANKE representative in Latvia, Normunds Dambis.
How do people usually choose a kitchen sink?
Most often, the customer comes to the store with a ready-made kitchen plan, where the sink location is marked. In this case, the customer is limited in the range of sink choices. This can also be done, however, as a sink specialist, I still think that we should start with the sink itself, because 60% of the time spent in the kitchen is directly related to using the sink. If kitchen planning begins with the sink selection, then this important functional area of the kitchen is much more convenient to use and becomes more functional in a smaller space.
What would be the optimal size for a sink cabinet?
The most optimal cabinet size would be 60 cm, because then it is possible to use a sink with a large and small bowl. However, in the reality of Latvia, most kitchens have enough space for a 45 cm sink cabinet. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, then I would still recommend choosing an 80 cm sink cabinet, in which you can place 2 full sink bowls.
Why are 2 large sink bowls needed in the kitchen? And what is the functionality of the small sink bowl?
If the kitchen owner or hostess loves to cook, then the cooking process usually takes up a lot of space and a sink is needed for rinsing products, as well as, for example, peeling potatoes, defrosting products or, for example, quickly rinsing dishes. It is ideal if such processes can be divided into two different sinks. The small sink is usually used in much the same way as a double sink, but in this case it serves more for rinsing products, so as not to clutter up the large sink bowl.
What are the types of sink installation?
Stone kitchen countertops are the most versatile, as they can accommodate all types of sinks. There are 3 types of sink installation available – top-mounted sinks, flush-mounted sinks and built-in sinks. The most convenient to use is the built-in sink, because if you want to clean the countertop, when wiping away food crumbs, you can easily sweep them into the sink and they will not get caught anywhere. The flush-mounted sink is similar to the top-mounted sink, only the edge of the sink is milled into the stone surface and visually it will look and be flush with the countertop. Top-mounted sinks are the easiest to install into the countertop, but they still have an edge that can interfere with the maintenance process.
What sink material is best to choose?
The FRANKE range includes stainless steel sinks, stoneware sinks – fragranite – sinks, ceramic sinks, and the latest of the latest materials is Tectonite. Each of these materials has its pros and cons. A stainless steel sink is a classic, timeless value that will always serve you well and is easy to maintain. The only downside is that you see more water droplets on a stainless steel sink, which, when dried, leave limescale deposits.
Fragranite sinks are popular because of their wide range of colors and because they are much less likely to show water marks. With proper care, without using very aggressive household chemicals, a Fragranite sink will last you as long as a stainless steel sink. It is resistant to food dyes.
Ceramic is a relatively new material for kitchen sinks in Latvia. Easy use and care are the main advantages of a ceramic sink. It will not absorb food residue, and the surface is very hygienic. The only downside is its relatively high price.
Tectonite is a fiberglass sink that is coated with a 0.2 mm super high-strength layer. This new technology provides high resistance to heat, stains, and is easy to care for. Tectonite has no disadvantages in principle, the only reason why people are afraid to use Tectonite sinks is the fear of a new material, but I think that will change over time, because I have been using a Tectonite sink for 2.5 years and it still looks like new!
What color to choose?
This choice is subordinate to the material of the kitchen worktop. The first thing to do is to start with the choice of the worktop and then, in parallel with this process, find the closest shade of the sink material. The most popular sink colors that customers choose are black and beige. Black is mostly popular because the electric hob and other kitchen appliances are black, and then visually it looks like a coordinated set. Beige is chosen because it is one of the most practical material shades, on which stains and dirt, food crumbs, etc. are least visible. Professionally produced sinks are not produced in all possible shades, but FRANKE has a fairly wide range of shades, so it is possible to find the most suitable one for yourself. Many choose the shade of the sink in contrast with the kitchen worktop, which visually gives the kitchen a "sting".
What are the most common mistakes when choosing a sink?
First, trust the kitchen designer, as they have extensive experience and practical knowledge of how the kitchen looks after installation and how optimal it is in use. The most common mistake is purchasing an inappropriately sized sink, which causes additional problems both in furniture assembly and in installing the worktop.
If you don't have your own kitchen designer, we recommend that you visit one of the FRANKE stores, where the salesperson will recommend the best solution for you.
If you did not find the answer to your questions here, then I recommend visiting the SIA "VIA" stone processing salon, where you will be provided with both professional consultation and high-quality implementation of your project!
You can view the Franke 2016/2017 e-catalog for ideas here – FRANKE-CATALOG
TYPES OF COOKER OPERATION
There are many different types of hobs – ceramic, induction, gas, in different sizes and shapes. However, there are only two ways to embed a hob into stone. The classic one that everyone knows – top-mounted.
However, the latest design trends for kitchens involve hiding everything as much as possible - as if you could cook on the stone surface alone, which is why it has become possible to immerse the hob at the same level as the stone surface.
However, there are some technical aspects to consider before deciding what hob you will need for your kitchen. With standard – top-mounted – hobs, everything seems clear: a hole is made in the stone of the appropriate size for your hob, then it is built in when the stone surface is mounted.
There are several nuances with built-in stoves. It should be noted that a ''step'' is created in the stone, where the surface is seated. There will be a ~ 2 mm thick gap around the stove surface. Stoves with a metal frame, with beveled edges, with rounded edges are not intended for flush mounting. So - the straighter and flatter the stove is, with straighter and more angular edges, the more accurate the result will be. You can embed it in 3 cm, 2 cm thick, or even 1.2 cm thick stone (with additional fasteners from the bottom). The same applies to built-in hoods, pop-up rosettes and other elements that you want to integrate into the surface. Be sure to consult the dealer about the parameters of each specific technique.
MEASUREMENT – ASSEMBLY – MANUFACTURING
In what order does our work take place?
The client, designer or planner contacts us, gives approximate dimensions and other planned specifications. We choose the stone shade, thickness. Ideally, if there is an opportunity to come to our showroom-factory-warehouse (all in one), we can show our extensive warehouse, show all possible stone options, discuss the desired details in person, and recommend the best option. Then a rough estimate is made.
For a more accurate calculation, you need to know – length, width, depth of the surface/s. Desired stone thickness. Edge profile treatment. Sink installation type. Stove installation type. Location of the object, city, floor. If you will assemble the surface yourself, do you plan to export it – will export packaging be required?
After the calculation – if something is not satisfactory, we look for other options, but if everything is satisfactory – we arrange the documents and reserve the stone or order it if it is not in our warehouse. Stone delivery can take from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the specific manufacturer, volume and availability. We go for measurements when the stone has been ordered/reserved and the furniture/kitchen/construction is 100% ready, leveled, when it is no longer planned to be moved or moved. At the time of measurements, it is necessary that all elements related to the manufacture of stone parts are on site at the object. For kitchens, this would be a sink, stove, sink extractors, sockets, water mixers, pop-up buttons, soap dispensers, drinking water mixer, etc. If necessary, the master brings the stove or sink with us to the production facility to verify the accuracy of the dimensions on site. This is especially true for built-in sinks and sinks. It often happens that technical drawings indicate the same dimensions, but when checked after the fact, they turn out to be slightly different. Accuracy is important to our company, so we double-check every size.
When everything is discussed and measured, the stone is already with us – we prepare technical drawings and send them for production. Within 1–3 weeks (depending on the volume), we manufacture the stone parts, agree on convenient times for you and go for assembly.
EDGE PROFILES
Choosing the right and only stone for you is not so easy, because it is a serious investment in the long term. The next step after choosing a stone is to find the most suitable surface edge profile for your kitchen or bathroom surface, as well as for window sills or steps.
Below are the most requested options from our customers. They can be customized to your taste, chosen stone thickness, and interior style.
There are many profile variations – from a simple straight stone edge with a bevel to complex, classic products. The surfaces do not necessarily have to be rectangular, they can be round, oval or curved.
To brighten up your chosen stone surface for those who prefer a classic style, we introduced variant no. 13 with a triple rounded step, or as we called it, a cloud, or no. 11 and no. 17 – a “heel”. These three profile types are also the most popular among our customers.
An excellent enhancement to the stone surface is the edge profile No. 16. A stainless steel or brass rod is embedded in the stone surface – a true Italian classic!
For wall panels, profile No. 18 looks great in reverse – it visually creates a thinner appearance for your chosen material!
TIPS
Pārdomāti jākombinē dabīgs akmens ar akmens masas vai keramiskām flīzēm. Ne īpaši labi izskatās daudzās cementa šuves blakus dabīgā akmens virsmai. Tas var radīt samocītu un pat lētu kopskatu. Īpaši tas attiecas uz virtuves darba virsmas un vertikālā paneļa saderību. Labāk izvēlēties gan virtuves virsmu, gan virtuves paneli no tā paša nosaukuma akmens.
Pārāk nevajadzētu aizrauties, kombinējot daudz dažādu raibu toņu dabīgus akmeņus vienā telpā.
Akmens vai kvarca virtuves virsmas bieži izvēlas cilvēki, kuru virtuvēs ekonomisku apsvērumu dēļ iepriekš bijušas koka skaidu plākšņu virsmas. Mitruma, tauku un citu pārtikas produktu un to gatavošanas rezultātā skaidu plākšņu virsmas salīdzinoši īsā laikā zaudē izskatu. Tādēļ saimnieki tās izvēlas demontēt un mainīt pret dārgākām, bet izturīgākām un virtuves apstākļiem piemērotākām dabīgā akmens vai kvarca virsmām.
Tomēr vairumā gadījumu klienti jau sākotnēji zina, ka labākais variants virtuves darba virsmai vienmēr ir dabīgs akmens – granīts, kvarcs vai marmors.
Ja virtuve tiek noslogota regulāri, ja patīk cept un šmorēt – labāk izvēlēties granīta, kvarca jeb, kā dažkārt mēdz teikt, mākslīgā akmens virmas. Lai gadu gaitā akmens virmas nezaudētu sākotnēji labo izskatu. Kvarcu nezinātājs jeb nespeciālists bieži sauc ne tikai par mākslīgo akmeni, bet arī par presēto akmeni, inženierakmeni, ielieto akmeni, akmens masas akmeni utml. Noteikti gribam piebilst, ka mūsu piedāvātam akmenim nav nekāda sakara ne ar mākslīgo, ne koriānu vai plastmasu. Tas sastāv no 90% dabīgām izejvielām – granīta šķembām, kvarca smiltīm, kuras satur kopā speciālu sveķu maisījums. Tā izskatam nekaitē ne slodzes, ne pārtikas produktusmērēšanās, tas nereaģē uz karstumu un neskrāpējas.
Ja virtuve tiek izmantota maz un reti, tad tiek liktas arī marmora virsmas tā greznā zīmējuma dēl. Marmors ir grezns dabas materiāls, bet ir mīkstāks, poraināks par granītu un kvarcu. Tas skrāpējas, uzsūc vīnu, sulas, ievārījumus un citus krāsainus pārtikas produktus. Bet, ja klients loti vēlas tieši marmoru, mēs iesakām izvēlēties tumšāku krāsu un raibāku zīmējumu. Ļoti skaisti izskatās, piemēram, Rain Forest marmors, kas mūsu Rīgas noliktavā ir atrodams 4 dažādu krāsu gammās. Rain Forest ir loti populārs marmors, jo daudzi to sauc par ”dabas neredzamā mākslinieka” gleznu. Nereti šo marmoru izmanto dušas telpas paneļiem, jo atšķirībā no flīzēm tam nebūs daudzās cementa šuves, kuras ātri kļūst netīras un rada neglītu kopskatu. Šajā marmorā jūs atradīsiet pārakmeņojošās saknītes un lapiņas, tonalitātes ziņā reti kurš akmens ir tik neparasti bagātīgs.
Ir bijuši gadījumi, ka restorāni, kur gatavo ēdienu uz letes vai pasniedz silto brokastu piedāvājumu, pasūta apsildāmas akmens virsmas ēdiena siltuma saglabāšanai. Vai arī viesu nami, kas specializējas slēpošanas tūristu apkalpošanā, pasūta apsildes elementus akmens bāra letei klientu papildu ērtībai.