When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, you’ve got a lot of great options and a lot of noise to sort through. Two of the most common choices we see homeowners considering are laminate flooring and engineered hardwood. Both can look fantastic. Both can last a long time. But they perform differently, install differently, and, maybe most important to many homeowners, they come with very different price tags. We carry multiple lines of laminate here at Greenlee, but today I want to highlight Hawkins Bay , a product line we’ve added to our showroom for good reason: it’s durable, cost-effective, and built for real life. Let’s break it down. Cost Comparison: Laminate Is the Clear Winner Let’s just start with the big one—cost. Engineered hardwood simply costs more, both in materials and in installation. If you’re on a tighter budget or need to cover a large space without compromising durability, laminate is going to stretch your dollar a lot farther. That said, price isn’t everything. It depends on what your goals are. If you're after a natural wood floor with unique, one-of-a-kind boards, engineered hardwood may be worth the investment. But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly material that still looks great and holds up well, laminate has come a long way. Installation: Floating vs. Glued Down There’s also a big difference in how these floors go in. Here at Greenlee, we prefer to install engineered wood as a floating floor, especially over concrete. It gives the wood room to breathe and reduces the risk of delamination between the finish species and the plywood subcore. Some folks still glue it down, but in our experience, gluing engineered wood to concrete creates a lot more stress on the material. I’ve seen more delamination issues with glued-down installs than with floating ones. Laminate, on the other hand, was made to float. Most laminate products, including Hawkins Bay, feature a click-and-lock system. There's no glue involved, and the boards just snap together. It's faster to install, and you can put a lot down in a single day. Durability and Moisture Resistance: Laminate Has Come a Long Way I’ll be honest, I used to think laminate might go the way of the dinosaur once vinyl plank hit the scene. And for a while, it looked like that might happen. But Hawkins Bay and other newer laminates have totally changed the game. Laminate is still a wood-based product, but it's no longer the sawdust-and-glue mix it used to be. Hawkins Bay uses an oil-based bonding agent and applies high heat and compression to create a core that’s much more resistant to moisture than older versions. Now, that doesn’t mean you can flood your kitchen and forget about it. You still have to pay attention to moisture, especially from underneath the floor. But the top surface of today’s laminate is extremely durable, in some cases, more durable than engineered hardwood or even vinyl plank. Comparing Core Stability: Laminate vs. Vinyl Plank I’m going to veer off course for a second here because this is something we see a lot in the field. Many folks ask us about vinyl plank floors, and while they can look nice, they come with their own set of issues—especially when the subfloor isn't perfectly flat. Vinyl planks are thin, and the locking mechanisms are small. If there’s any deflection or unevenness in your subfloor, those planks will come apart, and we end up going back to glue them together just to hold them in place. Laminate, on the other hand, tends to be thicker and has a more robust locking system. It’s more forgiving on slightly uneven floors and holds together better over time. Aesthetics: Uniqueness vs. Consistency Here’s where engineered hardwood really shines—no two boards are exactly the same. The grain, the knots, even how the tree grew in wet or dry years... all of that shows up in the finished product. It’s what makes wood floors feel warm and alive. Laminate is a manufactured product, so yes—you’re going to see some pattern repeats. But that’s not always a bad thing. In a big open space, consistency can actually be a good thing, especially when you’re trying to match colors or textures across a room. Here’s a quick rundown of how they compare: Engineered Hardwood Higher cost Real wood surface Unique grain in every board Susceptible to dents and scratches Can be refinished (depending on thickness) Laminate (Hawkins Bay) Lower cost Manufactured appearance with consistent patterns Extremely durable surface Moisture-resistant core Click-and-lock installation What We're Seeing in the Field Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady shift back toward laminate especially the newer, high-performance options like Hawkins Bay. Many flooring professionals we talk to are choosing laminate over vinyl plank because of fewer callbacks, fewer failures, and better long-term performance. The advances in core technology and surface durability have really earned laminate its place back in the conversation. And for homeowners who want something durable, attractive, and budget-friendly, it’s becoming an easy choice. Choose What Makes You Feel Good The right floor isn’t just about price or performance, it’s about how it fits into your life. If you’ve got kids and dogs and don’t want to worry about every little scuff, Hawkins Bay laminate might be the perfect fit. If you love the feel of natural wood and want something truly one-of-a-kind, engineered hardwood is hard to beat.  Whatever you’re leaning toward, come walk the showroom . We’ll show you the differences side-by-side, answer your questions, and help you figure out what makes you feel good when you walk through the door. Designing Surfaces For Your Life Come see us.

If you’ve ever walked into a granite showroom and felt overwhelmed by all the choices, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of beauty on display—but how do you know which slabs are just pretty to look at, and which ones are truly high quality? At Greenlee , we work with natural stone every single day, and we’ve learned what to look for—both on the surface and beneath it. Whether you're building a custom home or remodeling a single space, your countertop is a big investment. And if you want it to last, slab quality matters. Here’s how we help our customers judge granite slabs—and what we look for before we ever bring a stone into our shop. Not All Granite Is Created Equal Granite and other natural stones are graded based on their structural integrity and appearance. In general, you’ll see three grades in the industry: Commercial grade – Usually the lowest quality. Expect visible fissures, heavy fill, and more inconsistency. Standard grade – Mid-range quality, suitable for most residential applications. First quality (or premium) – The top-tier material with the least amount of natural imperfections. Now, here’s the truth: every granite slab has fissures. That’s just part of what you get with natural stone. It’s formed over millions of years with minerals coming together in all kinds of conditions. So what we’re really looking for is how much fill was used, how stable the slab is, and whether it will hold up through fabrication and everyday use. Fractures vs. Fissures: What’s the Difference? This is a big one. A fissure is a natural separation between minerals in the stone—kind of like where two different kinds of materials meet and didn’t quite fuse perfectly. It might look like a crack, but it’s part of the stone's natural character. Fissures are common, and in most cases, they’re filled with resin and polished smooth. A fracture , on the other hand, usually means the slab is cracked or compromised in a way that could affect strength. These are the ones we try to avoid. I always look at how much fill is in a slab. Heavy fill areas tell me the stone might have had a lot of voids or weakness when it came out of the ground. That doesn’t mean it can’t be used—but it’s something we factor into how we cut, fabricate, and install it. What We Look for Before Bringing a Slab In We don’t just grab anything off the truck. I like to put my own eyes on a bundle of slabs before we buy. Some of our trusted vendors even send videos of the slabs as they come off the line, pointing out any imperfections, so we can make smart decisions. If I see too many fractures or weak spots, I pass. I’d rather wait and get a better-quality bundle than deal with fixing stone all the way through fabrication. That said, even the best stones sometimes need a little work. Fixing broken stone is part of what we do every week. But we’re always looking to minimize that from the start. What You Should Look for as a Homeowner When you walk through a granite showroom, don’t be afraid to ask questions and take a close look at each slab. Here’s what to pay attention to: Are there visible fissures or cracks? Can you see areas where resin was used to fill voids? Does the slab feel structurally solid when tapped or touched? Are there pits or soft spots that stand out? Do you like the natural movement, veining, and color variation? And here’s something people often overlook—who are you buying it from? A good slab starts with a good supplier. If your showroom isn’t screening for quality up front, you’re more likely to end up with headaches later. When to Consider Engineered Quartz Instead Some people love the character of natural stone, including the fissures and imperfections. Others find those “beauty marks” a little too stressful to live with. If those natural flaws are going to bother you, engineered quartz might be a better fit. It’s more uniform, has no fissures or fill, and gives you peace of mind with a clean, consistent look. You trade off some uniqueness, but you gain a whole lot of predictability. Final Thoughts: The Right Stone for the Right Home Choosing granite isn’t about finding a flawless piece of rock. It’s about finding the right balance of beauty, structure, and craftsmanship—and working with a shop that knows how to bring it all together. We’ve been doing this for 27 years. We’ve seen just about every kind of slab you can imagine. And whether it’s granite, quartzite, or engineered quartz, we’ll help you pick something that looks great, holds up, and makes you feel good every time you see it. Bring a sketch and come see us. Designing Surfaces For Your Life

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When homeowners begin exploring quartz countertops , one of the first questions that comes up is price. Quartz is an engineered material, and its cost can vary widely depending on how it’s made. From my perspective in the shop, the numbers always come back to three things: how much quartz is in the product, how much resin is in the product, and the quality of that resin. Add in the complexity of the pattern, and you’ll understand why one slab costs more than another. What Drives Quartz Pricing Quartz isn’t all the same. The differences in cost are tied directly to what goes into the slab and how it’s manufactured. Here are the main factors: Quartz content : Higher-end slabs contain a larger percentage of quartz and less filler material. Resin quality : Better resins resist discoloration and hold up longer against daily use. Quartz-to-resin ratio : A strong balance ensures the slab is durable and less prone to issues. Pattern complexity : Simple, uniform patterns cost less to produce. Distinct veining and bold designs drive up manufacturing costs. When you see a material with intricate veining that mimics natural stone, you can bet it took more effort and technology to create. That extra work is reflected in the price. Resin and Heat Sensitivity One thing that doesn’t change across the board is resin sensitivity. No matter what engineered stone you choose, resin reacts to heat. This is what we call thermal shock. Place a hot pan directly on the surface, and it can discolor or even crack. Higher-quality resins perform better, but all quartz materials contain resin and need a little care. That’s why we always recommend using trivets or hot pads. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your counters looking like new. Price as a Quality Indicator Quartz is one of the most competitive products in the market. Manufacturers are constantly trying to produce it at the lowest cost possible. Because of that, price becomes a reliable indicator of quality. If you find a slab that’s significantly cheaper than the others, chances are it has more resin, less quartz, or a lower-grade resin that won’t hold up as well over time. From my experience, the service life of your countertop will almost always reflect the dollars you put into it. Spending more upfront means you’ll spend less time worrying about discoloration, wear, or needing an early replacement. The Value of Mid-Range vs. Premium Mid-range quartz is often uniform in color and pattern. It offers durability and a clean look, and it’s a good fit for homeowners who want function at a fair price. Premium quartz goes further. It offers richer quartz content, higher-quality resin, and patterns that look remarkably close to natural stone. The investment in premium often pays back in both aesthetics and longevity. Think of it like this: mid-range quartz will get the job done, but premium quartz is built to impress and last. When you’re remodeling a kitchen you plan to live in and enjoy for years, the extra dollars often make sense. My Recommendation If you’re shopping for quartz, spend as much as you can comfortably afford. You’ll get a better service life, a more beautiful finish, and fewer concerns about resin issues down the road. Quartz countertops aren’t just a purchase—they’re a foundation for your kitchen. The quality you choose will shape how they look and perform for decades. Come walk through our Prescott showroom, see the differences for yourself, and let’s find what makes you feel good. Designing Surfaces For Your Life

When you’re planning a new kitchen, the sink choice may not feel like the biggest decision on the list. Cabinets, countertops , and layouts usually take center stage. But the type of sink you choose, undermount or top mount, can have a big impact on both the installation process and the long-term durability of your countertops. After 27 years in the shop and out in the field, I can tell you there’s a clear winner. Why Top Mount Sinks Cause Trouble Believe it or not, we really dislike top mount sinks. They create more problems than most homeowners realize. The issue starts with the way the stone has to be cut. To drop a top mount sink into place, more stone must be removed, leaving thinner sections in front and behind the sink opening. For example, with a typical undermount sink, you’ll have: 3 ½ to 4 inches of stone in the front 3 ½ to 6 inches in the back That gives the countertop strength and stability. On top of that, we reinforce the sink cutout using a process called “rodding.” We flip the slab, cut small channels, and epoxy in fiberglass rods. This adds structure and helps keep fragile stone from breaking. With a top mount sink, you’re often left with only: 2 to 2 ½ inches of stone at the front 2 to 2 ½ inches in the back. That lack of material makes the whole section weaker and prone to cracking. In fact, I’d say at least one out of every two top mount kitchen sinks we’ve seen develops some kind of fracture over time. Cracks, Repairs, and Headaches Once a crack shows up, even a good repair will usually leave a visible mark. The countertop may still function, but nobody wants to see that line every time they walk into the kitchen. When homeowners invest in stone, they’re looking for beauty and durability, not hidden stress points. That’s why we do everything we can to steer people away from top mounts. Cost and Value Some people think a top mount sink will save money. From our perspective, there’s no difference. We don’t charge more for one type of cut versus the other because we pre-cut sink holes in the shop. Whether it’s an undermount or top mount, the labor is essentially the same. The only cost difference comes from the sink itself. Undermount sinks are often a little more expensive than top mounts, but the investment pays off with a cleaner installation, fewer issues, and a longer service life. Everyday Living: Cleanliness and Convenience Durability is the big factor, but the daily experience matters too. Undermount sinks make life easier. You can wipe crumbs or spills straight into the sink without catching debris on a rim. There’s no edge for water and grime to collect around, which keeps things more sanitary. Kitchens are meant to be used every day, and an undermount simply holds up better to that reality. Our Recommendation From the fabrication shop to the job site, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Top mount sinks weaken stone and often lead to cracks. Undermount sinks stay stronger, look cleaner, and help your countertops last. There’s no savings in going with a top mount, but there’s a real risk of problems down the road. If you’re in the planning stage of your remodel or new build, give careful thought to your sink choice. An undermount will serve you better in the long run.  Bring a sketch and come see us at our Prescott showroom . Let’s find what makes you feel good and build it into a kitchen that works for your life. Designing Surfaces For Your Life

Start with the Heart of the Kitchen In most homes, the kitchen island isn’t just a surface—it’s a centerpiece. It’s where conversations start, where the kids do homework, where friends gather while the meal is cooking. For a lot of people we work with, the island becomes the heartbeat of their kitchen. So it makes sense to give it some visual weight and design presence, something that makes people pause and say, wow. One way to do that is by giving the island countertop a little extra thickness. What Does “Extra Thickness” Actually Mean? Standard countertop material, especially premium natural stone like granite or quartz, typically comes in a 3cm (roughly 1¼") thickness. It’s strong, elegant, and doesn't require a sub-top like thinner materials do. But when a homeowner wants to make their island a real showpiece, we can create the illusion of a thicker slab, say, 6cm—by laminating the edge. That means we bond an extra piece of stone along the front edge to give it that substantial, double-thick look. From across the room, it reads bold, modern, and custom. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big statement. Why Just the Island? Here’s the truth: the island is often where our clients fall in love—with a unique stone, a dramatic pattern, or a color that just sings to them. But covering every counter in the kitchen with that same material can get expensive, fast. That’s where design—and budget—strategy comes into play. A common approach we suggest is this: Choose your dream material for the island, and pair it with a more cost-effective, complementary surface on the perimeter countertops. It creates contrast, adds dimension, and lets you stretch your budget without compromising the vision. Here’s why it works: The island is usually the natural focal point in the kitchen layout. Guests often gather around it—it’s a social and visual hub. Thicker edges on the island add presence without overwhelming the whole kitchen. Pairing with simpler surfaces on the perimeter keeps the overall look balanced. We do this kind of split-design approach a lot, and it never feels like a compromise. If anything, it turns into a smarter, more curated outcome. Statement, Not Show-Off When someone walks into a kitchen and sees that extra-thick island top, it sends a message, but it’s not about showing off. It’s about confidence in your style. It’s about choosing a focal point that reflects you. And it’s about making intentional decisions that elevate the space without blowing the budget. There’s also a craftsmanship angle to all of this. Laminated edges require precision and care. Done right, they’re seamless. That’s something our team takes pride in, delivering polish and quality you can feel in every edge. Things to Consider Before Going Bold Extra thickness isn’t for every project. It involves more material, more fabrication time, and more cost. So before going that route, we usually help clients think through: Where’s the visual focus? If it’s the island, that’s a strong case. Does the kitchen layout support contrast? Separate colors and thicknesses work best with a thoughtful design flow. Is it in the budget? If not, there are other ways to create impact—unique edge profiles, waterfall sides, or just an incredible stone choice. You don’t need a thick edge everywhere. One bold move, on the island, can hit just the right note. Your Kitchen, Your Statement At the end of the day, the best kitchens reflect the people who live in them. If there’s a material that speaks to you, but the price tag on doing your whole kitchen in it feels out of reach, don't walk away from it—let’s find a way to feature it. Start with the island. Build your design around it. That’s how a statement becomes a story. Bring a sketch and come see us. Let’s find what makes you feel good. Designing Surfaces For Your Life 

Engineered, But Not Artificial When people hear the word ‘engineered’ in the context of quartz countertops, they sometimes assume it means fake, or somehow less than natural stone. But here’s the truth: engineered quartz is built from one of the hardest, most durable minerals on Earth, natural quartz. It’s not a knockoff. It’s a purpose-built product designed to deliver strength, style, and consistency. We’ve worked with quartz for years now, and we’ve seen just how far the technology has come. If you’re curious about what exactly goes into these countertops, here’s a closer look—straight from the shop floor to your kitchen. So, What Is Quartz Made Of? Engineered quartz slabs are made from about 90–95% crushed natural quartz, blended with resins and pigments to create a solid, uniform surface. The result? A highly durable material that’s non-porous, low-maintenance, and available in just about any color or pattern you can imagine. Here’s a quick breakdown of the core ingredients: Natural Quartz: This is the base of the product. Pure quartz is typically white or translucent and incredibly hard—perfect for surfaces that see a lot of use. Pigments/Dyes: To get all those beautiful colors and patterns, manufacturers use colorants to tint the quartz. These can range from subtle creams and grays to deep blues, greens, and bold, marbled mixes. Resin Binders : These act like the glue that holds everything together. They also help create that smooth, sealed finish that makes quartz resistant to stains, moisture, and bacteria. The real magic happens in how these components come together. Inside the Manufacturing Process Every quartz manufacturer has their own twist on how they make their slabs, but the general steps are pretty similar across the board. Here’s a simplified look at the engineered process: Crushing & Mixing : Raw quartz is ground down into different sizes—some fine like sand, others more coarse for texture. It’s then blended with pigment and resin in large mixers. Molding & Compression : The mix is poured into molds and pressed using vibration and vacuum systems to eliminate air bubbles and make sure it’s completely compacted. Curing : The slab is baked at high temperatures to harden and set the resin. This turns the mixture into a dense, solid surface. Cutting & Polishing : Once cured, the slabs are trimmed to size and polished to create different finishes—from glossy to matte to leathered textures. Quality Control : Each slab is inspected for color consistency, structural integrity, and surface finish before heading out to fabricators like us. The slabs typically come in what we call jumbo sizes, around 65 inches by 130 inches. That gives us plenty of flexibility to design for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces without awkward seams or waste. Why Choose Quartz? Every material has its strengths. Quartz has become popular for a reason—it gives people the look they want with the performance they need. We see it chosen most often by homeowners who want: A consistent look across large surfaces Low maintenance (no sealing needed) Stain and scratch resistance Modern colors and marbling that mimic natural stone Durability that holds up over time And because quartz is engineered, you’ll find more pattern control and repeatability, something that’s tough to guarantee with natural stone. Designed with Intention Quartz isn’t a shortcut. It’s a smart material for people who want the look of stone without the unpredictability. It’s engineered, yes, but it’s engineered with intention, using one of nature’s strongest elements as its foundation. If you’ve been curious about quartz and whether it’s right for your project, come walk through our showroom. We’ll walk you through the options, show you some slabs in person, and help you decide what feels right. Bring a sketch and come see us. Let’s find what makes you feel good.  Designing Surfaces For Your Life

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When people think about quartz countertops , the first thing they often hear is “it’s good for resale.” And that’s true, it’s a solid investment. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is how quartz actually feels to live with every day. Not just how it looks in a listing photo, but what it’s like to walk into your kitchen every morning and run your hand across the surface that’s part of your routine, your family, your life. At Greenlee, we help people choose surfaces they’ll love not just today, but for years to come. So let’s go beyond resale and talk about what quartz really offers in daily living. Worry-Free Surfaces for Busy Lives We all want a home that looks great—but it has to work great too. That’s where quartz really shines. It’s what we call a “worry-free surface.” Once it’s in your home, it’s not something you need to babysit. You just enjoy it. Quartz is engineered to be strong, smooth, and consistent. It doesn’t ask for much in return, just a quick wipe with water and a little dish soap, and you’re good to go. No sealing. No special products. No stress. That kind of peace of mind makes a real difference when you’re moving through your day. The Everyday Benefits That Make Life Easier Whether you’re making coffee in the morning or prepping dinner at night, your countertops are always in use. Quartz is designed to keep up. Here’s what customers love most about it: Low Maintenance – No resealing, no polishing—just clean and go. Scratch Resistant – Holds up to knives, keys, and day-to-day wear. Stain Resistant – Less worry with spills, especially in busy kitchens. Consistent Look – What you see is what you get—no hidden flaws or surprises. Non-Porous – More hygienic and resistant to bacteria buildup. You’re not constantly worrying about rings from a cup or whether the kids left something sticky on the counter. Quartz lets you focus on the people and the moments in your home, not the upkeep. Beauty That Doesn’t Beg for Attention Quartz surfaces have come a long way in terms of design. Whether you’re into clean whites, soft veining, or bold marbling, there’s something in the quartz family that’ll speak to your style. And because it’s engineered, you get consistent color and pattern throughout the slab. That means what you fall in love with in our showroom is what you’ll see in your home. But what makes quartz special isn’t just how it looks—it’s how it blends into your life. It can be the quiet, elegant backdrop to your family gatherings or the clean canvas that makes your cabinetry pop. It doesn’t steal the spotlight unless you want it to. It’s Not Just About Looks—It’s About Living People don’t always think about the little ways their countertops shape their day. But I see it all the time—someone walks into the shop overwhelmed with choices, and then they find the surface that feels like them. You can see it in their face. They’re picturing it already. Quartz gives you that confidence. That quiet comfort. It’s not just for resale, it’s for real life. Come See What Feels Right If you’re looking for something that’s both beautiful and practical, quartz is the right place to start. It’s easy to live with. Easy to care for. And most importantly, it’s something you can feel good about every time you walk into your kitchen or bath. Bring your ideas and come see us . Let’s talk about what fits your space, your routine, and your style. Designing Surfaces For Your Life