With so many styles and materials, selecting the perfect countertops for your home isn't always easy. Your counters must be practical enough for everyday use and unique enough to complement your style. They hold a demanding role as the go-to area for food preparation and cleanup and are often front-and-center when snacks are needed for parties. The very best kitchen countertops in Kiawah Island, SC mix beauty and style, setting your kitchen apart from your neighbors. But they must also be durable and useful, so you and your family can enjoy them for years to come.
At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we create countertops and kitchen cabinets that make a statement in your home where other features fall short. You've worked hard to foster an attractive appearance throughout the rest of your home, so why should your countertops be any different?
Here at Stone City KB, we combine the durability and elegance of natural stone with personalized attention for each of our valued customers. Unlike other countertop fabricators, we source our materials from across the globe, searching high and low for the best stones available. In doing so, we are able to produce some of the finest remodeling and renovation products in our industry, from granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, and recycle glass countertops to new kitchen solid wood cabinets.
By providing high-quality materials and unmatched customer service, our clients have the chance to make informed decisions they feel great about. Our mission is to provide:
Impeccable Quality: You can count on Stone City KB to design and craft your countertops and cabinets exactly as you imagined, with globally-sourced, high-quality materials.
Honesty & Integrity: Trust is a must when you invite someone into your home to discuss new kitchen renovations. We are privileged to serve you, and our technicians are dedicated to treating your home like it was our own.
True Craftsmanship: When we say personalized service, we mean it. Our artistry lies in getting the details of your project right, whether we're installing custom countertops or completely remodeling your kitchen.
As our testament to creating a better product for our clients, we use innovative technologies and the brightest minds in the business to create stunning countertops and cabinets. Because when it comes to your home, it needs to be as close to perfect as possible.
We offer a wide selection of stones and materials for your next kitchen renovation project:
If you're in need of a professional, fast, reliable company for kitchen cabinets, countertops, and remodels, look no further than Stone City Kitchen & Bath.
When you're remodeling your kitchen or having new countertops installed, there are a lot of decisions to be made. From countertop material choices to counter placement preferences, each decision is impactful, making for an overwhelming experience. Luckily, at Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we have a team of countertop experts who are more than happy to offer assistance and advice on your new countertop journey.
Most of our clients start by selecting the type of countertop material they want to use. If you're at this stage and aren't sure what to choose, ask yourself these questions:
Still unsure? Swing by our showroom and let us help. Our kitchen remodeling experts can give you a rundown of the features and advantages of all our countertop materials, from durability to upkeep. Once you have those questions answered, you can begin narrowing down your selection. And what better way to do that than with a breakdown of our most popular countertop material choices?
Granite countertops are, without a doubt, the most popular choice for homeowners who want to install new kitchen countertops. Granite has held that position for years, and while it has competition, buyers love its luxurious looks and natural composition. Like some countertop materials, no two granite slabs will look exactly alike, giving your kitchen a unique aura.
Granite is a great choice for families, especially if you have children, as it has a hard surface that can withstand chips and scratches. Pricing on granite can vary depending on where it's sourced and how large the slab is. But one thing is for sure - if you're in need of a reliable countertop material for day-to-day use, granite should be atop your list.
One of the biggest reasons granite countertops are so popular is because they can be quite affordable. That's especially important for families trying to stick to a kitchen remodeling budget. Prices of granite can vary, so be sure to speak with one of our expert associates at Stone City KB for the most accurate pricing.
Another popular reason to choose granite countertops over other materials is granite's resistance to scratches and chips. If you're like most folks, you'll be using your new countertops every day. Over time, counters can take a beating, especially when you have younger children. Fortunately, granite can withstand many scratches and chips, making it a popular choice for longevity and beauty. Remember, though - never use your granite countertops for dicing, cutting, or slicing. Use a cutting board instead, or you may damage your new countertops.
When sealed properly, your granite countertops in Kiawah Island, SC can resist stains. In fact, if a spill dries on your counters, you should be able to scrape them off gently with a plastic scraping tool. That's not to say that granite can't be stained at all - acids and alkaline can do a number on granite, so avoid spilling those substances on your counters. With that said, if you seal your granite counters every year and clean up spills quickly with soap and water, you should be able to avoid most long-lasting stains. At Stone City KB, we are trained and certified for a permanent sealer with additional cost, that is warranty for 15 years. Don't forget to ask your sales representative for this permanent 15 years sealer as an option so you can be worry free.
Like stains, granite countertops are also resistant to heat. Granite is formed in nature with heat and pressure, so it makes sense that it would have inherent heat-resistant properties. This is great news if you use your oven or toaster oven to cook dinner. If you accidentally place a hot pan on your granite counters, you don't have to worry. While we recommend placing oven-hot pans on potholders, you should be safe to use your granite counters too.
Granite has many practical benefits over countertop materials, but it also has an aesthetic advantage. At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, all our granite slabs are unique. If your neighbors have new granite countertops installed, you can rest easy knowing their granite won't be exactly like yours. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, cost-conscious option for your kitchen countertops, granite is a fantastic choice.
Marble is a timeless material that exudes luxury. It has dynamic, detailed hues and is a very popular choice for homeowners in need of a high-end feel for their kitchen. Unlike granite counters, marble needs regular upkeep to maintain its beauty and durability.
Like granite, quartz are engineering countertops are durable and don't require too much maintenance. It is non-porous and doesn't need to be sealed, so scratches and stains are minimal. However, unlike granite, you should avoid placing hot items on quartz countertops or you could risk damaging them. If you like marble with white and gray vein movements, quartz countertops is your best choice.
No kitchen remodeling project would be complete without installing new cabinets. At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, our experienced craftsmen have created and installed hundreds of new cabinets. We know that deciding on your new kitchen cabinets' material, finish, and style can be hard. That's why we're here to help every step of the way!
Our team has the tools, training, and experience to help you choose the best cabinets for your kitchen. We'll consider your current kitchen layout, your color preferences, and more to provide personalized options for your project. And when it's time to install your new cabinets, you can rest assured we'll get the job done right at a price you can afford.
When it comes to kitchen remodeling in Kiawah Island, SC installing new kitchen cabinets is a great idea. If you're already upgrading or replacing your kitchen countertops, having new cabinets that match the aesthetics of your kitchen makeover is a no-brainer.
At Stone City KB, we believe that everyone deserves an elegant, versatile kitchen with stunning cabinetry. That's why our team will work closely with you to discover the material, texture, and style of cabinets you're craving. Once we do, we handle all the heavy lifting, including cabinet design and installation in your home.
So, why should you install new kitchen cabinets alongside your countertops? Here are just a few reasons:
Many customers install new kitchen cabinets because they're already remodeling their kitchen and need their cabinets to match the aesthetics of their updated space. Do you want your kitchen to feel more open and airier? Do you have specific lifestyle requirements that necessitate a particular cabinet material? Our kitchen cabinet experts can help you find the perfect cabinet setup for your needs.
Having a uniform aesthetic throughout your kitchen and home is important. But from a practical standpoint, new kitchen cabinets often mean more kitchen storage. That's a big deal for families, especially when younger children are involved. If you find that your countertops are magnets for clutter, new cabinetry can help remove the mess and stress less. The more storage your kitchen has, the easier it will be to use your kitchen for cooking and entertaining.
Take a few moments and check out the bones of your current cabinets. Low-quality, cheap cabinets are often a turnoff for potential buyers. If you plan on selling your home in the next few years, one of the best ways to boost resale value is with new cabinetry.
Is it a pain in the side to cook in your kitchen? Whether it's due to clutter, design, or something else, many of our customers want new cabinets so that their kitchen is functional again. New cabinets give you more storage, as mentioned above, but they can also make your kitchen more functional, depending on design and remodeling preferences. If you love to cook for your family and get-togethers, investing in new kitchen cabinets can help you do more of what you love.
Whether you're looking to "wow" a new client or work colleague or just want to make your neighbors a little jealous, upgrading your kitchen cabinets is a great way to do so. Of course, first impressions have always mattered, but particularly so in real estate. When the time comes to sell your home, having custom cabinets and countertops in your kitchen can set you apart from other sellers.
Here at Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we specialize in custom kitchen countertops and cabinets designed especially for you. Whether you've been dreaming of traditional wood cabinets or need sleek, elegant granite countertops, we've got you covered. We are committed to affordable options while holding true to our craftsmanship and skills, providing customers with the best kitchen renovations in South Carolina.
If you're looking for the largest selection and the best prices, visit our showroom or contact us today. You've worked hard to make your home special, so why not your kitchen too? From design to installation, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
When it comes to hotels, one person's must-stay can easily be another's must-avoid. After all, hotels and resorts are highly subjective by their nature, and even ideas around what constitutes luxury hospitality is a moving target these days.That doesn't prevent plenty of publications from releasing annual lists of top-rated properties. Among the latest of these rosters is a list from U.S. News & World Report, which, though better known for its high-profile list of college rankings, has been publishing a lineup of best hotels since...
When it comes to hotels, one person's must-stay can easily be another's must-avoid. After all, hotels and resorts are highly subjective by their nature, and even ideas around what constitutes luxury hospitality is a moving target these days.
That doesn't prevent plenty of publications from releasing annual lists of top-rated properties. Among the latest of these rosters is a list from U.S. News & World Report, which, though better known for its high-profile list of college rankings, has been publishing a lineup of best hotels since 2011.
Released in early February, U.S. News' best hotels of 2023 ranks luxury properties across numerous countries, regions and destinations, including the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.
But for travel advisors, the usefulness of such lists can be questionable.
"I look at all these lists and rankings, but I do take it with a grain of salt," said Cindy Salik, a luxury travel advisor with New York-based Embark Collective.
I asked Salik what she thought of the U.S. News list. Did a good portion of the lineup overlap with her own top picks? Were there any choices that she found puzzling? Any glaring omissions?
When it came to the No. 1 U.S. hotel, Salik agreed that the top-ranked Acqualina Resort & Residences in Miami's Sunny Isles Beach was a solid pick. Likewise, in the Caribbean, two of Salik's favorites -- Anguilla's Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel and Jumby Bay Island on Antigua, which is part of the Oetker Collection -- also topped the category for U.S. News.
Salik said that U.S. News' frontrunners for best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico -- the Grand Velas Los Cabos and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit -- were in line with Grand Velas' status as her clients' preferred brand within the luxury all-inclusive space.
But Salik did take issue with a few of the list's selections, with properties like Hawaii's Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia and the Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club in the Dominican Republic placing far higher on the U.S. News roster than they would on her own personal list.
That the British Virgin Islands' Rosewood Little Dix Bay didn't crack the top 50 among the best Caribbean hotels was also a miss, according to Salik.
In places, Salik largely agreed with a hotel's ranking but felt there was an important caveat that should be disclosed to clients prior to booking. In the case of the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina, which ranked as the fourth-best hotel in the U.S., Salik said she thought it important to mention that some could consider the resort's accommodations overdue for a refresh.
"But every other aspect of the hotel is outstanding," Salik said. "The beach is beautiful. The pool is beautiful. The golf courses are amazing. And the service is really good. But I would want to be forthcoming [that the] hotel needs some renovation."
Another element that potentially undermines the list's utility is that U.S. News says as part of its methodology it considers "overall customer satisfaction expressed in online guest reviews of luxury hotels and resorts provided by Tripadvisor."
"Tripadvisor is a mass-market [platform], so it's probably the wrong place to be pulling luxury hotel customer satisfaction from," said Salik. "These lists might be helpful to younger people just starting to travel or to those who want to do it themselves, but for the luxury travel advisor, I don't feel these lists are too valuable to me. I like to do my own research, visit the properties myself and really do my own due diligence in ranking hotels for my clients."
Players on the LIV Golf tour scored another major victory on Wednesday.One day after the R&A announced that it wouldn’t ban players from the controversial Saudi-backed circuit from competing in this year’s British Open, the PGA of America followed suit when announcing its criteria for this year’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club outside Rochester.The decision comes a...
Players on the LIV Golf tour scored another major victory on Wednesday.
One day after the R&A announced that it wouldn’t ban players from the controversial Saudi-backed circuit from competing in this year’s British Open, the PGA of America followed suit when announcing its criteria for this year’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club outside Rochester.
The decision comes as something of an about face after PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said during last May’s PGA Championship at Southern Hills that players banned or suspended by the PGA Tour likely would lose their PGA of America privileges, which would prevent them from playing in the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup. While Waugh on Wednesday acknowledged the ongoing civil war between the Tour and LIV, he said the goal is for a competitive PGA Championship with the best field possible.
“Our decisions are always based on what’s in the best interest of the PGA of America and conducting the best Championship possible,” Waugh said. “Sadly, the current division in the professional game is not good for the sport or the future of the game. We hope there might be some resolution soon. In the meantime, as always, our focus will be on our mission to grow the game and improve the lives of our members, who work so hard to impact millions of lives every day.”
The R&A made a similar announcement on Tuesday, declaring that players from LIV who are eligible will be allowed to tee it up at Royal Liverpool this July.
The PGA’s decision means that past winners of the PGA Championship who have bolted for LIV will be allowed to compete in this year’s tournament May 20-23. Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka and Martin Kaymer all have won the PGA previously and all currently play on LIV.
Winners of the other three majors in the last five years and winners of the Players Championship in the last three years will also get an invite.
Brendan Steele and Mito Periera, both of whom also ditched the PGA Tour for LIV, are also eligible for the PGA Championship after finishing in the top 15 at last year’s championship at Southern Hills.
Mickelson, who became golf’s oldest major champion at age 50 when he won the 2021 PGA at Kiawah Island, skipped last year’s tournament following the fallout from his controversial remarks about Saudi Arabia before he later left for LIV.
The news also means that players from LIV who are eligible will be able to tee it up in all four of golf’s majors, with Augusta National and the USGA previously stating they would not ban LIV players from this year’s Masters and U.S. Open, respectively.
If you’re seeking a relaxing getaway, two spots in South Carolina may have you covered.That’s because the high-end resort destinations now rank among the nation’s best hotels.U.S. News & World Report said the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort near Charlesto...
If you’re seeking a relaxing getaway, two spots in South Carolina may have you covered.
That’s because the high-end resort destinations now rank among the nation’s best hotels.
U.S. News & World Report said the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort near Charleston joins The Inn & Club at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island on a list of top 10 places for vacationers to stay.
The website created the list after it studied accommodations across the country. It considered three categories for each property: past recognition, data from the travel review website Tripadvisor and “hotel class,” also known as star ratings.
“The highest-ranking hotels are typically those that both experts and users recognize for their exceptional quality,” according to the report published Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Of the two South Carolina hotels that landed near the top of the list, Kiawah Island Golf Resort ranked the highest at No. 4. The property — roughly 25 miles southeast of the tourist hot spot of Charleston — said its Sanctuary hotel boasts a spa and an oceanfront setting.
On Tripadvisor, some visitors said they were fans of the resort’s manicured lawns and nearby opportunities to spot sea creatures. The hotel building has been around for almost two decades but was built to look as if it had deeper roots.
“A casual but elegant building, reminiscent of a grand seaside mansion, the four-story hotel was designed to feel like it has been on Kiawah Island for centuries, evolving and expanding from one imaginary homeowner to the next,” the resort wrote on its website.
About 100 miles to the south, the The Inn & Club at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island earned the No. 5 spot in the national rankings. The hotel — located at the Sea Pines Resort — said it has top-notch hospitality and decor that gives a nod to its Lowcountry setting.
On its website, the hotel said guests can stay in spaces “decorated with an inviting coastal palette that perfectly complements the island’s charm.” Several visitors took to Tripadvisor to rave about their rooms, including those with golf course views.
Overall, the nation’s top-ranking hotel was Acqualina Resort & Residences near Miami. Rounding out the top five:
In addition to being named among the nation’s best hotels, the two South Carolina properties also earned top spots on U.S. News & World Report’s resort-specific rankings.
This story was originally published February 7, 2023, 6:00 AM.
KIAWAH ISLAND — A biologist on this barrier island is leg-banding as many birds as humanly feasible to study how the changing environment impacts their migration.Last fall, wildlife biologist Aaron Given and a handful of assistants and volunteers banded their 80,000th bird on the island. The work has been ongoing since 2009.“That is a lot of birds in 14 years,” Given said on the morning of Jan. 18 after banding dozens of yellow-rumped warblers in a forested area of Kiawah.The team achieved another miles...
KIAWAH ISLAND — A biologist on this barrier island is leg-banding as many birds as humanly feasible to study how the changing environment impacts their migration.
Last fall, wildlife biologist Aaron Given and a handful of assistants and volunteers banded their 80,000th bird on the island. The work has been ongoing since 2009.
“That is a lot of birds in 14 years,” Given said on the morning of Jan. 18 after banding dozens of yellow-rumped warblers in a forested area of Kiawah.
The team achieved another milestone this past fall, too. They banded a record number of birds at the west end of Kiawah Island: 5,709 new birds of 86 different species.
Gray catbirds were the most commonly caught. More than 1,100 were caught — a 6.9 percent increase from 2021 and 24.8 percent increase over the 10-year average.
Collectively, 8,664 birds were tagged across two sites on the island and released back into the wild.
The small metal bands that are attached to the legs of each captured bird contains a unique number that allows biologists to monitor their movements locally around the island during their stopovers.
“We’re seeing what birds are using this habitat, how long they’re staying and when they’re here, are they putting on fat or not,” said Given, who is a paid town staff employee. “If they are, that’s a good indication that the habitat has a lot of food and things like that.”
Biologists here can learn more about the long-distance travels of the species if they are captured somewhere other than on Kiawah Island.
The process to do this work is not a simple one, though.
Kiawah’s biologists have nets on about 8 to 10 acres of private property near the beach. They are spread across areas where birds are likely to move through, such as the edge of a type of habitat.
The 8-foot-tall nets are always left up but are closed and tied when not in use so birds cannot get caught in them, Given said. On banding days, the team meets before sunrise to get them open and ready for use.
“We open the nets in the dark before it gets light because bird activity is high around dawn when birds wake up and begin to forage for food,” Given said.
More birds are normally caught in the early part of the morning. The captures tend to dwindle as the day goes on.
Birds are caught in 30 nets spread across the west end of the island. And once they are all open, volunteers continuously trek across the island, stopping at each one several times in one morning.
The birds often don’t see the opened nets until they’re right in front of them. And by that time, it is hard for them to alter their movements to avoid falling into the trap.
If a feathered creature is lying in the net on any given round, a team member will place it in a bag, attach it to their belt, and head on to the next stop.
Everyone reconvenes at a makeshift work station in the wooded area once each round is completed. While there, the team weighs each bird, checks for fattiness and records any other important identifying characteristics, like the sex and age of the species.
A small metal band with a number etched into it is placed on each animal’s leg before it is set free again.
Then the process of check nets resumes.
The number of animals caught and tagged in a single morning can vary. On their most successful day, Given said he and the team captured 460 birds in only a few hours. They average about 50 to 55 catches per day during the fall.
“It all depends on the weather in the fall,” Given said. “When the cold fronts move through, the birds move with them.”
There are stretches when they have several busy days, and then it may slow down.
Most of Given’s volunteers are lifelong bird watchers, like retired Charleston resident Bill Kee.
“When I retired, I wanted to do something interesting but also something that contributed to bird science and helping with understanding birds...so that then legislation could be passed to protect the birds,” Kee said.
It’s tougher to pass such legislation without data to back up the need.
Kee works with Given and others on banding days to collect trapped birds from nets and document important information about each one.
He was part of a team that captured more than 120 yellow-rumped warblers on the morning of Jan. 18. In the wintertime, Given said that is one of the most common songbird species in the Lowcountry.
“One of the reasons they like this area is because they’re one of the few warbler species that have the ability to digest the waxy coating on wax myrtle berries,” Given said.
Wax myrtles are a popular shrub on the island.
Work to study bird species on Kiawah Island is ongoing. As with any banding project, Given said this one is long- term because of so much variation in data.
This is the town’s 13th winter collecting data. Leaders there want to determine the quality of the habitat for species, learn how they are using it and whether enough food is available for them.
“The overall goal is basically to maintain the habitat that we have on Kiawah and make sure that it’s good for the birds and other wildlife that’s using it,” Given said.
Southwest Airlines® is celebrating Valentine's Day all month long. As the LUV airline, with a Heart as its logo, the carrier is giving its Employees and Customers ample opportunities to celebrate.Quote from Whitney: "We are the airline with Heart, and we love to celebrate the moments and people that matter in our Employees' and Customers' lives," said Whitney Eichinger, Senior Vice President Culture & Communic...
Southwest Airlines® is celebrating Valentine's Day all month long. As the LUV airline, with a Heart as its logo, the carrier is giving its Employees and Customers ample opportunities to celebrate.
Quote from Whitney:
"We are the airline with Heart, and we love to celebrate the moments and people that matter in our Employees' and Customers' lives," said Whitney Eichinger, Senior Vice President Culture & Communications for Southwest Airlines. "Whether that be giving the gift of travel, helping Customers earn Rapid Rewards points with flowers and wine, or even bringing that extra added touch at the airports and inflight, we're here to celebrate this holiday all month long."
Earn Points While Shopping for that Special Someone
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and Southwest® is giving its Rapid Rewards® Members a little something extra while shopping for that special someone. Visit Southwest.com to view full offers and terms & conditions.
Southwest super-fans can purchase their Valentine's Day merchandise at Southwest the Store.
Love is in the fare—Plan a Romantic Getaway
Customers can take advantage of Southwest's sale by booking now through Feb. 23, 2023, for travel from March 7 through March 17.
Whether planning a staycation or vacation, Rapid Rewards Members can earn additional points on hotels, rental cars, and more! Visit Southwest.com to view full offers and terms & conditions.
Exclusive Getaway Events for Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cardmembers
While earning points is fun, so is spending them! Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can redeem their Rapid Rewards points for exclusive Rapid Rewards Access Events, giving them access to intimate concerts and packages such as wine tasting, destination getaways, and more! Visit Southwest.com/RRAE to learn more.
Free Drink on Valentine's Day and Romance Movies Onboard
LUV is in the air, literally! Celebrate Valentine's Day all month with romcom favorites picked by Southwest's Flight Attendants on the Inflight Entertainment Portal. On Valentine's Day, Customers 21 years of age and older can also enjoy one free premium drink, including the new ready-to-drink coffee beverage, onboard their flight (limit one per Customer while supplies last).
"Romance our Flight Attendants Love" movie collection on the Inflight Entertainment Portal:
Celebrate with Southwest Employees
Southwest celebrates the love-holiday with its Employees and Customers. Employees are encouraged to plan local celebrations and provided a number of resources available through its internal Celebrate with Heart program. Resources include station decorations, photo frames, props, and much more as a way to engage Employees across the Company.
Valentine's Day is a signature holiday at Southwest Airlines and another opportunity to elevate how we share our Heart and Hospitality with Customers and Cohearts. From Feb. 1 through Feb. 14, uniformed Employees are encouraged to wear Valentine's-themed accessories with their full regulation uniform to help create a lighthearted and welcoming environment. To help set the mood on the aircraft and make a memorable travel experience for our Customers, Flight Attendants don festive holiday accessories like ties, aprons, nail art/color, scarves, socks, jewelry, headbands, barrettes, and clips.
The celebration continues with its annual Heroes of the Heart recognition announcement. Colleen Barrett, Southwest's President Emeritus, started Heroes of the Heart in 1993 as a way to honor an outstanding behind-the-scenes workgroup. The recipients of this annual accolade are revealed each February, and this year the tradition continues! Congrats to the People Department, Southwest's 2023 Heroes of the Heart recipients! The People Department will have their name emblazoned on an aircraft for the year and enjoy a recognition event in March.
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