'Tis the Season

The holidays are upon us and what better way to celebrate, give thanks and present a thoughtful gift than with a stone or granite kitchen accessory. We make cheese boards, lazy susans, cutting boards and more!

Our items are affordably priced (our cheese boards are $35) and can even be customized to match your -- or your host's -- own counter tops.

Cheese boards come with a cheese cutter and a matching or themed napkin set.

Come see us at the showroom at 7015 Cessna Drive and pick up -- or pick out -- the most appreciated hostess gift of the season! 

Grilling Stations - An Alternative to the Outdoor Kitchen

Think of it as a twist on the “outdoor kitchen." Outdoor kitchens tend to involve more elements - sinks, refrigerators, kegorators, sitting areas, fire pits, etc. - and thus take up a considerable amount of space. Grill stations are more compact and perfect for smaller outdoor spaces. In many cases they can be installed on wooden decks (if the decks meet building codes). 

A grilling station is a one stop shop for outdoor cooking.

Many residential condominiums and apartment complexes are now incorporating grilling stations into their communal outdoor areas.

Grilling stations can be as elaborate or as simple as your space will allow.

Before & After!

We love projects large and small, but when Malcolm's master bath needed a reno, we knew we had a design connoisseur on our hands. Here's a before and after photo story of the project!

A blase bath with a beautiful view begged for a reno. Julia Wood of The Design First in collaboration with designer Ann Ruth and Rocky Tops made it happen.

Voila! Julia is all about the details, details, details!

Dated and drab, this is one vanity in need of a facelift.

Tah dah! Custom-fitted bombe chests, Venetian sinks and a stacked marble backsplash create a dramatic his and hers vanity area in the reno.

Marble made to measure!

Rocky Tops owner David Reid is hands-on when it comes to his business.

Four slabs of bookmatch Diano Reale marble and not a teaspoon of grout make up the master bath shower makeover. Cut to perfection!

A Guide to Countertops

Soapstone Kitchen Counters

Often used in laboratories for its resistance to stains, chemicals and bacteria, soapstone is a durable and natural choice for a kitchen. 

Granite Kitchen Counters

There are plenty of reasons granite is so popular — this natural stone has plenty of character, with unique grains, colors and customizable finishes. When properly sealed, it's one of the most durable options out there. 
 

Copper Kitchen Counters

It certainly isn't common, but a copper countertop is surprisingly easy to clean and maintain. However, it's not for perfectionists — since it's a "living" surface, it reacts to different substances, creating a blend of matte reds, browns and greens. 

Engineered Quartz Kitchen Counters

Perfect for the customized home, engineered quartz comes in just about every shade imaginable. This engineered product combines ground quartz, resin and pigments for a tough, nonporous material. Great ecofriendly attributes makes it a safe bet for green homes, too.

Tile Kitchen Counters

One of the more affordable counter choices (starting at $30 per square foot installed), ceramic or stone tile is incredibly durable, and one of the few DIY countertop options. Maintenance can be difficult with all that grout, but choosing a durable and dark grout can make things easier.

Ecofriendly Kitchen Counters

A little research is really all that's required today to make your new kitchen ecofriendly. The wide variety of material styles and costs — from salvaged wood to Bio-Glass to bamboo (shown in this photo) — means you can find just the right green countertop material for your home.
 

Zinc Kitchen Counters

You don't see zinc countertops in many modern kitchens, but this metal has a warmth that has made it popular for centuries. Zinc's tone darkens with time, adding patina. Its antimicrobial properties make it a smart choice for a cooking space. 
 

Recycled Paper-Based Kitchen Counters

Recycled paper sounds like the worst possible material for a kitchen countertop, but this ecofriendly choice has surprising durability. When blended with resins and pigments, it has the look and feel of soapstone.
 

Plastic Laminate Kitchen Counters

Although it's sometimes scoffed at by stone lovers, plastic laminate still has a serious fan base. The wide range of customizable edges and finishes means it can work in any design. However, it's not the most durable of countertops, so it may not be best for heavy-duty cooks.
 

Recycled Glass and Cement Kitchen Counters

Although it's expensive, this unique combination of glass and cement is a surefire way to add character to your kitchen. Ecofriendly, durable and customizable, this countertop material is a top choice for a "forever home."
 

Marble Kitchen Counters

Marble has an unrivaled, classic look that always seems to be in style. For lovers of white kitchens in particular, marble offers more variety than almost any other material. Marble is known more for the patina it develops with use than for its durability. It's a softer stone than granite, and can scratch and stain easily; the cost typically ranges from $70 to $100 per square foot.

Concrete Kitchen Counters

Pigments, stains and dyes can create concrete counters with color and visual texture. 
 

Stainless Steel Kitchen Counters

Professional chefs love stainless steel because it's nonstaining, heat resistant and easy to clean. While it certainly makes fingerprints and scratches stand out, it's a great choice for hardworking kitchens that don't need a perfect look. 

Solid-Surface Kitchen Counters

Is it stone, wood or plastic? This miracle material has the ability to emulate just about any look without the same damage risk or maintenance. 
 

Wood Kitchen Counters

For some, wood and countertops just don't seem to mix. But a high-quality wood with the right kind of sealer can make for a beautiful, warm and long-lasting countertop. 

Outdoor Kitchen Design Tip

Laura Gaskill of Houzz touts the idea of making your grill a mini destination. She says,"While you will sacrifice some convenience, locating your grill and eating area away from the house can make eating al fresco feel like a getaway. Take advantage of a great view, flip burgers by the pool, or hide away in a secluded garden nook." At Rocky Tops, we like to tie in the different areas of your outdoor kitchen with natural stone surfaces that are consistent.