Distressed Wood Countertops by Craft-Art Gives New an Old LookHomeowner Connects with the Past

ATLANTA (May 2007) - Remodeling is a passion for Karen and Steve Marcinko as well as an years long process for the Georgia homeowners. Over the last 25 years, they have added more than 8,000 square feet to what started as a cottage/bungalow. The home improvement savvy couple is constantly looking for ways to update their old rustic, French looking home to reflect the time period in which it was built. After extensive countertop research, they chose to preserve the charm of their remodeled kitchen with a distressed Black Walnut wood countertop from the Craft-Art Company.

The purpose of distressing is to simulate age by creating a look as if the countertop had been used for a period of time. Distressing can be done on multiple levels. For instance, light distressing may have a few random marks and little sanding on the edges, while heavy distressing may add more elements, or marks, on the countertop and edges to increase the well worn appearance.

Being well informed about the distressing process and having done it themselves, Karen turned to Craft-Art to build their home's first wood countertop. She wanted the surface to match her beautiful pecan kitchen cabinets and still maintain a barn like ambiance.

When Karen contacted Craft-Art she told them that she wanted a versatile countertop that combined both informal and formal characteristics. At the same time Craft Art was in the process of creating "definitions" of distressing in order to better communicate with the national dealer network. Ken Williamson, Craft-Art's Founder and CEO, interviewed Karen and invited her to Craft-Art's Atlanta plant to take part in the distressing of her Black Walnut wood countertop.

"While we welcome homeowner participation in the distressing of their tops, most of our customers cannot come to the plant," added Williamson. "It is with the help of knowledgeable, articulate people like Karen that we will develop a distressing "language" that allow people to participate long distance and add what best suites their personal taste."

For more information on wood countertops, contact a local design professional. For more information on Craft-Art Wood Countertops, visit www.craft-art.com.

About Craft-Art:
Founded by Ken Williamson in 1998, Craft-Art Wood Countertops has established itself as the industry leader in high end, custom, wood countertops. All wood countertops are available in a selection of more than 20 different wood species and construction styles, and are enduringly beautiful, durable and easy to maintain.

Craft-Art only uses FAS and first European quality lumber in the countertops. The company will source other exotic and domestic woods upon request if they are not endangered. In addition, all lumber is hand selected and matched to highlight grain, color and texture. Tops are available in plank and edge-grain style using full-length boards, or end-grain style, which creates a checkerboard-type pattern.

Media Contact:
Shannon Kahlbaum
770.518.1000 x 213
skahlbaum@kleberadvertising.com