According to rental site Zumper, median rents for a one bedroom in Long Beach are hovering around $1,550. But how does the low-end pricing on a Long Beach rental look these days and what might you get for your money?

We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments from Zumper and Apartment Guide to find out what price-conscious apartment seekers can expect to find.

Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Listed at $1,150/month, this 400-square-foot studio apartment, located at 1536 Locust Ave. in Long Beach, is 17.8 percent less than the median rent for a studio in Long Beach, which is currently estimated at around $1,399/month.

The building offers on-site laundry; in the unit, the listing promises carpeted floors and a dishwasher. Cats and dogs are not allowed. Look out for a $1,150 deposit.

Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is friendly for those on foot, is quite bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(See the complete listing here.)

Next, this studio apartment, situated at 730 Magnolia Ave. in Long Beach, is listed for $1,295/month.

In the unit, expect to find hardwood flooring, granite countertops and a ceiling fan. The building offers on-site laundry. Pets are not allowed. Look out for a $35 application fee and $100 processing fee.

According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is quite walkable, is quite bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(See the complete listing here.)

Finally, over at 636 Chestnut Ave., there's this studio apartment, also going for $1,295/month.

In the unit, expect a ceiling fan, granite countertops and a renovated kitchen. Neither cats nor dogs are permitted. Expect a $100 processing fee.

According to Walk Score, the area around this address is extremely walkable, is convenient for biking and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(View the listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, read on for five marketing tips for real estate agents to showcase local market expertise.

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Renting in Long Beach: What's the cheapest apartment available right now? - Hoodline

The ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund have renewed and expanded their arguments for a federal court order to improve health conditions for state prison inmates during the coronavirus crisis, including preventing infected employees or those with symptoms from entering prisons.

The suit was filed on behalf of inmates at four units, including the Cummins prison, where more than 900 inmates and workers have been infected.

Federal Judge Kristine Baker turned down a request for a temporary restraining order early this week but held a further hearing Thursday at which more evidence was presented by plaintiffs, including allegations of use of non-EPA approved cleaning supplies, masks cleaned with eye irritants and general allegations of inadequate cleaning, testing and medical care.

The plaintiffs, also represented by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, filed Friday a 50-page request for relief, summarizing arguments and testimony in the hearings.

The filing asks that a special master be appointed to come up with a plan for spacing inmates and to identify inmates at risk because of age or health condition so that they might be released or transferred to home detention.

The filing also asks that the judge issue an order to:

1. Ensure that each incarcerated individual receives EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against COVID-19 infection, without costs;

2. Ensure that all incarcerated individuals have access to hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol in specific locations or under the appropriate supervision of Arkansas Department of Corrections staff;

3. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including but not limited to doorknobs, light switches, sink handles, countertops, toilets, toilet handles, recreation equipment, kiosks, and telephones, at least three times a day with EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against the virus that causes COVID-19, as appropriate for the surface;

4. Conduct immediate testing for anyone displaying known symptoms of COVID-19 or upon request;

5. Ensure that individuals identified as having COVID-19 or having been exposed to COVID-19 are properly quarantined in a non-punitive setting, with continued access to showers, recreation, mental health services, hot meals during appropriate times, reading materials, commissary, phone and video visitation with loved ones, communication with counsel, and personal property;

6. Prohibit Arkansas Department of Corrections employees from entering Arkansas Department of Corrections facilities if they test positive for COVID-19 and/or exhibit symptoms of having contracted COVID-19;

7. Substantially comply with CDC guidance in all other respects, unless Defendants identify a specific reason why circumstances in one or more Arkansas Department of Corrections facilities render such substantial compliance unreasonable; and

8. Permit any Court-appointed special master or expert to freely visit Arkansas Department of Corrections facilities without advanced notice; to freely access relevant records maintained by the Arkansas Department of Corrections, including medical records of persons in custody provided the person whose medical records are accessed authorizes such access and inspection; and to freely contact, call, visit, and/or interview any person in the custody of the Arkansas Department of Correction facility within 24-hour notice.

Heres the full filing.

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Lawsuit continues to press for better care for state prisoners threatened by virus - Arkansas Times

Photo credit: Design by Jillian Lare

From House Beautiful

The cost of a renovation will vary depending on the overall size and scope of the project, the materials you choose, and the types of labor required to implement the plan. An Ikea kitchen renovation is no different: The amount youll ultimately shell out will depend in part on your choice of styles and materials and the level of work youre willing to do yourself versus hire out. (Plus, incorporating third-party elementscustom fronts, for instance, or high-end countertops and applianceswill cause costs to fluctuate further.)

But in comparison to a fully custom kitchenwhich, according to Seattle designer Katie Hackworth, can run anywhere from $60,000 to $400,000theres no denying the cost savings of opting for IKEA. For an idea of how much you could potentially save, consider this: Lets say cabinetry accounts for 20% of the budget in a custom kitchen renovation. That means youd reserve $12,000 for cabinets in a $60,000 kitchen and $80,000 in a $400,000 kitchen. Ikea cabinetry for a sample 10 x 10 kitchen layout ranges from $1,149 to $3,599.

This begs the question: How is it possible that Ikea can be so much cheaperespecially when so many swear by its quality and durability? One answer lies in Ikeas approach to pricing: The company decides on the cost of a product first, then produces that product so that it can be marketed at that projected price tag. Below, three other reasons youll end up spending less:

Solid wood cabinets, esteemed for their strength and good looks, can quickly run up a five-figure price tag. IKEA cabinet units, on the other hand, are made from a cheaper melamine-clad medium-density fiberboard (or MDF), a type of engineered wood. Most millworkers would say that MDF is not as high-quality as plywood construction, Space Exploration designer Kevin Greenberg says. But it has its upsides, too: Its less weather-sensitive and less prone to warping than solid wood. In other areas, however, IKEA cabinetry bears surprising similarities to its higher-end counterparts: Its internal hardware, made by a brand called Blum, is the same youd find in many costly custom options.

Story continues

IKEA products are mass-produced in a fixed range of styles, colors, and sizes, which makes them an affordable alternative to small-batch or made-to-order options. The pros of mass production include lower price tags, limited lead times, and the relative ease of replacing lost or broken parts. The downsides? Less character, one-size-fits-all details (those pre-drilled holes that allow for adjustable shelving makes the product look cheap, Greenberg says), and, in the case of cabinet interiors, a certain ubiquity that leads everyone and their mother to know: You got that at IKEA!

Because IKEA products come disassembled and flat-boxed, their prices dont need to account for significant storage space, transportation costs, or the labor required to put them together. (Of course, if you prefer, you can have your products assembled for you, for an additional fee.) Custom solid wood cabinets, on the other hand, are one-of-a-kind products made by skilled mill workerson top of materials, youre paying for their time, labor, knowledge of construction, and artistic ability.

Despite the savings potential, renovators with larger budgets may wonder, when is it worth going custom? The answer: It depends. If this is the home youre planning to spend the rest of your life in, it may be worth investing in a perfectly tailored kitchen that youve had a hand in designing yourself. Or, if your renovation needs to accommodate an unusual layout or highly specific cooking requirements (specially sized drawers, say, or countertops of a particular height), custom cabinetry and detailing can ensure your needs are met. Rest assured, however, theres no need for FOMO if your budget is limited. For the average person, Greenberg says, a simple, modified IKEA kitchen is a good option to consider. Most people dont have to go far beyond that.

Additional reporting by Samantha Weiss-Hills.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

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Why Buying an Ikea Kitchen Will Save You So Much Money - Yahoo Lifestyle

Magnifier Research has recently published a research report titled Global Quartz Kitchen Countertops Market Size, Status and Forecast 2020-2026 explores the ongoing outlook in global and key regions from the perspective of major players, countries, product types and end industries. The report comprises and forecast values for a versatile understanding. Then, the report offers the perspective of major players, countries, product types and end industries. The research also analyzes top players in the global market and divides the market into several parameters. It presents the profile reviews of the leading participants, their overall market shares in the global Quartz Kitchen Countertops market, business strategies they have adopted, and the latest developments in their respective businesses.

Market Analysis:

The report gives an evaluation of various drivers, technological innovations, upcoming technologies, opportunities, market risks, restraints, market barriers, challenges, trends, competitive landscape, and segments. The report analyzes the scope of different segments and applications that can potentially influence the global Quartz Kitchen Countertops market in the future. Diverse topics discovered in the report includes regional market scope, product-market various applications, market size according to a specific product, sales, and revenue by region, production cost analysis, supply chain, market influencing factors analysis, market size estimates, a look at the target market, an analysis of competition.

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Major key players of the market are: Cosentino Group, Caesarstone, Hanwha L&C, Compac, Vicostone, Dupont, LG Hausys, Cambria, Santa Margherita, Quartz Master, SEIEFFE, Quarella, Samsung Radianz, Technistone, QuartzForm, CR Lawrence, Quarella, Stone Italiana, Granitifiandre, Equs, Diresco, Belenco, QuantumQuartz, Pental, Sage Surfaces (Allen+Roth), Zhongxun, Sinostone, Bitto(Dongguan), OVERLAND, UVIISTONE,

For a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, the market is analyzed across key geographies namely: North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe), Central & South America (Brazil, Rest of South America), Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa)

This report segments the global market on the basis of types are:

On the basis of application, the global market is segmented into: Residential, Commercial,

Furthermore, the global Quartz Kitchen Countertops research report has mentioned key manufacturers strategic enterprises and provides a brief about their structure. Analysts have also mentioned the research and development conditions of these companies and their provided complete information about their existing products. The report has figured out key factors as per segments and it includes price, value, availability, features, financing, upgrades or returns policies, and customer service. Most noteworthy, this market analysis will help you find market dark spots in the market.

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About Us

Magnifier Research is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry. Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Magnifier Research also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise. We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover. Magnifier Research provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.

Contact UsMark StoneHead of Business DevelopmentPhone: +1-201-465-4211Email: sales@magnifierresearch.comWeb: http://www.magnifierresearch.com

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Global Quartz Kitchen Countertops Market 2020 Industry Outlook, Comprehensive Insights, Growth and Forecast 2026 - Bandera County Courier

Countertops MarketLatest Research Report 2020:

The Countertops report provides an independent information about the Countertops industry supported by extensive research on factors such as industry segments size & trends, inhibitors, dynamics, drivers, opportunities & challenges, environment & policy, cost overview, porters five force analysis, and key companies

Download Premium Sample Copy Of This Report:Download FREE Sample PDF!

In this report, our team offers a thorough investigation of Countertops Market, SWOT examination of the most prominent players right now. Alongside an industrial chain, market measurements regarding revenue, sales, value, capacity, regional market examination, section insightful information, and market forecast are offered in the full investigation, and so forth.

Scope of Countertops Market: Products in the Countertops classification furnish clients with assets to get ready for tests, tests, and evaluations.

Major Company Profiles Covered in This Report

Arborite, LOTTE ADVANCED, Armas Company, AKP, Wilsonart, Aristech Surfaces, Formica, CAMBRIA, Arpa Industriale, Caesarstone, CXUN, Cosentino SA, Gelandi, Hanwha, Granito Zucchi, Groupe Pierredeplan

Countertops Market Report Covers the Following Segments:

Market segments

Segment by Type:

Laminates, Engineered Stone, Natural stone, Other materials

Segment by Application:

Residential, Commercial

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South America

Center East and Africa

United States, Canada and Mexico

Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy

China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia

Brazil, Argentina, Colombia

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa

Market Overview:The report begins with this section where product overview and highlights of product and application segments of the global Countertops Market are provided. Highlights of the segmentation study include price, revenue, sales, sales growth rate, and market share by product.

Competition by Company:Here, the competition in the Worldwide Countertops Market is analyzed, By price, revenue, sales, and market share by company, market rate, competitive situations Landscape, and latest trends, merger, expansion, acquisition, and market shares of top companies.

Company Profiles and Sales Data:As the name suggests, this section gives the sales data of key players of the global Countertops Market as well as some useful information on their business. It talks about the gross margin, price, revenue, products, and their specifications, type, applications, competitors, manufacturing base, and the main business of key players operating in the global Countertops Market.

Market Status and Outlook by Region:In this section, the report discusses about gross margin, sales, revenue, production, market share, CAGR, and market size by region. Here, the global Countertops Market is deeply analyzed on the basis of regions and countries such as North America, Europe, China, India, Japan, and the MEA.

Application or End User:This section of the research study shows how different end-user/application segments contribute to the global Countertops Market.

Market Forecast:Here, the report offers a complete forecast of the global Countertops Market by product, application, and region. It also offers global sales and revenue forecast for all years of the forecast period.

Research Findings and Conclusion:This is one of the last sections of the report where the findings of the analysts and the conclusion of the research study are provided.

About Us:

We publish market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students.

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Europe Countertops Market Report (2019-2025) | The demand for the Market will drastically increase in the Future - Curious Desk

Product Trends

Quartz continues to see growing demand, while dealers and designers say their clients are prioritizing neutral colors with depth and movement, durability and sanitary benefits in their kitchen countertops, a new KBDN survey shows.

authors Janice Costa

As both a kitchen design staple and a multifunctional surface that aids in a wide variety of tasks, countertops are a critical element in the kitchen. Prized for their beauty, durability and sanitary benefits, todays hot surfaces are an essential element to the kitchen. Material wise, quartz is leading the way, while neutral colors with movement and texture remain on trend. However, that doesnt mean there isnt plenty of demand for bold, statement-making colors as well.

Thats according to a new survey by Kitchen & Bath Design News, which polled 175 kitchen and bath dealers and designers about what countertop materials are seeing the greatest demand, what colors and materials are trending and what benefits their clients most want in their kitchen countertops.

MATERIAL INTERESTS

When it comes to what materials are hot and getting hotter, quartz remains the big winner, with 85.6% of those polled citing it as a material thats seeing growing demand (see Graph 1). Quartzite was also named by more than a third (35.1%) of dealers and designers as a material thats seeing increased interest of late.

While some designers might write off granite as a been there, done that material, granite, like stainless steel appliances, has perennial appeal. Indeed, more than a quarter (28.7%) of survey respondents still cited it as a material seeing growth right now, making it the third most popular material among those polled. This was followed by solid surface and wood (each being named by 19.5% of survey respondents as seeing growth in demand right now), marble (cited as growing by 14.4% of those polled), sintered stone/ultra compact surfacing (seen as growing by 12.1% of surveyed dealers and designers) and laminate (named as seeing increased interest by 9.8% of those polled). Other materials cited by survey respondents as seeing growth right now included concrete (6.3%), glass (3.4%) and metal and tile (2.9% each).

Outdoor surfaces, long seen as a tiny niche area, seem to be making some headway as well, thanks in part to the growing number of new and exciting options available in this category. Indeed, 8.6% of those polled said that outdoor-friendly surfaces are currently seeing increased demand among their clients.

Shades of white continue to be top choices among dealers and designers clients, with 89.1% of those polled saying clients prefer white or cream hues, along with gray, which was cited by 63.8% of respondents as being popular (see Graph 2).

Black, however, is making inroads, with 21.8% of dealers and designers saying theyre seeing demand for dramatic black countertop choices, while colorful options like blue (10.9%) and green (4.6%) are also in the mix. Brown, once a trendy neutral, seems to have fallen off a bit, with only 8.6% of those surveyed citing it as a popular color for kitchen countertops. Reds and terracotta shades barely registered on consumers radar, with dealers and designers saying fewer than 1% (0.6%) of their clients are choosing these hues for their countertops.

While color choices are pronounced, opinions are split on favored countertop characteristics. For instance, when it comes to deciding between shiny or matte surfaces, both got plenty of support, with 59.5% saying their clients prefer shiny or glossy countertops, while 40.5% said their clients lean toward matte finishes (see Graph 3).

Solid colors are less popular than those with texture, movement and patterns, though nearly a quarter (22.8%) of those surveyed said their clients choose solid colored countertops, while 77.2% preferred surfaces with patterns, movement and/or texture.

While consumers have long been a fan of countertops that blend seamlessly into the design, there seems to be a growing interest in bolder, statement-making choices as well. Indeed, of those polled, some 28.7% said their clients opt for bold over neutral when it comes to their kitchen countertops (see Graph 4).

COUNTERTOP BENEFITS

Whether bold or neutral, glossy or matte, monochromatic or full of color and texture, countertops are highly prized for their aesthetic benefits. However, they are equally valued for their task-worthiness.

Dealers and designers polled said their clients expect materials to be durable enough to hold up to the myriad functions required in a kitchen, from food preparation and family meals to large-scale entertaining, homework, craft projects and more.

Not surprisingly, then, the whopping majority (92.5%) rated durability as extremely important (44.8%) or very important (47.7%) to their clients (see Graph 5). By contrast, not a single dealer or designer saw this as not at all important, while 1.2% said their clients view this as somewhat important and 6.3% rated it as moderately important.

Affordability also plays into clients countertop decisions, according to kitchen dealers and designers surveyed, and while this may not be their top concern, it is a factor in their material decisions. Few dealers and designers said their clients thought that affordability was either extremely important (8%) or not important at all (1.1%), with most coming in somewhere in the middle (see graph 6).A total of 46% of respondents rated this as moderately important, while 35.1% saw it as very important and 9.8% said it was slightly important.

In light of the current Coronavirus crisis (see related stories, Pages 6, 8 and 14) it comes as no surprise that more than half of those polled cited sanitary benefits as extremely important (18.4%) or very important (34.5%) to their clients (see Graph 7). Another 31% viewed this as moderately important while 12.1% said it was slightly important and 4% rated it not at all important.

Interestingly, the trend toward environmentally friendly products seems not to be having much impact on consumers countertop choices, with a mere 1.1% of dealers and designers having cited this as extremely important to their clients (see Graph 8), and only 5.1% saying their clients viewed a countertops green properties as very important. At the other end of the spectrum, more than a fifth (21.2%) said that their clients believed having an environmentally friendly countertop was not at all important, while 41.2% rated this as slightly important and another 31.4% said their clients saw it as moderately important.

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Trends in Tops - Kitchen and Bath Design News

Global Kitchen Countertops Market 2020 is analyzed in details, to provide accurate and useful insights and market data that players can perform strong growth in the future. Experts and Kitchen Countertops industry analysts, which makes it legitimate and dependable compile the analysis. Readers have a thorough inspection of historical and futuristic Kitchen Countertops market scenarios to have a good understanding of other issues that are important with the market competition. The report offers Kitchen Countertops information on key players, key sections, market dynamics and assorted niches. It is a complete collection of Kitchen Countertops research and in-depth analysis of the market.

Global Kitchen Countertops market trends provide a basic summary of the including definitions, classes, applications and industry chain analysis. The Kitchen Countertops market analysis is provided for the international markets, including key regions, development status, competitive landscape, and development trends. Plans and policies are discussed, as well as cost structures are analyzed and processes. This Kitchen Countertops report also claims ingestion, demand and supply figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.

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Key Players Mentioned at the Kitchen Countertops Market Trends Report:

Kitchen Countertops Market: Segmentation

The report gives a breakdown of the Kitchen Countertops market sections, focusing on potential market size, market share and their CAGR for future growth. The industry is divided by product type, application and region. Each segment in these types is the subject of comprehensive Kitchen Countertops research to familiarize yourself with its growth prospects and key trends. The segmental analysis is essential to identify the most important growth factors of a sector. The Kitchen Countertops report offers specific details on market development and demand for applications and products that players may concentrate on their industrial growth.

On the end-users/applications basis, the Kitchen Countertops report concentrates on the status and prognosis for revenue quantity, important applications market share and growth rate for each application, including

On the basis of types, this report shows the revenue quantity, revenue (USD), Kitchen Countertops market share and growth rate, largely split into

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Kitchen Countertops Market: Regional analysis includes:

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Kitchen Countertops Market Type, Analysis and Global Forecast to 2025 - 3rd Watch News

The owner spent more than $2.5 million to build this magnificent one-of-a-kind estate and is selling it for nearly a million less. Located on 3.39 acres in the heart of Ormond Beach, this spectacular custom-built showplace has more than 8,000 square feet of living space that holds five bedroom, six full and two half baths, a top-of-the-line home theater, a full wet bar, a four-car garage and an RV parking garage, with guest quarters. Upon approaching the gated entrance, an extended brick paver driveway adds to the curb appeal and is ideal for accommodating large parties. Just through the hardwood door, there are impressive architectural details and high-end finishes, such as columns, crown molding and double tray ceilings throughout. The formal living room is graced with gorgeous marble floors, a double-sided fireplace and high ceilings, while the living room flows into the formal dining room that, in turn, provides access to the huge lanai. The over-the-top chefs kitchen offers everything you can imagine, including GE Monogram appliances, a six-burner gas range, custom cabinetry, a breakfast bar and a nook, with an incredible light fixture and coffered ceilings. Theres also a full-size butlers kitchen, hidden off of the main kitchen, which opens up to the luxurious family room, featuring coffered ceilings and fireplace. The master retreat is tucked away on the west side for privacy and features a double-door entrance, coffered ceilings and two separate baths one side with an impressive walk-in closet (with custom shelving), a huge walk-in tiled shower, custom water features, granite countertops and a jetted tub, and the other side with a custom walk-in closet, black granite countertops, a walk-in shower and tub. Adjacent to the master suite, there is an executive office, compete with wood floors, granite countertop and shelving. There is also a beautifully designated piano room, with faux painting and wood floors. Two extra-large guest bedrooms, with private baths, also make up the downstairs living space. An elevator takes you to the second level, which is home to a full bar, with sitting area, the theater room and one of the guest quarters/in-law suites. The outdoor living space is just as impressive, boasting a large pool and spa, a summer kitchen and multiple sitting areas. Manicured landscaping and a private lake complete the picture-perfect backyard. The RV parking garage offers additional storage and its own office/living quarters, complete with a kitchen and a full bath. The amazing property is secured with a concrete wall all around and a gated entrance.

ADDRESS: 602 Tomoka Ave., Ormond Beach

TOTAL LIVING SQUARE FEET: 8,010

LOT SIZE: 438 feet by 323 feet and 482 feet by 437 feet

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 6 full, 2 half baths

STORIES: 2

YEAR BUILT: 2006

PRICE: $1,699,000

CONTACT: Bill Navarra, Realty Pros Assured, 386-334-9991

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Amazing gated Ormond estate on nearly 3 acres is a work of art - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

By Jeanne Huber, The Washington Post

Q: Ten years ago, a bathroom vendor installed three cultured-marble vanities in our unit but said nothing about applying a product to keep the surface looking fresh. This year, I noticed that all of the vanities have very fine scratches. Our project manager said that the vendor has gone out of business and that no one else is interested in trying to restore the vanities. I found online advice suggesting using automotive paint buffing compound and a handheld buffer. There seem to be a lot of liquid granite/marble products on the market, but nothing exactly called automotive paint buffing compound. Can you provide details, and is this something an able 80-year-old can do?

A: Yes, even an 80-year-old should be able to make scratched cultured-marble countertops look better.

Cultured marble is a mixture of polyester resin, catalyst, fillers and pigments that are molded in forms coated with a clear gel coat. When the mixture cures and is flipped out of the mold, the gel coat becomes the top surface. Its what gives cultured-marble countertops their smooth, glossy look.

To keep cultured marble looking like new, manufacturers recommend sticking with cleaning products that dont contain abrasives, because those would scratch the surface. But over time, scratches can still appear, either because someone used an inappropriate cleaner or just from ordinary use.

If the scratches are very fine, it might be sufficient to coat the surface with a product such as Gel-Gloss Kitchen & Bath Polish ($7.95 for an eight-ounce bottle from Amazon). You could also use a similar product, Original Gel Gloss RV One Step Polish and Protector, which is sold by Home Depot in 16-ounce bottles for $7.17. A customer service representative for TR Industries, the manufacturer of both products, said they are identical except that the product with RV in the name contains ultraviolet inhibitors to protect against sun damage. Both products, she said, would be fine to use on countertops. The products safety sheets are identical and list only two ingredients: water (80-90 percent) and very fine quartz particles (10-20 percent).

For use on a countertop, TR Industries recommends applying the liquid with a clean microfiber cloth and using another clean microfiber cloth to buff it out. But the instructions warn that might not be enough for countertops like yours: For the older, harder to clean surfaces we recommend using an orbital buffer if the manual process is not effective. Multiple applications are recommended for better surface protection, and a superior shine. But if too much Gel-Gloss is added at a time, the surface could wind up looking foggy. You would then need to remove the Gel-Gloss with soap and water, as well as mineral spirits.

Given that, it might be wiser to use Gel-Gloss as the last step and to concentrate first on removing the scratches. That is whats recommended by Luke Haas, president of Elite Marble Company (608-297-2175; elitemarble.com) in Montello, Wis., and a board member of trade group International Cast Polymer Association.

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His company offers a repair kit for its customers that has the same materials his crew uses to take out scratches when they show up on countertops in factories. Depending on how severe the scratches are, they first sand with 600- to 800-grit sandpaper. They then switch to an automotive buffing compound and buff out scratches left by the sandpaper.

Its more effective if you use a buffing machine, but it can be done by hand, Haas said. But if youre doing it by hand, youd have to go to higher and higher grit of sandpaper, to 1,000 and then 1,200. (With sandpaper, the higher the grit number, the finer the abrasive.)

For the sandpaper, you could use wet-dry sandpaper or sanding sponges, such as the 3M Sanding Sponges sold in a set on Amazon for $9.79. You would need only the two finest-grit sponges: ultrafine (equivalent to 800-1,000 grit) and microfine (1,200-1,500 grit).

For the buffing compound, Haass company uses Aqua Blue 100 Fast-Cut Compound, which is sold on Amazon in gallon containers for $44.95. But thats because we use so much of it, a spokeswoman said. You could use any auto buffing compound.

One example is Turtle Wax T-241A Polishing Compound & Scratch Remover ($5.49 on Amazon for a 10.5-ounce container). Any auto-parts store or the auto-parts aisle of a hardware store or home center would have equivalent products. Just be aware that products labeled as rubbing compound are more aggressive than those called polishing compound. The rubbing compound might substitute for the sandpaper, but whatever you use to get the existing scratches out, you need to follow it with a polishing compound.

If you decide to invest in a buffing machine, avoid models with 10-inch-diameter pads; those need two hands to maneuver and are oversize for use on a vanity. Instead, look for a lightweight, one-hand model thats easy to handle, such as the Ryobi 0.5 amp corded six-inch orbital buffer/polisher, $34.97 at Home Depot.

Removing the faucets before you sand and buff would allow you to refinish the countertop evenly, but that would add plumbing steps. Rather than tackle that, Haas suggests leaving the faucets in place but wrapping the base of the metal with painters tape in case you accidentally get too close with the sandpaper or buffer.

As a final step, he recommends coating the countertop with Gel-Gloss. Its a fantastic product, he said, and it will give your countertops a like-new gloss.

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Restoring the gloss on scratched cultured-marble countertops - The Gazette

By Tammie Shanahan Correspondent

FridayMar27,2020at12:01AM

Come and explore the great outdoors as you meander over beautiful marshland on a 900-foot dock/nature trail that leads to a covered boathouse. Situated within the pristine, park-like setting is this meticulously maintained four-bedroom, three-bath home, featuring a formal living and dining room, with ample space to entertain guests. The custom kitchen, which features stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, a center island and tons of pantry storage, opens to a spacious great room, with hardwood floors, a built-in desk and a large wood-burning fireplace. The split-bedroom plan allows for privacy in the master bedroom suite, which opens to the pool-side patio for quiet morning coffee breaks. The three additional bedrooms include custom built-ins and plenty of closet storage. Theres also a separate space off the pool patio, with its own private bathroom, that could be used as a home school room, office or guest suite. The large pool, with covered deck and screen enclosure, is an ideal place to end your day and enjoy the hot summer nights.

ADDRESS: 308 River Bluff Drive, Ormond Beach

TOTAL LIVING SQUARE FEET: 2,589

LOT SIZE: 112 feet by 151 feet

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3

STORIES: 1

YEAR BUILT: 1980

PRICE: $519,000

CONTACT: Julie Eads, Geri Westfall Real Estate, 386-503-9667

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Call this Ormond Tomoka Oaks riverfront treasure home - The Ledger