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Cabinets Buying Guide
Cabinet buying is not as easy task with all the options
available on the market. This guide will help you through the
process and get you acquainted with the features you should
consider when selecting cabinets for your home.
In the first place, it's important to realize that there are
two basic cabinet types to choose between. Framed cabinets are
popular in country and traditional kitchens. In this style,
the edge of the cabinet frame around drawer fronts and doors
is left exposed.
The doors and drawers can fit flush inside the frame,
partially inset, or overlay the frame entirely.
This type of cabinetry is very stable because the solid wood
frames are rigid - even if the bottoms, sides, and backs are
made of thinner material, the overall structure is strong.
The downside is that frames allow for smaller openings, and as
a result, offer less storage space.
Frameless cabinets give rooms a modern look because the drawer
fronts and doors have no frames. People love this type of
cabinetry because it's clean and makes accessing utensils and
other supplies very easy. At the same time, frameless cabinets
are difficult to install because the doors and drawers butt up
against each other and require door clearances.
Materials
Solid wood: You can choose either real wood or wood veneer.
Real wood is usually present in the doors, drawer fronts, and
face frames on custom cabinets. Pre-fabricated components are
always constructed of wood veneer.
Manufactured wood: Plywood, medium-density fiberboard,
particleboard, and even hardboard (in drawer bottoms) are
examples of wood materials you can find in some cabinetry.
To make particleboard, wood particles are mixed with resin and
bonded under pressure. When shopping for cabinets, if you are
considering particleboard, look for grade and thickness, as
low grades (under 45 pound rating) don't hold screws as well
and have a tendency to warp.
Medium-density fiberboard is of a higher quality than
particleboard, made of finer fibers. As a result, the surface
is smoother and you can shape and paint the edges.
Plywood is constructed of thin layers of wood plies, put
together by laminating them with the grain running at right
angles in alternate plies for strength. Grade A plywood is ¼
inch to 1-1/8 inches thick.
Finishes
Cabinets can have wood and laminate finishes, or you can paint
or stain the surface. Foils and vinyl films are also an option
- this material is less expensive than laminate but also less
durable.
How to Care for Your
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops require special care so that they continue
looking beautiful for many years. Although granite is quite
resistant to scratches, to properly maintain this type of
countertop material, it's advisable to follow a few simple
procedures.
1. Spills have a tendency to soak into the surface, so
to avoid deep staining wipe up spills immediately.
2. For stone surfaces a neutral cleaner, such as stone
soap or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water, is safe to
use.
3. When cleaning with a soap solution, use a soft,
clean cloth and then rinse the surface thoroughly. Finish off
by drying with a soft, clean cloth.
4. If you do happen to stain the surface, removal
depends on the type of stain. First, try removing it with this
paste: mix together a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of
dishwashing liquid, and water. Place the paste over the stain,
cover in plastic wrap, and leave overnight. In the morning,
use a wooden utensil to scrape away the paste and give it a
rinse. This should work except for stains made from grease,
oil, or milk. In these cases, instead of dishwashing liquid
use hydrogen peroxide in the paste, or ammonia.
5. For organic stains resulting from coffee, tea, or
fruit, a mixture of 12% hydrogen peroxide combined with a few
drops of ammonia should work wonders.
Ink, marker and wine stains on darker stone require a lacquer
thinner or acetone for removal. Hydrogen peroxide works well
on light-colored granite.
Another method to remove wine, ink, or any other non-oil stain
is to mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste. Apply
for 30 minutes, remove, and rinse.
For oil-based or fat-based stains, create a paste of molding
plaster and water. Keep it on the stain for 3 hours and then
remove and rinse.
Granite countertops require resealing every two to three
years, but ask your installer for suggestions as to when this
needs to be done. Of course, on surfaces that will be used for
food preparation, use a non-toxic sealer.
New disinfectant cleaners on the market now come in formulas
designed for granite countertops - purchase this type of
product if you prefer disinfectant cleaners to other cleaning
options.
For any problem that you can't handle on your own or are not
familiar with, call a professional to handle the cleaning job.
Use coasters, especially for alcoholic and citrus beverages,
as the acid in these drinks can dull the stone's surface.
Keep hot items off the surface.
Always test these cleaning methods on small discreet area for
color fastness or granite damage.
How to Choose a Kitchen
Remodeling Contractor
Choosing from among dozens of bathroom and kitchen contractors
sounds like a hassle, but these days more homeowners are
negotiating the process with style. From very basic jobs
involving little more than a new veneer to wholesale
restorations, the finest bathroom and kitchen contractors
around distinguish themselves with true craft and better
prices. If you want to find service such as this, you may be
closer than you think.
Experienced contractors will often give you an estimate, a
timeline and countless other assurances long before they
begin, a ready signal that they are reliable. Although many
outsource parts of the job to friends in the business, you
should expect to know precisely who will be in your home at
any one time. Most contractors have no trouble offering this
kind of information, but watch out for those that make a habit
out of vague answers.
Of course even with the proper employees, getting the job done
exactly the way you want requires no small amount of patience.
It's not unusual for signals get crossed throughout this
process, which is why most experts recommend staying involved
and checking the work regularly. Even if your instructions are
followed to the letter, there are certain bathroom and kitchen
contractor choices that simply don't work and may need to be
changed before everything is buttoned up.
The right bathroom and kitchen contractors tend to be flexible
in situations like these, offering guidance and solace without
bankrupting you in the process. From simple choices such as
cabinet knobs through major overhauls involving islands and
booth seating, a good bathroom and kitchen contractor will
generally keep you apprised of any budget and scheduling
changes as they arise. When you're this involved in the
decision-making process, you'll generally be far more
enthusiastic about the outcome.
Look around the Web for portals that have earned the trust of
home repair specialists and you may find yourself culling some
valuable information in a hurry. From there you only need to
make contact with bathroom and kitchen contractors whose
experience and credentials meet your standards and you could
have the kitchen you want in a matter of weeks.
How to Tile a Kitchen
Backsplash
Installing a kitchen backsplash is one of the simplest ways to
express your industry and good taste. When laid out properly,
these simple, such colorful designs can act as a focal point
for the room, setting off the cooking appliances with a touch
of artistry. Today a new generation of enterprising homeowners
has begun undertaking projects like these without professional
aid, and the results can be dazzling. If you are looking for
simple instructions about how to tile a kitchen backsplash,
you have come to the right place.
The principles involved in this kind of work aren’t too
different from tile work generally, but it’s important to
remember that this part of the kitchen has some specific
requirements. First, you want to make sure you have selected
tile that can withstand significant heat, moisture and
splashing oil. Second, a good amount of power will likely be
used behind and between these tiles, especially if an outlet
is present, so it’s essential to use adequate clearance and
insulation.
Step one is choosing a tile that suits your needs. Basic glass
is a popular choice, though more specific tastes may demand
anything from pastels to elaborate ceramic patterns. The only
rule here is to find colors and forms that suit your kitchen,
playing off your existing fixtures and appliances for a
pleasing effect. Earthier tones create something of a rustic
feel, while brighter colors can recall an era of craftsman
finery.
Preparing the wall couldn’t be simpler. Most manufacturers
recommend basic cleaning with soap and warm water, followed by
ample time to dry. If you have concerns that a drywall may be
too weak, damaged or humid, it’s worth having a professional
out to the house to take a look. Assuming everything is
intact, however, you can begin laying out tile almost
immediately. As with all home projects, you’ll want to measure
twice here to ensure you get no rude surprises as you reach
the edges of your space.
Most kitchen backsplashes are as least four feet wide, and
many are just as tall. Find tile pieces that can meet these
spatial demands and be sure to plan the layout so you don’t
end up with overly narrow slices toward the edges. Tiles that
need to be cut for specific shapes, such as outlets or exhaust
pipes, are best handled with a wet saw that can follow your
manual score marks without shattering the material. Remember
to leave extra material around outlets as you want the
backplate to overlap the tile, not the other way around.
Longer screws will be necessary to re-fasten fixtures such as
these, so pick up the appropriate hardware the next time you
visit the store.
Before you apply the adhesive, be sure to cut all the power to
any nearby outlets or appliances. Be careful as well about
applying too much adhesive. Generally one eighth-inch or less
is considered plenty. Lay down nice, even grooves with a
trowel, doing your best to keep them parallel to the stovetop
itself. If the grooves line up with their counterparts on the
tiles’ undersides, you will get a firmer, more reliable fit.
Begin with the center tile and press it firmly into the
adhesive, applying a twist at the end to ensure every part of
that tile has made contact with the substrate. Use spacers
just as you would on a floor to ensure the tiles are
distributed uniformly and accurately around the backsplash.
(The is may require trimming a few spaces as you near the
edges and most are soft enough to be cut with conventional
scissors.) Once the adhesive has set according to the
manufacturer’s time limit, you can remove the spacers and
prepare the grout.
Work the grout into the spaces using a rubber float and some
elbow grease. Too much is better than too little here, as you
have ample time to remove any excess as you go. Once you have
pressed firmly all around and created an even layer, wipe off
the remaining material and clean the haze from your tiles
using water. Repeated washings may be necessary, so wait until
everything is dry before you reinstall the outlets and
fixtures. Turn the power back on and your new backsplash
should be beautiful and ready to use!
How to add a Kitchen
Island
Kitchen islands are growing more popular with each passing
year, and it isn’t hard to guess why. Extra space, extra
functionality and striking beauty often underlie such design
elements. Many homeowners looking to add a kitchen island find
themselves overwhelmed with options, however, which is why
it’s important to keep a few basic tips in mind. With good
planning, good taste and a little patience, you should come
away with a room that feels far more functional and inviting
than before.
The first step to installing a kitchen island is determining
what materials and mechanicals you want to have. The most
common choice for countertops by far is granite, as this
incredibly hard natural material requires little in the way of
maintenance or care. Second only to diamonds on the hardness
scale, granite can withstand temperatures well in excess of
most cooktops, and with few exceptions the material cannot be
stained or scratched. Best of all, granite is a naturally
variable substance, meaning you get utterly unique patterns of
mica, quartz and feldspar in every slab.
Your next step is to determine the dimensions you want. Most
experts recommend leaving ample room on all sides of the
island if you want to encourage through traffic and plenty of
interaction. Two feet is acceptable and three feet is even
better, especially if the island itself has moving parts that
need to slide open without obstruction. A number of home
design experts also heartily recommend designing on overhang
so you can fit chairs and stools under the island during
regular use. Leave up to a foot and the island becomes a
perfect staging area for buffets and casual meals as a sturdy
and compelling permanent table.
The next step is to decide when kind of mechanicals you want
in the island. Although some homeowners simply need another
surface to cut and dice, avid chefs and fans of convenience
often desire something more functional in that space. Common
choices include sinks, cooktops and stoves, though more
elaborate plans may include refrigeration units and barbecues.
The important thing to keep in mind with any such installation
is that appliances like these must be electrified and grounded
adequately to ensure safe operation. If the kitchen is on a
concrete slab or the floor is difficult to get inside,
professional help may be required to run the appropriate
lines. You will also want to wire the island for at least two
outlets to ensure ready convenience for the processors and
other devices you may use.
If you are using heating elements, you will need to install an
exhaust vent. Most of these can be routed to existing ducts in
your home, though specific appliances occasionally require
more advanced HVAC work. Look into the pros and cons of
updraft vs. downdraft, particularly if your home is likely to
be sealed in cold weather. Securing the vent to your ceiling
will also require locating sufficient structural support and
unusually high, vaulted ceilings may demand special parts that
can significantly increase the cost of this project. The good
news is that most such vents are pretty inexpensive with few
moving parts and a very basic motor, nearly every unit works
well enough to keep your kitchen and home safe from harmful
gases and exhaust.
One of the best ways to save money throughout this process is
to design and build the island on your own. Although you
likely won’t be making a cooktop, the cabinetry is ultimately
not so different from cabinetry anywhere else in the home. Use
hardwoods to create the pieces the same way as you would
anywhere else. Cut and sand your sides, assemble with dowels
or biscuits and add all the necessary touches such as dadoes
and rabbets. Unlike traditional cabinetry, however, an island
requires all-around finishing, so you may want to forego
traditional plywood backing for a second set of doors or
drawers. Be sure to use materials that can support heavy
granite, stone or slate, and leave ample room for any wiring
and pipes you’ll need.
Finally, many homes now use islands to separate rooms, such as
the kitchen and dining room. If this is part of the function
of your new island, consider finishing the sides in two
different ways for a clever effect. |
