How to Cut Costs with Granite Counter Tops

On 06.04.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
Have you ever thought of getting a trendy granite counter top, but decided against it because of the cost? Your reluctance is understandable – at $50-$150 a square foot, it can be a costly renovation item.

One thing about granite, it’s not just another pretty face. Not only does it look great, but it’s durable, heat-resistant and stain-resistant, and if properly treated, it will never scratch or crack. There are a lot of cheaper products out there, but with only a fraction of the resilience and lasting qualities.

Basically a granite counter top is made from a big hunk of stone. By itself, the cost is not that great, but when you add the costs of obtaining it from the quarry, shipping it to the dealer, and then eventually to the installer, that piece of rock has gone through quite a few hands, and the costs add up.

Granite counter tops come in a myriad of sizes, shapes and designs, each formed individually by Mother Nature. Costs vary depending on the weight, thickness, distance the product is being transported, and on its availability. Some pieces have been obtained from foreign countries and shipped thousands of miles.

When looking for a budget-friendly version of granite, you can still obtain a high quality, durable product, but look for the following characteristics:

- A more standard design

- Not as thick as the higher priced versions

- Stone may have some pits or blemishes

Sometimes if the stone is quite thin, it may require special supports upon installation, but it will still look like its expensive counterparts and remain quite durable. Some dealers also have a “scratch & dent” pile, where they sell less than perfect pieces or end cuts at a discount.

One of the other contributing factors to the expense of granite is the installation. The stone comes in a solid slab that has to be individually designed and shaped. You can really cut costs by having it installed in smaller pieces, such as 12 inch squares and installed and grouted like tile. With this method there is less waste and if there is any future damage, you can just replace the tile, but be sure to keep some spares.

Once you’ve got this beautiful counter top, be sure to maintain it so that it holds its value. You will need to occasionally reseal the surface to maintain its water-resistant qualities. If your counter experiences any dents or chips, have them filled right away. Finally, keep your granite counter top bright and polished to hide imperfections and bring out the grain in the stone.

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Latest Trends In Kitchen Sinks

On 06.02.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
These days, kitchen sinks are becoming more and more of a central focal point in kitchen design. In the past, sinks are only seen to be the area where you clean up, but designers and DIYers have realized the impact that kitchen sinks create through their visual and functional appeals.

Here are the most popular kitchen sink styles today:

Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks, also known as basin sinks, have become popular in contemporary kitchens. These types of sink are slightly recessed from the counter, and usually placed slightly above the counter top, instead of below it as in traditional sinks. Due to its recessed nature, a vessel sink is largely visible so that it makes a major design statement.

There are a variety of vessel sinks available and they are made of various kitchen-friendly materials such as stainless steel, natural stone, metal (copper or aluminum), glass, and wood. Since they are raised above the counter top, it can be convenient to use as home owners need not bend over while working, so it will expectedly be easier on their postures and on their back. The cost of vessel sinks largely depends on the material.

Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron sinks, are becoming quite a trend as well nowadays. They are named so because they imitate the rectangular, deep look and visible front that is very common in vintage and rural houses. They can either be mounted or placed on top of the counter top, and these basin-style sinks usually do not have a deck on its exterior so that faucets and other accessories can be installed directly onto the counter top, or somewhere beside the basin.

Most farmhouse sinks are made from enamel or white porcelain, but a lot of manufacturers have started to use other modern materials such as stainless steel, fireclay, natural stone, copper or wood. They are available in single and double basin styles.

Prep and Entertainment Sinks

Many home owners have recently discovered the advantage of having a slightly smaller, secondary sink. These auxiliary sinks create a huge difference in terms of the kitchen workflow. These prep or entertainment sinks offer an additional workspace for other minor functions such as for wine to chill, for someone to assist in chopping onions or for washing the hands before eating a meal.

Trough Sinks

For kitchens which are rather crowded, conventional rectangular or square sinks can be a problem as it offers only a limited space. Trough sinks have been developed to accommodate two, three or four drains and faucets, so that there can significantly be enough elbow rooms for big families who look to cook. These are best for big kitchens, restaurants, and so on.

Seamless Sinks

Nowadays, sink styles have evolved into seamless designs. People have realized how difficult it is to clean the spaces and crevices between the sink and the countertop. In seamless sinks, the sink and the counter top are put together in one single piece so that pushing food, dirt or spills right into the drain is as easy as 1, 2, 3. With seamless designs, it is a lot easier to maintain a clean kitchen.

Kitchen sink designs slowly evolve to fit the needs of home owners. Thus, if you are choosing yours, make sure that you choose one that fits right into your functionality needs, as well as the overall kitchen design you want your kitchen to be.

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Kitchen Carts with Wine Racks – A Practical Fixture Perfect For Your Space

On 05.28.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
Are you looking to add some cooking prep space to your kitchen, but do not want to spend a huge amount of money to do it. Well, there is a cost effective option perfect for doing just that, which is fabulous kitchen carts with wine racks. One would be an ideal addition to any home kitchen.

Kitchen carts with wine racks are extremely practical for two main reasons with the first being that more working space that they add to your kitchen. You can use this furnishing’s spacious countertop for accomplishing a number of different tasks including mixing batter, chopping or dicing vegetables, kneading dough, and anything else you might have to use it for. Some also come with drop down leaf extensions that can be raised to give you even more place to work.

Another reason why kitchen carts with wine racks are so practical is because they also provide you with extra storage space. For one, you can store wine in them because of that wine rack, making it easy to just reach down for the wines you need while cooking or for serving at dinner. Plus, along with storing your favorite wine selections, you can also store a number of other things in them as well thanks to their other lovely storage features. For example, if you need a place to put any extra pots or pans, you could put them in the furnishing’s cabinets or shelves. Or, maybe you need a spot to hang cloth towels or paper towels, than turn to its towel rack.

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Remodeling Your Kitchen With ‘Hot’ Cabinet Doors

On 05.27.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
There are a number of kitchens doors. There are doors that are made from density fiber board. These cabinet kitchen doors include eyebrow kitchen cabinet doors, mission kitchen cabinet doors, cathedral doors, shakers, squared, head bedded and many more.

The Density fiber boards are also called the DFBs. They are for all cabinet kitchen doors and for drawer fronts as well. The DFBs have a great advantage which is their durability. They last for quite long which therefore means that once you put them in your kitchen, they stay in your kitchen for a very long time without losing the shape, color, most importantly the style. They are easy to assemble. Assembling them is very easy and does not take up too much of your time. The raised panel doors are all one hundred percent solid wood. They also have designed concealed hinges. This makes them strong and beautiful.

They are designed for any kitchen because they come in different colors, sizes and shapes .There are few common ones which are, the Charleston autumn, the Charleston cabernet and the Charleston chestnut. These have adjustable shelves which make them ideal for homes especially kitchens. They therefore compliment any kitchen remodeling design and can be used to refine an individual’s own kitchen remodeling ideas.

Kitchen door cabinets also have wall cabinets, high refrigerator wall cabinets with two doors each. They both have adjustable shelves and they act as remodeling ‘agents’ too. Certain designs in kitchens are followed. Therefore, kitchen door cabinets also offer deep diagonal corner wall cabinets. These are located in deep corners of the kitchen and are also stylish. They also have adjustable shelves, in most cases its two adjustable shelves and its always two doors. A high double are cabinet also has these doors which come in different sizes and shapes but with the same two door system and two way adjustable shelves.

There are number of cabinet doors. Some of them are Ashford which has a honey bird colour. Euro line has a natural oak and its color is that of an oak. Hereford doors are lemonish in colour. Linonds have a high gloss while colour which is usually favored by most people. The Milano has a super white ash colour. Modern comes with a high gloss red which is a deep colour and definitely brightens the kitchen. There is also the Mapoli and Oxford which have a maple color and peppy oak respectively.

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Kitchen Wall Tile – Vibrant and Inviting

On 05.26.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
Take a moment and think of the room you spend most of your time in. If your like the majority of us it’s most likely the kitchen. That’s the place where families talk about the day’s events and spend the most time together. We do a lot more then eat and cook in our kitchens. So I would like you to know that you have choices that can make your kitchen vibrant and inviting.

You can make your kitchen an expression of who you are. You can make your kitchen come alive with attractive colorful wall tile, backsplashes, murals and photos. There are many ways for you to create your own unique kitchen wall tile experience.

Wall tiles have been around for centuries but with today’s technology there are so many more options available that were not around just a decade ago. To achieve this you will have to let your imagination run wild. Your only limitations are your own creativity.

Kitchen wall tile is fast becoming the standard rather than a luxury in kitchen remodels or upgrades. Some of the materials that are available are ceramic, porcelain, mosaic glass, stainless steel, metal and natural stone.

Ceramic and porcelain are the most popular. The tile is dense and strong, also easy to clean, long lasting, and does not absorb odor, water, heat or carry allergens. They are man made and more flexible in the tile design. You can find an overwhelming array of colors and arrangements.

Kitchen wall tile can stand up better then paint. It is an easy clean up for splatters and drips. It also holds up well to the necessary cleanup that occurs every day. Some tiles are painted, glazed and fired. This means that the colors and glazes are sealed permanently so it won’t fade or wash away.

You can tile an entire wall or design a mural, backsplash or photo as a focal point of your kitchen. Make sure when you choose your design and colors that it blends nicely with your countertops, counters and other decorations.

A backsplash is small so the expense is insignificant to the visual impact you will achieve. It can turn your modest kitchen into a masterpiece. Tile photo murals are photos that are reproduced on your tiles. Then they are assembled like a puzzle.

The shape and size of the wall tile is another option to consider. For flat areas larger tiles result in an orderly appearance. For small or curved areas mosaic tiles should be a good choice for their flexibility. Before you install the wall tile, the most important job is preparing the wall. If you do not prepare the wall properly your tiles could warp and look uneven.

During my research I found an abundance of designs available. To name a few there were animals, birds, landscapes, sea life, plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables and wine. I chose a lovely ceramic backsplash of vibrant colored wine bottles. I have not regretted the choice for even one minute.

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How To Install Laminate Countertops

On 05.20.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
So you’ve found the laminate that your looking for, the pattern, design, color and price have come together and your now ready to begin your home improvement project. The project will be lengthy but the end result will be rewarding. Whether your goal is to improve the aesthetic of you home or to increase the value home by enhancing your kitchen the project will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.

The first step is to prepare the surface area for the laminate sheets.

Remove the old countertop surface Sand the surface area Clean the surface area Use course sandpaper on surface area to prepare for contact cement Apply any back laminating as needed, this will reduce moisture that will get into the countertop

Note*

Removing adhesives, paint and varnishes is key to getting the professional result your looking for.

The second step is to prepare the laminate sheets.

Measure the surface area to determine the size and shape needed. We recommend using a utility knife or fine-tooth backsaw to cut out your laminate sheets. (You can also use a circular saw, backsaw or saber saw.)

a. Give yourself room for error a few centimeters to ensure the laminate fits, you can trim the sheets later to ensure you get the right fit.

b. Technique for cutting the sheets is to cut on the design side and at a low angle.

The third step is to set up the surface area and laminate sheets for placement.

Experts recommend using contact cement to bond laminate to your surface. (Epoxy adhesives will also work as a bonding agent.)

Using a paintbrush apply a coat of contact cement to the surface you wish to apply the laminate to. Apply a smooth coat of contact cement onto the back of the laminate sheets. Read the directions on the contact cement for drying allow it to dry for the recommended time.

a. Be careful not to allow the cement to dry to long this can decrease the bonding strength.

b. A good rule of thumb is just that if the contact feels dry to the touch it is probably ready.
Note*
You may need an additional contact cement coat for the trim to the countertop edges.

The fourth step is placement of the laminate sheets onto the surface area.

This must be done very carefully. The bonding strength of contact cement is between 50-70% at first contact. So positioning the laminate sheets perfectly before they do contact is a must. You can do this by using strips of wood, dowel rods or wrapping paper.

Place strips of wood or dowel rods roughly a foot apart adjust if laying a larger laminate sheet. Or place wrapping paper over the surface area. (This step is not needed when placing laminate sheets onto vertical surface.) Place laminate sheets onto surface area, once the placement is perfect then remove strips of wood, dowel rod or wrapping paper. Use a roller to go over the entire surface, make sure that the plastic laminate is sealed tightly to the surface area this will also help ensure any air pockets are removed. For this task you can also use a wooden block or mallet, it’s recommended to start from the center and work out using these tools. If you need to make a seam place the larger laminate sheet over the smaller sheet. Cut through the sheets cleanly at the exact point that they overlap then remove the excess laminate.
The fifth step is placement of laminate sheets onto the edges.

Measure edges and cut out laminate sheets accordingly. Remember to cut sheets out with a few extra centimeters to ensure they cover the surface you can trim and customize the sheets later. Apply two coats of contact cement onto surface edge. Apply one coat of contact cement on to plastic laminate strips. Allow the contact cement to dry for the recommended time provided by product instructions. Carefully place laminate sheets aligning the sheet perfectly to the top of the counters edge.

Go slowly and press firmly to ensure the sheet is sealed to the surface at all points.

The sixth and last step touch up and clean your new countertop.

Allow the contact cement to fully dry. Trim off any excess laminate on the edges using a router with a special blade for laminate, you can use a file if the excess is small. Be careful and go slowly when cutting the excess laminate, a slight miscalculation could crack the laminate sheets. Clean any excess contact cement using a special solvent, if you do not have the solvent you can also use nail polish to remove it.

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Simple Kitchen Backsplash Ideas For Your Kitchen

On 05.18.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
From the simply divine marble flooring to the hanging light that illuminates that stately wood dining table to the incredibly spacious kitchen cabinets, there’s nothing in your kitchen that does not evoke an uninhibited frenzy. But despite all this apparent magnificence, something seems to be lacking. This niggling question is clearly not doing anything to improve your morale. So, where does the solution lie? Ever given a thought to some really simple kitchen backsplash ideas to do the needful?

May be not, but then look at it this way- sometimes too much of a good thing can be counterproductive. So you need something that boasts of a countervailing power to distract you from all the sheer opulence around. That’s why simple kitchen backsplash ideas are such a runaway hit.

More functions than you thought possible

It does not need great powers of imagination to understand that the kitchen backsplash is the single-most exposed area in the kitchen. In fact, the first thing that meets the eye when you set foot in a kitchen is the backsplash. So it better be good. This apart, the backsplash is also entrusted with the unattractive task of protecting the area from all those invidious food spatters that are a byproduct of your non-existing cooking talent. Above all, a kitchen backsplash adds immense aesthetic value to the kitchen.

From a painted kitchen backsplash to a tin kitchen backsplash, there’s no end to the way you can spruce up this place. There are innumerable colors, designs and styles to choose from. But the bottom line is to keep it simple and very attractive. That can be achieved by adhering to the basic principles of selecting a kitchen backsplash. Make sure the backsplash blends with the flooring and cabinets in the kitchen.

The area of the backsplash is as important a consideration as the dimensions of the tiles that will be used to cover the same. Remember, it’s a backsplash that you’re designing, not some outlandish set in a period film, so keep the colors to the bare minimum

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IKea Kitchens – Making a Dream Kitchen

On 05.14.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
Remodeling Your Kitchen Can Really Be Expensive, But Not With Ikea

Cooking is all the rage these days and having the perfect kitchen means a lot to homeowners these days. Thanks to Ikea you can have a kitchen that you can be proud of. Are you without cupboard space and looking for an alternative to your drab old kitchen design? Then I think an Ikea store is where you may want to look first at for a total remodel. If you want to start slow and build it to your specifications They have the products you need to make that remodel picture perfect. One of the first steps is to get a rough idea of what you what and need in your kitchen. Is it more cupboard space, more room, or just something different than you have right now? Ikea catalogs can give you many ideas that you may think never existed. Let’s get started on your dream kitchen with some simple tips to get you started.

First and foremost if you are going to having anything done to your kitchen using Ikea products you are going to need measurements. These measurements will make it easier to decide which of these products best fit into your future kitchen plans. Try to keep your measurements as accurate as possible. Measure the height and width of the walls where you want your new cabinet space to go. A good tip to remember is that you must take into account that the doors must have room to open. Do not paint yourself into a corner. Take the time to sit down and design a rough draft of what you think it should look like. These drawings can be used to incorporate products into your final design and purchase.

Now that we have the measurements and a rough draft it’s time to pick out our Ikea brand products for the kitchen. This will depend on a lot of different factors. One great thing with these products is you can make it anyway you want. You’re in total control of how everything looks. When you hire a contractor and they install it many times it’s tough to remove. Ikea kitchen products give you the flexibility of picking the cabinets you want and even the colors that suit your mood or taste. From sliding door cabinets to push and release doors the possibilities are endless. The hardest part could be deciding which catalog products you like best. That’s a good problem though and one many people will take anytime.

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Kitchen Remodeling ROI – Return On Investment

On 05.12.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
The cost for your kitchen remodeling project should be based on the value of your home. Investing too much could lead to a poor return on investment or a home valued outside the local market expectations. 15% of home value is a good rule of thumb for a kitchen remodeling budget. Following 15% of home value, it is not inconceivable to get 80% to 90% or more return on investment.

Usually you can expect a lower return on investment for more major remodeling projects due to the increased cost involved in a major remodeling project. If a kitchen has been neglected or is dilapidated you can expect a lower return on investment because much of the cost is consumed by bringing the kitchen to a livable standard rather than actual improvements.

A 100% return on investment is possible. But rather than working designing towards that figure, consider livability as a major component in your kitchen remodeling project budget. Especially if you plan on living at the home for some time to come. You might even love your new kitchen so much that you forget about any notion of selling and moving out.

New kitchen appliances can often be all that is needed in a kitchen remodel project, and can be relatively inexpensive since there is no labor involved other than delivery and installation. Plus, since new, good quality appliances are pleasing to prospective buyers, they can have a favorable return on investment.

Your homes size and your neighborhood should be considered too. If your improvement or remodeling project are extensive compared to the rest of the neighborhood or size of the home, then a high expectation of return on investment may be unrealistic.

You can also consult a local real estate agent to get a good idea of how extensive of a kitchen remodeling project to fund. A good real estate agent with knowledge of your neighborhood should be able to give a good indication of your remodeling project ideas effect on the value of your home. Even if your remodel project is for your own satisfaction, and you have no intent on selling and moving, a real estate agent will usually have a good idea of how much previous clients spent on their kitchen remodels, and the resulting increase in home value. Consider offering the agent a flat fee for their opinion if you have no intent on selling.

To summarize, a kitchen remodeling project can greatly increase the value of your home, and make it sell faster. Return on investment may, or may not be important to you depending on if the project is for your own satisfaction or for selling the home. But do be carefull that your project does not price your home out of the neighborhood.

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Solid Surface Sink Repair

On 05.11.10, In Home Improvement, By admin
Solid surface sink repair is one of those things that most homeowners will not ever have to worry about. If you are one of the exceptions to that rule then you should know some things about having your sink repaired.

First thing is, if the repair that you need is for a crack in the sink, you don’t need a repair, you need a sink replacement. When a solid surface sink gets a crack in it there is no reliable or good looking way to repair a crack in one of these sinks. There is no magic potion to be applied to it, no glue to make it go away and anything short of a complete replacement is a total waste of money and will not stay repaired, it will crack again and usually even bigger than the original crack.

Now, if the repair that you need is a chip or a scratch or even a tough to remove stain you are in luck. In most cases, these issues can be solved by someone who is experienced in solid surface repairs and refinishing. These things can usually be resolved with some vigorous sanding using a sander or in some cases even sanding by hand with a piece of sandpaper. In fact, for small chips and scratches and stains most homeowners could actually do these repairs themselves.

The only problem with that is that most homeowners would not even dream of ripping into their expensive solid surface sink with a scratchy piece of sandpaper. That is probably a wise decision because if they are not used to working the material the results they get may be less than satisfactory for them.

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