Kitchen Remodeling, Some Beneficial Ideas

Making the kitchen your first home improvement project is a great idea. Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best home investments you may make and is often the top priority when it comes to home improvement projects. The kitchen is the most crucial part of your house, so making this room appealing and agreeable to work in as well as practical can be imperative. Having a smooth running, well planned kitchen is crucial in getting the entire home to function effectively. Even if you just own a little kitchen, take care not to let this hamper your kitchen remodel project. When size is limited the organization of the kitchen ought to be most important.

The main directive when it comes down to how to put into action your kitchen modernizing ideas is to have your budget in clear view at all times and stick to it. Remodeling your kitchen on a tight budget will be tricky but you need to instruct yourself to turn down any ideas that will bust your budget and search around for affordable substitutes.

When you are upgrading your kitchen, you may need to understand how to work out in what order to bring about the changes. Equally, as it may be awkward to carry out kitchen upgrading all at the same time, you have to prioritize the alterations that are most important to you. If the main thing you really want is extra cabinet storage space, then set aside money for new kitchen cabinets instead of spending on a new copper sink. Discovering how to upgrade the kitchen without wanton spending necessitates that you prioritize the elements in your kitchen that will need to be refurbished.

Another central part of kitchen remodeling will be picking the correct lighting, from general light fittings for kitchens to light fittings for kitchen islands.

When your kitchen has a high ceiling then a single ceiling lighting fixture may possibly not be enough to illuminate the whole room. Think about special types of lighting arrangement for different parts of the kitchen such as; under shelf lighting, pendants, chandeliers, semi-flush lighting, or recessed lighting if you can afford to have that done.

Granite is rapidly becoming one of the most well-liked constituents for kitchen counters. Whatever your individual style, there should be a granite color absolutely suitable for you and your interior. With a lot of assorted eye-catching colors to pick from you will most likely have lots of choices in deciding on the wonderful granite countertops for your upgraded kitchen.

An added well-liked favorite used for kitchen remodeling are concrete counters. Today you will be able to find out in online stores why concrete counters are very sought after. They can be made in virtually any design, including rounded which is something that may not be done easily with natural granite. See how you can make the versatility work for your upgraded kitchen plus what color options are now available. There will be different kinds of coloring additives, stains, and concrete variations, so concrete counters will forever be unique. Concrete is friendly to the environment in every part of its life span, making it a foremost choice for environmentally friendly kitchens.

When kitchen remodeling, your kitchen sink is almost always replaced. If you would prefer a up to date, retro, or country style kitchen, there are now a lot of kitchen sink designs to decide from. There are a significant variety of kitchen sink styles which as well are presented in a variety of materials which are in turn offered in a large array of colors, shapes, and sizes. When you have decided on the kitchen sink you would like, you then will need to decide on a faucet.

Kitchen faucets were formerly a clear-cut essential. But today you will be able to have faucets to complement any kind of kitchen in a assortment of configurations and finishes. There are new designs and new technology that can help your upgraded kitchen to a much more user friendly space.

Use the web to help you discover which style of faucet would match your upgraded kitchen the best. In addition to your principal kitchen faucet, you may also like to incorporate an entertainment sink faucet for an extra water source on a kitchen island, a pot filler kitchen faucet or a water filtration faucet to make sure that you will be supplied with pure and the safest water.

One eye-catching highlight you can add to your modernized kitchen is a copper sink. You will be able to choose from a expansive variety of copper kitchen sinks in purpose made styles and shapes, copper country style kitchen sinks, hammered copper sinks, double bowl copper kitchen sinks, and others. You may be certain that if you get a copper kitchen sink it will bring a talking point into your kitchen and everybody will love it.

Kitchen tiles for backsplash and walls were a long time ago common old dull white ceramic. But today you will be able to acquire tiles for your refurbished kitchen in a massive assortment of finishes, colors, shapes and sizes. Glass in a variety of sizes from big sheets to tiny mosaic pieces can be used with splendid effect within a kitchen. Glass could even be cast to look like marble tiles and using recycled glass in your remodeled kitchen can be an environmentally friendly preference.

Refacing your kitchen cabinets will most likely be a easier alternative to a total kitchen upgrade. Does your kitchen need modernizing? If so, think about cabinet refacing as a replacement for the expense of buying and installing brand new ones. If your hardware is tatty after cleaning, you might want to replace it. Today is a good opportunity to give your cabinets a total modernization. There will be many beautiful handles plus hinges offered at your local home improvement stores or in online stores.

The least costly way in which to upgrade to a fresh look for dark and unloved wooden kitchen cabinets is to paint them. Ensure the kind of paint you utilize should give a functional, washable surface.

When choosing new kitchen cabinet handles, select a design that should look spectacular in your upgraded kitchen. Should you live in a retro home, opt for brass or pewter. If your house is minimalist, go for hardware to match like glass, aluminum or novelty handles, allowing the kitchen cabinet handles to match your refurbished kitchen.

Using the huge quantity of online stores and kitchen design specialists, it is easy to explore the best brands of flooring materials for your kitchen. If you know what brands of floor covering are offered you can decide whether you intend your upgraded kitchen floor to be of cork, vinyl, travertine or limestone. Should you prefer to become environmentally friendly, then you might be thinking of bamboo.

For even more information regarding kitchen upgrades please read http://www.DesignIdeasForYourKitchen.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tesa_Adams/373614

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5004156

Shopping for Cabinets

When renovating or remodeling a kitchen your choice of kitchen cabinets might be the most important selection you make. Cabinet selection is important for two reasons.

First, the cabinets you choose for your new kitchen will be the items having the greatest visual impact. In the average kitchen cabinets are mounted on or against at least two walls (or the equivalent), and perhaps more. Cabinets will also create the base for an island, whether designed for cooking or for casual dining. The cabinets you select will establish the design of your kitchen.

Second, the cabinets you select will account for about half of the total cost of your kitchen renovation or remodel. Although you can find and purchase cabinetry in a wide range of price categories, this is an almost universally applicable rule of thumb. Good cabinetry in not inexpensive. Most contractors and kitchen designers will agree that kitchen cabinets are not the place to scrimp when designing a new kitchen. Your cabinets will outlast your kitchen floor, your appliances, and possibly your countertops (depending upon the material you choose).

Characteristics of good kitchen cabinet construction:

• Avoid drawers held together with glue, nails or staples
• Avoid drawers made with thin particle board
• Test the drawers before you buy to be sure they will support about 75 pounds when open
• The case or cabinet box should be made of wood that is 1/2 inch thick or more on all sides
• All surfaces of the cabinet should be finished, even the back and the interior sides
• Kitchen cabinets should have adjustable shelves (this is a clear indication of construction quality)
• All shelves in kitchen cabinets should be 5/8 inch thick or more, otherwise they will bow
• Check the quality of the hinges (most should be invisible from the front, no squeaks and no metals that will rust easily) and ensure that doors open completely
• The very best kitchen cabinets are made entirely of solid wood
• A plywood box or case with solid wood frames and doors can still be a good quality product
• Some reliable kitchen cabinets are available at lower cost because they are built with plywood supports and use medium- to high-density particle board for door and drawer fronts. Others use laminate over the particleboard.

Cabinet design installs the cabinet doors in one of two ways. Frameless construction was a very popular adoption from European design in the 60s. The style continues to be very popular in contemporary kitchens. In this style, the door covers the entire box or case of the cabinet. Alternatively, in framed construction, the doors are installed in a way that leaves a frame around the outside of the door. Framed construction is the norm in traditional, country, cottage, and many eclectic kitchen styles.

Ways to purchase kitchen cabinets:

1. Knock-down cabinets can be purchased and taken home the same day. Many homeowners can install these units themselves. These are the least expensive types of cabinets and can be the perfect choice if you are on a tight budget.
2. Stock kitchen cabinets are available only in standard sizes and limited styles and finishes because they are mass-produced by the manufacturer. These are also a good option when the budget is tight.
3. Semi-custom cabinets are also available only in standard sizes. There is a larger selection of styles, finishes, accessories and options. These provide somewhat more flexibility in designing your kitchen.
4. Custom cabinets, although available from some cabinet companies, are most often purchased from local cabinet makers. These cabinets are made to order and are thus built to the exact specifications of your needs. They are more expensive, but they offer the largest variety in wood, finish, style, size and special and unique details.
5. Hybrid approaches are also very popular. By working with a cabinetmaker to select the kitchen cabinets you like from a manufacturer. The cabinetmaker then installs the standard size cabinets and customizes others for special sizes and needs, as well as adding personal touches and special features.

Many inserts and built-in features are also available to provide for organization and ease of access to items stored within your kitchen cabinets. From pull-out work surfaces, to drawer fronts for refrigerated drawers, to door covers for nooks for small appliances to wine racks, you can customize your cabinetry in a variety of ways to meet your needs. It is possible to create an appropriately designed cabinet or work surface for every need.

There are also a number of features available or customizable to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. These include lower work surfaces that pull out or that are stationary and leave open space beneath. Pull-out organizers, Lazy Susans and other enhancements to make items readily accessible.

This basic information should help you begin to make decisions about your new kitchen cabinets. Keep in mind when shopping that the appearance of your kitchen renovation will be established to a very large extent by the cabinets you choose. Your cabinetmaker will be able to help you consider the vast range of ways you can customize your cabinets and create a unique kitchen design.

Scott Dostal is the President of Kitchen Cabinet Value, LLC, Clinton Township, MI, serving homeowners and real estate investors throughout SE Michigan. His company specializes in modifying structurally sound inexpensive kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities to look like cabinetry found in high value homes. To find out more how to buy kitchen cabinets that contain the quality and look of expensive custom cabinets at a fraction of the price, get his free report at http://freereport.kitchencabinetvalue.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Dostal/860285

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5526124

Pros and Cons of Stocked Cabinets

Selecting cabinets for a new kitchen or a remodel involves many choices. One choice, with a significant effect on your budget will be manufacturing styles. Stock kitchen cabinets will be one of the manufacturing styles you can choose.

Cabinets are sold in several manufacturing styles. Your choice of one of four manufacturing styles will directly affect the cost of your new kitchen. The cabinets account for 40% – 50% of the total cost of your kitchen.

Knock-down (KD) cabinets are the least expensive. They are in stock in most cabinet or home improvement stores and can be taken home immediately. In many cases, homeowners are able to install the knock-down cabinets without the assistance of a professional.

Stock kitchen cabinets are mass-produced in a factory. This achieves the greatest efficiency in production because they are always made only in standard sizes. Stock cabinets are also available in only limited styles and finishes.

Semi-custom cabinets are also available only in standard sizes. They are, however, available in more finishes and styles than stock cabinets. They also offer options for the interiors, including organizational devices and some accessibility options.

Custom cabinetry is sometimes available from cabinet companies. More often, however, custom cabinet are built to order by local cabinet makers. Custom work allows you to get exactly what you want in terms of wood, finish, measurements, sizes, interior options, customized door designs and more.

Stock cabinets are an economical option for most homeowners who cannot afford to install custom cabinetry but want cabinets in one of the more popular styles and kitchen design motifs. If they are made well, they can be a wonderful option.

Stock cabinets are available in standard sizes. What does this mean?

1. The standard height for a floor-mounted cabinet is 34½ inches. With a countertop added, the work surface is 35 inches above the floor.
2. Wall-mounted cabinets are between 12 and 30 inches high, depending upon the space available. Your choice can also be influenced by whether you want the cabinets to go to the ceiling.
3. Floor-mounted cabinets extend 24 inches deep. Wall-mounted units are 12 inches deep.

The standard units available in “standard sizes” are:

• Base unit
• Drawer base
• Sink base
• Blind corner base
• Corner base
• Corner carousel
• Drop-in range base
• Wall unit
• Tall cabinet (oven, broom closet, pantry)

The width of cabinets ranges between nine and 48 inches, in increments of three inches. This enables homeowners to choose stock kitchen cabinets for most projects.

Stock cabinets are generally available in only a few different wood choices. Often a mid-range wood will be used to make all cabinets. The finished cabinetry is then stained to reproduce the color of a more expensive wood or it is painted white or black (sometimes other colors).

A somewhat limited number of door panel styles are available. For example, there might be only one style of frame and panel, one style of raised panel and one style of flat panel.

The most important characteristic of stock kitchen cabinets is construction. Before you buy cabinets, it is important to check for several markers of solid construction:

• The best construction will use dovetail drawer and cabinet corners (no nails, glue or staples).
• Drawers should be sturdy enough to support at least 75 pounds.
• The case of the cabinet should be ½ inch thick or more.
• The interior of the cabinets and drawers should be finished.
• Adjustable shelves need to be 5/8 inch thick or more.
• Good hinges.

Check construction of the cabinets, measure your kitchen carefully and look for the finish and style you want for your kitchen. You might find that well made stock kitchen cabinets are the perfect choice for your new kitchen.

Scott Dostal is the President of Kitchen Cabinet Value, LLC, Clinton Township, MI, serving homeowners and real estate investors throughout SE Michigan. His company specializes in modifying structurally sound inexpensive kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities to look like cabinetry found in high value homes. To find out more how to buy stock kitchen cabinets that contain the quality and look of expensive custom cabinets at a fraction of the price, get his free report at http://freereport.kitchencabinetvalue.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Dostal/860285

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6349103