Kitchen Remodeling

Yan asked:


Found a scratch inside my cherry kitchen cabinet, obviously, the color is not going to be cherry, the color is like normal cabinet white, so my question is how to fix it?

Thanks

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Richard Dinae asked:


There are actually 2 ways where you can get the kitchen cabinet designs you have always wanted. One: you are basically starting from scratch. This means that your dream kitchen is still pretty much on the drawing board. And two: you are planning to renovate your existing kitchen set up and that your cabinets are the first to go.

Number one is pretty easy. All you really have to consider is your kitchen space and your budget. You can either subscribe to some kitchen cabinet designs that you can see in architectural digests or interior designing magazines. Or, if you are particularly picky, you can always hire an interior designer to give you a blueprint of the kitchen cabinet design that will meet your specifications. This way, you are basically asking for a personalized service for custom-made goods. As such, you can ask for basically any type of cabinet set-up, from small overhead cupboards, to hidden cabinets installed on walls and dividers, to cabinets on kitchen islands.

The main thing about this enterprise is the careful planning that goes behind the design. Make sure your interior designer has a clear idea of how much kitchen space you have so that you can still pretty much move about in the said space even when there are one or more cabinets open.

Aside from functionality, make sure that the design is also easy on the eye. It is quite common to stuff every available space with kitchen cabinets. However, sometimes, it is more pleasing to the eye that storage areas are properly spaced, intricately positioned and wonderfully matched (or contrasted) with the surrounding surfaces.

Number 2 would need a bit more dedication on your part, since you already have an existing kitchen set up. You basically need to work around the space you are given or totally have the entire area redone.

One of the least expensive ways of getting your preferred kitchen cabinet designs is by simply resurfacing (or re-facing) the cabinet doors. You can do this by removing the cabinet boxes (or doors); and then remove the door knobs and handles. Once those are accomplished, you can paint over the old design, or “wallpaper” over it, or stencil a new design on a whitewashed surface. Add a coat of veneer or polish to really make it brand new looking. Make sure that the paint is already dry, or the “wallpaper” is adhering properly before you return the knobs and handles.

If you want a really unique touch, you can replace your knobs and handles with unique pieces, like antique cabinet handles in burnished copper. Make sure though that you replace handles and knobs that have similar looking designs to give your kitchen that cabinet that themed “face-lift.”

Again, the key here is to make a careful plan on what you wish to accomplish. Try out several wood pieces first (preferably, none of them from your kitchen) to see if the paint or wallpaper or stencil really does work for your kitchen theme. Make sure that cabinet handles do fit within the vacated slots. If not, it would be best to actually fill in the holes drilled from the earlier handles before drilling new ones.



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Carmen Fontana asked:


Take a look around your kitchen. If you had to pick, what’s the one feature that defines the room? Chances are you answered: the kitchen cabinets, and you’re definitely not alone in that response. In fact, King Features Syndicate recently ran a question and answer session by the title of “Cabinets will set the tone for kitchen.” So if you’re in the market for new kitchen cabinets, make sure you’re making an informed purchase before you set down any cash.

Let’s take a look at a couple of the kitchen cabinet dilemmas readers posed of the King Features Syndicate. The advice they received just might ensure your new cabinetry sets the desired tone in your own kitchen.

Homeowner #1 wanted to know what color cabinets she should consider to “take the clinical edge off the shiny steel” of her stainless steel appliances. She prefaced the question with the admission that she had “a small, rectangular kitchen that is open to the eating area.”

The expert’s advice? “Considering the expense of the cabinetry, counters and appliances, the kitchen décor most likely will outlast the color choices [throughout the rest of the room and home]. Think about the overall mood you would like to convey in your home, and then look to a palette of colors that enhances that feeling. You can go all wood for a country or formal style; dark green, blue or red if you want to create some drama; or acid greens and yellows for edgy appeal.”

Fortunately for homeowners, leading manufacturers of kitchen cabinets proudly present cabinetry finishes that heighten the beauty of wood’s organic characteristics and showcase its natural beauty. Each finish technique creates a unique, furniture look, while hands-on craftsmanship gives each piece of kitchen cabinetry its own distinctive style, thereby expressing your individuality. Select a kitchen cabinet door style by wood species, door finish and/or wood finish to set precisely the tone you’re seeking.

Homeowner #2 wanted to know what “kitchen cabinets … would go with the” oak dining room set she inherited from her grandmother and loved. She feared that more oak on the kitchen cabinets would “be too much.”

The expert advised, “There are no rules-simply choose what makes you happy. Select a traditional door style that will complement your dining-room set, and a heritage color-berry-blue or blood-red paint or stain. Another option is to go with wood, left natural or painted white, but mix the cabinet doors so that some uppers have glass inserts.”

With more than 100 door styles, six wood species and 34 furniture finishes, a leading kitchen cabinet manufacturer can help you set exactly the tone you’re seeking in your kitchen. Its decorative glass door insert options further enable you to showcase your best china or let the morning light reflect off your fabulous stemware or other treasured collection. With a variety of mullion doors and glass inserts, including stained glass, camed glass and textured glass, to choose from, you can put the spotlight on what’s really important to you-including your heirloom dining set.



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Carmen Fontana asked:


Word on the street is “It’s a great time for [kitchen] remodeling - if you have the money,” at least according to a recent The Arizona Republic new article. While that logic may go against the grain of everything that’s happening in the economy right now, it has some merit to it. And even homeowners who don’t have the cash saved up to update their kitchen with new kitchen cabinets and other remodeling features can take advantage of all-time low rates on home improvement loans.

So why now of all times, in the midst of a recession, would experts contend that the stars are aligned for remodeling the home, in particular the kitchen? The newspaper article points out several compelling reasons.

1. First and foremost, the recession is fueling never-before seen price wars. Contractors and retailers alike are slashing their prices in an effort to stay competitive in a slow market. This competition is good news for kitchen remodelers who want custom-built cabinets as well as those who are satisfied settling for assembled and ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinetry from their local home improvement supercenter. Indeed, there are kitchen cabinet deals to be had around every corner. “It’s the perfect time because (remodelers) will negotiate with you, and they will listen to you,” one newspaper source pointed out.

2. If a homeowner is planning to remain in his or her home for a while, the cost savings realized now on new kitchen cabinets can turn into substantial profits down the road. Once the economy recovers and real estate starts selling again, savvy homeowners can leverage their remodeled kitchens into higher asking prices. After all, the kitchen is one of the main selling points in any home.

3. “During the most recent housing boom, when local contractors were swamped, projects often came with longer time frames and higher bills,” The Arizona Republic article points out. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, new home sales dropped to the lowest rate on record in December 2008. As a result, kitchen cabinet contractors and kitchen cabinet manufacturers are not only slashing their prices; they’re also getting those cabinets installed much more quickly. How much faster? “For an average kitchen remodel, where it probably took close to three months before, it can be done in half that time,” one expert estimates.

4. If you’re a homeowner who’s looking to turn a profit on home foreclosures and short sales, there’s no time like the present to get those houses up to and above par. “Because you can get real estate at essentially bargain-basement prices [right now], it makes it much more attractive to put money into that home.” And when the goal is securing the highest possible return on investment, new kitchen cabinets are an excellent place to start.

Assembled and pre-assembled kitchen cabinets allow homeowners to get started on their kitchen remodels more quickly and to finish the project at lightning speed. By eliminating manufacturing and home assembly wait times, homeowners can see their kitchen remodeling transformations come to life in near no time.



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mommy2andynana asked:


We bought a new house but the kitchen cabinet’s are a light oak color I would like to stain them darker like an expresso color how can I do it with out making them look cheap? I tried sanding them since they have a clear coat( no stain) on them, but when I put down the stain it just would’t take it. Do I need an oil base stain or one that has the stain and sealer.
HELP!!

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Carmen Fontana asked:


With winter fast approaching and the economy still in turmoil, it looks like more and more Americans will be hunkering down and staying put at home this cold weather season. But being confined indoors doesn’t have to lead to cabin fever. A little kitchen updating-including the addition of new kitchen cabinets-can give your home that winter getaway appeal without your ever having to fill the gas tank or brave icy roads.

What’s that you’re thinking? Quality kitchen cabinets are going to cost you a fortune-money you just don’t have right now with holiday shopping and heating bills looming right around the corner? Well, stop that self-defeating thinking right now. Armed with the right shopping strategy, you can find quality kitchen cabinets at value pricing.

Just ask the folks over at ARAcontent. They recently published an article titled “E-value-ating Your Shopping Strategy for Quality Kitchen Cabinets,” so they ought to know. What advice did they offer therein?

“When choosing cabinetry, there are certain characteristics homeowners should look for,” said certified kitchen and bathroom designer and director of design, Connie Edwards. Those characteristics include:

1. Finishes - Look for kitchen cabinet finishes that require minimal care and upkeep. Lasting durability is key to getting the most out of your kitchen cabinet investment. A topcoat finish like DuraKraft™ is what you should be looking for. This process is applied, oven-cured and hand-sanded between coats, for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. And to get the precise look you’re craving, look for a kitchen cabinet manufacturer that offers an exquisite palette in a wide range of unique colors to add warmth to both your kitchen cabinetry and your home.

2. Standard Construction Features - You don’t want your kitchen cabinet cost savings to come at the expense of the environment. So search out a kitchen cabinet manufacturer that is committed to continually improving and advancing its processes and products as part of its eco-conscious philosophy. Once you have that peace of mind, evaluate what decorative enhancements the kitchen cabinet manufacturer offers. Decorative accents, hardware, moldings and glass inserts can all give your kitchen cabinets a customized look that reflects your personal style. You’ll save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars if these enhancements are part of your overall kitchen cabinetry package as opposed to being bought piecemeal elsewhere.

3. Warranties - Obviously, a kitchen cabinet manufacturer that prides itself on high-quality construction will guarantee its products, but not all warranties are created equal. Many kitchen cabinetry manufacturers offer limited warranties only. Shop around for a kitchen cabinet manufacturer that warrants its cabinetry to be free of defects in material or workmanship for as long as they are owned by the original purchaser.

4. Retailer Options - Look for a kitchen cabinet manufacturer that is flexible in its pricing options and that is open to discussion about its costs. Pricing kitchen cabinetry without knowing all of the detailed information specific to each kitchen is difficult. There are so many variables to consider, such as wood species, finish, storage solutions and moldings, that it is best to discuss pricing with your kitchen designer before sealing the deal. That way, there will be no surprises down the road.



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Tony Bargas asked:


The end of summer marks the ceasing of hours of fun and games by children and in many homes the beginning of a nightmare game called Kitchen Catch-up. The rules are to call everyone you know who has had anything from a doghouse to a roof or a kitchen remodeled and ask them ninety-nine questions. Then call the Better Business Bureau and ask them ninety-nine more questions, have a two-month migraine, and decide on which contractor by the end of the year. Or if your lucky, maybe your kitchen will be finished in time for Christmas dinner.

How does this scenario sound: Instead of having to replace the floor, hire a plumber to reinstall the sink, repair and paint walls damaged in ripping out cabinets — you could deal with a trained qualified company of professionals who have a better way.

Choose cabinet refacing instead of replacing your cabinets and have your new kitchen cabinets finished within 3 to 5 days! That’s right, that is all it takes. Select from many styles in oak, cherry, maple and other wood spices, laminate and thermo-foil door styles.

Choose from a selection of finishes to perfectly match your taste, decor, and pocketbook. Several styles include the glass doors that can be changed to “update” as often as you would like. They can be changed to match your mood, the nationality of food you’re eating, holidays or just family fun.

Refacing your cabinets adds an investment value of up to 145% compared to 95% added value of a kitchen replacement. Instead of paying the average $6,000 - $18,000 for factory made stock cabinets or the upwardly spiraling cost for custom cabinetry of $18,000 - $30,000, depending on the size of your kitchen, choice of materials, and the contractor you select. You could save money by refacing which averages from $3,000 - $8,000 depending on the size of your kitchen.

Custom-made cabinets take 7 to 10 weeks to make and deliver. Installation takes another 3 weeks minimum for custom or stock remodeling. With cabinet refacing, you’re back in your kitchen cooking-up the bacon in 3 to 5 days average. The process to success is fast, smooth and easy.

The cabinet bases and shelves are inspected to be sure they are reface-able, most are. Lighter kitchens seem brighter, bigger and also lighter cabinets can handle rich hues in countertops. The National Association of Home Builders reports: Kitchens are the most popular room for residential remodeling and repair projects. Last year’s national average cost was $9,700. Collectively, residential remodel­ing tallied over $120 billion last year, based on statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Cabinet refacing is becoming the buzz-word in kitchen cabinet remodeling to add comfort and value. Kitchens today are the central gathering place in the home.



Kitchen Cabinet Organizers

� � �� Jackie � �� � asked:


i want to paint my kitchen cabinets….but dont know where to even start…..they are made of partical board ….and i was told by someone that i would need to treat them with a Kiltz primer first. Water base or oil base? also i need to sand them down….wont this be difficult since they are made of partical board?
Sarah…..where in Walmart do i find this?
thx sarah will go look today
sarah my walmart didnt have anything to do with texture painting…… no didnt buy kiltz yet…..not sure what to do……my cabinets have some water spots that warped sorta……so i am at a loss as to how to handle it
i would like to have white cabinets…..my kitchen is done up in apples…….soft yellow walls with apple boarding…..mostly green and yellow decor…..but i dont want to do my cabinets in those colors just in case one day i do the decor different
sarah gotta run out…..please email me with any ideas….i really appreciate it….u can click on my avatar to get my email addy

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Louis Russell asked:


Over time the surface and outlook of kitchen cabinets can become dull. This is due to the moisture that is found in a kitchen along with the steam and cooking fumes.

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to change the look of your kitchen is by replacing your kitchen cabinet handles. Although the changes might be small, but they are important as they tend to draw the eye in.

Choosing new kitchen cabinet handles can be more difficult than you think. With so many different kinds of styles and colors to choose from, it’s not an easy task to pick just one that will blend in you with kitchen.

Kitchen cabinet handles can come in a circular shape, rectangular square and even oblong. If your cabinets already have a rectangular border around them, maybe you would to avoid handles of the same shape.

The next big decision is the material that the handles are crafted from. Metals and plastics are generally the two most popular. Although wicker handles are making a comeback as well.

New handles are a fun way to change the look of your kitchen. Maybe you want to be bold and put red handles on white doors or black handles on yellow doors.

Replacing your kitchen cabinet hinge is another easy yet eye catching changes. Many people find it easiest to choose a kitchen cabinet hinge that matches the handles they use. In fact many hardware and home improvement stores pack their handles and hinges together. This is certainly the best way to ensure that all of the hardware on your cabinets matches.

What happens if you decide on a colored handle? You also might want to consider colored hinges. Generally colored hinges are crafted from plastic. It wouldn’t be a good choice for cabinet that will be used frequently.

Another idea is to purchase a plain looking kitchen cabinet hinge. For example wooden cabinets a brown kitchen cabinet hinge would certainly blend into the cabinetry and therefore offset the handle. You’ll want to go this route if the handles you purchased are where you want people’s eyes drawn to.

Ever thought of adding a kitchen cabinet organizer? Well, it does make your kitchen neater and at the same time beautify your kitchen. Provided you choose the right one!

There are many standard sized kitchen cabinets that can accommodate a quality cabinet organizer. You can settle for a cheap plastic version or look for better made products that will cost a bit more.

Another way to go is to have kitchen cabinet organizer custom built. Although this is a more costly method, but if you are a stickler about how your kitchen is set up, then you might want to explore this option. Just take a little time to flip through the yellow pages or search online. You can easily find a bunch of qualified professionals that will build the perfect kitchen cabinet organizers for your kitchen.

Many people who undertake the job do a few things at a time so their kitchen isn’t in complete disarray. While, some others prefer to do the entire job at once. The choice is entirely up to you. Although it’s a fair amount of work, the effort is worthwhile when you see the difference in your cabinets and kitchen. Have some fun and brighten up the look of your kitchen today.



Closet Storage Systems

Rambo asked:


I’m looking to add kitchen cabinet hardware/handles to horizontal drawers and I’ve seen them placed in various positions. I’ve seen them most frequently dead center and above center (for lower drawers). I’m guessing dead center is the way to go but I’m curious if anyone else has a different take. Thanks!

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