Here is a slide show of a kitchen remodel.

You can see the before and after. By doing your own work you can save a ton of money.
There are many ideas you can get from watching this do it your self kitchen remodel.

From the creators of the video:

This is a slide show of our kitchen remodel. My husband and I started this project in March of 2008 and just finished it at the end of May. We did all the work ourselves and saved a lot of money,…

I hope this helps you in your next remodeling project.

You can find more videos like this one, at Kitcehn Remodel Videos.

Also you may be interested in this Single Handle Kitchen Faucet;

Technorati Tags: do it yourself, kitchen, kitchen redesign, kitchen remodel, remodeling, Single Handle Kitchen Faucet

read comments (0)

The following article from our friend, and kitchen expert Charles Gueli focuses on Kitcehn Safety.

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. It contains many hazards that can cause burns and unintentional fires. Every year more than 30,000 residential fires start in the kitchen, the largest category for causes of residential fires. It’s important to recognize proper heating and cooking equipment functions, and to know how to extinguish a grease fire. Taking steps to protect young children from these heating and cooking appliances can prevent damaging fires, injuries and loss of life.

Ovens and Ranges

Always make sure the oven and stove top is clean. If not, clean them thoroughly and safely. Residue grease and food can catch fire. Keep pot handles turned inward, away from the edge of the stove. Don’t wear long, loose sleeves that can hang over the stove while cooking.

An electric burner coil can reach a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This can ignite clothing even after the coil has been turned off. Flammable fabrics, such as towels, dish rags or curtains can be ignited merely by being used or stored near a gas or electric range. Vapors from contact cement, gasoline, cleaning fluids or other flammable liquids can be ignited by the pilot of the kitchen range.

Children in the Kitchen

Children and kitchens aren’t a good mix. Continuous and adequate supervision of children in the kitchen is of prime importance. As a child’s mobility and curiosity increases, appropriate supervision becomes essential. Keep all hot items at a safe distance from a child.

Keep the child at a safe distance from all hot items by using highchairs, child safety gates, playpens, etc. Create a safe zone for children. Keep them out of the household traffic path and check for their location before moving any hot or heavy item.

Remove tablecloths and placemats when toddlers are present. They can tug and pull on everything within their reach. Hot or heavy items can be easily pulled on top of them. Never give children pots and pans to play with. Children may reach for this “toy” when it contains hot liquid or food.

An oven door can get hot enough to burn a youngster who might fall or lean against it. It can be particularly dangerous for a child just learning to walk who may use the door for support; the child is often unable to let go before suffering a burn. Keep small children out of the kitchen when the oven is in use.

Put safety latches on any low cabinets containing cleansers and other substances that are poisonous.

KitchenU offers you freebies with orders and free ground shipping on qualified orders

Grease Fires

If a grease fire erupts in a pan on top of the stove, quickly and carefully cover the pan with a lid or a larger pan. Never use water. If the fire is in the oven, turn the controls off and close the door tightly. This will smother the flames. Better yet, have a portable fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it. The Phoenix Fire Department recommends having a 2A10BC fire extinguisher in the kitchen; make sure it is charged at all times.

If you suspect there may be fire still smoldering somewhere in the cabinets or the woodwork after such an experience, don’t hesitate to call the fire department.

Appliances

Use only appliances that have received an Underwriters’ Laboratory or Factory Mutual testing label.
Do not allow appliance cords to dangle over the edge of counter tops or tables. Children may pull at them and injure themselves. Or you may catch them unintentionally and pull them off the counter.

Do not overload electrical circuits. Unplug appliances when not in use. If an appliance smells funny, doesn’t function correctly, or has frayed or broken wiring, have it repaired or replaced.

Microwave Ovens

Burns associated with the use or misuse of microwave ovens are increasing. The scald burn is the most common type of burn and most involve the hands. The age distribution is rather broad, but there continues to be a large number of young children who sustain the more serious burns. The single most common cause of burn injury is simply the fact that people do not expect items heated in the microwave oven to present the same risk as items heated by other more conventional means.

Many people do not fully appreciate or understand how the microwave oven heats food. The fact that a food container may not be hot may mislead an individual to assume that the food itself is not really hot – thus a burn injury occurs.

Behavior

The single most important prevention measure is to read and follow the directions. The directions associated with the operation of the microwave oven and the specific directions associated with heating prepared or packaged foods are equally important.

Use a pot holder or appropriate utensil to remove lids and coverings from heated containers to prevent steam or contact burns. This also is necessary when removing items that may have been heated for extended periods of time – the container may be hot.

Be sure children are old enough to understand the safe use of the microwave oven before allowing them to heat foods. Children under the age of seven may not be able to read and follow directions and are at a higher risk potential than older children. Their height is also an important factor.

Some manufacturers do not recommend that their products be heated in a microwave oven. Be sure you follow their recommendations. (For example, some baby foods are not to be heated in a microwave. And jelly-filled donuts can be a major source of mouth burns.)

Use caution when handling and cutting thick pieces of meat after heating, especially meats with considerable fat. Spattering of hot fat and meat juices may occur.

Environmental Control

Puncture plastic pouches and plastic wrap covering before heating. This will reduce the risk of a vapor pressure build up and prevent steam burns.

Put a cut in potato skins or other vegetables to reduce the risk of “bursting” when you cut into it after it is heated.

Eggs should be removed from the shell before being cooked in the microwave oven. The egg in a shell may explode causing both mechanical and thermal injuries.

Identify containers, dishes and utensils that are safe for use in the microwave oven. Some items are not “microwave safe” and may become very hot or even burst when heated in the microwave oven.

When using smooth vessels for heating liquids, place a plastic spoon in the vessel during the heating process. This will prevent the “super heated” phenomenon that may result in liquid spattering and scald burns.

Check for the presence of metal when reheating some “fast food” items. Aluminum foil, staples in bags, twist-ties, etc. may become very hot and ignite combustible containers.

Children who are permitted to operate the microwave oven should be tall enough to be able to safely remove items from the oven. One major risk is facial burns, which occur among children whose height puts their face at the level of the heating chamber of the microwave oven.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about kitchen safety and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available – helping homeowners make better decisions.

Give a gift certificate today for high-end kitchen appliances, kitchen tools, cutlery and cookware!

KitchenU offers you a 5% discount on the Vita-MIx CIA & BlendTec blenders. Coupon: VITA5

Give a gift certificate today for high-end kitchen appliances, kitchen tools, cutlery and cookware!

Technorati Tags: appliance fires, behavior, Children in the Kitchen, Grease Fires, how to extinguish a grease fire, kitchen safety, microwave oven fires, Ovens and Ranges

read comments (0)

When remodeling your kitchen – whether you are installing new kitchen electrical circuits, redoing your kitchen cabinets, or just fixing that stubborn sink – homeowners are always caught in a quandary as to whether or not to call in a hired hand.

Calling in an expert is, for most people, the most prudent choice. A good many number of people have learned the hard way that fixing that leaky faucet isn’t as easy as it looks. However, these kitchen remodeling experts can come with quite a price tag – in most cases, enough to make the homeowner think twice about doing the installation or repairs themselves.

If you are one of the millions of home owners that are considering doing the kitchen remodel yourself, or one of the other million seriously considering hiring a contractor fror your remodeling job, here are some tips to help you make that decision – a decision that could either cause that busted circuit to blow up, or your wallet to hemorrhage.

Does The Kitchen Repair or Installation Need a Permit?

This is the first question you must ask yourself, whether or not the work to be done needs a local building permit for your remodeling. Simple kitchen repairs will not need such permits, but major installations may require that you apply for one. Installations that may require a permit include electrical wiring, plumbing, and other major physical additions to your kitchen.

Most permits will require that you hire a contractor to do the job stated. So in that case, you should have one on hand.

Can I Actually Do the Job?

You will need to honestly ask yourself whether or not you can do the installation or repair yourself. This is probably the trickiest question to ask yourself and is probably where most homeowners get in over their heads. If you have had experience doing jobs similar to this, or if you have been able to observe others at work with such a project, or if you aren’t confident enough to do the repair or installation yourself, then it is probably worth hiring a contractor.

Will This Fall Within My Budget?

You have to be financially realistic with a kitchen appliance installation or repair project. Some people don’t realize that they actually can save more when they hire a contractor then doing it themselves. This happens when the time spent working on an installation costs you more than it would if you hired a contractor. This is especially true in the case of very busy people who actually spend money just to have annoyances fixed so that they can focus on their work.

Large projects may cost you more than it would a contractor – who will probably have better access to higher quality materials. However, if you are intimately familiar with the job to be done, you might have an advantage over these contractors and will be able to customize the materials and the jobs to your liking. Then again, practically speaking, larger projects are better off in the hands of contractors.

If your project is small, like broken faucets and doorknobs, you will probably save a ton if you do it yourself. But if you are concerned that you could do greater damage then call your contractor.

Doing it yourself is risky; if you do get the hang of it – usually at the cost of a few more irreparable jams, faucets, and etc. due to having practiced on them – you will save a lot more in the long run. You will also be the envy of your neighbors’ wives and husbands, “Look at them, they do their own faucets!”

Time is gold, so you should also consider how much time such repairs or installations will cost you for your kitchen upgrade. If you have time to burn, and would like to improve your skills at building and repairing, then by all means take a shot at it.

In the end, you may want to do some of the repairs yourself, but you will also want to keep the number of a trusted contractor on hand for jobs you don’t want to touch such as replacing tthat kitchen sink. The truth be told, if you have a good relationship with a contractor, you probably won’t need to consider the alternative – unless you just want to try to be a building contractor for the day.

Good luck!

Albert Grande
Hawaii Small Business Internet Consultant

Technorati Tags: kitchen appliance, kitchen cabinets, kitchen electrical circuits, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, Kitchen Repair, kitchen repairs, kitchen sink, remodeling job, remodeling your kitchen

read comments (0)

If a particular plank on your kitchen  hardwood floor is beyond repair, your best option would be to replace the board with a new one. YOu might initially think that floor board replacement is a job that is reserved only for the professionals. In fact, laying a floor board is actually something you can do yourself, given the right tools and the proper instructions.

There are hardware stores that sell bundled packages for do it yourself kitchen hardwood floor replacement projects. They even come with step by step instructions to help even the most inexperienced of floor layers easily understand and follow. So, when your plank needs relaying, have no fear. Instructions on how to lay replacement boards are here.

1) Clear the damaged area of all the nails embedded into it. You can do by positioning a nail set over the nail and driving it down as far as possible using a hammer. The purpose of this is to avoiding having the hammer pound against the wood and causing further damage.

2) Once the nails are removed, remove the damaged board by using a wood chisel to pry the affected area out. The absence of the nails should make this process easy, but you still have to be careful not to ruin the adjacent boards.

3) Prepare your replacement plank and try to see if its a perfect fit to the blank spot. If it’s too big you will have to make the necessary adjustments.

4) Turn the replacement board over and put construction adhesive. This will enable the plank to stick to the subfloor.

5) Tap the board into place and make sure that it’s in the right position. When you have finally decided on its placement, that’s when you drive 2-inch nails to secure it. Use a nail set to drive the nails’ heads a little below the surface so they don’t jot out.

6) Sand the area to even the surface out and apply a finish that matches the rest of the hardwood floor.

Now you know how to lay a kitchen replacement hardwood floor board without paying for professional help.

Technorati Tags: floor boards, kitchen hardwood floor, repair kitchen floor, repairing your hrd wood floor

read comments (0)

The kitchen is the hub of most of your family activities. It is the laboratory from which come forth the many marveled mysteries housewives and cooks alike whip up. If you are considering designing a new kitchen or are redesigning an existing one, you are surely aware of how important proper design and organization is in the kitchen.

 A properly designed and organized kitchen is not only lovely to look at, but is also a wonder of efficiency, convenience, and function. Any accomplished cook will tell you that one of the secrets to achieving culinary success is to have a properly designed and equipped kitchen. That way, the cook does not waste time with trivial matters such as whether he or she might trip on the cords, or how to get by a cabinet that is in the way, or how to plug in a blender when the outlet is well beyond reach. With the mind fully absorbed in cooking, these things may prove more disastrous than annoying.

 Here are a few tips to look at while designing your kitchen:

 Space

The single, most profound element of good kitchen design is space. It’s more complicated than just worrying about having enough space to store your bowls and other utensils. For one, you really have to consider just the right amount of space to move about yet not have to take too many steps to get from the sink to the fridge.

 One guideline worked up for this purpose is the ‘work triangle’. The work triangle is an imaginary line starting from the sink, all the way to the cook top, down to the fridge, and back to the sink. The total length of this imaginary triangle should be about 26 feet, with no segment being less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet.

 This rule of the thumb has many fans, as well as critics. However, it is a good place to start when considering the kitchen layout.

 Organization

You must design ahead of time to accommodate a growing number of cookware, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils. You also have to assign space for supplies such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and others. Make sure the supplies and equipment you need are arranged in an area where they are easily accessible when needed. The supplies that are to be placed in a dry area should be put in such an area.

 Make sure the equipment you place in the kitchen is not cluttered about. When moving around in the kitchen, you shouldn’t have to go around or hurdle certain equipment. This is not only unsightly, but also poses a danger for accidents and mishaps.

 You should also arrange the equipment so that doors don’t hit them when opened.

 Equipment

Try to simulate your normal kitchen routine. Where do you go? What do you need? What steps do you usually take? Take all of these into consideration when laying out the format of your kitchen. Use this guide to determine where you should place all your equipment. Make sure there are outlets in the areas where you will be needing electricity and that they are not in areas that get wet often.

 Architecture

It would be best if the kitchen doors are wide and not knobbed. Swivel doors can be a viable alternative to doors that have knobs. You will want easy access to other rooms even if your hands are full.

 Design your walls so that they are protected against the heat and against smoke and other kitchen stains. Consider installing a vent to get rid of the smoke and gases that accumulate during kitchen routines. If you can have your ceiling higher than normal, then that would be a good thing too.

 When In Doubt Call the Experts

A contractor and an interior design expert can also assist you if you need advice on the layout of your kitchen. Make sure you make your intentions and desires known early on so that they can adjust to your needs.

 You can design your kitchen after your own image and cooking style. However, remember the tips listed here are so that you can have a sure guide towards designing your dream kitchen today.

Technorati Tags: big kitchen remodel, kitchen, kitchen remodel, remodeling your kitchen

read comments (0)

For your ktchen remodel you may want to consider hardwood floors. While certainly very difficult to install, the added value to your remodeling project may be worth it.
Once you have installed hardwod floor, you will need to maintain. Cleaning can be a bit tricky. Here are some helpful tips and tricks.

Properly Cleaning Your Hardwood Floor

Repairing and refinishing your hardwood floor can be quite a challenge, but with the right preventive measures and maintenance techniques, your hardwoord floor can stay as good as the first time you installed it even after several years.

Some of the best hardwood flooring, for instance, have withstood the test of time and stayed around for decades, even a century. If you take a look at old homes that still stand nowadays, you will see how their hardwood floors have stayed intact and stable through the years.

Thus, if we want to enjoy the full aesthetic and functional benefits of our hardwood floors, we should know how to properly take care of them so they don’t easily succumb to wear. Because hardwood floors are organic and can potentially decay, cleaning them regularly is necessary.

There is a technique to the proper cleaning of hardwood floors. For one, you shouldn’t use a damp rag to wipe it because the moisture might cause damage to your finishing. If your floor has just been waxed and coated with finish,  you have no reason to worry about the water seeping into the woodwork. But if it has been a while since you’ve refinished your floor, then you should be careful to use only soft dry rags to polish it.

When sweeping, use only brooms with exploding bristles because they are the most effective in taking out grime and dust. The wrong broom might only have the dirt accummulate in the wrong places and lead to bigger headaches in the future. There are also cleaning fluids that are exclusive for use on hardwood floors. Don’t experiment with other cleaning materials or you might be sorry.

If your hardwood floor has lots of burns and scratches, sanding the area lightly and then reapplying a coat of finish will make your floor as good as new again. If sticky chewing gum is your problem, then you should ice the deposit first until it becomes brittle enough to crumble off. For hardheaded gums, try pouring floor cleaner around it so it loosens up.

Hardwood floors last a lifetime and more if properly maintained and regularly cleaned. Thus, it is our responsibility to apply the right methods to ensure that they outlive us.

And that is especially true of your for you kitchen.

Remember, Maintain.

Albert Grande
Hawaiian Business Videos and Interet Marketing

For heavy duty cleaning I recommend:

Technorati Tags: hardwood floors kitchen floors how to clean and maintain

read comments (0)

SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

First, it is important to understand the role of the general contractor.  He is responsible for organizing the job into a smooth-running schedule.  He hires subcontractors, and has the direct contractual link to them. 

 This means he is responsible to pay them for their work.  He oversees their work and insures that it is done properly.  If anything is wrong, he is ultimately responsible for it.

 Some folks feel they should be their own general contractor and save some money.  If the job is substantial, I strongly recommend against it.  Especially if you have a day job.  Good general contractors earn their money.

  If your project consists of updating a room, it might be a good idea because you will only have 3 trades or less to hire and coordinate.  If you’re renovating your kitchen, you can handle everything through a kitchen designer (who is effectively acting as the general contractor).  Other than that, forget it – it’s a bad idea (unless you work in the construction industry).

 Let’s take as an example, a bathroom renovation that you want to do on your own.  There are at least 5 trades involved (carpenter – who hopefully will also handle the removals and disposing of debris; plumber; electrician; tile man; and painter). 

 Do you have the time to get competitive bids from 2 or 3 companies in each of those trades?  Do you know which subs are likely to do a good job and which aren’t?  Can you then evaluate the bids? When the work is being done, can you tell if they are using the right materials and doing the work properly?  Do you know the proper sequence of work?

 A “professional” remodeling contractor will have an established track record as well as a client list.  They are capable of any type of remodeling project, regardless of size.  They will act as the project manager, creating the work as it is shown on the plans and specifications you provide through your architect.  Typically, they do not have a design background, and will not make recommendations relative to the “look” of the job.

 There is such a thing as a “design-build” contractor.  This is not very common, but if you find one you like, having both functions under one roof can save you time and money.  They will manage the job from start to finish.  What you give up is the aspect of “checks and balances” which comes from having the architect check the contractor’s work.

 Here are 2 DON’Ts you should take seriously.  DON’T use a friend; and DON’T have the work done on a T & M (time and material) basis.  The best way to find a competent contractor is by word of mouth.  Friends, family, neighbors, anyone you know who has had a good construction company that they will recommend to you.  Don’t consider this as a referral unless it was made with exceptional enthusiasm. 

 When you make contact with prospects, let the contractors give you three names of satisfied customers.  If you still need more contractors in order to have 3, go to www.angie’slist.com or Service Magic and get other qualified contractors in your area. 

 Okay, you have a list.  You sit by the phone with a pad and pencil (or pen) ready to jot down answers to your questions.  Pay attention to how the phone is answered – by a person or a machine; promptly or not; if you left a message, did someone call you back within 24 hours?  You want to deal with people that are easy to reach and responsive.

 Many people have gotten great results with hands-on owner/contractors who work on one project at a time, and many clients achieved great results with large contracting firms that have several crews with project managers and roaming field supervisors. Statistically, it’s a 50/50 split, with very few exceptions.

 The clients who had problems hired the wrong contractor for their project.   It is very important for you to hire the right contractor for the scope and size of your project, and your personal needs for communication.  Everyone has an individual communication style, and different requirements for being kept informed about their project.

 Your decision about who to hire should be based on compatibility of personalities – communication styles — because these people are going to be in your home for weeks (or months). If you decide to hire a large company for your project, you should meet not only the owner, but also the project manager and field supervisor.  Here are some tips to help you achieve great communication on your project:

Establish communication expectations and ground rules with everyone very early.

Maintain a convenient notepad  so you can write down questions as they arise.

Remember to date them.

As they’re answered, check them off .

Collect all of your questions in manila envelopes labeled “Answered” and “Unanswered” (remember to bring the “unanswered” questions to jobsite meetings, or include them in e-mail correspondence).

Schedule regular jobsite meetings with the contractor and/or project manager to review progress and answer questions.

Discuss action items and deadlines.

 Keep the project designer in the loop of communication, especially if there are changes to the project – even minor ones.

 You’re not a mind-reader, and neither is your designer, contractor, or project manager.  It’s important to keep all lines of communication open and free-flowing, to ensure the best results for everyone involved in your project!

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available.

Technorati Tags: how to hire a contractor, remodel you home, remodeling, selecting a contractor

read comments (0)

The answer to this question really depends on where the tile will be used.  Currently, over 80% of tiles used for flooring are porcelain tiles, while the majority of tiles used for walls, backsplashes and counter tops are ceramic tiles.  Exterior surfaces, like patios, are usually pavers, or porcelain tiles.

 The reasons have to do with durability in the case of porcelain floor tiles.  While price, color, and design choices have a lot to do with the ceramic tiles selected for walls, backsplashes and counter tops. 

 Ceramic tiles have been around for thousands of years.  This is a testimonial to their durability and versatility.  The body of the tile (called the bisque) is made up of clay and other minerals.  When combined, these raw materials give the bisque its strength and stability.

 The quality of the tile has to do with the quality of the manufacturer, density of the clay, and breaking strength of the tile.  Porcelain is simply a finer grade of clay and makes a harder tile body.

 Porcelain tiles have a lower water absorption rate than ceramic tiles because porcelain tiles are very dense.  When baked at 1800 degrees, a surface color is created on the porcelain tiles.  But when baked at 2200 degrees, the color goes through the entire body of the tile. 

 Therefore, if these get a chipped, it will not show as much as on a tile with only a surface coloring.  Porcelain tiles can be used outside, even in areas where the temperature gets below freezing.  They are considered “frost resistant” (not freeze proof).  This makes porcelain suitable for patios since the elements will not damage it.

 Ceramic and porcelain tiles are wear rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI).  This system of rating tiles is approved by the American Society of testing and Materials (ATSM).  The ratings are as follows:

 PEI 1 = Not hard enough to walk on.  Use on walls only.

 PEI 2 = Use on wall and bathroom floors only.  But only use smaller tiles on the floors.  Larger tiles (6 x 6 or 8 x may crack with prolonged foot traffic.

 PEI 3 = Use on kitchen and bathroom counter tops, walls and floors where foot traffic is not heavy (okay for residential).

 PEI 4 = Can be used in residential, commercial and light institutions.

 PEI 5 = Use in all residential and/or commercial applications (malls, airports, etc.)  This rating means the tiles are very resistant to chipping or cracking.

 Many tiles have a glaze applied to the surface.  Unglazed tiles have greater slip resistance than glazed tiles and are therefore recommended for areas subjected to water.  The advantages of glazed tiles are that you get an unlimited color range, and greater stain resistance.  Unglazed tiles will give you better wear, and added slip resistance.

 It is possible to find tiles that feature abrasive grit on their surface, which substantially reduces the possibility of slipping.  These tiles are well-suited for public areas and the outdoors.  There is another testing process just for the glaze.  This is called the Mohs test, and it determines the hardness (scratch resistance) of the glaze.

 As you can see, there are many levels of quality, which determine the various levels of pricing.  Generally speaking, you get what you pay for.   However, there’s always the possibility that you are misinformed about the tile you are buying.

 It’s important to deal with suppliers who will give you the straight story and have your best interest in mind when suggesting tiles for your home.

 Here’s a tip regarding installation.  Make sure the sub-floor is dry, stable and sturdy before applying floor tiles.  If the sub-floor is “spongy” (in the case of plywood) or damp (in the case of basement concrete slabs) your tiles will eventually crack.

 Installing ceramic or porcelain tile in your home adds value, and enhances the quality of your lifestyle.  One of the best benefits for a homeowner is the low cost of maintaining tile floors and walls.  Relax and enjoy.

 ——————————————————————————————————–

 Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about porcelain tile, and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available for homeowners with remodeling projects.

Technorati Tags: ceramic times, emodeling with tiles, kitchen remodel

read comments (0)

Bamboo kitchen cabinets can appeal to homeowners who are gravitating toward having a “green” home. Bamboo is an attractive alternative to traditional woods, and can be used for cabinets and furniture. It has been used for flooring since the early 1990s. More recently, it has been used instead of wood surfaces throughout the house.

Bamboo is a grass – not a wood – and when harvested properly, will replenish itself within 3 years (unlike oak, which will take at least 30 years). Bamboo kitchen cabinets are considerably more durable than hardwoods. In fact, bamboo has a level of hardness which is 15% greater than hard maple, and 25% harder than oak.

Bamboo has the same natural coloring as pine (light shades with yellowish tones, normally referred to as “blonde”). It is possible to buy it after it has been carmelized to create a deeper brownish coloring (normally referred to as “amber”). Both these options are considered “natural” coloring. It can also be stained to introduce just about any color you can think of.

Like anything, it has some negatives, but easily solvable ones. Being a grass, it is more fibrous than woods and is likely to create splinters. This is solved by properly sanding and finishing the surface.

The other negative is that bamboo is best used on flat surfaces because it is pressed into panels or blocks, and the edge (or cross-grain) has a completely different look to it. Therefore, raised panel, or recessed panel, doors would look a bit strange along the edges. So you will be restricted to using bamboo when contemporary (of flat door) designs are preferred.

Another reason that can explain why bamboo is becoming a more commonly selected material for homes is the fact that bamboo is dimensionally stable. It is so strong because each strand of the grain is perfectly straight. No other wood grows as straight. Therefore, even though bamboo is a light material, it has less contraction and expansion than wood.

With bamboo kitchen cabinets, you can bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home and create an exotic look at the same time. In conclusion, this environmentally friendly product is a great building material which will enhance the value of your home and should be considered when designing your new or renovated space.

Charles Gueli has worked in the construction industry for over 40 years.  He invites you to ask questions about bamboo kitchen cabinets and take advantage of the resources at www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available.

read comments (0)

Small Kitchens by Charles Gueli

 I’m going to make the assumption that if you’re dealing with a small kitchen, you’re in an apartment-sized dwelling and you don’t have to worry about entertaining very often – or entertaining large crowds.

 It’s a challenge, but here are a few ideas that will help.  If you have a rectangular space with a minimum of 7 ft in the shorter dimension, the most efficient layout is that of a “galley kitchen”. 

 That’s where 2 runs of cabinets face each other and there are no corner cabinets.

If your overall width is 7 feet, this will leave a 3 foot wide work space between the cabinets.

 Obviously, use as much height as you can and use light colors so that the space won’t seem as small as it is.  One run of wall cabinets (the one without the cook top) should have glass doors instead of solid ones.  This means the stuff inside those cabinets will have to be kept pretty neat.

 You could use open shelving (without any doors) as well, but then you have a lot of extra dusting to do. Use compact appliances (mini refrigerator, compact dishwasher).  Since there are only 1 or 2 people living in your home, you don’t need anything bigger. 

 Get a drop-in cook top instead of a range; and get a microwave/convection combination – forget about a standard oven.  When will you need it?  Retain a decent size sink however.  Small sinks create stress.

 If you have a layout that allows you to have a table in the room, use a glass top.  You can also find chairs that are minimal in size – many have open backs.  This combination will help in making the room seem larger than it really is.

 Another option is a drop leaf table that you can fold away.  Mirrors, or other reflective materials, on the backsplashes will give added depth.  But don’t put mirrors directly behind the cook top or you’ll be cleaning it every day.  Use counter top racks for spices and large utensils so you don’t have to use valuable storage space for these items.

 Use a combination of general lighting and task lighting (lighting that aims directly where you’ll be working).  Under cabinet lighting will give you the task lighting you need without taking up space.  Don’t overdo it (too much glare), but don’t under light either.  The idea is to make the space comfortable for you.

 If there is a nearby door to a closet or basement, you can attach a rack to the inside of the door, upon which you can hang pots, pans and other small utensils.  This will effectively expand your kitchen beyond it’s walls when you’re not using it.

 If you’re putting a new floor down, use a tile pattern (or real tiles if you wish) and lay them in a diagonal pattern.  This makes the room seem larger. 

 Similarly, running the grain of the cabinets horizontally instead of vertically will also fool the eye into thinking the space is larger.  However, this assumes you’re using custom cabinets, and you want a wood grain instead of a color.  If you use a solid color, make it light – and nothing that creates glare.  You’re ready.  Have a great time remodeling your kitchen.

About the Author:

 Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available.

read comments (0)