General > General info Somewhat hot tub related
kitchen remodel- opinions
D.P. Roberts:
We're in the middle of redoing our kitchen now. Due to our budget, we were sure we were going to have to go with laminate. However, we found some of the lower-end solid surfaces were almost as cheap as laminate. Even better, Home Depot just introduced a new line of granite from a company called Stonemasters, which is even cheaper than solid surface. Stonemasters only has 5-6 different colors, but one of them matched our kitchen exactly. Stonemasters is cheaper because it only comes in a few colors and sizes, so it might not work for your specific application, but you might want to look into it. This was about two months ago, but every time I'm in the kitchen I still get happy thoughts when I look at our REAL GRANITE counters.
We're going to reface our cabinets. If you like the general layout of your kitchen, and the cabinets are in good shape, you might want to give refacing a look. It's a good way to get a new "look" for your cabinets, at a fraction of the price.
As to the sink- we wanted a double bowl for hand washing, but also wanted a single bowl look (and for washing large items). We found one that's about 18" deep, and the bottom 6" or so is a double bowl, and it's single after that. We think it gives us the best of both worlds.
And, just to make this hot tub related: we had some money set aside for a special project, and were debating between getting a hot tub and redoing the kitchen. We decided on the kitchen, since our budget wasn't enough to get us a GOOD hot tub. We got halfway through, and our dealer called us with a terrific deal on a used hot tub. Now we're debating between fininshing the kitchen, and getting that tub...
Ruby:
This may help, it's a countertop comparison chart thru Home Depot:
http://www3.homedepot.com/wcsstore/hdcom/en_US/HDCOM/InstallationServices/Countertops/Documents/countertop_comparison_chart.pdf
svspa:
Anne,
I've gutted and rebuilt 3 kitchens.
On the house we are in now we used Kraftmaid cabinets. I am quite happy with them.
We went with tile countertops since my wife had found some specific accent tiles she really liked. Now it's ten years later and we have considered replacing them with granite. With granite being so popular if you may want to sell the house within the life of the countertops they may add to the resale value.
Ruby, makes a good point. Countertops can be re-done relatively easily. So if the budget is a concern I would spend more money on quality cabinets. You can change up the look later with new countertops, but won't have to go through the expense of gutting and installing new cabinets.
Steve
anne:
Thank you all for your enthusiastic imput!
Ruby- beautiful kitchen. Thanks for the pics and the countertop table. And I think I'll copy you and put a cutting board above the pullout trash/recycling! I think I'm going with Engineered stone, but tomorrow I'll say something else.
Campsalot- I keep hearing that about Ikea, so I guess I'll have to go look. I dont like most of their furnature- too modular and funky, but Ikea is literally 5 minutes away, so I have to check.
WHYNOT- I share that concern about durability of the floors. I will probably do vinyl or linoleum tiles. Likely linoleum, as it is a "greener" choice.
Chas- do you remember the line of Lowes cabinets? It seems that most of them offer particle board standard, and plywood sides as an upgrade. I'll keep that in mind.
Boni- corian is another top runner for me. So practical. And I read the NKBA guidelines.....and then decided to ignore them and go with common sense. Right now I have a kitchen with a fridge door that cannot open all the way, so I cannot open one of the crisper drawers.
D.P. - I'll have to look for a sink like that. Sounds interesting. And I hope you get the kitchen AND tub!
Svspa- good to hear that about Kraftmaid. I like what they offer as far as variety and features, so it is looking more likely that I'll go that way
Vinny- I'll go over my cabinet plans with a fine tooth comb before ordering. I'm not doing a soffit. Instead, tall cabinets up to the ceiling. Probably molding to finish it and hide imperfections, as you said. And as for cabinet style, You are talking about this, right?:
[size=9]A face-frame cabinet has a 1 by 2 frame that rims the cabinet's front edges, masking the construction and strengthening the box. Doors or drawer fronts normally overlay the frame but they may be flush or offset. Standard offset hinges are partially visible from the front.
The frameless cabinet utilizes European-style connectors and hinges to create a contemporary look with flush doors and hidden hinges. This method of construction is often used with laminate cabinets. Frameless cabinets usually have a solid top and back and base units sit on a separate plinth.[/size]
I'll go with face frames, as you said. and I like that look just fine anyway. My house is old, so would look better with traditional cabinets.
I appreciate all the ideas an advice. You guys may call me crazy, but I'm not getting a designer or a contractor. I'm designing it myself- been slowly thinking about it for months. I'm making only minor changes in the positions of things in the kitchen, but enough that just resurfacing cabinets is not going to work. Not moving the sink, and no room to add an island. I'll pull the permits myself, hire a few people to do the things that are best done by a pro (moving a gas line in, electrical, countertops). My wonderful father is going to help me install the cabinets, appliances and floors.
I want to get started in a month or 2, so that I can cook on the grill, and not order too much take out!
Anyone have a range hood they recommend?
:)
Vinny:
--- Quote ---Vinny- I'll go over my cabinet plans with a fine tooth comb before ordering. I'm not doing a soffit. Instead, tall cabinets up to the ceiling. Probably molding to finish it and hide imperfections, as you said. And as for cabinet style, You are talking about this, right?:
[size=9]A face-frame cabinet has a 1 by 2 frame that rims the cabinet's front edges, masking the construction and strengthening the box. Doors or drawer fronts normally overlay the frame but they may be flush or offset. Standard offset hinges are partially visible from the front.
The frameless cabinet utilizes European-style connectors and hinges to create a contemporary look with flush doors and hidden hinges. This method of construction is often used with laminate cabinets. Frameless cabinets usually have a solid top and back and base units sit on a separate plinth.[/size]
I'll go with face frames, as you said. and I like that look just fine anyway. My house is old, so would look better with traditional cabinets.
Anyone have a range hood they recommend?
:)
--- End quote ---
That's what I am recommending. As you find imperfections, it's easy to sand down the areas and get a tight fit. Molding will also achieve a nice fit.
I vented my range hood to outside. I bought a 200 CFM that HD sells ... I don't think it does much of anything, yes it works somewhat as the louvers do open outside when I turn it on.
I don't think your crazy designing at all. I did that myself although I pretty much copied what I had here. We did put in a double and single pantry where the wall oven was but other than that my kitchen is the same. You might have to sit with a designer before they order the cabinets ... put your plans on graph paper (I think the standard is 1/4" = 1') and have everything ready. Most countertop people want to take their own measurements - keep some of the old countertop to lay on top of the new cabinets until your new countertop is installed.
Are you gutting it totally including the walls? If yes, Install 1x6 boards between the studs at the cabinet tops and bottoms to be able to screw them in anywhere. I can go into more detail if you're interested.
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