The Kitchen Blog

The design of your kitchen cabinets dictates both how much and what kind of storage space you will have as well as how your kitchen will look. There are a huge variety of kitchen cabinet designs to choose from and the things you need to keep in mind when making your selection are:

• Efficient utilization of space, both in the layout of the cabinets as well as in regard to their storage capacity.
• Durability.
• The type of wood, the color and the appearance of the cabinets.
• Does the hardware – the handles and pulls etc. match the rest of your kitchen?

You will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen and the right kind of cabinets can make it a warm attractive place that invites you in.

Before you start remodeling, have a budget in mind.

Kitchen Cabinet Types

There are three basic types of cabinets to choose from.

Stock Cabinets

• These are built in standardized sizes and shapes. Since no changes or modifications are possible, take measurements carefully to ensure that what you buy fits in your kitchen.
• Only a limited number of style and color option are available.
• Since the choices are limited, inspecting and comparing what is available is easy.
• You can save money by buying unfinished cabinets and finishing them yourself.

Semi Custom Cabinets

• This type provides a greater range of designs and finishes.
• Cabinets using the standard designs can made to order in the sizes you want.
• Build quality is normally better than with stock cabinets.
• These are the most popular type of kitchen cabinets, although they are more expensive than the stock ones.

Custom Cabinets

• These are designed and built specifically for your kitchen.
• You have an unlimited choice of designs, colors and finishes.
• The interior can be made specifically for your requirements to store exactly what you want.
• The type and quality of the wood and materials used depends on the buyer’s preferences.
• This is the best option when matching new cabinets to preexisting ones or when unusual spaces make stock or semi custom cabinets unviable.
• These are the most expensive types of kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Construction and Materials

Kitchen cabinets are made in 2 ways:

• What is called face frame construction involved using a front facing frame. This allows for flexibility in the design but the frame reduces interior space.
• Frameless construction requires no frame and so greater interior space is available. This type of kitchen cabinet is more suitable for contemporary looking kitchens.

Wood is the material of choice for kitchen cabinets and various types of wood including pine, hickory, cherry, birch, oak and maple, to name a few, are often used. The type of wood is important not just for appearance but also for durability. Woods like hickory and oak are hard and heavy, while pine is lighter and softer and so more prone to scratches and dents. Most cabinets are made from a combination of woods and also often use plywood and particle board.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Hardware is a small component of the cabinets but the type and finish of the handles and pulls used will affect the final appearance of the cabinets. The hardware you choose should not only enhance the appeal of the cabinets, but also fit in with the rest of the kitchen décor.

Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas

Define the style you want. For example:

• Do you want raised panel doors for a traditional look?
• Or would using knotty pine and less detail for a rustic look be better?
• Would slab panel doors for a contemporary look be the best?

Other things to keep in mind while choosing kitchen cabinets are:

• Look through design magazines and visit furniture stores to get ideas. You could even try using kitchen cabinet design software.
• Measure the cabinet areas carefully. A sketch of the whole kitchen showing where all the plumbing, appliances, doors and windows are will give you a good perspective what the final appearance will be.
• Generally, cabinets should match the floor or wall color.
• Lighter colors create a more open impression.
• Glass doors will create a feeling of depth.
• Open shelves can be used to store attractive crockery or cookbooks.
• For difficult to reach cabinets, think of Lazy Susans, roll out drawers, pull down shelves, removable wire baskets etc.

Kitchen cabinet design video

Why Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets?

Many people are scared of going in for unfinished kitchen cabinets because they feel that these will be second rate goods. In fact just the opposite is true. Unfinished does not refer to the quality in any way – it refers to the final part of the production process, painting and staining, not having been completed. A secret many do not know is that crooked manufacturers often cover up inferior wood or lumber with defects by paint, polish and stain. In the case of the unfinished wooden cabinet, there is no way to hide the type and quality of the wood being used and so the manufacturers have to use top quality defect free wood because the customer will be able to clearly see what he is paying for. In fact, unfinished kitchen cabinets are often made of the best wood available within a specific price range.

If you are remodeling your kitchen and are a DIY type, unfinished cabinets can save you a lot of money. If you are on a tight budget, the saving may be saved by choosing cabinets made from non premium wood types if you plan to paint or stain them. The look does not suffer since wood like beach or oak can be stained to look like expensive cherry or mahogany. If you can install the cabinets yourself, you are looking at even bigger savings in terms of labor costs.

Unfinished cabinets give you the option of getting exactly the look you want. You can paint them, stain them or just give a clear coat to leave the unfinished look. Clear lacquer or a light maple stain will give a light feel. For a darker finish you can go in for a walnut stain or a dark paint. A good point to keep in mind is that lighter shades make a small kitchen look more open and dark colors add character to a larger kitchen.

Unfinished Kitchen Cabinet Types

There are two types of unfinished cabinets:

• The face frame design has a front facing frame that reduces the interior size of the cabinet. They come in attractive designs but you will be sacrificing space you may need to fit in large utensils.
• Frameless cabinets do not have a front frame and therefore have more interior space. These look best in kitchens with a more contemporary design.

If you are replacing only some of your cabinets, you will, of course, have to ensure that the new cabinets match the old ones.

Different woods are used in making unfinished kitchen cabinets – mahogany, pine, hickory, maple, cherry and oak are common. The various types of wood all have different qualities you will need to keep in mind when selecting unfinished kitchen cabinets. Not all woods absorb stain equally. The original color and the hardness of the wood determine what the final shade of the stain will be. Remember that once a wood is stained in a dark color, changing it to a light shade is not easy. A safe option is to get some samples of the wood you want and stain them to see what the final effect will be and once you are sure of the shade, go ahead.

Unfinished kitchen cabinets are also made of particle board and plywood, both of which have their own advantages and problems. Make sure you know what you are buying before spending the money.

How and Where to Buy Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

Take detailed measurements of your kitchen. Make a diagram that shows the location of the cabinets, appliances, windows, wall sockets and plumbing fixtures so you know the size of the cabinets that will fit in your kitchen and where they will go. Study your storage needs and know what kind of cabinet interiors you need in terms of drawers, shelves and racks. If you are not confident of being able to do this yourself, get expert help in both doing the measurements and making the diagram. This will help not only with buying the cabinets, but also other fittings and appliances you may need.

The Internet is a great place to find manufacturers and supplier of unfinished kitchen cabinets. You should also check the Yellow Pages for cabinet makers and retailer who sell unfinished cabinets. Compare quality, durability and price (including shipping charges).

You can also contact wholesalers of unfinished kitchen cabinets. The prices here are normally considerably lower than those you will find in retail outlets.

Hardware Options

Giving your kitchen a new look need not be a big job involving remodeling or buying new cabinets. Just changing your kitchen cabinet hardware can change the whole look of your cabinets. The hardware may be but a small part of the total cabinets, but they are the components that give the cabinets’ character and individuality.

Changing kitchen cabinet hardware is not a time consuming job.  Depending on the number of cabinets, it can take a few hours to, normally, a day at the most. In most cases, it is a simple DIY job.

The first thing to do is find designs that compliment the cabinetry that you have. Besides antique, traditional and contemporary designs, newer options like knobs in the shape of cars, fruit, animals, besides all kinds of geometric designs are available. Along the array of design options, a wide range of materials is also available – brass (both antique and oil rubbed), iron, copper, matte chrome, steel, brushed nickel, aluminum, plastic, glass and ceramic are just some of the options before you. When buying hardware, ensure that the designs and materials complement each other.

And remember that the new hardware should not just match your cabinets but your kitchen as a whole. Keep in mind that it is not just how the hardware looks that is important, but how it will look in the context of your kitchen. Here are 5 tips to guide you:

1. Do not use shiny metal fitting with grained wood cabinets as the wood and metal will clash.
2. Farmhouse and French country style kitchens are ideal places to use copper and ceramic fittings.
3. If your kitchen is modern in design, stainless steel or other high gloss fittings may add to the atmosphere.
4. Look beyond just matching the new hardware to the cabinets. If the faucets and other metal work in the kitchen are in bronze, aluminum fittings may seem out of place.
5. A basic rule of the thumb is that dark hardware goes best with light finishes and vice versa.

Hardware Types

The various types of kitchen cabinet hardware are:

• Knobs – These are mounted to the doors and drawers with a single screw.
• Pulls - These serve the same function as knobs but being bigger have multi screw fittings. Being larger they have more visual impact. Combining knobs and pulls is a good idea - one type for the doors and one for the drawers. Just ensure that the styles match.
• Drawer slides - These are the railing on which the drawer is mounted and slides to open and close.
• Latches and catches - These are what keep the doors firmly closed. A variety of options like spring loaded, magnetic etc. are available.
• Hinges - These are a critical item because the type you use will be dependant on the type of cabinet design you have.
  • Face frame cabinets are those that have a front facing frame that makes the opening smaller the overall cabinet size suggests. Here you will be able to see the hinges and so appearance is important.
  • Cabinets in the European style are frameless with hidden hinges, so the appearance of the hinges is not of consequence.
  • Hinges of the wrong size or those badly fitted can result in sagging doors.
  • This is one area you should get expert advice.

Hardware Buying Tips

Before going to buy your new kitchen cabinet hardware, take accurate measurements of everything. Note down all the sizes and the location and spacing of the screws. Besides the hassles of having to return hardware of the wrong size, it is better to avoid doing additional drilling to fit items that do not match your previous mountings. If you are buying from a shop, rather than online, why not take along some samples of your old hardware for comparison purposes?

Your original hardware, or the new designs you love, may be of unusual shapes and sizes so fitting the new items using the original holes may not be possible. The solution is to use a back plate. As the name suggests, this is a metal place that fits between the wooden surface and the knob or pull that is to be mounted. Back plates, besides covering up holes from previous fittings and marks that may be left on the wood surface, allow you to use any kind of knobs and pulls without worrying about what was used previously.

Kitchen cabinet hardware video

Remodeling your kitchen can be an expensive process and a major component of the cost is replacing your kitchen cabinets. One way to cut costs and still get a new kitchen is by refacing kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. Refaced cabinets not only look as good as new ones, these also have a renewed life span.

You kitchen is an important component in the overall value of your home. If you are thinking of selling your house, a great looking kitchen will add to its value and kitchen cabinet refacing is a great way to achieve this at economical rates.

Kitchen cabinet refacing is not a complex procedure. It consists of replacing the doors, front panels of the drawers and the hardware – the hinges and handles. The external surfaces can be re-finished with veneer, laminate, thermo-foil or just painted to match the style of the doors. The interiors of the cabinets can be either re-laminated or painted. Refacing cabinets in a normal sized kitchen can be done in one week.

But refacing kitchen cabinets is not a universal solution for every remodeled kitchen. It can only be done in cases where the cabinets are in a good condition. If the structure of the cabinets is not sound and there are problems of warped wood, damaged fiberboard or rusted metal, refacing will not work – the result will look shabby and the new appearance will not last. Also, if you are changing the layout of your kitchen, refacing kitchen cabinets will not work. You will need a new design to suit your kitchen and refacing what you already have will leave you with cabinets that may look good but appear to be out of place.

There are a huge variety of refacing options to choose from. To achieve the best results you need to first plan the complete remodeling of the kitchen and finalize your new color schemes and the finishes that will be used in other parts of the room. The look of the countertops, floors, windows, doors and appliances will influence the look of the cabinets. Consider refacing with maple or oak finishes to give a traditional look while using white pine will add a country feel to the kitchen.

Besides just renewing the existing look, refacing kitchen cabinets can also include some minor modifications that can change the total look of the cabinets. Adding molding and attractive drawer pulls can add a lot to the appearance. Removing some doors and leaving a few cabinets open, will create a more open effect. This effect can also be achieved by using glass doors to allow the display of glassware, silver and pottery and so on. Using glass doors also gives an expensive look to the cabinets.

Since you are saving money by refacing, you can look at using the money saved to improve the looks and functionality of the kitchen as a whole. More cabinets can be added, new or additional features like a Lazy Susan to access hard to reach areas, a new island or pantry, pull down shelves, roll out drawers and trays are just some of the things you can think of. Wire basket storage compartments are becoming increasingly popular.

Kitchen cabinet refacing may be simple but it does require skill and attention to the small details that affect functionality and the appearance. If you want to get the work done by professionals, make sure that the contractor you hire for the work has the skill to do a good job and the taste to ensure that the final effect is pleasing. The best way to do this is to go beyond interviewing contractors and checking reference and to look at work they have already done. Besides the overall appearance, look for the finer things. Are the seams and joins smooth, gap free and straight? Are the doors fitted straight and close properly? Is the finish smooth all over and is the grain aligned properly on the doors, drawer panels and the frame? If the work done satisfies you and the prices quoted are acceptable, go ahead with the contractor.

You can also do the work yourself. Kitchen remodeling companies and home improvement stores will sell you the doors, laminates, paint, hinges, drawer pulls and all the other items you will need. These outlets will also be able to provide advice you may need on the best type of paints and laminates for your requirements.

Kitchen cabinet refacing video

A big cost in remodeling your kitchen is replacing the cabinets. A great money saver is to buy discount kitchen cabinets. These maybe cheaper but they are not necessarily of lower quality. You just need to know the types of kitchen cabinets available and the construction processes to get the best deals.

Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Stock Kitchen Cabinets

• The majority of discount kitchen cabinets are of this type.
• They come in standard shapes and sizes so take your measurements carefully to be sure they fit where you want them to go. If need be consult a retail outlet to make sure ensure your choice will fit in your kitchen.
• These cabinets are usually available in only a limited number of styles.
• Being stock items, they are shipped quickly.
• Available with limited style options, they are easy to compare and inspect before you buy them.
• It is often possible to save more by buying them unfinished and doing the painting or staining yourself.

Semi Custom Kitchen Cabinets

• These are the most popular types of kitchen cabinets.
• These are based on a number of standard styles and finishes - more than those available with stock cabinets - so you will have more options to choose from.
• Normally made of better quality materials than stock cabinets, they are made to order to fit your kitchen.
• These are more expensive than the stock cabinets.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

• These are not available on discount unless the manufacturer has surplus from another order.
• These are the best in terms of quality, using the top quality materials and finishes.
• Since they are designed specifically for your kitchen, they are available in the widest range of design options.
• Besides being the most expensive, the shipping time will also usually be the longest.

Finding Discount Kitchen Cabinets

• Remember that the simplest designs are always the cheapest.
• The Internet is a great option not just for online stores but also for major warehouses and retailers whose websites will contain details of models and prices.
• Besides searching for suppliers, the Internet also has many price comparison sites, many of which include product reviews so that you can learn about the product first hand from user experience and not just advertising.
• Media advertising is another source for information. Keep an eye open for TV, magazine and newspaper ads for discount kitchen cabinets and for kitchen furniture sales. Check the Yellow Pages.
• Factory outlets are a good option since you are buying at factory prices without any additional retailing costs.
• Factory outlets often offer ready to assemble cabinets which are cheaper than the ready to fit ones. A great option if you are comfortable with doing the assembly yourself.
• Kitchen cabinets used as demonstration or floor models in shops are sold at a discount. Since they are meant to impress the buyer they look good, but check for signs of wear before buying them.
• Keep an eye open for discontinued lines and designs. These are perfectly good, but being old designs are sold at lower prices than current models.
• Slightly damaged goods or “seconds” are sold at highly discounted rates. These do not have production defects which a good manufacturer will catch and reject during quality inspection, but are usually items with handling or shipping damage. This damage takes the form of surface scratches and minor chipping and are often unnoticeable except on detailed inspection or may be on the rear of the cabinet where it will never be seen. Examine them carefully before buying.
• Be ready to negotiate. Discount kitchen cabinets have flexible pricing and these will vary from shop to shop. Tell a retailer of a better offer from another shop and see what he then has to offer.
• Spring is when many people remodel their homes. Since this is a high competition period, discounts and special offer are often available. Again, do not hesitate to negotiate.
• A common mistake many people make is to overlook the impact of shipping costs on the final price of kitchen cabinets. The nearer the supplier is to you, the lower the shipping cost.

So you have decided that your kitchen needs sprucing up. Painting your kitchen cabinets is often the best place to start. The build up of grease, soot, and food particles is a gradual process and you may not realize how much they need cleaning until you give them a long hard look. So lets look at how you go about it.

Painting kitchen cabinets is not rocket science, but that does not mean you can just buy paint and a brush and get started. There are a few simple rules to follow, but once you know how to paint kitchen cabinets, it will be a breeze. Lets look at the process step by step.

• Are your kitchen cabinets easily dismountable from the wall? If so, you may find it easier take them down and work on them on a newspaper covered floor.
• Whether you dismount them or not, you have to clean them. This is not just wiping them with a damp cloth. I mean really cleaning them to get rid of all the grease, food particles and grime that have collected over time.
• Use a good all purpose cleaner to remove all the accumulated grime. If need be do it twice.
• Once you have finished cleaning the cabinets, allow them to completely dry.
• Cleaning the cabinet doors is easier if the doors and hinges are removed from the cabinet body. Laying them on a flat surface will ensure they don’t move while you are scrubbing them. This also makes cleaning the slim facing pieces of the cabinet body easier to clean.
• Make sure that all the countertops, appliances and the floor are masked off before you start.
• Once they are clean, you come to the first step in painting kitchen cabinets - sanding them. Use a fine grit sandpaper to rub over the complete cabinet. Try and ensure that you sand the nooks and crannies as also. Don’t forget the facing areas from where you removed the doors. Sanding helps to roughen the surface of the wood and allows the layers of paint and primer you will be applying to grip better. This will reduce the chances of the paint peeling and flaking off and also strength the coat of paint to withstand the bumping for utensils being moved around in the cabinet. Remember you are only roughing up the surface and not removing the earlier coats of paint or varnish. Don’t overdo it. That’s why it is better to do this by hand rather than using a high powered sanding machine.
• Once you finish the sanding you need to apply a coat of primer to the surfaces. The primer helps the paint bond with the wood and makes for a long lasting finish. If you are repainting kitchen cabinets in the same color you can skip this. But if you are changing the color or painting a varnished surface, you need to use primer. Paint will not stick to a stained or varnished surface, even if it has been sanded and the primer will prevent the previous paint color from affecting the shade of your new paint.
• Check with your hardware store for the right combination of paint and primer to use. Some products have a strong odor so be prepared to ventilate the kitchen if you are doing the painting in there.
• By now your cabinets probably look awful. Don’t worry - you have just laid the foundation for a great paint job. So get started painting.
• The best way to paint kitchen cabinets is by using a pneumatic sprayer. If you can’t get hold of one, using a high quality brush of 2 ½” to 3″ will work fine.
• By now you may be feeling like finishing the job fast by applying a thick coat. Don’t! It will peel off. Multiple thin coats of paint are the best.
• Let the first coat of paint dry completely and using very fine grit sandpaper, lightly sand the fresh surface - not to remove the paint but so that the next coat has a smooth surface.
• Two coats of paint is normally enough but if your cabinets are made from heavy grain wood like oak, 3 coats will give you a better finish.
• Once everything is dry, remount the doors and replace the cabinets on the wall, if you have taken them off.

And that’s how to paint kitchen cabinets.

Painting kitchen cabinets video

The kitchen backsplash is placed on the kitchen wall between the countertops and the wall cabinets. It protects the walls and especially the zones behind the range, the sink, and the places where you prepare the food, from staining. Your backsplash will stain, but the materials appropriate for it are usually easy to clean and maintain and are a far better option than just a bare painted wall or wallpaper.The kitchen backsplash also has aesthetic value. With colors, patterns or textures appropriate for a backsplash you can improve the visual appeal of your kitchen, without difficulty and at a reasonable price.

Some backsplashes are only about 4 inches (10 cm) high and are usually a continuation of the countertop. These are not effective, because if you don’t cover the entire area up to the wall cabinets with a backsplash, significant parts of the wall will remain unprotected. With a standard backsplash, about 18 inches (46 cm) high, you will cover the whole area between the countertops and the wall cabinets and you will give your kitchen a finished look.

You might place your backsplash only behind detached zones in your kitchen, such as the range and the sink, thereby attracting attention to them; but a better option is to place a backsplash along the whole length of the room, thus achieving a unified look.

Kitchen backsplash materials

The following materials are popular variants for a kitchen backsplash. Many of them are used for kitchen countertops as well, which means that your backsplash and countertops can be made of one and the same material. The materials are strong, durable and usually easy to clean and maintain. I say usually, because some tiles, stone or metal may require periodic maintenance (sealing or polishing), according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Ceramic and porcelain tiles: these tiles exist in various colors, patterns and textures and may imitate natural stone as well.

2. Metal and metal laminate: with a backsplash from a stainless steel sheet you will give your kitchen a modern and simple look. Besides, its neutral color matches most other colors.

You may use others metals as well, such as copper, zinc, tin, brass or nickel. Some of the metals will change their look with time if you don’t maintain them, and this effect may appeal to you.

As a cheaper variant you may use metal laminate. This is similar to plastic laminate, but is covered with a metal layer.

3. Natural stone: an exceptionally fine material with a unique pattern for each of its layers, making your backsplash different from that of anybody else. It is also extremely durable.

You may use various kinds of stone. For example granite, marble or limestone.

4. Solid surface: synthetic material, existing in variety of colors, patterns and textures. It may also imitate natural stone.

5. Glass: with a backsplash from glass sheets you will, again, give your kitchen a modern and simple look. And, if you have beautiful pictures on the wall, they can still be seen through the glass, while being protected from damage.

Some other, not so traditional, materials for backsplashes exist as well, such as cork, but they are used more rarely or have yet to gain popularity.

Cork, in particular, is a naturally textured soft material. You may pin notes and recipes on it, but I think it’s not very appropriate for the key zones in the kitchen, such as the range and the sink, because you will find it difficult to clean.

Kitchen backsplash design

If you want a simple look, select a backsplash with the same design as your countertop.

If you are looking for a more vivid effect, select patterned tiles. For example, you could use square tiles, set on a diagonal in contrasting colors, like a checkerboard.

If you have a small kitchen, choose a mirrored backsplash or one with a large pattern. For example, you could use several small accent tiles in combination with large tiles with a simple design. In this way, you will make your room look bigger.

If you want more light on the work surfaces, such as the range, the sink and the countertops, select a light backsplash, because light tones and shiny surfaces reflect the light well.

Since the backsplash is between the countertops and the wall cabinets, it is a good idea for it to match both the colors and the textures of the countertops or wall cabinets, with color being the more important. As far as the shape of the backsplash is concerned, some of the materials above, in addition to standard tiles, also exist as sheets. With sheets there won’t be gaps that have to be filled with grout and this means that you will be able to clean the backsplash more easily. (The grout, which fills the gaps between tiles, gathers dirt with time and requires periodic cleaning.)

If you select standard tiles, allow the larger ones to predominate over any smaller ones, because then there will be fewer gaps to fill with grout, and so less to clean. As far as the grout is concerned, the darker its color, the less the dirt on it will be visible.

Price of kitchen backsplash

The price of your backsplash will be determined by such factors as…

• the size of the area that the backsplash covers.
• the material used.
• the design.

In general, a backsplash made of ceramic or porcelain tiles will be cheaper than one made of stone or metal. However, if you have your tiles custom-made, they might be very expensive.

Kitchen backsplash installation

To be sure of the quality of your kitchen backsplash installation, I recommend that you employ the services of a professional. Click here to submit your project and receive free estimates from highly rated local, licensed contractors within 48 hours with no obligation.

Ganka Vasileva is the owner of http://www.helpful-kitchen-tips.com, a website containing useful information about the kitchen; about the equipment of this greatly-used room in our home that occupies a special place in our lives. Buying guides for kitchen cutlery, small appliances, cookware & bakeware, kitchen furniture, storage & organization, plumbing, etc.

Other resources: Granite backsplash installation video

When choosing kitchen countertops, consider carefully what you need and what you can afford. It’s a good idea to choose the most functional material possible for your countertop. It needs to be…

• durable.
• easy to clean and maintain.
• stain-resistant to all liquids, even acids.
• heat-resistant to many different objects (pots, pans…).
• scratch-resistant, to avoid scratches while cutting ingredients on it.
• a suitable match for your tastes and kitchen design.

It’s difficult to find material for kitchen countertops that possesses all these qualities, so a combination of different kinds of materials is perhaps the best option. It’s interesting, practical and probably cheaper. For example, you can use a quality material, such as granite, for places that receive the most frequent use (e.g., around the range or the sink), and you can cover the rest with cheaper material, such as laminate.

Kinds of material for kitchen countertops

The following materials are popular choices for kitchen countertops. Some other, less traditional ones, such as lava stone, glass, paper-base, copper & zinc, are also used, but less often; perhaps they will become popular in the future.

Some of them require comparatively little care and maintenance. Others you might need to maintain regularly (e.g., resealing and/or polishing), according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

1. Natural stone

Expensive, but functional. You can use different types of stone for your kitchen countertops: granite, marble, mineral soapstone, slate… Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. What unites them is their excellent durability.

Granite is a stone that possesses highly desirable qualities, and it can be used anywhere in your kitchen; round the sink, round the range, for a food preparation area… If price is a consideration, you might want to use it only for a kitchen island.

Characteristic features…

• extremely durable.
• visually appealing, with a unique pattern for each layer.
• scratch-resistant (in contrast to marble, which is a softer stone).
• heat-resistant.

Disadvantages…

• absorbs liquids; you may need to maintain it regularly.

2. Stainless steel

This is a functional, comparatively expensive material. It can be used anywhere in your kitchen; round the sink, round the range, for a food preparation area… You can integrate it with a sink, as a seamless unit. This will facilitate cleaning and gives your countertop an integrated look.

Other qualities…

• neutral color, which facilitates color coordination for your kitchen.
• trouble-free maintenance (this is the choice for countertops in the food service industry).
• heat-resistant.
• stain-resistant and waterproof.

Disadvantages…

• prone to scratching.
• prone to fingerprints.
• easily dented; you need a hard base to attach it to (usually plywood). The hard base also serves to reduce any noise made by objects coming into contact with the steel.

3. Concrete

A comparatively expensive material. Concrete is a good solution if your countertop will have an unusual shape; you can cast it directly in your kitchen.

Characteristic features…

• easy to shape the edges.
• easily integrated with a sink, like the variant with the steel.
• can be painted, polished or textured.
• heat-resistant.

Disadvantages…

• absorbs liquids; you may need to maintain it regularly.
• prone to cracking.

4. Tiles

A comparatively cheap material, although custom-made tiles may be expensive. You can place them round the sink or the range.

Characteristic features of ceramic tiles, which are among the most frequently used for kitchen countertops…

• wide range of colors, patterns and textures.
• durable, heat-resistant.
• glazed tiles are stain-resistant and waterproof.
• easily replaced when damaged.

Disadvantages…

• fragile.
• difficult to chop or knead on them, due to the uneven surface.
• matte tiles absorb liquids; you may need to maintain them regularly.
• the grout between the tiles gathers dirt.

5. Laminate

An artificially produced, low-cost material, laminate is one of the most frequently used materials for kitchen countertops. It’s best to put it in places in your kitchen that are not used frequently, because its quality is not as high as that of some of the other materials.

Characteristic features…

• a wide range of colors, patterns and textures.
• easy to shape the edges.

Disadvantages…

• prone to scratching.
• vulnerable to heat.
• fragile.
• once damaged (burns, scratches…), it is difficult to repair.

6. Wood

A natural, comparatively cheap material. Ideal for preparing food on. A very good variant is to use it as a butcher’s block, inserted in a countertop made of other material.

Characteristic features…

• warm, comforting appearance.
• easy to shape the edges.

Disadvantages…

• vulnerable to heat and moisture; you can spoil it if it is placed near the range or the sink.
• absorbs liquids; you may need to maintain it regularly.

7. Solid surface

A moderately expensive artificial material. You can use it for a great part of your countertops in the kitchen, especially round the sink. You can integrate it with the sink, just as with steel and concrete.

Other qualities…

• durable and trouble-free maintenance.
• easily shaped edges.
• a variety of styles exist.
• it is possible for it to have strong visual appeal, like stone.
• damage such as scratches and burns can be repaired.
• stain-resistant and waterproof.

Disadvantages…

• vulnerable to heat.
• prone to scratching.

8. Quartz (or engineered stone)

An expensive but quality material for countertop. A great percentage of it is real quartz stone. You can place it everywhere in your kitchen, as with granite and steel. Again, if price is a consideration it can be used just for a kitchen island.

Some of its characteristic features…

• durable, smooth and scratch-resistant.
• a visually appealing material with consistent colors.
• stain-resistant and waterproof.
• trouble-free maintenance.

Price of kitchen countertops

The price of your countertops depends on the materials used and how difficult the work is:

• color, pattern, texture.
• shaping the edges.
• possibility of integration with the sink.
• installation…

Kitchen countertops installation

Even if the installation of your kitchen countertops looks easy, I recommend that you use the services of a professional. Click here to submit your project and receive free estimates from highly rated local, licensed contractors within 48 hours with no obligation.

Ganka Vasileva is the owner of http://www.helpful-kitchen-tips.com, a website containing useful information about the kitchen; about the equipment of this greatly-used room in our home that occupies a special place in our lives. Buying guides for kitchen cutlery, small appliances, cookware & bakeware, kitchen furniture, storage & organization, plumbing, etc.

Good lighting is closely related to the functionality of your kitchen island. With well-placed lighting fixtures, you will transform your kitchen island into a place where you can prepare food, clean utensils, eat with your family or perform any other activity with pleasure and in comfort.

A solution is one or more pendant lights, suspended from the ceiling and directed at the surfaces of the island. Apart from adding a certain elegance, they also function as accent lights, turning this area into a pleasant, attention-attracting center.

Another solution is to fix a number of lamps to the hood (if you intend to have one). Or if you have any kind of shelving above your kitchen island (such as pot rack), you can use the underside of the shelving to serve as a base for task lighting, for example, track lights.

The kitchen island lighting fixtures come in a great variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Concerning the light switches, it’s a good idea the lamps over your kitchen island to have their own switches so you can control them independently. The same consideration applies to the lamps above the sink, table or countertops.

Regards,

Ganka Vasileva

Umbria 20 3/4″ Walnut Finish Ceiling Medallion (89538)

Just imagine how beautiful your kitchen will look like with this amazing ceiling medallion if your kitchen cabinets are in the same nuance of dark wood. With its walnut finish and beautiful copper bronze trim accents, this 20 3/4″ diameter ceiling medallion from Minka’s Umbria collection installs easily and adds more finished touch to the ceiling-mounted lighting.

Just imagine it with some of the following chandeliers… I think the effect will be wonderful:

My idea here is for general kitchen lighting. As you may know, this is the basic lighting in the kitchen; the one you turn on when you enter the room. The purpose of this type of kitchen lighting is to obtain a uniform spread of light in your room; that is to say, without dark or highly illuminated zones. The light must be sufficient for you to be able to move around safely in the kitchen, to arrange utensils in cabinets or drawers, to clean… activities for which you don’t need such precise lighting.

You can find the above Umbria 20 3/4″ Walnut Finish Ceiling Medallion (89538) and these beautiful chandeliers at LampsPlus.com. Save up to 50% during the LampsPlus.com January Clearance Sale!