Kitchen Design & Remodeling Tips In Chicago, IL

The Lowdown on Medium Density Fiberboard for Cabinets

October 12, 2019

Most stock and RTA cabinets as well as many types of trim and moldings today have some medium density fiberboard or MDF in its composition. MDF has been around for many years because using it in lieu of solid wood makes many of threes items more affordable. That said, any material has its pros and cons, and while MDF does have many desirable attributes, it is not always the best choice for some applications. Here is the lowdown on medium density fiberboard for cabinets. What is MDF? Medium density fiberboard or MDF is in general terms is a composite product made primarily from wood materials and residuals. These range from fine hard to soft wood components such as sawdust, chips, and shavings, and these are

Budget-Friendly Tips for Kitchen Remodeling

September 30, 2019

Upgrading the kitchen runs the gamut from small changes you can do yourself to major remodeling that requires the services of several professionals. If a major remodel sounds expensive it is because it is. A complete remodel can run you a minimum of $20,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, extent of structural changes, and the type of materials you choose. However, you can do quite a decent job at kitchen remodeling without cashing in your 401k by following some budget-friendly tips. Get everything ready Choose your cabinets, countertops, fixtures, hardware, and anything else you need to complete the project. You want to make sure none are backordered or otherwise unavailable before your contractor starts with the demolition. You can run up quite a

Outlet Basics for Upgrading your Kitchen

September 28, 2019

Many things come to mind when it comes to kitchen remodeling. It might be your choice of cabinets and countertops or if you should go ahead and replace your appliance. With so many things going on, it is understandable if you neglect to spare a thought for your outlets. After all, it is such a mundane thing. However, you literally cannot do without them. Well placed and up to code kitchen outlets is not always a given in many homes, but it is an important consideration when upgrading your kitchen. Having an outlet just where you want it is a godsend and outlets that satisfy the municipal codes is necessary for your safety as well as legal compliance. This is even more important if you

What You Should Know about the Kitchen Remodeling Process

September 20, 2019

A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking, one worth the time and trouble. However, most people have no idea of what that entails. If you are planning to make this smart move soon, you should find out. This will make the experience a lot less stressful. After all, forewarned is forearmed! Here is what you should know about the kitchen remodeling process. Design and layout The first step in the kitchen remodeling process is the design and layout. In many cases, you probably have some idea of what you want your kitchen to look like. However, expert advice and inspiration is always helpful, especially if this is your remodel. If you check designer kitchens or receive a proposed design from a potential contractor, you might

Popular Materials for Bathroom Countertops

September 11, 2019

Your bathroom is just as important as your kitchen, so it warrants just as much consideration. Minor upgrades of the bathroom such as replacing the countertops can actually have a relatively better return on investment than a major kitchen remodel. If you have limited budget, this is the best way to lay out your cash. Fortunately, this is easier than you might think. Bathroom countertops have to be tough, but not as much as kitchen countertops. This opens up quite a bit more options for you when it comes to materials. Since bathroom countertops tend to be smaller than kitchen countertops, and you only pay for what you use, you can also choose expensive materials without feeling the sting in your bank account. Typically, stone

The Effects of Humidity and Heat on Kitchen Cabinets

September 4, 2019

Kitchen cabinets are usually wood or some type of wood product and this is a good thing in general. Wood is readily available, lightweight, durable, affordable, and attractive. However, kitchens are often hot and humid, and this can have serious consequences for anything made of wood. You have to take steps to control the environment in the kitchen to protect your kitchen cabinets on a daily and seasonal basis. Below are some of the effects of humidity and heat on kitchen cabinets. Humidity The biggest issue with kitchen cabinets when it comes to humidity in the kitchen is its effect on the wood fibers. High humidity means more moisture in the air, and this bloats the fibers in the wood, causing it to expand. Low

Marble vs. Soapstone for Bathroom Vanity Tops

September 3, 2019

Most people notice the bathroom vanity tops first thing because they are visually prominent, and they serve a highly functional purpose. It would be natural for you as a homeowner to want something attractive and impressive for your bathroom vanity tops, and durable at the same time. Two of the top options that fit this bill are marble and soapstone. Choosing between marble and soapstone for bathroom vanity tops can be hard, because they are so similar in many ways. Both of them are natural stones of the metamorphic type, meaning they formed through a transformation of a protolith (mother rock) into their present form. Marble evolved from calcium carbonate, typically dolomite or limestone. Soapstone evolved from magnesium, typically mineral talc. Because of the nature

Guide to Keeping Kitchen Cabinets in Top Condition

August 28, 2019

Keeping your cabinets in top condition will extend its life, and spare your pocket. In fact, natural wood kitchen cabinets can last indefinitely if you take reasonable care, which includes regular cleaning, polishing, and using mild products to avoid damaging the material. Cleaning and polishing the wood can also accentuate the inherent beauty and uniqueness of your kitchen cabinets. This is especially true if you opt for hand-wiped natural stains for your cabinets to heighten the sheen and color of the wood. Maintaining cabinets is easy if you establish a routine. It starts as early as the installation, but the daily attention is the key. This guide to keeping kitchen cabinets in top condition can help you do that. Newly installed As soon as you

Color Facts for Granite Countertops

August 19, 2019

Granite is an easy option for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops. However, picking out the right granite for either of these purposes is not always easy. Granite comes in such a wide range of colors and designs that you can get into a bit of a choice overload. Granite countertops are a considerable investment and will last forever, so you want to make sure you pick the right one. One way to choose the right granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom is to know a bit more about granite, especially the colors. The color facts for granite countertops can help you narrow down your options. Granite basics The first thing you need to know about granite is that it is a natural stone.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Bathroom Remodeling

August 3, 2019

Budget-Friendly Tips for Bathroom Remodeling Powder rooms are for guests, and on a good day, you make sure that it is spic and span. However, since most people do not use it every day, it tends to get less attention than regular bathrooms except when looking for additional storage. As a result, they can get a little ragtag and unappealing. As powder rooms or guest bathrooms are among the first rooms most home-buyers see, an unattractive or messy one can create a bad impression about the rest of the home. The same is true for any guests that get a peek at it, and you do not want that on general principles. You need to make the effort to make your powder room a model,

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