When it comes to remodeling a home, the heart of the project generally lies in the kitchen. Since most families spend much of their time in the kitchen either cooking, eating or just chatting, a makeover in this room can have a profound effect on the overall appeal of a home. By far, the best way to take your kitchen to the next level is to replace the countertops.

Who Needs New Countertops?

People decide to replace their kitchen countertops for a variety of reasons. Maybe they have suffered stains and general damage over the years. Or perhaps the homeowner just wants to upgrade to a nicer, more modern style. Whatever the reason, before you choose a countertop style surface for your kitchen, you need to know what’s available. Different types and styles of kitchen countertops abound from the simple to the elegant. Each varies not only in cost but also in  benefits and drawbacks. Learning the pros and cons of each available surface will help you pick the right style for your kitchen remodeling project.

Benefits of The Different Countertops Available

Laminate
Laminate is one of the most common countertop styles because it is affordable. Laminate countertops are also popular for their durability. Not only are they water-resistant, but they clean up easily with only a sponge. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Laminate Kitchen Countertops

Tile
Tile countertops certainly have a lot going for them. They are extremely durable and fire-resistant. They come in a variety of types, including, glass, stone, ceramic, and metal. Not only is this style beautiful, it tends to last, making it a great choice for a kitchen remodeling project.

Tile Kitchen Countertops

Marble
Installing marble countertops is one of the most exquisite ways to heighten the beauty and class of a kitchen. Everyone can appreciate the beauty of marble, and, additionally, everyone knows it is expensive. So, if class and prestige is what you want your kitchen to radiate, marble countertops are the choice for you.

Marble Kitchen Countertops

Granite
Like marble countertops, granite styles offer a classy, expensive look and a durability that can withstand a respectable degree of punishment. Unlike marble, these types of countertops are available in a wide variety of patterns and designs. So, if you have the money for marble, but don’t like the limitations in design, granite is the next obvious choice.

Granite Kitchen Countertops

Concrete
Concrete countertops are popular both because they are relatively inexpensive and because of their versatility. Since this surface is created at the time of its installation, it can be shaped and colored in any number of ways. The end result often gives the kitchen an original look that won’t be found in any other home.

Concrete Kitchen Countertops

Stainless Steel
This type of countertop is well-liked because of its modern appearance and extreme durability. Besides being water and fireproof, stainless steel is very easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. The surface can also be etched with patterns to give it an original artistic style.

Steel Kitchen Countertops

Wood
By far the most popular kitchen counter surface, wood offers an attractive, natural appearance at an affordable price. Wood countertops can be installed either as finished or unfinished depending on the preference of the homeowner. Many prefer the warm atmosphere provided by wood countertops over the cold modern look of stainless steel. This type of surface offers a good balance between beauty and affordability.

Wood Kitchen Countertops

Risks or Negatives of The Different Countertops Available

Laminate
Although, they are affordable, laminate countertops do have a couple of drawbacks. For one, any damage to them is difficult to conceal. So, if any harm comes to them, they generally need to be replaced. Also, they do sometimes crack and separate, making them look a little cheap.

Tile
As previously mentioned, tile is beautiful and durable. However, it is relatively expensive depending on the surface area of the countertops. Tiles can also harbor bacteria from vegetables and meats if they are improperly sealed, and they do occasionally crack from time to time.

Marble
Although, they are beautiful, marble countertops have some considerable drawbacks. Besides being very expensive, marble countertops require higher maintenance. Since they are porous, there is a danger that they can be stained by common grease and oils. It is for this reason that these types of countertops have traditionally been used for pastry kitchens only. However, if you choose to add them to your kitchen, you must seal and reseal them often to keep them looking new.

Granite
Granite countertops have the same basic drawbacks as marble ones. Not only are they expensive, they are also porous and must be sealed often to avoid potential staining. Also, since they are made of stone, acidic foods like limes and lemons can actually etch the surface causing undesirable markings and patterns. For those who want the classy look of marble or granite, but not the headache of the extra maintenance required, synthetic stone countertops may be the answer. Not only do they provide a similar look to actual granite surfaces, they are easier to clean and won’t stain.

Concrete
Although, a concrete countertop surface is inexpensive, the professional installation can be pricey. Also, like marble and granite surfaces, concrete countertops must be re-sealed often. This type of countertop is also extremely heavy and can be susceptible to cracking.

Stainless Steel
Although, stainless steel is durable, it’s not indestructible. Dents can happen, and when they do, they can seriously damage the overall appearance of the countertop. Also, this surface can be expensive and the clattering of pots and dishes against it can be a little noisy.

Wood
Since wood countertops are so much cheaper than other types of countertops, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that there are several downsides to the surface. Not only are they susceptible to water damage, they can also be stained and burned quite easily. Furthermore, unfinished wood countertops can easily soak up bacteria like salmonella and E coli. So, cutting boards must be used in food preparation.

Quality Stainless Steel Sink

No kitchen is complete without a kitchen sink. In fact, if your kitchen sink is damaged in some way, you are going to find it very hard to accomplish anything in your kitchen. How can you wash your vegetables, your dishes, or even your hands? It’s important to always keep your sink in good working condition. In case something happens to your sink, you shouldn’t even think twice about having it replaced right away.

There are several factors you need to consider when you are looking for a replacement kitchen sink. For starters, if you are just replacing the sink and are not planning to do a complete kitchen makeover, your new sink should be roughly the same size as your previous one since it will have to fit into the same opening in your counter.

However, if you are willing to go one step further and change your kitchen counter as well, the size of your sink shouldn’t be too much of a problem because you can focus your attention on other issues, such as the style of the sink you want. Basically, you have two choices: a single-basin sink or a double-basin sink. Double-basin sinks are generally more efficient especially if you have no dishwasher, while single-basin ones are generally more stylish.

Of course, practicality should be among your highest priorities so your decision should depend largely on what style of sink you think will work better in your kitchen. However, just because you put more weight on practicality does not mean you should sacrifice style. Your new kitchen sink should definitely be something you can actually use but at the same time, it should also reflect your style and go well with whatever decor you already have going in your kitchen.

Since your kitchen sink is going to be installed alongside the counter tops and the cabinetry, these elements should all complement each other and work harmoniously in terms of color and style. Most kitchen sinks today are actually made from stainless steel so there won’t be much decision to make in regards to color. However, if you do want to have a splash of color in your sink, there are sinks that come in classic colors like almond, granite and white.

Once you know just what kind of kitchen sink you want, you can begin the task of finding that perfect sink. Good places to start are home improvement stores in your area. These stores usually have dozens upon dozens of kitchen sinks available, but if they do not have the one you are looking for, you can always turn to the Internet. When you shop online, you can browse through hundreds of sink catalogs until you find the one you want. You can also do a side-by-side comparison in order to find out which company is offering the lowest price on your preferred sink.

When you have purchased your new kitchen sink, the next step is to have it installed by a professional. You can even do the installation yourself;  just follow the instructions that come with the product. If you have no home remodeling experience, though, it is best to leave the job to a qualified contractor.

Most kitchens these days have some sort of vent over the stovetop. Standard range vents for kitchens need to be able to handle at least 120 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air. If you cook a lot or the range vent is too noisy, it may be time to upgrade your unit.

The three types of range vents are duct, convertible, and ductless.

Duct range vents direct cooking smoke and steam to the outside of the home. These vents may or may not have a filter connected to them. Modern duct range vents will have a cap that is usually installed on the roof. Depending on the power of the system and how active the kitchen is expected to be, this may include its own filter.

Convertible range hoods can be used with either ductless or duct systems. This is handy because you don’t have to immediately install a duct system to make it operational. But installing a duct system will vastly increase its power and efficiency. The advantage of this kind of range hood system is that it will fit most residential cooking needs.

Ductless range vents rely exclusively on filters to clean the grease and grime from the smoke and circulate the clean air back into the kitchen. Those that use charcoal filters can remove odors, but they must be periodically replaced. Some use an aluminum filter that can be cleaned with soap and water. Filters must be washed or replaced often (every 3 to 6 months) to maintain the vent’s peak operating efficiency. Typically these will not have the power to handle nearly as much airflow as the other two types of range hoods. For homeowners who don’t cook much, these are still a viable option.

Most modern kitchens have a garbage disposal to take care of food scraps. This is a nice amenity, but clogs and blockages are a pretty frequent occurrence. If your kitchen garbage disposal rattles or makes a lot of noise, it could be a sign that maintenance is required. Excessive vibrations from the garbage disposal can loosen screws and bolts over time. If abnormal sounds are ignored, significant damage to the pipes and sink is possible. Objects stuck in the disposal can easily prevent it from working altogether.

Fixing a Jam

The culprit could be as simple as something hard like a piece of glass or metal spoon caught inside. This must be removed as soon as possible. Never stick your hand inside a garbage disposal. It’s dangerous for three different reasons. First, the power could inadvertently be turned on while your hand is inside. Second, your hand could get stuck inside causing injury. Third, whatever is caught inside may be sharp and jagged and could easily cut you.

Emergency Maintenance

• Disconnect the electrical power from the disposal.
• Use tongs to remove anything loose inside.
• Check to see if the impeller lugs are rotating (these are sometimes referred to as blades; but they are not actually sharp). Use a large screwdriver for a brace and rotate the lugs manually with it. If they move freely, then the problem could be the motor. If it was stuck, physically rotating the lugs can release enough tension for the disposal to operate normally again.
• Make sure all screws, bolts and pipes are connected securely.
• Reconnect the power and test the disposal’s operation again. Always run cold water down the disposal while it is turned on. This lubricates the system, keeps it cool, and protects the seals from any potential overheating.

If removing a jam doesn’t work, the motor may have seized. If so, it is probably time to replace the garbage disposal. Consider a quieter or more powerful model rather than picking the one with the lowest price. Upgrading your garbage disposal is a smart and cost effective home improvement project and paying a little extra for quality is well worth it.

Wainscoting is a centuries-old paneling technique that protects the lower part of walls. It’s generally limited to the bottom 3 to 5 feet above the baseboard. These wall sections used to be much more susceptible to damage from moisture than they are today. However, wainscoting also protects walls from bumps and scratches from furniture – so it’s still useful. Many homeowners install it as a decorative feature in kitchens and dining room areas. The exterior design of the kitchen cabinets often serves as inspiration for the design and color of wainscoting.

Decorative molding marks the upper limit for the wainscoting and is sometimes called the chair rail. Typically the horizontal molding strip is placed approximately at countertop height (or 1/3 of the way up the wall from the floor). Its primary function is to serve as decoration to cover the cut edge of the beadboard.

In the kitchen, this feature also ensures clearance for appliances. An appliance doesn’t bump directly into the wall because the molding behind it sticks out a bit. This strip of molding needs to be properly mitered at the corners so that it fits together and appears to be one single piece. It covers the entire perimeter of the room and should have as few seams as possible. It also needs to be absolutely level to look good.

Generally, matching the appearance of the baseboard and upper molding creates a pleasing effect. Or, the baseboard can be wider than the upper trim. The baseboard and molding are installed on top of the wainscoting boards or paneling.

As an alternative to beadboard paneling, extra cabinet doors (without the knob or hinges) can be used as accent pieces to cover lower wall sections or the lower portion of a center island. This is a more expensive option, but has a very aesthetic appearance on walls that are brightly painted.

When tile grout in the kitchen begins to get grungy and nasty, most of the grime is composed of dirt, oils, and mashed food particles. Sometimes a bit of mildew will also grow on the grout if the conditions are moist enough. This is both unsightly and unsanitary. Even grout that is properly sealed can start looking old and dirty after a while. However, kitchens with tiles floors can look like new again if the grout is spotless. Mopping the floors doesn’t usually accomplish this goal. These surfaces must be rinsed to get rid of any soap or cleaning agent used. If any detergents are left behind, these will attract more dirt and grime and trap it in the grout over a short period of time.

• Regularly sweep or vacuum any loose crud. Clean hard to reach corners, behind cupboards, underneath refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Tiny food particles can attract roaches and rodents that will leave behind feces. These disgusting substances can be inadvertently mashed into the grout.

• Use a heavy duty plastic scrub brush to clean the grout. An old toothbrush is not stiff enough. Do not use a wire brush. The metal bristles can damage the grout and create additional problems.

• Common tile cleaners often work well enough as long as you are willing to scrub. Try the least harsh products first and then switch incrementally to the more caustic ones as needed. Hydrogen peroxide or bleach may do a good job removing stains but can ruin colored grout. Do not mix chemicals (it’s dangerous).

• Use a squeegee to help rinse the floor. Water based vacuums and floor cleaning machines can sometimes be used to get rid of most of the dirty water. Rinse twice for best results.

Sometimes refurbishing existing kitchen cabinets can be difficult or not worth the time and expense. This is generally the case when mold or water has caused the materials to warp or rot resulting in pervasive structural damage to the body of the cabinets. However, when you can reuse your existing cabinets, refurbishing is a very cost effective way to give them a new look. The first step is to evaluate each cabinet’s condition and functionality.

What parts need to be repaired? It may be a very simple task to fix interior shelving or replace missing screws. If damage is limited to one panel or a single drawer, it may be possible to repair the problem area with some DIY carpentry work.

How is it possible to make cabinets in kitchens look new – even if they are not? As surfaces age they often accumulate scratches, dents, and other roughed up spots. Depending on the scope of the defects, it may be a simple procedure to sand or fill them in with a little wood putty before applying a new finish.

For cabinets made of composite materials, adding a new laminate facing can cover up a multitude of surface problems. Solid wood cabinets can be sanded down (or treated with a stain stripping product) and then brightened up with a fresh coat of stain and sealant. For cabinets that have already been painted in the past, introducing a new color theme with an application of medium gloss paint is a good option.

As remodeling goes, a complete kitchen overhaul is one of the more expensive projects you can choose. New floors, countertops, appliances, cabinets and island workspaces can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. If your kitchen is in pretty decent condition but you just want a fresh look, there’s no need to replace expensive items that are still functional. The following three changes can transform the look of your kitchen for a few hundred dollars.

Paint – Painting kitchens is relatively easy and makes a great weekend project – especially for couples. The basic supplies for this project include a gallon of Kilz and a gallon of high quality semi-gloss paint in the color of your choice. Add a couple of pints in complimentary colors for the trim or accents and you can create even more visual interest. With rollers, brushes, drop cloths, tape, and a few other supplies, you can generally paint an average sized kitchen for under $200. For a less time-consuming makeover, restrict the paint job to the walls and ceiling. For an entirely new look, repaint your cabinets as well.

New Hardware – Little details often make a huge difference. Changing the handles on your cabinets and kitchen drawers does exactly that. There are plenty of drawer pull and handle options available in the $3 range that can make your kitchen look sleek and modern, ornate, or rustic. For about $50 dollars and 20 minutes of work, you can make it look like you replaced an entire set of kitchen cabinets. Just be sure to take one of your existing handles to the hardware store with you to match the distance of the holes.

New Lighting – Buy a new fixture or replace the existing bulbs with completely different ones. You can find energy efficient bulbs that give off light in tints from white to yellow to slightly blue. The colors of your kitchen will look different depending on which type of lighting you choose. Even just increasing the amount of light available can change the entire feel of the room. Under-cabinet lighting and task lighting can brighten up worksurfaces and make your kitchen more pleasant to work in.

When homeowners start looking for ways to upgrade their kitchens, replacing an electric stove with a natural gas unit is a fairly common choice. However, this can be challenging even when you already have gas connected to your home.

Before converting your stove area to handle a model that uses gas, make sure everything will fit in the space properly and will operate without interference from any other appliance. Movement of doors and handles change the dynamics of the space requirements and not all gas units have the same standard dimensions as electric stoves.

The electrical outlet must match the one used by your new stove. A gas connection with adequate pressure is also required. If the proper valves and outlets are already in place, the person delivering the new gas stove will make the final connections for you.

What If Your Gas Lines Don’t Reach the Kitchen?

Gas lines may need to be extended into the stove top area so that the device will operate. If you are lucky, this connection outlet might already exist; but this is unlikely when all previous stoves installed in the kitchen over the years have been electric.

Make sure that you turn off the gas supply completely before making any changes to existing lines. You need to be sure that the gas valve used to connect with the stove is the exact one necessary for the appliance you bought. It’s best to hire a contractor when gas conduits need to be reworked or extended. A mistake in handling gas lines can result in leaking or an explosion.

What About the Electrical Outlet?

Electric stoves generally require 220v instead of 110v needed for gas stoves. There are a couple of possible workarounds for this problem. If a normal 110v outlet exists nearby, it might be possible to plug the gas stove into it instead. Then, you can leave the 220v outlet in place and simply not use it.

The other is to create the 110v outlet that is separate from the 220v outlet. Or, you may need to actually convert the 220v outlet to 110v. A lot of electrical experience is necessary to handle such a job. Like making changes to your gas lines, this step is not recommended as a do-it-yourself project. Get a qualified electrician to do it for you and make sure it’s done correctly.

One of the most common complaints about kitchens is that they don’t have enough storage space. If your pantry and cabinet space is limited, it may be time to consider adding a corner hutch. These classic shelving units are designed to store utensils, cutlery, china dishes, electrical appliances, and other accessories. This frees up cabinet space and allows you to get clutter organized. Since you would otherwise make little use of the corners in your kitchen, you won’t be sacrificing much in the way of floor or wall space by adding a hutch.

Of course, this type of furniture doesn’t have to actually be inside the kitchen. It depends on what you plan on storing inside the hutch and where space is available. For example, you might display your nicest dishes in a glass-fronted “china” hutch in the dining room. This makes table setting easy and leaves your cabinets free for less attractive items. A wine storage hutch with space for all your beverage mixing accessories could be located in the basement. Or, you could put a buffet-style hutch in the kitchen to provide both storage and an extra worksurface.

DIY or Buy Prefab?

Your decision to build or buy a hutch will be determined by your carpentry skills and how simple you want the design to be. Building a hutch in a kitchen can be as simple as putting up a few properly spaced wall mounted corner shelves. Wooden shelves with a rounded or hexagonal profile are least likely to interfere with traffic through the kitchen. These should be reinforced with brackets so they can bear the weight of dishes or small appliances. Fortunately, there are usually studs located at the corners of a room so you won’t have any trouble installing the shelving securely.

When homes are designed, the pantry is often simply tucked in a corner that is “leftover” and not useful as open kitchen space. However, this can mean the pantry interior features odd angles and is too cramped to turn around in.

During a remodel that involves making your kitchen larger, don’t forget to convert your pantry from a broom closet into a nice walk-in room. This kind of pantry shouldn’t make you feel like a sardine in a can, so don’t skimp on space. 30” is a comfortable walkway width for most people – but this doesn’t include the area taken up by shelving along the wall. Keep this in mind when you are deciding if you really have enough room for a walk in pantry. The shape of this space should, of course, be rectangular if you want to make use of modular containers, bins, and shelving kits available for kitchens from places like The Container Store or Home Depot.

Tuck Appliances Out of Sight

Strategically placed electrical outlets in your new pantry will allow small counter-top appliances to be hidden away, yet close at hand. These plugs can be located in hidden corners on or near the ceiling or floor. This means quality wall space is not unnecessarily obstructed. Some of these power conduits can be used to recharge batteries and cell phones completely out of the way from open living areas.

Don’t Cram Your Space with Stuff

Some walk-in pantries are large enough to include secondary refrigerators or freezers. Only put one of these in if you won’t have to crawl/reach over it or squeeze by it to access your pantry shelving. Otherwise, you’ve defeated the purpose of having a walk in pantry.

Go Wide Instead of Deep

You may need to make your pantry wider rather than deeper depending on the layout of your home. In that case, you can put accordion doors on the pantry to keep it separate from your kitchen but still allow immediate access when you need to grab some pasta for dinner. A shallow pantry is actually a very efficient design since the shelving will not be so deep that canned goods get lost and go out of date while you’re not paying attention.

Eco-friendly kitchen remodeling incorporates strategies that lead to more sustainable living – without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With some forethought you can actually save money over the long run by making “green” choices. The following are ten simple and easy ways to make your kitchen more environmentally sensitive – and healthier for your family:

1. Purchase an Energy Star rated refrigerator. Older fridge models are generally the biggest ‘energy hog’ in the kitchen, so a more efficient unit will save you the most money on your electric bill.
2. Donate old appliances or cabinets that are still in good condition to organizations like Habitat for Humanity. This saves a lot of landfill space and helps out those truly in need at the same time.
3. Remember that cabinets and appliances can sometimes be refinished/refurbished to look new. You might have this done as part of the remodeling plan. When this is not possible, make sure the materials and equipment that cannot be reused are sent out for recycling. Ask your contractor about eco-friendly disposal options in your area.
4. Choose products that come from renewable sources. An example would be cork floors.
5. Use concrete and glass. These are family friendly materials because they do not give off toxic fumes.
6. A viable option for flooring is terrazzo made from recycled materials and resin. This type of tile resembles marble.
7. Vetrazzo is a highly durable material made from recycled glass. It is often used for countertops and is as tough as granite. Beautiful backsplash tiles can be made from recycled glass too.
8. Use hypoallergenic materials and those that don’t give off VOCs (such as formaldehyde) whenever possible.
9. Better and more intelligent placement of appliances can make them operate at their highest possible efficiency. Keep the refrigerator away from outdoor light and the stove or other obvious heat sources.
10. Use Energy Star rated CFL bulbs for your most frequently used kitchen lights.