A home bar—whether it is wet or dry—can be a great addition to your home if you do a lot of entertaining. When comparing a wet bar versus a dry bar, the main difference is plumbing. Wet bars feature a sink that allows for immediate cleaning of glasses, blenders/mixers, and spills. Because of the plumbing, wet bars also allow for beer taps and drains. Dry bars do not have a sink and cleaning must … [Read more...]
Types and Styles of Cabinet Doors
When remodeling your kitchen, there are several decisions that you will have to make. One of the most important decisions is the type and style of cabinet doors. Cabinet doors are available in three types (inset, partial overlay, and full overlay) and various styles. Types of Cabinet Doors The type of door on the cabinet—whether it is inset, partial overlay, or full overlay—not only affects … [Read more...]
Kitchen Layout
A kitchen's layout is the is the most important part of designing your dream kitchen. The layout will determine how you cook, clean, and store items in your kitchen. It will also determine how you eat and socialize in the room. Unless you are working with a completely new space such as a room addition, the size and shape of your current kitchen will play a role in determining the new layout of … [Read more...]
Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen work triangle is a concept that is used to design functional kitchen layouts and maximize efficiency in the kitchen. The three primary tasks carried out in the kitchen are preparation, cooking, and storage. Most of the food preparation takes place in or near the sink. Cooking is done in the oven, on the stove, or on a cooktop. And the refrigerator is the main place for storage. The … [Read more...]
Concrete Kitchen Countertops
Concrete is typically composed of ground rocks, sand, and fly ash. It is then mixed and held together with a binding agent. Concrete kitchen countertops can be made on-site or precast in a workshop. Although concrete countertops are reinforced like sidewalks, they won't feel like one. You can polish your concrete countertops to a smooth finish. Pros: You can customize concrete kitchen … [Read more...]
Metal Kitchen Countertops
Metal kitchen countertops are available in a limited choice of metals including: stainless steel, copper, zinc, pewter, brass, and bronze. To manufacture a metal countertop, a thin piece of metal is formed and fastened over a slab of wood. Metal kitchen countertops are nonporous, sanitary, and tolerant to high heat. Also, metal countertops are prone to denting and scratching. Stainless … [Read more...]
Bamboo Kitchen Countertops
Bamboo kitchen countertops are made out of pieces of bamboo. The pieces can be assembled in four different configurations: vertical, horizontal, end grain, and strand woven. These configurations affect the hardness and look. Assembled the same way as plywood; they are bound together under pressure with adhesive. Even though it resembles wood, bamboo is a type of grass. Consider using bamboo … [Read more...]
Wooden Kitchen Countertops
Wooden kitchen countertops -- also knows as butcher block -- are biodegradable, and they come in a wide array of styles depending on the species, color/stain, and grain orientation (face grain, edge grain, or end grain.) The hardness of the wood varies on the species. If you want a wood countertop that will not show a lot of wear, you will want to choose a wood that measures higher up on the Janka … [Read more...]
Engineered Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a mineral, not a stone. Engineered quartz kitchen countertops are made out of crushed quartz and a resin binder. These materials are then bonded together with high heat and pressure. Also, additional pigments may be added for color. Depending on the manufacturer, color, and edge treatment, engineered quartz countertops can be quite expensive. They can also up the resale value of your … [Read more...]
Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops
Natural stone kitchen countertops can be made out of several different types of stone. Each type has its own unique characteristics. While all natural stone kitchen countertops will need specific maintenance and care, the type of stone depends on how much. The longevity and appearance of the stone countertop depends on long-term care. Granite A common type of igneous rock; granite is … [Read more...]