Tag: cabinet refacing

A bathroom is an important room to get right. Whether you’re building a new bathroom or renovating your existing one, careful planning can save you money and hassle down the road.

Before you start dreaming of his-and-her sinks and a statement walk-in shower, you’ll need to work out how your bathroom will function and what’s possible within your space. Talk to Milwaukee Bathroom Remodeling experts or read on.

Measure the Space

Getting your bathroom measurements right is one of the most important things you can do. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and get the most out of your space. A tape measure, a pen, and some paper are the best tools to have, but an app or program can ease the process and make for more accurate numbers. Having a second pair of hands also helps as it will allow you to move around the room and measure different areas more quickly.

Start by measuring the length and width of the room, ensuring you include alcoves and other spaces that could be used for storage or as part of your bathroom design. You can then use these measurements to work out the maximum size of the bath, basin, and shower enclosure that you can fit into the space. You should also note down the position of any existing plumbing and water pipes so you don’t have to spend extra money moving them when reworking your bathroom layout.

Now you’re ready to start planning your new bathroom layout. Think about how you plan to use your bathroom and choose the fixtures that will make it work best for you. Depending on your needs, this could mean choosing a tub over a walk-in shower or even just changing where you put everything like the loo and sink to give the room a more functional feel.

It’s worth considering whether you want your bathroom to be symmetrical or not at this point, as well as what fixtures and fittings are already in place and cannot be moved. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family who have recently undertaken bathroom renovations what they would recommend in your situation.

Before you start making any changes, it’s important to make a detailed plan of the whole room, including any windows or doors that are present. This will give you an idea of how your finished bathroom will look once the redesign is complete. It will also help you to decide if there are any areas where you can add storage or other finishing touches, such as a towel rail or shelving unit.

Think About Ventilation

When a bathroom isn’t ventilated, excess moisture can cause mildew and mold to build up over time, destroy paint and wallpaper, warp wallboard, and damage cabinets, and rust fixtures. It also causes the room to cool down quickly, consuming energy to heat it back up. Ventilation is a must for all bathrooms, even the smallest.

Fortunately, modern ventilation systems are quieter and more efficient than ever. Look for a model that offers at least 100 CFM (cubic feet per minute), and preferably more. You’ll want to be sure it has a thermostat that will automatically turn on and off with your bathroom fan. Also, choose a model with a built-in humidity sensor to avoid over-venting. Finally, make sure the exterior vent louver closes completely when the fan isn’t running to prevent cold air from seeping into your home.

You may also want to consider a vent fan with beautiful cladding or a recessed or semi-recessed design that blends in with your bathroom’s style. Also, be sure the vent is insulated around the flexible duct that runs from the bathroom to the outside, and insulate the exterior cap as well.

Another important element to think about is the amount of use your bathroom will receive. A bathroom that’s used by a family daily will need a different layout than one that’s used just once or twice a month.

Getting the whole family involved is also a good idea here, as people tend to have very different ideas about what they like and dislike. For example, a freestanding bath might be ideal for someone who enjoys a soak, but your partner might prefer the practicality of a walk-in shower. Once you have a good understanding of what your needs and wants are, it’s time to get started on the fun stuff. Decorative items like paint, wallpaper, and tile can be changed fairly easily, but sanitaryware, appliances, and smart tech will be permanent fixtures. This is why it’s so important to think through your entire plan carefully before you start buying anything.

Consider Storage

Bathrooms have evolved from simple places to wash up and use the toilet into full-blown health and beauty centers, a place where style is just as important as functionality. But getting that balance right is a bit of a tricky thing, especially when it comes to storage. If you don’t plan for enough storage, even the best-equipped bathroom can quickly feel disorganized and cluttered.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to add extra storage without changing your layout. One easy option is to take advantage of vertical space with a ladder-style shelf unit which provides plenty of storage while adding a pretty pop of color to the room. Open shelving can also be a great way to store a lot of items that would clutter a cabinet, such as toiletries, towels, and even makeup.

If you’re not sure what to do with a space, hotel bathrooms are always a fabulous source of inspiration and often offer the perfect combination of style and functionality. Another easy option is to rework existing storage elements like closets, cabinets, and drawers by rehanging doors and repainting them to create a new look without having to move plumbing or electrical lines.

Remember that it’s important to think through what you want to store and where before you start the remodel because moving a fixture or storage piece mid-remodel can throw off your entire schedule and cost a fortune in plumbing and electrical costs. That’s especially true in tight-fitting bathrooms where each change can potentially displace other fixtures and lead to costly water leaks or electrical issues.

Another great idea is to build storage into your renovation project by choosing vanities with plenty of room underneath for linens or cabinets that can incorporate built-in storage for items like shampoo bottles, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. You can also utilize a wall-mount sink for a more streamlined look in smaller bathrooms, or enlist a freestanding storage cart to hold everything from body salts to sponges. Then simply roll the cart out when it’s time to get your beauty on, and put it back when you’re finished.

Think About Lighting

Adding lighting layers can help transform a bathroom from clinical to cozy. Ambient lighting – gentle light that fills the room and bounces off the ceiling – is important, but consider other types of lighting as well. Pretty wall sconces, like those in this powder room by Ashley Whittaker Design, add eye candy while providing soft pools of light perfect for reading or doing makeup. For a more dramatic effect, use decorative fixtures with a more architectural style and materials, such as marble or wood, for a customized look.

When it comes to showers, tubs, and sinks, it’s all about getting the light right. Typically, we recommend using fixtures with white, diffused shades because they distribute light evenly and offer the best overall lighting. If your space requires recessed lights, consider upgrading to flood-style fixtures, which provide more direct, glare-free illumination.

The right lighting can make a small bath feel bigger and a large bathroom feels more intimate, so it’s worth taking the time to carefully consider your options. Luckily, there are plenty of online tools available to help you map out your bathroom and experiment with different lighting options.

One such tool is a free, user-friendly 3D software program that allows you to draw up a floor plan and experiment with different designs. It’s easy to drag and drop tiles, mirrors, and appliances to see how they fit together — it’s even possible to add natural light with windows or doors to get a more accurate sense of how the finished space will look.

Remember, it’s always best to seek professional advice before starting a new project, especially when working with complicated spaces such as bathrooms. An experienced designer can help you find a way to work within the rules of thumb and create a comfortable, functional bathroom that works for your family’s needs. A good designer can also save you money in the long run by helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Antonia Viera

www.a1-bathroom-4u.com

Why Custom Cabinets Are Worth The Extra Cost

September 5, 2023

Stephanie Charlesworth

Home Improvement No Comments

Custom cabinets are made to your specifications and will last a lifetime.

Basic cabinets are built with a frame around the outside edge of the box and may use wood drawers. They are a good choice for Traditional or Classic style homes. Thompson & Boys LLC cabinet makers create precise engineering drawings of your project and build to these specs.

They Are Made To Your Specifications

Custom cabinets are made to your exact specifications, which is why they typically cost more than stock and semi-custom cabinets. The design phase requires precise measurements to ensure a seamless and beautiful result. A professional cabinet designer can help you create a plan that fits your space, style, and budget. They can also add extra storage accessories, such as pullout racks for trash and recycling bins or pantry storage.

Cabinets aren’t just about looks, but they need to be durable as well. They must be able to withstand daily wear and tear from family members and pets. They must be able to hold heavy appliances, and they must be strong enough to resist damage caused by water and heat. Cabinets should also blend in with the rest of the home’s décor and architecture. This is especially important if you have an open floor plan, as cabinet styles can impact how rooms flow together.

When it comes to cabinet construction, there are two different options: face-framed and frameless boxes. The former is a traditional style that offers a more refined look, while the latter has no face frames and offers a more modern look. Each type of construction has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to discuss your options with a professional before making a decision.

Custom cabinet makers use a variety of tools and machinery to ensure precision cuts and designs. They may not be able to compete with a factory-made product, but they can make sure that you get the best possible results for your project. A good cabinet maker will use high-quality materials to ensure the finished product lasts for a long time.

While semi-custom and stock cabinets offer more design freedom than standard cabinets, they can still be limited by manufacturer specifications. For example, a manufacturer might only allow you to alter cabinet depth by 3-inch increments. They might only offer 15 different door styles and a few dozen finishes. This can be confusing and can limit your creativity. To avoid confusion, consider calling a custom cabinet maker and asking them to send you their Quality Standards manual, which is a great resource for specifying cabinets and other millwork.

They Are Made To Last

Cabinets are made to last for a long time, so the material used in their construction should be of high quality. The best custom cabinet makers use state-of-the-art machinery and software to ensure accurate cuts, designs, and precise measurements. The result is a cabinet that will stand the test of time. They also take into account the location and size of the room to create cabinets that are designed for the space.

Another advantage of custom cabinets is the wide choice of materials they can be made from. Unlike stock cabinets, which can only be made from particle board or MDF, custom cabinets can be made with solid wood or a combination of hard and softwood. In addition, custom cabinet makers can use locally sourced or domestic hardwoods to lessen their impact on the environment.

In addition to offering a wider range of colors and finishes, custom cabinets can be built to the specifications of the homeowner. This includes modifying the cabinet depth to accommodate specific storage needs or create focal points in the room. For example, standard depth wall cabinets are usually 12 inches deep, but this can be modified to 6 or 24 inches depending on the demands of a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom.

Many local shops offer a variety of affordable options for cabinetry. These include small, privately owned millwork shops. These are great for homeowners who want to support their local economy. However, their lead times can be unpredictable. These delays can occur due to setbacks in the shop’s production or if an employee becomes sick or injured.

Local shops are also unable to guarantee their delivery dates like large manufacturers, so it’s important to check on the status of your cabinets before installing them. If you aren’t able to meet the delivery date, consider hiring a professional installer who can provide you with a quick solution.

While choosing a cabinet style is an important decision, it’s equally important to choose the flooring that complements the style. While design trends may change, a good cabinet maker will keep up with the latest styles and color palettes to provide clients with a timeless look.

They Are Customizable

If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to find a cabinet designer who offers customized options for your space. A professional will take precise onsite measurements and use state-of-the-art software to produce a computerized drawing that’s easy for the installer to follow. They’ll also use tried-and-true construction methods like mortise and tenon joinery and dovetail drawer construction, which ensures quality and longevity.

Custom cabinets are made to order and can be designed in a variety of styles, sizes, materials, and finishes. They can be modified to fit the needs of a specific room and are perfect for irregular shapes or awkward spaces. They’re also a good choice for areas where space is limited because they eliminate the need for bulky furniture and make it easier to access stored items.

The most popular cabinet material is wood, which comes in a variety of types and price ranges. Oak and maple are the most common, but there are also cherry, hickory, and even bamboo cabinets available. Some materials are more durable than others, but they all offer a high-quality finish that looks great in your home.

In addition to a wide range of materials, custom cabinets can be designed with innovative features to meet your needs. For example, you can choose to have recessed electric outlets installed in your walls or add pull-out trash or recycling containers. Some cabinets are even built with integrated appliance garages or pantry storage solutions.

While custom cabinets are typically more expensive than stock, the extra cost can be worth it in the long run. For instance, custom cabinets can be made with more durable materials and can last for a lifetime. They can also be made to your exact specifications, which saves time and money in the long run.

Custom cabinets are also available in both face-framed and frameless designs. The former is the traditional option, while the latter offers a more modern look. However, face-framed cabinets tend to be more sturdy and have better sound isolation than frameless cabinets. They’re also easier to clean and maintain because they don’t have any exposed hinges or screws.

They Are Affordable

Cabinets are one of the most important design elements in a kitchen. They can make or break a kitchen’s overall design, but they can also be very expensive. There are many ways to cut down on costs, such as choosing a frameless box instead of framed cabinets and using inexpensive materials. However, this will limit the available customization options for the project. If you want to maximize your custom options, consider working with a custom cabinet maker. They use state-of-the-art machines to ensure precision cuts and designs. While they still do much of the final touches and construction by hand, technology plays a large role in their process.

A wholesale cabinet distributor is an excellent source for affordable custom cabinets. They can offer discounts on their products by cutting out the middleman and dealing directly with manufacturers. In addition, they can provide a wide variety of cabinet styles, colors, and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your home.

Custom cabinets are more costly than stock cabinets, but they are well worth the investment. They are made by experienced craftsmen, who take pride in their work. They use tried and true construction methods, such as mortise and tenon joinery and dovetail drawer construction, which makes them stronger and more durable than other types of cabinets. Moreover, they are hand-assembled, which means that there are fewer flaws and mistakes in the finished product.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing custom cabinets, such as how long you will live in your home and what your budget is. You should also consider the amount of wear and tear your cabinets will undergo, as well as any additional features you may want, such as appliance garages or a coffee bar.

The price of custom cabinets varies based on the specific options you choose, but most are within your budget. There are several strategies you can use to save money on new cabinets, such as reusing existing cabinetry, refacing, or painting. You can even try building your cabinets from a kit, but this option is not recommended for beginners.

Stephanie Charlesworth

www.a1-bathroom-4u.com

Advantages of Hardwood Flooring

May 1, 2023

Victoria Petrillo

Flooring No Comments

Hardwood Flooring adds a touch of elegance and style to any home. It also helps increase the value of your house. When choosing wood floors, pay attention to the Janka hardness rating scale. Species that rank higher on this scale are more durable and better suited to heavy use.

Hardwood flooring is an eco-friendly option because it comes from renewable resources. It reduces the amount of waste that goes into our landfills and can be recycled. It also requires fewer raw materials to produce than other types of flooring.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, hardwood floors are beautiful and add value to your home. They’re long-lasting, easy to maintain, and can be refinished if needed. They’re also resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for high traffic areas.

When choosing wood for your flooring, you can choose from a variety of species. These include black cherry, birch, maple, red oak, and white oak. These types of wood are FSC-certified, which ensures they come from forestry practices that meet environmental, social, and economic standards.

Another type of sustainable wood is bamboo. It grows quickly and requires fewer resources than most other softwoods. Moreover, it is easy to harvest, which means fewer trees are cut down.

Some types of engineered wood are sustainable, too, including reclaimed wood. This type of product can be used to create new flooring or even countertops. It can also be used to make cabinets and furniture.

Engineered woods are also less susceptible to warping and swelling due to moisture. This makes them an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

In addition, if you’re putting your floor in a place that doesn’t see much foot traffic, you can use an engineered wood that has a padded underlayment. This can help prevent slips and falls in these areas.

Lastly, you can choose a floor made from a sustainable material like cork. Cork is a natural thermal insulator that can reduce temperature fluctuations in your home. It’s also an acoustic barrier that helps with noise control.

These floors are easy to clean and can be stained or painted to match any color scheme. They can also be sealed with a sealant for added protection. They are also a great choice for homes with pets or children, because they provide a safe surface for them to walk on. They’re also a good choice for homes that have heavy furniture because they can withstand wear and tear.

Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable floor materials around. If you choose the right type, it can last decades with proper maintenance.

It also looks great, and adds a sense of warmth to any home. Whether you want it to look classy or more rustic, you can find many different types of woods that are perfect for your space.

The hardest woods, such as white oak and hickory, can stand up to a lot of wear and tear without cracking or becoming damaged. These woods have a Janka rating of over 1,000, making them the most durable hardwood options on the market.

Other woods that are incredibly durable and resistant to damage include Brazilian cherry, bamboo, ipe, and mahogany. These exotic hardwoods are often more expensive than domestic options, but they are well worth it if you’re looking for a floor that will last for years to come.

Some of these woods have a higher Janka rating than others, so it’s important to choose the best one for your needs. You can check the hardness of any wood by using the Janka scale, which is based on the force it takes to embed a steel ball halfway into the wood.

In addition, it’s important to consider how easily the wood can be dragged and pushed against. For example, if you have pets in the house who run around and play with the furniture, you need to pick a flooring that can withstand their rough treatment.

Another thing to consider is how easy it will be to maintain the wood. This means whether it needs to be refinished, repaired, or sanded and polished occasionally.

Finally, it’s important to choose a water-resistant finish that will protect the wood from moisture. You can opt for a traditional hardwood coating, or you can use an oil-based option that will soak into the pores of the wood and offer protection against scratches, dents, and wear.

Choosing the right hardwood is important for any home, but it’s particularly essential for high-traffic rooms where a wood floor can be exposed to a lot of foot traffic and dents. It’s also important to choose a material that is easy to maintain, so you can avoid excess repairs in the future.

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for many homeowners because they’re easy to maintain. They look great and add a touch of elegance to any home.

If you want to know how to keep your hardwood floors looking pristine, start by learning how to care for them properly. This will ensure that they last a long time and continue to provide the beauty and durability you expect.

Unlike carpeting, hardwood floors don’t retain dirt and dust like carpet can, so they don’t need steam cleaned or cleaned by professionals as often. This makes them more convenient for busy households and people who don’t have the time to spend on cleaning.

Regularly sweeping your hardwood floor is one of the best ways to maintain it. This will remove dirt, dust, and pet hair. Occasionally, you can also damp mop it to give it a deeper clean and remove sticky spills.

It’s also a good idea to vacuum your wood floors regularly. This will remove the dirt and debris that a bag of routine dust mopping or sweeping doesn’t.

Consider using a microfiber dust mop with a cleaning pad for a deep clean. These synthetic strands generate a static charge that attracts the dirt and other particles to them, so they’re more completely removed from your floor.

Another way to prevent scratches and stains is to place floor mats on the floor both inside and outside the house. This will lessen tracked-in dirt from shoes or boots and help keep the floor clean and dry, especially in the winter.

In addition, use furniture sliders to protect your floor from damage while you move or shift furniture. They make it easier to move heavy furniture without damaging your floors.

If your hardwood floors are in areas that see a lot of foot traffic, consider installing a protective underlayment to help avoid scratches. These pads can be purchased at most hardware stores.

In fact, it’s often a good idea to have the underlayment replaced every few years. This helps to preserve the original texture and prevents scratches.

Hardwood floors are one of the most versatile flooring options available to homeowners today. Not only can they be refinished to a new look, but they also come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and colors. This versatility allows them to complement any interior design or architectural style and color palette.

The most popular wood floor types are oak, maple, hickory, and walnut. These species have long been used for hardwood flooring and are known for their durability, resilience & versatility. They respond well to staining and surface techniques such as wire brushing.

Other species of wood include pine, which is a cheap and sustainable option with charming grain patterns and natural tones that can be stained for a more personalized look. This is a popular choice in homes with contemporary decor, as it can easily be stained to match the color scheme of the room.

Mixed hardwood flooring is a popular choice for a unique look that combines different species of hardwood to create an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind floor. These hardwoods can be stained to match the other home rooms or left unfinished for an eclectic, bohemian aesthetic.

Try dark or cool tones such as rich browns or graphite for a more sophisticated and classic look. These tones can be paired with light walls to make the space appear more open and airy.

These tones can also be a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms and other spaces that need to be clean and germ-free. If you plan to use them in these areas, be sure to sweep regularly and wipe up spills quickly with water and a clean mop.

Aside from being durable and refinishable, hardwoods are also a good option for families with children. These floors don’t collect dust and other allergens like carpet can, which can help reduce allergies and asthma.

In addition, these floors can add value to your home if you decide to sell it in the future. This can make them a better investment than other types of flooring, such as laminate.