Kitchens

All types of ranges come in a variety of configurations: free- standing, slide-in and drop-in. Freestanding ranges have finished side panels, so one or both sides can be exposed. Slide-in ranges are designed to fit into the space between two base cabinets, and so have unfinished sides. Drop-in ranges fit into special cabinets that are […]

It isn’t hard to see why the microwave oven is now the most popular cooking appliance for many families. A microwave is much quicker and more efficient than a standard oven and doesn’t heat up the kitchen in summer. It’s the ideal way to defrost frozen foods, heat beverages and leftovers and prepare frozen dinners. […]

A hob in kitchens is essentially the heating element of a range packaged in a unit that fits into an opening in a countertop. Here again, you have a choice between gas and electricity, and there are advantages to each. When comparing power sources, it helps to know that gas burners are measured in Btus […]

ln most communities, a major remodeling project requires a general permit from the city building inspec- tions office. Your general contractor (or you) will apply for a building permit. Permits for the plumber, electrician and HVAC contractor may be included with the general permit or they may be separate permits. You’ll pay for the permit […]

From a design standpoint, flooring is far more than the surface you walk on and mop up. Designers and remod- elers routinely use flooring to alter the way a room looks and works; with a little planning, you can reap the same benefits. A custom-designed floor can be a cost-efficient solution to an awkward kitchen […]

Resilient flooring is both the least expensive material you can use to cover your kitchen floor and the easiest and quickest to install. ln addition to being durable and easy to clean, it’s available in a wide range of colors, as well as in patterns that mimic the look of ceramic tile, natural stone, marble, […]

If you’re shopping for resilient flooring, you’ll need to choose between sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles; however, in a kitchen, this choice is fairly clear. Vinyl tiles are easy to install, and many come with peel-and-stick adhesive backing. But since the floor ends up with a lot of seams, moisture can easily seep in between […]

Plastic Laminate Flooring Plastic laminates are made with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) core topped with a layer of plastic laminate similar to the material used on countertops (but about ten times denser). Like the countertop material, the laminate has a photographic image, or photo, layer that can mimic wood, stone and many other materials, as well […]

Installing & Finishing Installing solid-wood strip flooring is a fairly straightforward process. It all starts with a clean, sound subfloor, over which a layer of building paper is laid. This protects the subfloor from water damage and prevents squeaking. The strips are nailed to the subfloor, one-at-a-time, by means of a hammer-operated or pneumatic nailer. […]

When you are planning a new kitchen or refurbishing old kitchen furniture, the first decisions that have to made are about what you are going to put in it; which items of equipment, and then which brand and which models of those particular items. The choice is bewildering, so brace yourself to bring a really […]