It’s finally time to remodel your kitchen and you are very excited to start drawing up the plans. The excitement turns to slight panic when you think of your budget in relation to what you want. Let us show you a few things that you really shouldn’t skimp out on. Kitchens are a high-traffic area and need to be durable. Cheap materials will save you in the short run but will cost you more in the long run when they need to be replaced.
- 1. Plastic laminate counter. To preface, there is great laminate out there. Entry-level or extremely cheap laminate is what you want to stay away from. There is a big difference in thickness, texture and durability. When cheap laminate gets wet or is in contact with steam, it can unstick from the counter and the edges can chip. On the other hand there is new laminate counter technology that offer scratch-resistance, textured surfaces and patterns that mimic real wood or stone. Here is an example of laminate that will not stand the test of time.
- 2. Vinyl flooring. Here is where the most traffic occurs and where the material should be of the highest durability. The cheaper vinyl flooring tends to be thin. If water seeps under the flooring it can cause bubbling which will need to be replaced. Compared to luxury vinyl tile or LVT, which is still glued down but it can come in tiles which you can grout to mimic a higher-end look.
- 3. Thermofoil cabinet fronts. This is a type of cabinet front that is vinyl heated and molded around fiberboard. It is a less expensive option but not a long lasting one. It is not heat resistant, it can warp and yellow with age and the wood base is also poor quality. Science has played a role and have created much better thermofoil cabinets that are affordable and look rich and durable.
- 4. High-gloss lacquered cabinets. The shiny lacquered look of a cabinet can be a great focal point. And also a great hit to the budget. Almost 20 layers of lacquer go on a cabinet for this eye-catching look. If someone accidently dings or scratches it, it can be costly to repair. Instead of high-gloss lacquered, go for the high-end thermofoil!
- 5. Flat paint. Flat paint belongs in the bedroom with its sophisticated, velvety look. It also does not stand up to wiping down which is needed in the kitchen. Kitchen paint needs to be durable and accident friendly. A high-gloss or semi-gloss on your walls will stand up to scrubbings and washings over and over again.
- 6. Trendy backsplash materials. Tastes and trends change faster than we can keep up. Glass tiles were king in the 2000s while now not many want them. Backsplashes can come in all sorts of materials, colors and textures. However there is a style that has remained timeless and that is the subway tile. Read our blog of Seven Timeless Kitchen Renovation Tips for more sustainable styles! If you still want the color, put it into your accessories. Below is an example of what not to choose.
When redoing your kitchen, know that although it may be a big project, there are ways you can keep the cost down while still creating a beautiful, durable and timeless look. If you are worried about resale ability, make sure to reach out to your Shorewest, REALTOR® to see if you are on trend or if it will become a problem when you want to sell. #ShorewestRealtors #Kitchen #Renovation #Trending
Tags: Backsplash, Kitchen, kitchen remodel, kitchen trend, renovation, shorewest, shorewest family, Shorewest Realtors, Trending
Categories: DIY, Home Improvement, Homeowner, How to, Tuesday Tips
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