December 2016 - Solid Surface Countertops Toronto: Commercial & Residential

Going to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience for some clients, so you want to be sure that your office is as welcoming and relaxing as possible. Part of this comes in having the latest and greatest equipment and facilities, but remodeling your entire practice may be a way to help put patients at ease, especially if your office currently looks like something straight out of the ‘70s.

Remodeling can also help improve patient flow, maximize your space and contribute to better staff productivity. A well-thought-through remodel can increase productivity, allowing you to see more patients per day. It can show patients that you’re willing to invest in their comfort and safety, putting them at ease when they enter your practice. It can be an opportunity to add features other offices don’t have – adding privacy at a check-out area, or making the office easier for those with handicaps to access.

Whether you’re looking for a full remodel or just a few touchups, there are some simple, easy things you can do to help your practice look as good as possible.

Cabinets and countertops can easily become outdated and worn. New units can be custom-built to meet the exact needs of you and your practice. This is both an issue of appearance – a run-down environment will make people more wary of trust you and your practice – and efficiency. A solid surface like Corian is an excellent choice – it can withstand the wear and tear of a high-volume environment like your office, and its nonporous surface means that harmful bacteria, mold or mildew won’t seep in and create unhygienic conditions.

Corian is GREENGUARD certified as a low VOC-emitting material, and is GREENGUARD listed in terms of microbial resistance. It’s Class I Fire Rated, and meets all relevant NSF/ANSI standards, to boot. It’s the perfect choice for a safe, healthy environment.

Replacing old lighting fixtures with new, fluorescent units can be a major boon, as well. They provide much better ambient light than traditional fixtures, which is an exceptional benefit. In a waiting area, also consider incandescent or sconce lights, creating a softer and more inviting atmosphere.

Flooring quickly becomes dirty and dreary, so new carpeting, especially in the high-traffic seating area and hallways, is a quick fix. Similarly, replacing vinyl in operatories, labs and rest rooms also quickly make your practice seem better put together.

Even something as simple as a new coat of paint on the wall can make a major difference in the overall appearance of your space. There are dozens of possible improvements you can make with a remodel of your practice. You and your patients will be glad you spent the time and effort to do so.

There is no such thing as the perfect kitchen sink. There is no one size fits all solution to kitchen issues, no one, perfect sink that will fit the bachelor in his apartment and the family of seven in their sprawling estate. There is no right kitchen sink, but there is a kitchen sink that is right for you.

If you haven’t spent much time thinking about it, you may well think that a sink is just a sink – no need to overcomplicate things. However, if you’re looking to choose a new kitchen sink, you may be surprised at the sheer number of options and decisions you need to make. Here are some of the most important ones, so you can know what to look for when choosing a new sink.

How many basins?

Sinks come in a variety of different sizes. A deep single basin means you can easily soak or wash a big pan, or prep large quantities of food at one time. It’s also best for the space-conscious. However, only having one basin means you may have issues if you need the sink for multiple uses – say, soaking a dish and prepping vegetables.

Many people like two basins, but even then, you have choices – two basins of the same size appeals to the more symmetrically inclined of us, but you can also have one larger basin and one smaller one – giving you one larger basin for those larger pots and pans. You can even go wild and have three or more basins – usually two large basins, and a third, smaller one for the garbage disposal. That can come in handy when you need to use the disposal while also soaking pots and pans. Ultimately, the size will depend on how you use your sink.

What shape?

In addition to your “standard” sinks, there are a number of common shape alternatives to choose from. Farmhouse sinks are large, single basins, with a distinctive, apron front. It gives a nice vintage vibe, and is convenient for holding large amounts of water. It’s deeper than your traditional sink. You can also get that in a double-basin style, though it won’t bring that same vintage charm. You can also get a sink with rounded edges, as opposed to traditional square edges, which some people find easier to clean.

Another possibility is getting a built-in drainboard, which sacrifices some counter space for an easier time hand-washing dishes or drying fruits and vegetables. If you don’t have a dishwasher, or just enjoy washing dishes by hand, it’s a good option to choose.

What material?

Sinks come in a wide variety of materials. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, though it can also scratch. If you have hard water, it will also eventually leave a variety of spots on your sink. Porcelain is a very traditional material, and comes in a wide variety of colors. However, it can also chip, and potentially be damaged by metal pans.

A granite composite sink resists those scratches and chips, and won’t show water spots. However, it can stain, and requires more special maintenance than steel or porcelain. Similarly, natural stone, such as soapstone, requires special cleaning products and can scratch and chip, but can be a wonderful aesthetic choice, matching your countertops exactly. A solid surface like Corian can be the perfect blend of aesthetic desirability and maintenance-free durability.

These are just a few of the decisions you have to make when shopping for a sink. We hope this gets you started – and if you have any questions, the experts at Corian Pros will be glad to help you out!

Archives for December 2016

Dental Practice Remodeling

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

How many basins?

What shape?

What material?