Blog | Solid Surface Toronto

May 6, 2017 By Webmaster

How to Improve an “L”-Shaped Kitchen

An “L”-shaped kitchen layout is one of the best out there. It’s extremely functional, with everything in easy reach, and it works well with open floor plans, which is the “in” style at the moment. It’s one of the best layouts to start working with, as its basic function and shape are ideal for an attractive, functional space.

That doesn’t mean you can’t improve it, however! The experts at Solid Surface Canada have some great suggestions on how to take your “L”-shaped kitchen to the next level:

Customize Your Work Triangle

The “kitchen work triangle” concept states that the main kitchen appliances – your refrigerator, stovetop and sink – should be within a few steps of where you prep the food, forming an efficient and accessible triangle. Well, that’s true for most people, but perhaps not for you. Maybe you don’t use your oven very frequently – it might be the microwave you want close at hand. If you find yourself not using your oven, or rarely using your stovetop, you can move them out of the center of your kitchen, putting regularly used pieces of equipment within arm’s reach.

Raise Your Cabinets

Running out of storage space? Most kitchens have tons of extra room, just waiting to be exploited – there’s a gap between most cabinets and the ceiling. For an “L”-shaped kitchen, where storage is often at a premium, extending those cabinets up to the ceiling is a great way to add that little bit of extra storage.

Open Shelving

An “L”-shaped kitchen involves a lot of wall space, as it bends around a corner. Sometimes, two walls worth of solid cabinets can be difficult on the eye, or a problem for decorating. Replacing some cabinets with open shelving can create better visibility and break up that wall of cabinetry.

Upgrade Your Countertops

Of course, the best upgrade for any kitchen is putting in brand new solid surface countertops. Corian, Avonite, Formica – no matter what you have in mind, Solid Surface Canada can help. Contact us today!

Filed Under: blog, Renovations Tagged With: countertops, kitchen design, work triangle

April 17, 2017 By Webmaster

4 Dated Kitchen Designs to Avoid

Most of us don’t redo our kitchens every few years, so the primary goal in a major redesign is timelessness. You don’t want your kitchen to look like a relic from a bygone era; you want to stick with ideas and concepts that have stood the test of time and are likely to continue to look great for years to come.

The latest trend may seem great, but be careful – some “latest trends” quickly become ridiculous looking. As an example, here are some dated designs that were once considered hip and trendy, and now are regrettable.

Dark Brown Wood

Deep, dark brown cabinets can still work in some more classic and traditional kitchen designs – when you’re trying to evoke an older era. But modern kitchens dump those in favor of lighter and cleaner choices. Dark colors make spaces feel more cramped and dark. You can still have a warm, inviting kitchen without going into the darkest colors of the rainbow.

Bright Cabinet Colors

In general, you’re better off using neutral colors for the large, dominating parts of your kitchen – the countertops, the cabinets, the big appliances. Save the neon greens or the sunshine yellows for accents and accessory pieces – they provide those splashes of color without dominating the room, and can be replaced or repainted easily as trends change and colors fall in and out of fashion.

Florescent Lighting

In the 1980s and early 1990s, big, fluorescent light boxes were the trendy thing to install. Now, they look garish – and bad lighting can make every other aspect of your kitchen remodel look worse. Terrible! Utility and ambient lightning – with dimmers – are much more practical and can easily be integrated into any kitchen design.

Linoleum

The best you can really hope for with linoleum flooring is a kitschy, throwback, retro look. More likely, you’ll get faded, stained and outdated looks quickly – and it’s probably just going to hide a perfectly fine wood floor.

From avocado green walls to shag carpeting, what’s “in” one day may soon be well on its way out. We recommend sticking to classic, timeless designs, so your kitchen will continue looking it’s best for years to come.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: dated, kitchen, kitchen design

April 17, 2017 By Webmaster

3 Tips for Adding Texture to Your Kitchen

Modern kitchens are typically smooth and sleek, with streamlined finishes being the watchword of the day. That’s great and looks fantastic – but too much of a good thing can be harmful in and of itself. It’s easy to plan all these great, smooth looks – only to realize at the end that your kitchen looks flat and boring without some varied textures. Especially if you’re working mostly in one color, some added texture is crucial to giving your kitchen an interesting look. Here’s our tips on some easy additions you can make to break up the smooth and sleek monotony.

Patterns

Any sort of pattern is going to create immediate visual interest, even if the tiles are similar in texture to the rest of the kitchen. Small tiles, creating more lines and depth between tiles and grout, can give your backsplash a textured look, which sets it off quite nicely from smoother countertops, cabinet finishes or appliances.

A Variety of Elements

If your entire kitchen is one material, be it solid surface, granite, laminate or anything in between, it can all look a bit “samey”. Wood, stone, metal, glass – there’s a whole world of options out there that can add splashes of different textures to your kitchen. Wood flooring or window trim is a great way to set off stainless steel appliances. I’m personally a fan of natural brick or stone, either as a fireplace or backsplash, to create a similar effect.

Bells and Whistles

The little details can be a great place to add texture without overhauling your entire kitchen plan. The legs and feet of tables or chairs, the corbels atop your cabinets, the trim of your kitchen island – all are great opportunities to add texture and detail to your kitchen. These are more prevalent in traditional kitchen designs as opposed to modern ones, but are a great way to give your new kitchen some character.

The experts at Solid Surface Canada can help you with all your kitchen needs, with beautiful solid surface countertops and applications. Check us out today!

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: design, kitchen, texture

March 26, 2017 By Webmaster

Project Report: Tim Hortons

We’ve just finished a major renovation project, and we’re excited to share the results with you!

Would a morning be complete without a trip to Tim Hortons? Coffee and doughnuts are the perfect way to start the day, and we know we’re not alone in that – everyone needs their double doubles in the morning, right?

Recently, some older Tim Horton stores have begun to be upgraded. As part of the renovations, they’re being renovated to look more like a coffee house; a more upscale, modern look. That’s great, and a boost for business – but it’s difficult to serve customers when your building is being renovated!

This was a problem for the Tim Hortons on Front Street in downtown Toronto. A closed store means a huge loss of daily revenue, especially for a store in a prime location just outside the Rogers Centre. They wanted to have their renovations done well, but quickly, so they could open as soon as possible. That’s where we come in.

They wanted the entire renovation done in two weeks, and we were more than happy to undertake that project.

We removed some displays and old storefront pieces, and replaced them with new cabinets and countertops, made with fine Maple Meadow LG Hi-Macs solid surface. To speed up the process, we kept the exsiccating countertop in place. We took an exact template from the exsiccating counter, and created a new countertop as a cap, using LG Hi-Macs solid surface for the main surface and stainless steel for the hot grilling areas.

All of the sinks, pipes and holes all ended up in the same locations, making conversions a snap. And, just as promised, the store was open for business after just 14 days, in time to make sure the Entertainment District got its helping of Timbits, donuts and muffins. We’re proud of the work we’ve done, and we think it looks fantastic!

Filed Under: blog, Projects Tagged With: photos, renovation, Tim Hortons

March 13, 2017 By Webmaster

Rangetops Vs Cooktops

Redesigning your kitchen isn’t just a matter of form – function must be taken into account as well. And one of the primary functions of your kitchen is for cooking! The choice of primary cooking element in your kitchen is a very important one. Many homes choose an oven with a built in stovetop, but this is far from the only choice out there – stand-along rangetops and cooktops are solid options as well, and will impact how you choose to have your countertops installed.

Rangetops and cooktops allow you to have a more flexible kitchen layout. Because they don’t have to be in the same place as your oven, you get more customization on how your kitchen will end up working – you might place the oven relatively out of the way in the corner, with the cooktop closer to prep areas and the pantry, for example. But cooktops and rangetops are not synonymous – there are several key differences between the two, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Rangetops slide in, interrupting the flow of your countertop entirely. The countertop ends, the rangetop is slid into place, and the countertop will continue on the other side. Cooktops, though, are set in. It requires you to cut out a section of a countertop and place the cooktop inside – so it will be surrounded, on three or four sides, by countertop.

This generally means cooktops are a bit easier to install – your countertops are installed normally, and then a precision cut is made for the cooktop. Rangetops require countertops to be finished on either side, which can be a bit more work.

It also alters where the controls go. Rangetops generally have their controls on the front of the appliance, like you’ll see on your standard stovetop. Since they take up a whole unit of “countertop” space, it makes sense for the controls to be in the front – there’s no need to reach over a hot burner to make an adjustment to temperature, for example.

Cooktops, on the other hand, are surrounded by countertop. Generally speaking, that means they place their controls at the top of the unit. The idea is to continue the sleek, minimalist approach, rather than interrupting the flow of your countertops with cooking equipment. The tradeoff, of course, is that the controls can be harder to reach. Which type of control you choose will depend on what you’re comfortable with in your cooking style.

No matter if you choose a cooktop, a rangetop or a traditional stovetop, the expert craftsmen at Solid Surface.ca can ensure a perfect fit with your countertop choice. Call us today!

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: cooktops, kitchen remodeling, rangetops

March 13, 2017 By Webmaster

3 Ways to Add Detail to Your Kitchen

For understandable reasons, the majority of time planning a kitchen renovation or remodel is spent on the major aspects of the remodel – the cabinetry, the countertops, the appliances and so forth. That makes sense – they’re the big-ticket items and the most important to get right.

Once those are set, however, you want to add your own finishing touches – you want to add details that makes your kitchen unique, and help it to stand out from the rest. There are plenty of ways to add this extra oomph factor with minor changes and adjustments, giving your kitchen more personality and adding to the value of your home. Here are 3 quick and simple ways to add detail to your kitchen.

Crown Molding

The molding provides a transition from your cabinets to the ceiling – a little visual flourish with touches of elegance. It draws the eye up to the ceiling, giving the impression that your home is well-crafted and solid. If you’re installing new cabinets anyway, it’s a relatively simple addition to add crown molding – it doesn’t even need to touch the wall to create an elegant look. Whether you use it to add space between the cabinet and ceiling by placing the molding at a different depth than your cabinets, or custom-design it so the cabinets appear flush with the ceiling, crown molding is a classic touch of detail.

Splash of Color

Most kitchens will be neutral in hue – your basic whites and earth tones. Picking too garish of a color for your central theme can give you eyestrain when you have to spend time in your kitchen! However, for the less-permanent, movable kitchen accents—think chairs, dishes on open shelving and lighting fixtures – a splash of bright color can really liven up the room. Picking, say, lime green for your countertops may not be ideal, because you’re stuck with it until you remodel your kitchen again. But a bright color for detail here and there can add a little bit of extra zest to your kitchen.

Glass Doors

One way to get that splash of color is with brightly-colored dishes and decorative pieces, and one way to display them is in cabinets with glass doors. Replacing traditional solid-panel fronts with glass allows your choices in dishware to play a part in the overall look of your kitchen. There’s a wide variety of types of glass to choose from, as well – fully transparent, frosted, stained, and so forth. Glass also gives your kitchen the appearance of more space, which is great for smaller kitchens.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: color, countertops, glass doors, kitchen design, molding

February 21, 2017 By Webmaster

Design Choices for Kitchen Sinks

Now that you have your new solid surface countertops picked out, it’s time to move on to an important piece of kitchen hardware – the sink. There are a wide range of possible sink options to choose from. Some blend in seamlessly with the countertop, designed to be an inconspicuous as possible. Others stand out and become a feature of the kitchen itself. The sink you choose depends on your style choices and what you practically want to do with your kitchen – there isn’t a right or wrong choice. Here are some of the options available.

A seamless sink blends in with its environment, and doesn’t detract from the surrounding accents and features. When you’re talking about solid surface countertops, you’re usually talking about a solid surface sink. When your sink is installed alongside the countertop, the seamless finish means that there are no cracks or crevices for mold or mildew to grow – it’s an ultrahygenic option. Solid surface sinks are scratch-resistant, easy to clean and set the industry standard for durability.

If you want something a little different to break up a solid surface countertop, stainless steel is a contemporary, trendy choice that can work quite nicely. It’s a generic enough material that it blends with almost any type of surface, with any color or pattern. It’s also fairly maintenance free; they’re difficult to crack, chip or stain, which is what you want in something that’s going to see as much use as your kitchen sink.

Stylized sinks become features of their own – they stand out and can become the centerpiece of your kitchen. Farmhouse sinks are very popular – it’s an oversized sink with an overhanging lip. It draws attention to itself, and can be a functional and beautiful addition to your home. They’re not just available in porcelain anymore – you can get farmhouse or apron sinks in copper and stainless steel now, giving you more of a selection.

We do recommend that you stick with undermount sinks. Top-mounted sinks build up grime along their perimeter edges – that’s unsanitary and ugly. We also recommend avoid acrylic sinks; they’re prone to chipping and wear, and won’t last as long as a good solid surface or stainless steel option. Also, don’t get too crazy with fancy shapes. Standard sink shapes are standard for a reason: they work!

Whatever your sink choices are, we recommend our high-quality solid surface countertops to surround them. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: sinks, solid surface, stainless steel

February 21, 2017 By Webmaster

Three Remodeling Ideas for Galley Kitchens

A galley kitchen is a kitchen shaped as a narrow corridor, with appliances and countertops flanking each side. As opposed to open-floor plans which are the modern style, galley kitchens are designed for small-space efficiency, perfect for one-cook situations but not much else. One might think that the cramped style would limit the flexibility you’d have in a remodel or redesign, but that’s really not true. The experts at Solid Surface Canada can help find great ideas to getting the most out of your galley kitchen.

Use Tricks to Make It Feel Larger

One of the main complaints about galley kitchen is that they’re on the smaller side – you’re essentially enclosed on three sides, which produces a cramped feeling. There are tricks you can use to increase your storage space and make the kitchen feel larger, however, even if you can’t increase its actual footprint.

Extending your cabinets all the way to the ceiling can give you extra storage space, as well as give the illusion of extra height. Lighter cabinet and countertop colors and reflective surfaces can also help create the illusion of more space, and a natural light source will make your kitchen feel brighter and more airy.

Shrink the Work Triangle

The “kitchen work triangle” concept states that the main kitchen appliances – your refrigerator, stovetop and sink – should be within a few steps of where you prep the food, forming an efficient and accessible triangle. This works well in a galley kitchen. If your stovetop and sink are on different sides of your kitchen, consider relocating one in a remodel; this will make clean-up more efficient and prevent clutter from spreading throughout your kitchen.

Remove a Section of Wall

Not all home renovations can include removing a wall section to open up the space, but sometimes, a compromise is possible. For example, if one wall of your galley kitchen is next to the dining room, a doorway between the two can add extra light and a larger view to your kitchen.

Of course, the best investment you can make in your kitchen is high-quality countertops. Solid Surface Canada offers a complete range of solid surface tops to meet all of your kitchen renovation needs. Contact us today!

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: kitchen design, kitchen remodeling

January 18, 2017 By Webmaster

How to Reduce Bacteria in Your Kitchen

Warning! Your kitchen may not be as healthy as you think!

Your kitchen can become a breeding ground for bacteria and regular, old-fashioned dirt. Not only does it become a collecting ground for debris from the human body itself, but food and cooking oils can accumulate on your countertops, appliances and surfaces over time. If you have moldy food, it can release spores into the air. Raw, uncooked foods can expose your kitchen to harmful bacteria. The list goes on.

There are things you can do to keep your kitchen clean and yourself healthy, of course. Here are some tips on how to make sure your kitchen is a clean, safe room.

Solid Surface countertops are a great way to start. They’re non-porous, as opposed to natural stone. That means that not only will they not absorb stains, but they also don’t provide the cracks and crevasses for bacteria to lurk and multiply. No seams means that your countertops are easier to clean, and clean thoroughly.

Small appliances, if left on the countertop, can accumulate unhealthy bacteria as well. Your coffee maker, toaster, blender and stand mixer, just sitting there, can become breeding grounds for bacteria, accumulating over time. If you’re redoing your kitchen, consider having sliding cubbies and appliance garages installed; they allow you to keep your appliances put away when not in use without too much extra effort. It will help clear up counter space, as well.

Utensils, if kept on the counter, can similarly become a breeding ground for bacteria, often requiring you to wipe and rinse each spatula and spoon before use. Instead, invest in a cutlery drawer holder, or custom drawers with sliding plastic covers, to help protect your utensils.

Countertop containers, with sugar, flour and spices, are incredibly convenient for chefs – but they’re dust magnets. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, consider a pullout rack or deep cabinet drawer to store these containers; it will give you quick access to all your materials and keep them safe from gathering harmful bacteria.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: bacteria, safety, solid surface counter

January 18, 2017 By Webmaster

Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?

Are solid surfaces a thing of the past? It seems, at times, that Corian and other, similar solid surface brands like Formica, Wilsonart or Avonite get pushed to the back burner when it comes to lists of the hot, “in” countertop materials such as marble or quartz.

Don’t pay attention to those trends, though – solid surfaces are still top sellers, and are just as relevant today as when they were first entering our homes in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Its selling points haven’t gone anywhere – solid surfaces are still highly durable, stain resistant, easy to repair in case of minor scratches, heat resistant, available in a wide range of colors and styles and reasonably priced. It’ll never truly go away, because no other surface can offer everything solid surfaces give you.

That being said, there are several reasons why solid surface continues to be one of the best-selling surfaces on the market, even 50 years after it was first created. Here are just a few:

Solid Surface Isn’t Yet Dated

A surface really only becomes dated when everyone stops using it – that’s why you don’t see much avocado green linoleum or shag carpeting being installed anymore; as people stopped wanting it, it became considered old and dated. The wide range of colors and patterns you can get solid surface in prevents it from falling victim to those sorts of trends and, according to Time magazine, solid surface countertops are still tied for the third most popular countertop material today. It may not be as “in” as quartz or granite, but it’s still one of the most commonly selected options available.

Solid Surface is Durable

Renovating a kitchen is a major project! It’s certainly not something you want to do over and over again – you want to make sure that your new kitchen lasts the test of time. There isn’t a surface out there more durable than solid surface – while it’s possible to scratch, it’s nowhere near as fragile or damage-prone as granite or marble. Most damage can be easily repaired with a scrubber sponge – it’s incredibly low-maintenance. That means it’s a choice you can count on to last the lifetime of your kitchen.

Solid Surface is a Good Investment

If you select a trendy, “in” kitchen material for your design, you’re running a risk. Remember when we mocked those avocado countertops a few paragraphs back? Well, if you grab on to the latest craze, it’s possible your trendy, hip style will become the next shag carpet or frilly window treatment. Solid surface, however, has stood the test of time, and that gives it those two magic words: “resale value”. If you’ve ever been home shopping and saw a truly outdated kitchen, it probably made you think twice about making an offer. Solid surface helps keep your kitchen looking great, and your home’s resale value up.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: avonite, corian, formica, solid surface, wilsonart