December 20, 2019 By

How Can a Kitchen Remodel Increase the Value of Your Home?

How Can a Kitchen Remodel Increase the Value of Your Home

For many of us, our homes are our biggest and most important investment.  It’s not only the place we rest our heads and hold our most precious moments, but it’s also a financial decision that we hope will pay dividends in the future.  Home values are affected by all sorts of different things, from buyer demand to the quality of nearby schools.  And unfortunately, many of these factors are far beyond our control as homeowners.  There are some things we can do, however, to boost our home’s value, and the most significant of these is a kitchen remodel.

Let’s be honest, though.  Major kitchen remodels are expensive.  Most people don’t have the extra cash necessary to complete it, and the thought of taking out a home improvement loan can be a terrifying prospect.  However, for houses located in a seller’s market where a fast sale is expected, upgrading the kitchen can earn a fantastic return on investment.  In fact, The National Association of Realtors stated that the best interior project to increase a home’s value is a well-designed kitchen remodel.

It’s important to examine all the details of your area’s real estate market, as well as the projected return on your investment.  Generally speaking, though, you can expect that an updated kitchen will give a nice boost to the value of your home.  Realtor.com tells us that 80% of homebuyers rate the kitchen as one of the three most important areas they look at in a new home.  If they aren’t impressed by the kitchen, then chances are, they’ll feel underwhelmed by the entire house.  Just remember, most buyers are willing to shell out a few extra bucks for new appliances and high-end finishes.  So if the market is in your favor, why not look into giving your kitchen a makeover?

What if you’re not planning to sell your home?  Can you still gain value from a kitchen remodel?  You bet your Bundt cake, you can!  We spend so much of our day-to-day lives in our kitchens.  In fact, for many families, it’s the most used home in the house.  So having a kitchen that’s functional and suits your needs – and that you love to be in – can raise your quality of life by leaps and bounds.

A 2017 study shows that after completing a kitchen remodel, 50% of households have more family time, 41% prepare more home-cooked meals, and 33% have overall healthier lifestyles.  Raising your quality of life in these kinds of ways can truly add years to your life.  That’s more time you’ll have to cherish and enjoy your loved ones.  And much of that time will probably be spent in the kitchen!

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November 22, 2019 By

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Corian

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Corian

Are you considering Corian for your new counter surface? Or are you just trying to learn a little more about the material? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with all the information you need.

It’s a New Material
When you consider the millions of years it takes for natural stones such as granite or marble to form, Corian is a brand-spanking-new material. It was invented by Dupont scientist Donald Slocum in 1967.

It’s a Blended Material
To the untrained eye, Corian can appear to look like natural stone. But in reality, it is a blend of acrylic polymers and aggregate material.  Plus, stone or glass can be added to the mixture as well.

Corian Can Take Any Shape
Before Corian takes any specific shape, it is first blended together to acquire the desired color, consistency, and visual texture. The blend is then poured into a mold and gradually hardens to the custom-designed shape.

It Has No Seams
The molding process allows for a finished product that is entirely seamless. The only stipulation is a need for a mold large enough to suit your needs.

Corian is Available in 180 Colors
Because Corian is a custom-blended material, it can be created in 180 different colors and carefully crafted to meet your individual needs. Don’t forget that visual textures are also available, and the mold can help create tactile textures as well. 

Consistent Color Throughout
Natural stone cannot offer uniformity. Every slice will look different from the next. Corian, on the other hand, provides consistent coloring throughout the entire piece. If you were to crack open the surface, you would find a uniform color all the way through.

Seamlessly Join Sink and Countertop
Once again, the molding process provides a unique benefit not found with natural stone. A sink can be seamlessly included as a connected part of the countertop, and have the same color, texture, and strength that you can count on. Plus, there’s no concern for harmful bacteria collecting in the nooks and crannies.

Coordinated Backsplash
Just like with the sink, your backsplash can also be included as a part of your countertop and sink. Or, if you prefer, it can be a separate piece that has a complementary color and texture.  

Corian is Moisture-resistant
This is an excellent benefit for countertops: Corian is non-porous, which means that liquids cannot penetrate and stain the surface. Granite and marble, though, are very porous and are easily discolored.

It’s Impact-resistant Too
No need to worry about nicking your Corian countertop. The material is impact-resistant and can easily withstand a heavy pan that is accidentally dropped. It’s not invincible, but compared to natural stone, there is very little concern for causing damage to your surface.

Long life span
With proper maintenance and care, Corian is expected to last for your entire life. That’s right, as long as you desire a beautiful and reliable countertop, you’ll have one. In fact, some manufacturers even support this dependability by offering a lifetime warranty. 

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October 24, 2019 By

Uses for Corian You Never Knew Existed

Uses for Corian You Never Knew ExistedIf you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you are at least familiar with Corian and its unparalleled performance as a kitchen countertop surface.  If not, then I’ll just say that Corian is tougher, easier to clean, and more stain-resistant than any other popular kitchen surface, such as marble, granite, or laminate.

But kitchen countertops are only a portion of the story.  Before we dive into the many uses for Corian, let’s first take a look at the critical process known as thermoforming.  This is the process through which the polycarbonate material is heated until it becomes pliable and can be formed in a mold to make specific shapes.  For example, when Corian is used as a kitchen counter surface, thermoforming can raise one end of the surface to create a seamless backsplash with no crease or joint.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  Here are some other uses for Corian that you may not know about.

  • Corian charging surface
  • Corian textured walls
  • Corian sinks

Let’s take a quick look at each one of these.

Corian Charging Surface
Simply stated, through the use of a power transmitter placed on the underside of a Corian countertop, you can wirelessly charge your smart device by simply setting it on the solid surface above the transmitter.  To be clear, the entire surface does not become a charging area.  But for the space directly above the transmitter, the surface acts as a conduit for the energy and can get your device up to full power just as quickly and efficiently as a standard wall charger.

Corian Textured Walls
This is an incredible advancement for the world of interior design.  With Corian textured walls, a room no longer has to be confined by the limits of drywall and colored paint.  Instead, an entirely new world of possibilities is opened by adding the sensory element to the design.  The possibilities are endless, and it’s definitely worth a quick Google search to see what’s out there.

Corian Sinks and Lavatories
Lastly, here’s an idea that seems obvious but is often overlooked:  Sinks.  Yes, the primary consumer use of Corian is as a solid surface countertop.  But with the curved shaping allowed by thermoforming, Corian makes an excellent material for sinks and lavatories.  And remember, this material is nonporous.  Which means that not only is Corian highly stain resistant, but also it does not inherently promote the growth of mildew and mold.  But as with any sink, it should be kept hygienic with regular cleaning.

The main point to remember is that Corian has nearly limitless applications.  And thanks to the process of thermoforming, shapes, sizes, and designs create an entire world of possibilities.  How can Corian help with your next project?

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September 18, 2019 By

5 Solid Surface Brands You Don’t Want To Miss

5 solid surface brands you don't want to missWhen it comes to remodeling your kitchen, the countertop is one of the best investments. Not only is it the first place your eyes will be drawn to, but quality craftsmanship means you won’t have to replace them for a long time. Solid surface materials are the best way to go for countertops. They come in a wide range of colors, are extremely durable, and best of all, cost-efficient. There’s a lot of choices out there, so we’ve put together the best solid surface brands.

Corian

Perfect for both residential and commercial settings, Corian, which is manufactured by parent company DuPont, is a great solid surface brand. Corian surfaces are extremely versatile. They can be shaped and molded in numerous ways and the integration with other surfaces is paramount.

If you’re worried about bacteria buildup, then Corian is the way to go as the surfaces are all non-porous. There’s nowhere for bacteria to hide.

Formica

One of the solid surface brands you might be aware of is Formica. Perfect for vanity countertops or kitchen counters, this material will do wonders to spruce up your room. The material comes in a wide range of colors and stone looks.

Formica is incredibly durable as is it is wear-resistant, water-resistant, and fire-resistant. However, if you do happen to have any chips in it, don’t worry. Thanks to its construction, it is incredibly easy to resurface and repair.

Avonite

If you’re looking for a diverse range of colors to choose from, then look no further to Avonite. This solid surface brand is extremely flexible and can be sculpted into just about any shape or look you want.

Avonite is made up of composite materials such as concrete, glass, and metal. This ensures that there is less going to the landfill. It is the perfect brand for all eco-conscious people.

Wilsonart

Sometimes, kitchen countertops may look nice, but if you ever get a chip, you’ll realize that design doesn’t actually go all the way through. Not so with Wilsonart solid surface. Their designs run right through the entire material. This way, if there are any chips or scratches, it is extremely easy to repair.

A unique feature about Wilsonart is that the material is resistant to UV rays. So, even if you have a lovely, bright kitchen, your counter won’t fade.

Gemstone

Need a new kitchen sink, but want it to really dazzle? Why not try a solid surface sink? Gemstone is the industry leader when it comes to sinks. You can choose from kitchen or bathroom models, single or double sinks.

Gemstone produces sinks both for the home and the office. Whether you need to spruce up a powder room or want to outfit a new hospital, these sinks will meet your unique needs. The solid surface will resist staining and scratches and will also prevent any mold or bacteria from forming.

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August 18, 2019 By

5 Ways To Create A Durable Kitchen

5 ways to create a durable kitchen Your kitchen is used a lot. Morning, afternoon, evening: there is no downtime for a kitchen. It makes sense, then, to invest in ways to create a durable kitchen. The more preventative measures you can take, the longer your kitchen will last.

Countertop corners

You might not realize it, but countertop corners can really take a beating. They jut out and can get knocked on quite often. And while you might be more concerned with your bruised elbow, that corner might start to feel ill at ease, as well.

Smoothing out countertop corners protects both you and the surface. Rounded ones mean there is a bit of a buffer when you run into it. If you can create more of a curved edge, all the better.

Countertop surfaces

When it comes to your countertop surface, you want to find the perfect blend of form and function. Counters with elegant bits of glass in them may look nice, but these can actually fall out and leave tiny holes behind. Kitchens are a breeding ground for bacteria and will find anywhere to hide in.

The solution is to find a well-made product, such as Solid Surface. It is made of composite materials so won’t fade or chip. It is also incredibly durable and will last for ages.

Work surfaces

If you are a budding home chef, why not install a piece of butcher block in your counter? You don’t need to re-surface the entire kitchen; rather, just place it where you would normally prepare your dinner. You can chop as hard as need be and not have to worry about staining or chipping your countertop. Plus, it adds a bit of splash to your décor.

Floor tiles

Let’s face it; you are going to drop something on your kitchen floor. So, think well about what will happen once that item falls. You may be able to replace your bowl easily, but what about the floor? Can you replace an individual tile?

If you opt for soft textures, such as linoleum and cork, you could run the risk of leaving a mark behind. Linoleum can tear easily, so if a knife falls, it could actually cut through. The same comes with hardwood or laminate. Hardwood is a bit more durable, but at least with either material you can hopefully just replace the injured piece.

Quality craftsmanship

Above all else, the best way to create a durable kitchen is to invest in quality craftsmanship. Look for a company that has a solid reputation and excellent customer reviews. Don’t be afraid of interviewing multiple contractors. You want to find the best fit possible. Your kitchen deserves only the best.

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July 19, 2019 By

4 Ways To Make Kitchen Cleanup Easier

4 ways to make kitchen cleanup easierYour kitchen is the life of your home. It’s where everyone gathers to share stories from their day. To unwind and savor the fruits of their labor. But after a shared meal together, there’s the unfortunate necessity of cleaning up. We’re here to help make kitchen cleanup easier for you.

Start with the right surface

First, what are your kitchen countertops made of? There are a lot of unique countertop choices, but not all of them make sense for cleaning. Ideally, you should be able to wipe them clean and not worry about gross germs being stuck in the surface. Solid Surface is an ideal choice. Because there are no cracks or even grout lines to contend with, kitchen cleanup is easier than ever. You can wash the Solid Surface counters down and not worry about anything remaining behind.

Clean as you go

Are you the kind of home cook that produces a beautiful meal, only to leave the massive mess for later? While it might seem like you have no time to clean while preparing your savory dishes, a little can go a long way. Take the few seconds during prep to wipe down a counter or start the soaking process of a pan. Once you become more aware of what can be quickly cleaned, the easier it is to incorporate into your cooking process.

Enlist help

Are there children running around after dinner? It’s never too early to start working on chores. Simple dish drying is always an easy task. Even a toddler can unload the dishwasher with proper supervision. And, if kitchen cleanup is part of the everyday tasks, kids will come to accept its natural order. Furthermore, as they become older, you can add more duties to their list. It’s important for kids to take part in the family household, moreover, the kitchen is the perfect place to start.

Be prepared

Do you have leftovers? Do they need to be transferred to a new serving dish, or can they be served from their container? What can you make ahead of time for a large dinner that can cut down on clean up later on? These little details can quickly add up in saved time.

One other factor of preparation is in the waste regime. Many cities have now adopted a green waste program, which allows you to ‘recycle’ kitchen scraps. Do you have a designated pail for this? What about recyclables? Can they separate easily? If you have a compost in the garden, keep a container next to your food prep to quickly place vegetable peels into it for later. There are many ways to decrease the amount of garbage we produce; you just need to have a system in place ahead of time.

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June 19, 2019 By

Unveiling Solid Surface’s Amazing New Color Selection

unveiling solid surface's amazing new color selection Sometimes you just need the perfect color for your bathroom or kitchen. And sometimes that color just can’t be found. Fortunately, if you’re in the market for a new Solid Surface countertop, that perfect color can be found. Solid Surface already boasts an impressive array of color choices, and those choices have just expanded. The amazing new color selection of Solid Surface products can’t be beaten.

New Color Selection

To expand on their already extensive range of colors, Solid Surface now has 18 new colors. From a collection of grey aggregate, to a deep mahogany color, there are more and more brilliant colors to choose from. There is even deep magenta color and a Laguna blue color. If you’re not sure where to place these Solid Surface design colors, we’ve decided to remind you just how functional this material is.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a place where you can gather, talk, collaborate, and create. There are no limitations in the kitchen. Shouldn’t you have a kitchen that reflects this tone? Thanks to the many colors of Solid Surface, you can choose practically any kitchen counter that you could dream of. This is because Solid Surface is manufactured. You don’t have to hunt for a perfectly marbled countertop that can be used in the whole kitchen. If you have an extensive number of countertops, you can imagine how difficult this can be.

And, thanks to the impressive nature of Solid Surface, you don’t have to worry about any unnatural seams bridging two pieces together. Exact measurements create a product for your exact needs.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are those unique places where you can close a door and transport yourself to a world of peaceful serenity. With a little bit of décor, you can have your own little oasis. Solid Surface has calming colors, soothing motifs, and a never-ending supply of colors to match your vision. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Solid Surface can create the bathroom of your dreams.

Healthcare

It may not be as glamorous as a full-scale kitchen or a relaxing bathroom, but healthcare offices are just as in need of the genius of Solid Surface. Built to be both durable and hygienic, Solid Surface is perfect for healthcare settings the world over.

Whether it’s for the front reception or the back office, Solid Surface countertops bring both practicality and design to the healthcare world. What’s more, their vast color selection means that you can create the ambiance you want for your patients. Gone are the days of clinical feelings when you step into the door. Instead, the warm tones of Solid Surface will await you in any healthcare setting.

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May 19, 2019 By

What Solid Surface Means For High End Retail

what solid surface means for high end retailIf you’ve ever been to Paris, chances are you’ve strolled through the Galleries Lafayette. You probably didn’t buy anything, but it was nice enough just to see how the other half lives. Galleries Lafayette has expanded into Shanghai, China, and with it, they have brought solid surface to create the high end retail look you all know and love.

Crisp aesthetic

High end retail is all about presentation. Clothes are sparser and hung on individual racks. It’s not about bulk buying as it is about buying signature pieces. There is an eye for every detail, and that includes the architecture within the building itself.

Solid surface is able to create whatever look you want. No matter what color or design, there is a sold surface for you. It’s lack of lines also makes it appealing. Who wants to see where two pieces were fused when you can just see a seamless countertop instead?

Wall to wall to wall

Inside the Galleries Lafayette in Shanghai, solid surface can be found in so many areas. The giant columns that anchor the store are all made from solid surface in an elegant glacier white color. The retail countertops allow you to complete your purchase with that same regal look as when you walked through the door. Even the elevator cladding uses solid surface for that seamless, high end look.

Time to rest

Every inch of the Galleries Lafayette was constructed with detail which makes it no surprise that the washrooms were, too. Inside all the washrooms and the nursing room, solid surface is used for an elegant look. The seamless countertops ensure that you never forget that you are indeed inside a high end place.

A window to the heavens

If you aren’t completely bombarded by the beauty inside the Galleries Lafayette, take a moment to look up. Atop the main arcade is a showstopper skylight. This window to the heavens is made possible because of the Corian solid surface cladding. Together with fluid LED light bands, you can look out on the night sky and feel truly humbled.

Into the future

What is really impressive with the Galleried Lafayette in Shanghai is that Corian solid surface is most definitely a path to the future. Instead of trying to use existing materials to fit a project, solid surface allows architects to create their own design. There’s no more playing around and altering plans. Instead, whatever look you want, you can get.

This may seem a bit daunting if you plan on using Corian solid surface in your own home. But the point is that its versatility means that no matter where it is used, solid surface will make a giant impact.

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April 19, 2019 By

The Surprising Link Between Corian Material and Archaeology

the surprising link between corian material and archaeologyYou probably best know Corian material from your kitchen. This synthetic material is durable, hygienic, and versatile. No matter what color or design you’re looking for, you can create a Corian material that will fit your design. While Corian material may be most common in your home, it has a wider array of uses. Interestingly, Corian Solid Surface is able to protect the ancient ruins of Pompeii.History

Almost 2,000 years ago, Mount Vesuvius erupted and scattered ash all over the city of Pompeii in Italy. The ash was so thick that in some places it landed in piles 6 meters high. The result was catastrophic. Those who were not able to escape in time were buried under the ash and the city basically was left a ghost town.

It was centuries later that archaeologists began to take an interest in Pompeii. Once the ash was removed, the entire city was found to be preserved. Pompeii became one of the greatest histories of civilization and was a perfect snapshot into the daily lives of the people of the Roman Empire.

Modern Time

There are still many discoveries to be found in Pompeii, but now the task is to preserve the ruins. The weather is harsh and can do great damage to the millenniums-old city. Structures were needed to protect certain parts of the ancient city. However, because Pompeii is a major tourist attraction, it’s important to have protective structures that also allow visitors to see the wonderous site.

Corian Solid Surface

Many designs were thought of, including traditional surfaces such as glass or wood. Ultimately it was decided that Corian Solid Surface would be the best material. Not only is it durable enough to protect history, but its design is actually nice to look at.

The Corian Solid Surface is used as a sort of rooftop, specifically over a neighborhood of Pompeii that housed the very wealthy. Frames of galvanized steel were created and then the Corian Solid Surface was placed on top. The final color choice was Distinct Tan. This neutral color seamlessly blends in with the natural stone color of the buildings.

The aim for using Corian Solid Surface was to protect history but also bring elements of design. The structures are meant to complement the ancient city and not take away from its natural beauty. If you were to take a quick glance at the city, you might even first think that you’re merely seeing the city as it once was.

Preserving history

The innovative design of Corian Solid Surface means that there are so many possibilities. Many more historical sites face the challenges of weather erosion and tourist interest. As a result there will be an even greater need for protective designs that use Corian Solid Surface.

 

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January 18, 2019 By

4 Objects To Remove From Your Kitchen Counter

4 objects to remove from your kitchen counterYou’ve just spent time and money to renovate your kitchen, including the addition of a new countertop. Now is not the time to hide your investment. The kitchen counter too often becomes the dumping ground, both for small appliances and miscellaneous items. It’s a flat surface which makes it easy to store papers, kid’s projects, and all manner of debris. But why spend money on a new kitchen counter if you can’t actually see it and enjoy it?

The Toaster

Toasters can be used every day, but only for a matter of minutes. It’s time to put the kitchen toaster away. Place it in a cupboard directly under the part of the countertop that it normally sits on. If you move it further away, then it won’t be put away after being used.

It’s also a good idea to place the toaster on a tray. This way any crumbs are caught, and you won’t have to deal with the mess. If you’re not completely convinced, just try the move for a week. Hopefully you’ll realize that it’s not an appliance that needs a permanent home on the kitchen countertop. And, hey, as more people go gluten-free, the toaster might just become a bit of an obsolete appliance, anyways.

Kitchen Utensils

Chances are, you have a bin (or two) or kitchen utensils taking up space on the countertop. This includes spatulas, ladles, and flippers. Do they really need to be on the kitchen counter? It’s just as convenient to open a drawer and choose one while cooking. Find a drawer near the stove for easy use. Then, transfer the utensils into a basket or two, separating based on shape.

Knives

If you’re an avid chef, then there will be an assortment of knives in your kitchen. They might not have a home, and instead live on the cutting board, just waiting to be used. You could find a chopping block to place them in, but this just leads to more clutter. Instead, place a magnetic knife strip on the wall. This is a safe, efficient way of storing your knives.

Paper

No matter how hard you try, it seems like there is always a pile of paper on the kitchen counter. Bills to be paid, coupons to be used, forms to be filled out. You may think that at least all of the papers are in one place, so they can’t get lost. But look inside a junk drawer and there is probably even more paper to be found.

The solution is easy, but hard to follow. Create an organizing area. Have slots or baskets that you can place each item of paper in. And, be sure to go through everything regularly. There’s not point in keeping a basket of coupons that all expired last year. Having a clean countertop is worth the effort of decluttering.

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