Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA projects are more complex, costly, and disruptive than major kitchen renovation. This is where a general contractor takes over, especially if structural changes like relocating walls or borrowing space from adjacent rooms are involved.
For this reason, many homeowners opt to work with a design-build firm offering professional design and construction services under one roof.
Cabinets are furniture pieces holding items like food, dishes, and utensils. They may stand on their own or be built into a wall. Cabinets may be made from wood (solid or with veneers), melamine-particle board, coated steel or synthetic materials such as Wilsonart or Formica.
Kitchen cabinets are the primary storage units in a kitchen. They provide the largest amount of usable storage space in the room. The layout, quality, and style of the cabinets are one of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodel. Cabinets can be a major budget item for the kitchen and can make or break the overall look of the kitchen.
The construction of a cabinet is the frame that holds the doors, drawers and shelves. It is usually constructed of plywood or higher-quality particle board, particularly for flat sections that don’t need to be shaped, such as shelves, cabinet sides and drawer bottoms. Plywood is stronger than particle board, and it is less susceptible to warping from moisture.
Face frames are used to support cabinet doors and are typically made of solid wood or wood composite. A face-frame cabinet has a frame attached to the front of the cabinet box, and the cabinet doors are mounted on this frame. Frameless cabinet construction is becoming more popular and is often referred to as European or Euro-style cabinets. Frameless cabinets don’t have a supporting front face frame, and the cabinet doors are mounted directly to the cabinet box side panels.
Door-and-shelf cabinets are the most basic type of base cabinet and are typically used to store pots, pans and bottled hygienic products. They can also be used as a pantry to store larger foodstuffs such as canned goods and dry foods. Drawer cabinets are a more sophisticated cabinet that features interior storage drawers that are hidden behind a façade of doors and drawer fronts.
There are many different types of hardware available for cabinet doors, and each offers its own advantages. For example, push to open mechanisms allow people to open the cabinet without using the handles and are a common option for high-end kitchens. There are also lazy susans that can be placed in corner cabinets, sliding trays to increase the amount of usable storage and specialty hardware for blind cabinets that allows them to be opened by turning a crank.
Countertops
One of the biggest decisions to make when remodeling a kitchen is choosing the material for your counters. This will influence the look and feel of your home. While aesthetic is important, so too are practical considerations. For example, if you have children or pets, you might want to consider a less delicate material like concrete or quartz. Also, you should think about how much upkeep you’re willing to do, as natural materials like marble and granite require specialized care.
Natural stone is a popular choice for countertops because it’s durable and stylish. It comes in a wide range of colors and undertones, so you can find the right fit for your home’s aesthetic. However, it’s important to note that this type of countertop requires more upkeep than others, as it needs to be sealed regularly.
A man-made option that’s gaining popularity is Corian, which is nonporous and bacteria-resistant. It’s also highly customizable and available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and shapes. However, it isn’t heat-resistant, so you’ll need to protect it with a proper sealant.
Another natural option is soapstone. This stone is tough and can resist stains and acidic foods, making it a great choice for busy households. It’s also beautiful, adding a dramatic touch to any kitchen. However, it’s important to note this type of countertop is high-maintenance and must be oiled every six months.
If you’re looking for a more low-cost solution, consider covering your countertops with contact paper. This easy kitchen remodel idea can give your space a new look without the expensive price tag. It’s also temporary, so you’ll need to replace it periodically when it starts to peel or curl.
Alternatively, you can install waterfall countertops to add visual appeal to your kitchen. This design trend works well with Minimalist and Modern styles, as it creates a smooth, continuous surface that runs from the top of your cabinets to the floor. You can also incorporate a waste chute into your counters to hide trash and recycling bins from view. This makes clean-up after cooking quicker and easier.
Flooring
A kitchen remodel is a great way to update your home’s appearance and increase its value. It’s important to understand the process so you can avoid potential problems and make informed decisions.
Many homeowners decide to hire a general contractor for their kitchen remodel. This option saves time and energy and eliminates the need to manage subcontractors. However, it can also be expensive.
Often, kitchen remodeling projects involve tearing out old cabinetry, appliances and flooring. This phase can be dangerous for homeowners without proper training and experience. It’s important to have a professional do this work and make sure that all plumbing and electrical wiring is safely hidden behind walls.
The next step in the kitchen remodel is installing new cabinets and countertops. Once these are complete, the kitchen remodeling project can begin with flooring installation. This should be done after the plumbing and electrical are completed. This is because the floor needs to be able to support the weight of the cabinets and counters.
It’s important to keep in mind that the majority of kitchen remodeling tasks are labor-intensive. This means that hiring a contractor can be a wise investment in order to get the job done properly and quickly. However, homeowners can save money by performing some of the tasks themselves.
For example, tiling a backsplash and installing kitchen flooring can be fairly simple if you have the necessary skills. Other projects, such as framing in a window or removing (potentially load-bearing) walls are best left to the professionals.
While a professional can help you make design choices and provide the labor and materials, it’s still up to you to create a plan for your kitchen remodeling project. If you’re unsure where to start, try checking out websites like YouTube for videos that show how to do various jobs. Some of these videos include a step-by-step guide that will help you through the process.
A good place to start is by making a list of the tasks that need to be completed during the renovation. By using a priority list, you can make sure that the kitchen remodel is progressing at a steady rate. For example, if you want to install a new sink, it makes sense to do that first before the countertop.
Lighting
Lighting is a crucial kitchen remodeling aspect because it can be both functional and a design feature. The best kitchens have task lighting to illuminate countertops, sinks and hobs; general lighting to provide overall brightness; mood or ambient lighting to add a soft glow to sociable spaces and display areas; and decorative lighting for a pop of personality and visual interest.
A trend we’re seeing is incorporating light fixtures that double as artwork, highlighting framed art or canvases. This is especially popular as homeowners look to transform their kitchens into a dining and living space. As such, recessed, adjustable lights are being used to highlight canvases and framed photographs, which also help make the space feel more homey and welcoming.
Another way to enhance the look of a kitchen is to choose a style that stands out, such as a bold pendant hanging over the island. These can be a real focal point, and can also serve as a great conversation starter. Alternatively, you can opt for a sleek and contemporary flush mount ceiling light that’s more subtle but still packs a punch.
In addition to pendants and chandeliers, recessed ceiling lights are a great option for illuminating a kitchen. Many of these come in different styles, and can even be designed to match the color of the kitchen’s cabinets. Aside from that, you can also opt for under-cabinet lighting to keep countertops and cabinets well-lit.
Lastly, you can install track or spot lights to accent a specific area of your kitchen. This could be the backsplash, a focal wall, or your favorite cabinet. These can be a fun and inexpensive way to bring a lot of style into a room.
There are endless options for upgrading your kitchen’s look, but a good place to start is by examining the bones of the room. Once you know what you want to change, then it’s time to look at the details and come up with a plan. With a little effort, you can turn your outdated kitchen into your dream home. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional.
