Pick the Perfect Kitchen Countertop

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Countertop trends are constantly changing in the kitchen. A counter that was popular a few years ago might be old news today. Countertops are expensive and not easily replaced. That’s why it’s important to put a lot of consideration into your countertop selection. Our professionals at Craftsmen Home Improvements offer our expert advice to ensure satisfaction with a wide selection of countertops that are durable and affordable.

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#1 Quartz Countertops

We only work with top-of-the-line products and manufacturers like Cambria. Their quartz countertops are second to none when it comes to durability, beauty and ease of maintenance. Quartz is the most abundant mineral on earth and also one of the toughest. Unlike some types of stone, quartz is nonporous and doesn’t need to be sealed to guard against staining and bacteria. Though pure quartz is colorless, it often comes with inclusions that give it a rainbow of colors and patterns. These colors range from white and cream, beige and gold, blue, purple, tan, brown or black. They can also come with veins and clouds that mimic luxurious marble.

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#2 Granite Countertops

When it comes to strength and sheer toughness, nothing beats granite. Granite was formed millions of years ago in the depths of volcanoes. Granite is tough and beautiful. Like quartz, it comes in various colors so you can choose a shade that fits your style. It has the strength to resist staining, scratching and etching. In addition, Craftsmen Home Improvements can assure a long life by sealing the stone for extra protection. We can adjust the granite countertop to meet your style. An unfinished surface can give your kitchen a rustic flare or a polished look for modern spaces.

#3 Marble & Other Countertop Options

Besides granite and quartz, Craftsmen Home Improvements offers countertops made of marble, solid surface, maple and stainless steel. Marble is known for its luminosity and beauty but it is a soft stone that needs to be sealed. We find that marble is best used for inserts in tough stone or mineral like granite or quartz. In addition, marble has a cool feel which makes it a great surface for preparing pastries and rolling dough.

Our Corian solid surface counters are made with acrylic and can come in one piece. This means it can be fashioned into unusual shapes and paired with integral sinks. Solid surfaces also come in an array of colors and patterns that mimics the look of marble or granite. Corian is also very easy to clean.

At Craftsmen Home Improvements, we are proud to offer our customers a five-year installation warranty and free in-home estimate for all of our home remodeling services.

Give Us A Call Request An Estimate

The Importance of Cabinets & Countertops

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Kitchen cabinets and countertops are often the first items that a homeowner will consider changing. Old cabinets can make a house look outdated, and old countertops look worn after years of wear and tear. Replacing cabinets or countertops alone can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. New cabinets and countertops are an expensive change to make in a kitchen, but if it’s in your budget the end results will be worth the price.

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#1: New Cabinets

Cabinets can be ordered from a large company or a local cabinetmaker. Before you purchase new cabinets think about your needs. New cabinets can create more storage space, style and color. Customized cabinets can be made to fit a particular item. Utilize your cabinets in a way that ties in the rest of the kitchen to give the space a unified look. It is important to take the time to research the type of cabinets you want because there are endless options available.

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#2: New Countertops

The right countertop can take a boring, old kitchen and totally transform it. Countertops come in just about every color and style. There are several different materials that are used to create them, and you can choose one that best fits your price range and style. They can be customized to come with a knife block or one that matches the walls. Countertops are one of the most utilized aspects of a kitchen, and if you like to cook a good surface is extremely important.

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#3: Value

Installing cabinets and countertops in your home will increase its value. These elements can give any home a unique style that will stand out in a buyers mind. They can also provide extra storage space which is a big selling point for home buyers.

Adding these additions to your home is an expensive purchase so make sure you are happy with your choices. If you are looking to save money, laminate countertops that mimic the look of granite or quartz provide an elegant look for half the price.

If you’re interested in installing new cabinets or countertops, CRAFTSMEN Home Improvements offers a variety of cabinet and countertop options. The courteous professionals at CRAFTSMEN are always available for consultation, guidance and installation.

Request A Free In-Home Consultation For Your Kitchen Remodel

The Rewards of Renovation

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.The kitchen is the heart of the home. It provides a functional space for cooking, cleaning and a place for family gathering. These reasons often make the kitchen a deal maker or breaker for buying and selling. With this in mind, what should be taken into consideration for a kitchen renovation?

Whether you’re seeking to put your home on the market or planning to stay another twenty years, design and functionality should be kept in mind. Design trends change over time so it’s best to stick with a traditional approach that don’t go out of style. Stainless steel is always a safe option for appliances, and hardwood floors will never go out of style.

Focus design dollars on counter space, additional storage and light fixtures. These aspects will add beauty to the kitchen while providing functional value. Potential buyers often look for a stylish kitchen that works together to increase productivity.

Look at your space and ask yourself the following questions: Do the countertops and storage spaces work together or do they create confusion? Are the appliances updated? Do the light fixtures provide effective light and highlight the best features? What impressions do the light sources give? Are they functional? How worn is the flooring material and is an update needed?

If it’s time to update your kitchen you’ll have lots of choices to make when it comes to materials. Decide what is most important to you. Is it price, quality or durability? If your main concern is price, there are plenty of attractive options out there that won’t be too hard on the wallet. Granite and quartz are beautiful options for countertops, but there are laminate surfaces available that mimic their looks for half the price. If you’ve always wanted hard wood floors in your kitchen, but it’s not in the budget, alternative floors exist that give the look.

There are several remodeling projects in the kitchen that are DIY, such as, painting. Depending on your skill level, determine the projects you can do yourself because this will save you a lot of money in the end. However, jobs involving lighting, flooring and cabinetry require the attention of a specialist.  Find a contractor who is committed to giving you the kitchen you want.

Whether you are looking to increase the value of your home or just craving a change, you will gain a lot from a kitchen renovation. Go with a timeless style that you’ll never get tired of. Determine your budget and stick to it, by choosing materials that agree with your wallet. Most importantly, always practice safety while remodeling and know when it is appropriate to call on a professional. Contact Craftsmen Home Improvements Inc., for any questions, comments or concerns about remodeling.

Get Creative with Kitchen Cabinetry

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Kitchens are one of the most frequently used rooms in a home. It’s a place for cooking, cleaning and even family time. Eventually, this constant use will take a toll and updates will be necessary. Renovating the kitchen can be a great way to increase home value, and can give it the tender loving care that it needs after years of wear and tear.

Renovating a kitchen is expensive and for those of us on a budget, it’s important to get the most bang for your buck. One of the best ways to give a kitchen that brand new look is with new cabinets. The latest trends in cabinets are always changing so even if your cabinets aren’t old they still might need an update. Update your kitchen by choosing a cabinet that enhances design trends, such as, modern, traditional and even rustic.

Choosing to have new kitchen cabinetry installed is an important decision. Several factors should go into your cabinet selection, including, storage space, color and material. Keep in mind food storage cabinets can be very different than the cabinets used for dishware. It might be necessary to have your cabinets customized if extra space is needed. Be sure to do efficient research before making any decisions so you can feel confident and happy about your cabinets once they are in.

The location of the cabinets is almost as important as the style. The location of the cabinets can create depth or height to a kitchen. They can be arranged to create openness, or they can be used to separate space. It is important to place the new cabinets in a way that optimizes that space you are working in. The location of the cabinets should enhance the productivity and flow in the kitchen.

If you want to update your kitchen because you are looking to sell or you just want to make your family more comfortable, new cabinets can make it look brand new. Cabinets can transform the look and feel of a kitchen without touching anything else. However, make sure you do your research before making any permanent decisions because cabinets are expensive and are not easily replaced. Choose a style that fits with your home and personality, and your cabinets will keep you or a potential buyer happy for a long time.

Kitchen Accessories

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.So you’ve renovated your kitchen, and now you need some accessories to give it that final touch. There are tons of useful things that can go in a kitchen, but you don’t want to over do it. Here are five accessories that we think are essential for a great kitchen.

Microwave Ovens: Counter-top or over-the-range microwave ovens are a great option for any kitchen. Especially, if you’re not big on using the oven. Although, these won’t replace the quickness of a microwave, they’re indispensable for fast heating purposes. Microwave ovens come in a wide range of vibrant colors and finishes.

Crock Pot: This one-pot cooking appliance is a “must have” in any kitchen. These helpful little pots offer the convenience of being able to cook unattended for several hours. The give a special flavor to every meal, and they are perfect for busy cooks on the go.

Knife Sharpener: Although a kitchen with a full display of knives in a knife holder is attractive, one without a knife sharpener is incomplete. Neatly tucked away in a drawer, it is one accessory that will not only benefit your kitchen but also your cooking. This little tool will make cutting food a bit easier and will extend the life of your knives.

Food Processor/Blenders: Whether it’s a full-blown food processor big enough for a restaurant or a mini-onion chopper, this is a tool that every kitchen needs. It will save you a lot of time, and can perform a number of jobs.

One-Touch Can Openers: One-touch can openers can effortlessly open cans of any size–with one simple push of a button. This battery operated device comes in a line of colors, designs and styles. It’s also the safest, easiest and cleanest way to open a can.

Benefits of Recycled Glass Countertops

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Recycled glass countertops are manufactured in a variety of ways. The process to create theses, typically, includes intense tumbling or vibrations to smooth out rough edges and vacuum compaction. These products can contain a mix of glass, ceramics and porcelain, and other organic materials. Here are five benefits of having recycled glass countertops installed in your home.

1. Closing the Circle

Although many consumers are diligent in their efforts to recycle glass items, few people are investing in the recycled glass products that these efforts produce. This is known as closing the circle, and it is an essential step for ensuring that recycling efforts are effective. Investing in recycled glass countertops is not only a great way to make use of recycled materials, but it will also limit your reliance upon less sustainable design materials.

2. Mold and Mildew Resistant

Given the fact that glass is non-porous, keeping populations of harmful microorganisms in check won’t be a problem. This makes these countertops ideal in high traffic environments. In addition, you won’t have to worry about mildew or mold spore development.

3. Scorch Resistant

Although, there are a number of cooking gadgets that you can use to avoid burning or scorching counters, accidents can and do occur. Recycled glass countertops are both heat and scorch-resistant and will save you from worry.

4. Scratch Resistant

These durable, non-porous surfaces are also impervious to scratches. You won’t have to invest in repairs over the years of use. These countertops will maintain aesthetic value over time, even with routine and rough use.

5. Unlimited Design Options

There are unlimited design options to choose from. Glass countertops are flexible materials that are great for homeowners who have very specific ideas for their kitchen designs. Buyers can take advantage of a vast color pallet and a variety of glass textures and sizes.

Glass countertops are versatile, durable and very beautiful. Buyers can get lasting value from these surfaces while doing something good for the environment. Products like these help consumers close the loop in the recycling path and reduce the use of materials that are not naturally renewing or sustainable.

Six Steps to a Modern Kitchen

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.If you have an old kitchen that features outdated décor, there are ways to achieve a modern update. By following a few simple steps, you can make your dull kitchen much more appealing and inviting.

Step One: Place Modern Alternative Metals In The Kitchen

Many older kitchens contain materials that were popular several decades ago. Manufacturers now offer better, more innovative materials. Copper, aluminum, chrome, brushed aluminum, and stainless steel are popular kitchen design trends. These metals are commonly used on stoves, pendant lighting, and cabinetry.

Step Two: Install Efficient Flooring

Wood, stone, and tile are resilient materials that last a long time. Ceramic tile is also a good flooring option because thanks to technological advancements, the ceramic tiles now also look like hardwood.

Step Three: Tear Down The Upper Cabinets

By removing your upper cabinets, your kitchen will have much more space. Storage won’t be an issue because lower cabinets will provide plenty of storage space. The additional wall space you obtain, from tearing down those cabinets, can be used for decorative dishware or other modern kitchen accessories.

Step Four: Install Countertops That Feature Innovative Material

In recent years, designers have used odd materials that are not typically used to make kitchen countertops. To give your traditional kitchen an innovative look, consider installing brick, concrete or tile counters throughout the space. These materials are not exclusively used on counters. You can also consider incorporating them on the interior kitchen walls.

Step Five: Place Modern Seating In The Kitchen

If you bring your dining room seats into your kitchen, the space will appear more modern. At the breakfast bar, slide countertop stools under the counter. If your home has a window side table, a bench should be used for seating.

Step Six: Use Modern Paint Colors On The Cabinetry

Painting or staining the cabinets is a simple task that can be done on a budget. You can buy various faux finishes and paint glazes at any home improvement store.

Overall, updates in your countertops, cabinets and ceilings can turn your traditional kitchen into a modern kitchen.

Three Kitchen Flooring Ideas

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.When considering what type of flooring to use during a kitchen remodel, three options to consider are linoleum flooring, cork flooring, and tile flooring. Each of these kitchen floorings has advantages and disadvantages and should be considered carefully against a few factors. Some important factors are the amount of traffic on the kitchen flooring, how long you plan to spend on the kitchen flooring and the budget.

1: Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is the best kitchen flooring to install if your kitchen is the heart of your home. This is another ecofriendly kitchen flooring with a lot of desirable qualities for a busy kitchen. Compared to cork and tile flooring, linoleum is the most durable and easy to maintain, considering it is moisture and stain resistant. If your floor gets scratched or damaged, it is nearly unnoticeable. Because linoleum flooring is the same color throughout its layers, you can simply seal the damaged area. It’s composed of all-natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, limestone, and recycled wood flour which makes it completely biodegradable. The downside to this flooring is that it is not ideal if you have a concrete subfloor. It tends to traps moisture, which can be damaging to concrete subflooring. Overall, linoleum flooring is ecofriendly, durable, comfortable, economical and ideal for the busy, high-traffic kitchen.

2: Cork

The second best option for kitchen flooring is cork flooring. This economical option is ideal if you are ecofriendly and want a soft floor for constant standing. A main advantage is that cork flooring is very soft and springy so it is difficult to tear. The softness and springiness of cork flooring makes it very comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. As an ecofriendly selection, cork flooring is made from recycled cork. However, there are a couple of disadvantages to cork flooring. This kind of kitchen flooring is not ideal for high traffic areas and it needs to be sealed in order to be more durable. Cork flooring should be your selection if you spend a lot of time baking and cooking for company not for families with pets or active kids who may wear down the cork.

3: Tile 

If you are looking for the most cost effective, durable and customizable kitchen flooring, consider tile flooring. Tile flooring is great for its variety of colors, designs, and shapes to choose from. If you don’t want to worry about making a “mess” in the kitchen, the water and stain resistance makes tile flooring very easy to clean. Unfortunately, it is difficult to repair if it cracks or chips and it can also be expensive to install. Tile flooring is not comfortable to stand on for long periods of time, which is why it isn’t a great fit if you spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen. Tile flooring is also slippery when wet, so it may not be ideal if you constantly have kids running around or many people in the kitchen at once. If you don’t entertain or cook often for long periods of time, tile flooring is perfect.

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.The kitchen is often called the most important room in a house. This is where people often cook, eat and socialize. Upgrading your kitchen Cincinnati is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or you just want to make a better impression, let’s look at some of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of your kitchen.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets The cabinetry in your kitchen is probably the first thing people notice when they walk into the room. If your kitchen cabinets are outdated, have peeling paint or are simply lackluster, this is a good place to start when it comes to making improvements. You don’t necessarily have to replace the cabinets, which can be costly. Painting or re-staining them is a more economical way to give them a fresh new look. You should also consider replacing the hardware. On the other hand, if you really want to make an impression, you can consider getting a whole new set of cabinets.

2. Improve the Lighting Lighting has a huge impact on the appearance and atmosphere of any room. This includes both natural and artificial lighting. When it comes to natural light, you should consider changing your curtains or other window coverings. This can allow more sunlight to enter the room during the day. You may also want to upgrade your lighting fixtures. For example, many kitchens have a dreary look from being lit by a fluorescent fixture. You could replace this with more contemporary fixtures or recessed can lights.

3. Get Modern, Energy Efficient Appliances If your refrigerator, stove and oven are outdated, you should consider replacing them with more modern, high tech, energy efficient models. There are now, for instance, many appliances that can be controlled via the internet or your smartphone. Newer appliances will not only give your kitchen a contemporary look, they will use less energy.

4. Consider Installing an Island A kitchen island can help make the room look more spacious and elegant. This is a popular modern look that gives you additional counter space or maybe a place to install a sink or stovetop. Islands should not be too large, though, as this can defeat the purpose of creating more space.

5. Upgrade Your Sink and Fixtures The sink is the center of the kitchen and a new one will make a big difference in the room’s overall look. If you don’t want to replace the sink, you can at least consider getting some new fixtures. A new faucet and sprayer will make the sink look shinier and more modern.

The holiday season is always a good time to think about making improvements. Making some kitchen Cincinnati upgrades before Thanksgiving will make your holiday gathering even more special. Even if you only make a few small improvements, this can help you remember all of the things you have to be thankful for!

Countertop materials – What’s your best choice?

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.It used to be true that there were only a few materials available for kitchen countertops and everyone had some variation of them in their home. Now there is a dizzying array of materials and designs at the ready for every taste and budget. Here are few of the top countertop materials and the pros and cons of using them in the home.

Granite: For years, granite has been the top-shelf choice for kitchen countertops. It is a natural stone distinguished by veining and variations which enhance its attractiveness. Much beloved for its beauty and design impact, granite can be expensive. It is a porous material and must be sealed to keep from being stained from fluids. Granite is durable and heat resistant, but can crack or chip if a heavy object is dropped on it.

Quartz: Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is a top rated countertop material. It is durable, not porous and does not need to be sealed, but requires protection from heat and can be difficult to repair if damaged. This material is made from resin and quartz chips which have been artificially colored. Engineered stone countertops are popular for their beauty and offer a good alternative to granite.

Marble: Marble is an ultra-traditional choice for countertops. A completely natural stone, it has a wide range of natural patterns which increase its elegance as a design choice. It is the go-to stone for pastry chefs, who prize it for its natural coolness which keeps dough from becoming tough. Unfortunately, even when sealed, marble can stain, scratch and chip.

Stainless steel: In complete contrast to marble, as its name suggests, stainless steel is impervious to staining. It cleans up marvelously and is preferred for its antimicrobial properties in institutional and high traffic countertops. As a design choice, it does have a minimalist cachet, but requires frequent cleaning to eliminate fingerprint smudges.

Soapstone: Soapstone countertops are familiar to many as the material of choice in their high school chemistry laboratories. This material resists stains well, yet requires regular oiling. It blends well with a range of decors, but can crack and require costly repair.

Laminate: Laminate is a manufactured material made of resins blended into paper and fused onto particle board. As a kitchen countertop staple for decades, it has lacked style quality in the past, but new designs mimic more expensive materials with impressive results. It is affordable, low maintenance and easy to clean, but it can be susceptible to burns and scratches.

Concrete: With new fabrication technologies which make it lighter than ever before, concrete has come into its own as a countertop material. Inlays of shells and rocks can make it a unique design choice. And concrete has some impressive energy-friendly qualities: it absorbs heat when the room is hot, cooling it off. And when the temperature drops, concrete releases its heat back into the room to warm it.

Wood: Wood countertops create a warm, traditional look for kitchens. Wood is resistant to heat, so hot pots and pans can be rested on it. But wood requires sealing to be clean and safe for cutting meat products. As with all natural products, wood can be pricey, but creates its own look of luxury when used in the kitchen.

Glass: Glass countertops create a clean, sleek modern look and have the advantage of being able to be cut into any shape and stained to any color. Due to this flexibility, this material can be adapted to any choice of décor. Since it is non porous, glass is easy to clean and stain resistant. But it’s still glass and needs to be tempered and be at least one inch thick to be durable in the kitchen.

Paper Composite: Paper composite is a newer countertop material made by mixing resin with paper fibers to create an eco-friendly and surprisingly durable surface. It withstands heat and water, and is naturally lighter than stone or concrete. Paper composite countertops are prone to chemical damage and need to be oiled with mineral oil (and require occasional sanding) to maintain the surface. Even though it seems like a paper product would be a budget-conscious choice, this material is somewhat expensive, which has limited its popularity.

Tile: Tile countertops are made with ceramic, glass and porcelain tile in an extensive range of styles and colors, which can be further mixed and matched to produce an almost infinite variety of patterns. Tile must have sealed grout to be easy to clean. And if tiles become uneven they can be cracked or chipped if cookware is dragged over the surface. In terms of budget, the tile is not necessarily expensive, but installation can be pricey, so homeowners need to cost out the entire project before making a decision.

The many varieties of countertop materials present homeowners with an opportunity to make unique design decisions. To get advice on your countertop, visit us online at Craftsmen Home Improvements.