Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is an investment that adds value to your home. Choose a remodel that addresses your goals and is consistent with your lifestyle to get the most return on your investment. Be careful when opening up a room’s floor plan by removing walls, especially if they’re load-bearing. Plumbing and electrical services may also need to be relocated, which can be costly.
Cabinets form the backbone of a kitchen and are an important feature for creating a cohesive look. With a wide variety of styles and finishes available, creating a look that suits your style is easy. Whether you’re looking for an elegant wood finish or a sleek, modern look, a cabinet is right for you.
Kitchen cabinets are available in face-frame or frameless construction. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Face-frame cabinets offer more storage than frameless cabinets, but they can be less durable. Frameless cabinets are lighter and more flexible, but they can be harder to install and may require a taller ceiling.
The type of material used to make cabinets can also impact their durability. High-quality solid wood cabinets can be expensive, but they provide lasting beauty and are easier to maintain than other materials. Solid-wood cabinets can be painted or stained to match other kitchen features, including countertops, backsplashes, and flooring.
Other popular cabinet material options include MDF (medium density fiberboard) and thermal-fused thermofoil. MDF is inexpensive and durable, with an appearance that’s similar to solid wood. It can be made into shaker or flat-front cabinets and is available in a wide range of wood species. Thermal-fused thermofoil is an affordable material that’s easy to clean. It’s manufactured with a protective vinyl coating over a base such as pine fibreboard and has a glossy appearance that reflects light, making rooms appear brighter.
Cabinet back construction is another factor to consider. The most durable cabinet construction uses a plywood back panel that helps keep the cabinets secure and accurate in the wall. Cheaper options use thin panels and metal hangers, which are less sturdy and can lead to loose cabinet doors and drawers.
It often seems like there’s never enough space in kitchen cabinets to store everything you need, but smart organizational techniques can help you maximize your space. Try storing rarely-used dishes and entertainment pieces in open cubbies or hanging them on the wall, rather than putting them away in a deep cabinet where they’ll be hard to find. You can also install pull-out pantry shelves or a pie-corner cabinet that utilizes dead corner space.
Countertops
Countertops are a major focal point in any kitchen and set the tone for your entire space. That’s why it’s important to choose a countertop material that’s both beautiful and durable.
When choosing a countertop, consider your personal aesthetic and how much maintenance you’re willing to invest. Granite, marble and other natural stones are beautiful but require specialized care, while quartz and solid surface countertops are nearly maintenance-free. Concrete countertops are also popular and come in a wide range of colors, textures and finishes.
If you have a tight budget, opt for laminate or plastic laminate countertops. Both are inexpensive, easy to install and can provide a new look for your kitchen. If you have a larger budget, consider stone or ceramic tile. Both options add elegance and a touch of luxury to any kitchen renovation project.
For a modern or minimalist kitchen, consider extending your countertops down to the floor to create waterfall counters. This trending kitchen renovation idea is visually appealing and protects the base of your cabinets. It also makes it easier to add hidden storage underneath your countertops.
If your kitchen has a traditional or rustic aesthetic, consider reclaimed wood or butcher block countertops. These materials offer a warm, inviting appearance and can be sanded down to remove scratches or stains. However, these countertops must be sealed and maintained regularly to ensure they’re heat, stain and bacteria-resistant.
Depending on your desired style and functionality, you can further enhance your countertops by adding a backsplash or incorporating an island. Backsplashes are available in a variety of styles and materials, from classic subway tiles to trendy herringbone designs. Integrated islands are another great way to expand your countertop’s space and add an extra cooking prep area.
One of the most effective ways to make your kitchen look more expensive is to add details that elevate your design. Open shelving or glass-front cabinets are a great place to showcase your prettiest dishes and serveware, while high-quality hardware looks more upscale than standard chrome finishes. Likewise, installing a garbage chute in your countertops saves valuable floor space and makes waste disposal more convenient.
Flooring
The right flooring will complement your cabinets, countertops and other kitchen features. It can also add a splash of color or provide a texture that complements your kitchen. There are many types of flooring available, including hardwood, vinyl, tile and laminate. Choose the type that is best suited to your needs and budget.
The best choice for kitchens is durable material that will stand up to the daily wear and tear. Laminate, for example, is durable and easy to clean with a mop. However, it is important to know that water can swell laminate and damage the structure of the floor.
Wood floors are a natural material that can enhance the look of any kitchen. They can be stained to match other elements in the room or left natural for a more rustic feel. You can also select reclaimed hardwood flooring, which is in line with today’s recycling trend and has the added benefit of having a unique story behind it.
Another option for kitchens is stone or ceramic tile, which can be laid in a variety of patterns to suit your design theme. These materials are not as durable as wood or laminate, but they can be resealed to prolong their life. They are also easy to clean, and spills can be wiped up quickly.
Tile is also an environmentally friendly material. It is often made from recycled glass, porcelain and other earthen materials. It is durable and comes in a wide range of colors, styles and finishes. It can be glazed to resist moisture, and a grout sealer can help protect it from mold and mildew.
When choosing a tile, consider the thickness of the grout and whether it is pre-sealed. If not, it will need to be grouted at the time of installation and then resealed regularly. It is also a good idea to use a pre-sealed grout in high-moisture areas like the kitchen and bathroom. This can reduce the amount of maintenance required to keep tiles looking new. Also, make sure the grout you choose is certified to be low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) so that it does not off-gas and irritate your family.
Appliances
Homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens for a variety of reasons. Some homeowners are fixing damage from water or fire, while others want to make their kitchen more aesthetically pleasing or functional for the way they use it. Regardless of why a kitchen is being remodeled, it’s often a big project that requires a lot of work and investment.
Besides replacing cabinets, countertops, and flooring, a renovation might involve adding an island or new sinks, relocating the dishwasher or refrigerator, or upgrading appliances with energy-efficient models. This can be a big expense, but can also add a good return on investment for the homeowner when it’s done correctly.
One of the most important elements of a kitchen renovation is choosing the right appliances for the space. There are many different appliance sizes, styles, and finishes to choose from. The most common choices are stainless steel and white appliances, but there are plenty of other options to consider as well. For example, if you’re a fan of a minimalist aesthetic, you might prefer to buy panel-ready appliances that can be concealed within your cabinetry.
Another factor to consider when selecting appliances is how much they’ll be used. For example, if you’re cooking and entertaining frequently, you might want to invest in a larger oven and cooktop so that you can host large meals for guests. If you’re on a tight budget, you may be able to get away with a smaller stove and oven that’s more efficient for everyday use.
It’s also a good idea to choose appliances that complement the overall style of your kitchen. For instance, if you have a modern design in mind, you might want to select appliances that fit that aesthetic, such as sleek black or stainless steel units. Similarly, you might want to choose appliances that match your cabinetry or countertop color to keep the look consistent and cohesive.
After you’ve finalized your appliance selections, it’s important to plan ahead for the duration of your kitchen renovation project. For example, if you have gas or electric appliances, it’s a good idea to store them in a safe location during the remodeling process. This will ensure that they’re not damaged or covered in dust.