Although soft to the touch, like a bar of soap, soapstone is incredibly strong and durable. It is a natural stone that is mostly magnesium and talc, and the Native Americans used it for cookware, because it has tremendous heat distribution capability. The stone is also fantastic for inlays, including fireplace mantels and surrounds, sculptures, sinks, and even kitchen countertops.

 

This material can stand up to hot pots, pans, and casserole dishes that you place on your countertop. To protect the stone, you’ll want to use hot pads, but you don’t have to. It’s durable enough to take abuse much like granite does without damage. The only thing that happens to soapstone as it ages is it darkens some, but this natural patina enhances the stone’s beauty.

 

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Taking on a kitchen remodel can be a behemoth task. Not only is it one of the most lived-in rooms in your house, but it is also one of the most valuable. No matter how beautifully you design the space, it also has to be functional for all of your daily kitchen needs. When you meet with your local contractor to discuss kitchen remodeling, be sure to have an idea of what you may be looking for. Keeping in mind how you and your family uses the space, consider these tips for planning your remodel.

 

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Whether you plan to sell your home soon and want to increase its value, need more space for your growing family or just want to improve your home for your own purposes, a bathroom renovation is always a good place to start. Bathroom remodels can be done quickly and without a lot of resources. However, if you’re not careful, you may end up creating the dreaded wasted space. To avoid wasted space, and to maximize your home’s existing space, consider what makes a great bathroom.

 

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Thinking about remodeling your kitchen may scare you or excite you, or even a little bit of both. Many people would love to tackle a kitchen remodeling project but the thought of not having a kitchen for quite some time during the renovation keeps them away from giving it a try.

 

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Countertops are supposed to last a long time. However, nothing lasts forever, and there are several reasons why you would want to switch them out. Read three of those reasons to replace your kitchen countertops below:

 

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Kitchen cabinets are essential for storage and space. If you are in the process of a kitchen remodeling project, there are some things you’ll need to consider, such as how many cabinets you’ll need, installing drawers on the lower levels, and how much can you store in your current space.

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Whether you are building a new home or remodeling the kitchen of your existing home, it’s important to find kitchen cabinets that will give your kitchen the style and feel that makes it your own. While there may be a few advantages to premade cabinets, you will never regret taking the time to design and order custom cabinets.

 

There is a common misconception that custom cabinets cost significantly more than premade cabinets. However, if you compare high-end, quality premade cabinets with custom cabinets, you will quickly discover that the cost is very similar. If you compare lower-end premade cabinets with custom cabinets, the savings you will see are from the use of lower quality materials and hardware. A good carpenter, who makes quality kitchen cabinets, would not be likely to settle for cheap materials. Therefore, the only fair comparison is between high-end premade cabinets and custom cabinets.

 

One of the biggest advantages to custom cabinets is the ability to fit your cabinets to the space you have without wasting space with filler boards. You have the ability to add spice racks, a garbage and recycling drawer, cupboards with sliding shelves and more. You are really only limited by the scope of your imagination.

 

Another advantage to custom cabinets is the wide selection of wood you can choose from. Premade cabinets usually come in three or four colors and woods that are most popular at the time of purchase. If you want anything different, custom is the way to go. You can choose the wood and the stain you like without having to compromise your design.

 

Using custom built kitchen cabinets gives you the ability to design you kitchen in a way that will fit your needs. It also gives you the ability to select from a wider variety of woods, stains and hardware, ensuring your cabinets fit your style. All of that, along with the knowledge that you are getting a quality product that will last a lifetime, makes choosing custom cabinets an easy decision to make.

One of the biggest considerations when designing a new kitchen is the cabinetry. There are so many options when it comes to design and construction, it can be hard to know where to start. If you familiarize yourself with a few basics of kitchen cabinets, you can decide which option will work for you.

 

Stock cabinets are mass-produced and come in limited sizes. Although this makes them less versatile, it also makes them a great option for people on a budget. While stock cabinets were once considered less desirable than other types of cabinets, changes in design principles have increased their popularity. Today, you may use low-cost laminates or particleboard for the interiors, but real wood doors on the exteriors, providing that natural look so many people find appealing.

 

Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets are also popular with those working with a smaller budget. RTA cabinets can be found in big box home stores. As with stock cabinets, sizes and styles are limited. Like the name suggests, RTA cabinetry requires assembly. It can be a great choice for experienced do-it-yourself types. If you’re not well-versed in construction or installation, you can still purchase RTA cabinets and hire a professional to install them for you.

 

Semi-Custom cabinets offer more choices in design and are therefore mid-range in price. Most sizes are standard, but there is room for adjustment when it comes to depth. You can choose from different materials, finishes, and even decorative elements. If your kitchen layout can fit standard-size cabinets and you’d like more control over their look, semi-custom could be the right choice for you.

 

Custom cabinets are made-to-order. For this reason, they are the most expensive of all the options. They are tailored specifically to your kitchen space and personal aesthetic. There is no end to the possibilities. With custom cabinets, you’ll work closely with your cabinetry company to select every detail – from sizes and shapes to finishes and accessories.

 

Choosing new kitchen cabinets doesn’t need to be daunting. Examine your budget and your design ideals to figure out the best type of cabinets for you. If you still have questions, contact a professional cabinetry company for guidance.

Investing in a bathroom remodel can be a worthwhile experience, adding value to your home and creating a more suitable place for your family to use and enjoy. However, the project becomes much less enjoyable if there are constant headaches to worry about. Give yourself a break from the stressors of bathroom remodeling by writing a checklist of all the things you wish to be done during the process. Here are a few things you should incorporate into your list, though they can be modified depending on your specific project.

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When it comes to kitchen remodeling, the one and only part most homeowners generally want to focus on is the design. While the design is certainly an important part of the process, all aspects need to be addressed in kind, and this begins with choosing the right kitchen remodeler. After all, picking any random name and number you find online can become a nightmare if the person or company isn’t right for your home project. Here’s how to choose the best remodeler for your kitchen, leaving you with nothing to think about but the fun stuff.

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