Blog – Page 2 – Fitted Doors

January 10, 2018January 10, 2018

What Style of Kitchen Cabinets is Best for my Layout?

Kitchen cabinets have a big impact on your budget as well as how your kitchen looks. Here’s our guide on how to plan for and choose the right units for you

If you’ve been promising yourself a new kitchen for years, now is a great time to take the plunge. Whether you prefer sleek modern kitchen cabinets, warm wood grains or classic Shaker, there’s a design to suit your budget. The even better news is that the latest units are fantastically future-proof – dress them up with colour or add accessories and you can refresh your scheme as often as you like.

While choosing the layout of your kitchen is a lot about practicality, picking the cabinetry is where you really get to make your mark. Do you go for sleek contemporary or classic shaker style doors? Are looking for low-cost solutions or high-end bespoke? How much do carcasses matter?

Read on, and discover all the questions you need to ask yourself before you buy, as well as the answers to all your cabinetry concerns.

What are the best quality kitchen cabinets – do carcases matter?

Carcases are the units onto which doors and drawer fronts are attached – the internal framework of your kitchen. They have a structural role in terms of supporting the worktops, and of course provide storage and appliance housing. Only visible when doors are opened, they’re easy to overlook, but poor-quality carcases will have a massive impact on your kitchen’s longevity and performance.

The density of the material will determine the lifetime of your kitchen cupboards. Low-density chipboard is the most basic material for carcases. It’s more prone to permanent warping in damp conditions, but is the most affordable option. Here’s a full list of options.

Melamine-faced chipboard The staple diet of entry-level kitchens, MFC is a manufactured board popular for being inexpensive but strong. Its chipboard core is made from scrap wood, sawdust and paper, and faced in a melamine laminate. The carcase’s surface is moisture resistant, anti-fungal and easy to clean. The chipboard core will expand and ‘blow’ if moisture gets in but most modern carcases are well-sealed to prevent this.

MDF (Medium density fibreboard) Another popular mass-produced board. It’s considered superior to chipboard, and is thus marginally more expensive, because it is stronger, denser and has a much smoother, more moisture-resistant, edge when cut. Made from felted wood fibres bonded under high pressure, MDF is totally homogenous, sap and knot free, and has a smooth surface that is suitable for a variety of finishes.

Timber-faced MDF or chipboard To achieve the beauty of real wood without fear of warping, a thin veneer of timber – often to match doors – is applied on one or both sides of MDF or chipboard to give the impression of a single piece of wood.

Plywood Plywood is a premium sheet material made from layers of hardwood that’s most frequently used by bespoke makers. It’s incredibly stable and solid, virtually bulletproof, but weight can be an issue on wall-hung units. Marine-grade or MR (moisture resistant) ply is a good option if your house is built on a floodplain. It is usually faced in oak or birch but can also be painted or laminated.

Real wood Solid timber in single planks is actually a very impractical choice for carcases. It isn’t as rigid as manmade boards and could well warp in time. The only valid answer is solid wood carcases made from multi-stave boards, which are narrow staves of wood jointed together to prevent flexing. The benefit is that the carcase edges can be sanded flat so edging strips are not required to achieve a neat look.

Should I choose standard units or bespoke kitchen cabinets?

Most high-street kitchen companies will offer a kitchen with standard units in various sizes. Carcases are generally made in standard European sizes – labelled by width, for example 30cm, 60cm, 90cm, etc. These also conform to European appliance sizes, making it easy to fit appliances and cabinets together.

You can use online tools or a kitchen company representative to work out the best design to fit your room measurements and accept what they have as the definitive choice.

Alternatively, you can use a manufacturer who will design and make bespoke units, using with specialised carpenters and joiners who will fit your room perfectly. Obviously you pay a premium for this option but you then have freedom of choice and flexibility in your design.

Kitchen units – flat pack versus rigid

Flat pack carcasses are cheaper to transport and store, so cost less than rigid carcasses. Modern flat pack carcasses (think Ikea or B&Q) tend to be made on a CNC machine, which improves the chances that all holes and screws will line up.

Rigid carcasses are assembled in the factory and are considered structurally superior. Essentially, they are also much quicker to fit, resulting in less downtime between old and new kitchen. It also dramatically reduces the risk of missing parts and components, which can significantly delay progress.

Although flat pack carcases are cheaper initially, it’s important to add in the cost of assembling the units if you are not prepared or able to do it yourself. Labour costs can soon add up, particularly if parts are missing and your fitter has to take a trip to the local DIY store or come up with a creative solution. If you are building the carcases yourself, good quality flat pack units can represent a decent saving.

December 5, 2017January 5, 2018

7 New Kitchen Trends for 2018

zurfiz-ultragloss-baltic-blue-ultragloss-light-grey-1

What’s Hot & What’s Not in the Kitchen Going into the New Year

With many modern kitchen designs now embracing the new open plan era of living, where the dining room, living room and kitchen all share the same space, it’s important to understand that the entire room is essentially dictated by the kitchen design style you choose.

The colours, layout, materials and functions of the kitchen will have an impact on the rest of the room so making the right choices will only help to ensure the entire space works for every scenario. If you’re considering a kitchen makeover or an entirely brand new kitchen installation in 2018, here’s a selection of the seven most hottest trends that are set to influence your decision making this coming year.

Kitchens Colours Are Set To Go Bold in 2018. Image credit: Wall Design Studio

Richer Colours

Contrast has started to become a big thing in kitchens and next year is set to further enhance that trend with many kitchen designs now going for bolder, more daring colours that contrast with the countertops and wall colours.

Clean whites and pale greys are still popular for those insisting on maintaining the minimalist look but overall, shoppers are now daring to add richer hues to their colour palette which is making for some exciting looking kitchen designs.

Step in to any kitchen showroom and you’ll now start to see the introduction of rich, dark plum tones and dramatic purples, to more organic sages and petrol greens. There’s even some pretty exotic colours out there with vibrant oranges like copper, saffron yellow, henna and ginger or richer cooler colours including deep blues and dark metal greys.

Thanks to the improvements in kitchen manufacturing techniques, colour choices have gotten a lot wilder in recent years. So if you have an unusual colour in mind, chances are you can have your wishes fulfilled.

Two-Tone Kitchens Are Still Incredibly Popular Colour Choices. Image credit: homedit

Two Tones

Why have one coloured cabinet when you can have two? The past few years has seen many interior designers introduce different colour cabinets on walls and floors which creates a really interesting juxtaposition. In most case, it really works as the difference in tone creates a visual zoning of the kitchen but also breaks up the lack of colour and creates some interesting textures and contrasts.

Some designers have tried differing wood tones whilst others have opted for darker rich greys or blue base cabinets and lighter wall cabinets. It’s also become very popular to make a feature colour for the kitchen island which really makes it pop.

So the big news is, stay away from the plain whiles unless you want a kitchen that is out of fashion.

Keep All Your Appliances Out of Sight in a Garage. Image credit: Hafele

Appliance Garages

It seem the more appliances and gadgets we have, the less space we have to store them and no one wants them all on display, cluttering up their beautiful quartz countertop with cables and utensils. Nowadays, smart designs are incorporating dedicated storage units just for appliances with raising doors for easy access.

Whether it’s a humble toaster, a high end espresso maker or food processor, these new flip up storage cabinets make for easy access and far less clutter.

Partitions

For many, the open plan kitchen design is a little too open with noise and cooking smells easily spreading into other parts of the room. Often, there’s little privacy or individual space to prepare and cook food if you’re one for a little peace and quiet.

The compromise is to install glass partitions which keep the open plan feel but section off areas of the kitchen to make for natural zones. This means light is still free to bounce around the room yet the partitions give just enough separation to avoid noise pollution and cooking smoke and steam from entering parts of the room where it’s not wanted.

There’s dozens of design options available on the market and chosen well, they can make any kitchen look amazing.

Induction Hobs Are Set To Be Hugely Popular. Image credit: Thermador

Induction Cooking

One of the latest technologies that has revolutionised cooking is the emergence of induction cooking. These electric hobs have transformed the way we cook and have made the kitchen a much safer place to be, especially for kids.

Induction elements heat up the cookware faster, making cooking time quicker and more energy efficient, yet they’re extremely safe as the surface stays cool, with the burners automatically switching off when the cookware is removed.

Best of all, they are extremely easy to clean with just a simple wipe of a cloth and with their sleek, ceramic design, they look great in any kitchen.

Bold Backsplash Tiles Are Set to Be Big Next Year. Image credit: HGTV

Bold Patterned Tiles

Thankfully metro tiles have had their day and in their place waiting in the wings are a whole world of colourful, rustic patterned tiles.

Search online and you’ll find a whole range of tiles offering colour patterns, textures, shapes and sizes that will make a feature of your backsplash the talk of the street. No more boring plain subway tiles, now it’s bang on trend to go all out with colourful patchworks, handmade patterned tiles and elegantly beautiful ornate cement tiles.

Metal Surface Worktops Are Set to Challenge Solid Surface. Image credit: Image credit: Houzz

Metal Hardware & Worktops

Whether you like traditional brass and copper or a more sleek aluminium or stainless steel, metals are making their mark with many kitchen designers bringing industrial chic into many homes. Contrasted with organic materials such as rich woods and marble countertops, there’s a wide range of taps, worktops, handles and sinks to be found, all made from materials once considered passé.

This interesting contrast meets the traditional with the contemporary yet makes for a really stunning look that is not everybody’s cup of tea but will certainly appeal to those looking to make a statement in perhaps a penthouse apartment, inner city dwelling or home remodel.

November 9, 2017October 12, 2017

Corian Solid Surface vs Quartz Kitchen Worktops – Which is Best?

Understanding the Key Differences Between Two Man-made Materials

Due to advances in manufacturing processes, laminate and solid surface kitchen worktops are making a comeback. Although the more expensive granites and stone work-surfaces are still very popular, for those on a tight budget, solid surface now offers a practical and affordable worktop solution that neatly ticks all the right boxes.

Quartz is seen as a great alternative to granite whilst solid surface is seen as a high quality upgrade on traditional laminates. Both are man-made but both have their strengths and weaknesses.

So let’s take a look at the key benefits and pitfalls of these two kitchen worktop options and let you decide which is right for you.

What is quartz?

Comprising of approximately 95% ground natural quartz, bonded by a compound of polymer-based resins under intense pressure and heat, this processed material is incredibly strong, hardwearing and heavy. It’s non-porous so is waterproof and if cared for, should not stain and last for many years.

What is solid surface?

First introduced as far back as 1967 by Dupont under the brand name Corian, solid surfaces worktops are comprised of mineral marble dusts, bonded by acrylic resins and and a variety of coloured pigments. Like quartz, solid surface is non-porous but doesn’t resist heat well at all. On the plus side, an almost seamless finish is achievable and looks stunning in kitchens that require clean lines and a near-perfect look.

Quartz – Pros & Cons

Heat Resistance – contrary to what many may tell you, quartz is not supposed to have hot items placed on the surface at all. It can scorch and if the resins are damaged by heat, there’s rarely every any going back. On white quartz, any damage will be very noticeable.
Water Resistance – quartz requires no sealing whatsoever as it is completely non-porous. So the great news is, you can get it wet and it will not damage. When cleaning however, only use light cleaning products that do not contain too many harsh chemical to prevent any potential damage.
Durability – quartz is very hard and fairly difficult to scratch so cutting although not always recommended, shouldn’t cause any damage. It should withstand many years of use and abuse but avoid placing hot items on the surface to prevent scorching of the resins and discolouration.
Discolouration – most quartz surfaces should last many years but some are prone to discolouration from excessive UV exposure. This is usually more noticeable on darker coloured quartz so if this is a concern, choose a lighter coloured material.
Weight – quartz is very heavy and just a regular size piece will require at least two men to carry and install. So if you plan to install it as a DIY project, it’s not for you. Cutting and finishing the product is not straightforward and should only be carried out by a professional.
Joins – larger worktops will almost certainly need to be made of multiple pieces of quartz. The material is simply too bulky and too heavy to make out of a single slab. If joins are required, the seams will be filled with a coloured sealant that matches the surface as closely as possible, In most cases, this looks perfectly fine but they will be visible.
Cost – quartz falls into the mid-range price bracket for kitchen worktops and is around about the same price as solid surface. So either choice will mean spending the same amount of pennies.

Solid Surface – Pros & Cons

Heat Resistance – solid surface is generally regarded as being poor at resisting heat and any damage will render your warranty void. So in short, keep hot pots and pans away from it at all times.
Water Resistance – just like quartz, this man-made material performs well when wet as it is completely non-porous. So if this is a key decision making point, either of these two surfaces deal with water perfectly fine.
Durability – solid surface will mark far easier than quartz if cutting or using sharp objects. The good news is they can be buffed or sanded smooth again if marked but for practical reasons, this is not something you would want to do with regularity.
Discolouration – like any man-made material, extreme UV exposure will discolour the surface over several years and be far more noticeable on darker shades. There’s only a handful of surfaces that won’t discolour with time such as natural stones and metals so if this is critical, neither quartz or solid surface should be your choice.
Weight – solid surface is much lighter than quartz and easier to install. However, as a DIY project it is not practical as the material is specifically designed to hide any seams and be fitted as a single custom moulded piece or tightly bonded pieces, making it highly attractive to anyone wanting the perfect finish.
Joins – joins are practically invisible with solid surface as the seams are created with a bonding adhesive. As they are so tight, they are almost impossible to see. As the slabs can be fairly large, most kitchens have very few seams.
Cost – solid surface is around the same price point as quartz so from a budgetary point of view, the decision is a split one. Other practical factors will be the key decision points.

So as you can tell, quartz and solid surface have many similar properties in terms of finish, water resistance and price. Most of the difference fall under the strength, durability and end finish of the products. There’s very little to choose between the two so the final decision will undoubtedly come down to either the finished look or the practicality of the surface. But both will undoubtedly look beautiful in any kitchen.

October 18, 2017October 24, 2017

Is it time you gave your kitchen a facelift?

Sure Signs You Need to Transform Your Kitchen

Sometimes the obvious is staring us right in the face yet because it’s been there for so long, we become blind to it. The kitchen is the single most used and abused room in the home. We cook, we clean, we even eat and sometimes hang out there when friends and family come over. Over time, this constant use takes it’s toll and our once prized kitchen starts to look shabby, scruffy and certainly not chic.

At first glance, you may not think its time to give your kitchen a well deserved makeover but if any of the following applies to your kitchen, then perhaps it might be about time you did. Here’s the five critical signs its time to make the changes.

Laminate Worktops Chip & Peel Easily Making them an Eyesore. Image credit: Plastic Surgeon

Chipping Worktops

It’s very common, especially in older kitchens to have a composite laminate worktop. Being the most economical option, they have been a popular choice for years among homeowners but it’s common knowledge these surfaces do not last the test of time. Exposed edges, corners and joins will eventually start to chip and peel where items have rubbed past them or moisture has set in.

There’s nothing worse than seeing a large patch of laminate missing from a worktop just staring you in the face. It screams of a kitchen that is crying out to be rescued and upgraded.

Peeling Doors

Much like deteriorating worktops, cheaper composite doors also suffer from peeling and chipping. As they are essentially constructed in the exact same way, they suffer from the same problems however, seeing doors are constantly opened and closed, they take a great deal more abuse as they are banged shut at regular intervals.

Older kitchens did not have enhancements like soft closing mechanisms so a door being slammed shut is going to suffer from damage rapidly. Add to this dirt and grease from hands, moisture from cooking and kettles and its only a matter of time until your doors start to peel, chip or crack and they then start to look horrible. Time to change them no doubt!

Discolouration

Time is a great healer they say – not when it comes to kitchens!

Over the course of many years, UV rays, dirt, grime, grease, moisture and cleaning chemicals will take their toll on all of your kitchen surfaces including doors, handles, worktops and finishings. No matter how hard you try to clean, your kitchen never looks like it used to. That’s because the surfaces have discoloured over time and there’s frankly very little you can do about it.

Whites that were once bright are now a shade of pale yellow, sealants that used to look clean and pristine have started to peel away and crack. Door handles that once gleamed just seem to have lost their sheen. And your appliances are outdated and and harking back to a bygone era.

Only a complete kitchen transformation will do.

Attempts to Fix Damaged Holes Will Only Work Temporarily. Image credit: Popular Mechanics

Loose Hardware

Over the course of time, constant use of doors handles will cause them to loosen and if left neglected, this will start to damage the backs of the doors, making them hard to tighten. The longer you leave it, the more damage will occur to the backs of the doors.

If the doors are made from MDF or chipboard, they will deteriorate as the wriggling of the bolts will start to cut into the drill holes. Factor in moisture and time into the equation and eventually, the doors will be damaged beyond repair. Any attempts to tighten the doors screws will be a futile process as they will eventually loosen again very soon and you’ll be back to square one. The only solution is to replace the doors and most likely, the handles too.

Entertaining Friends is Awkward

If you like to entertain often, you’ll know that the kitchen seems to possess magnetic powers when it comes to gatherings. No matter how hard you try to get everyone into a comfortable lounge or around the dining table, eventually there will be a group that will end up congregating in the kitchen for a chat or gossip. It’s inevitable.

The kitchen naturally creates a less formal environment where people can stand and chit chat in a more relaxing space and the kitchen is ideal for this. If your kitchen looks old, tired and is generally an unpleasant place to be, this could be a real party pooper.

No one wants their friends and loved ones to see a dirty, grimy old kitchen. If this sounds like yours, even a thorough clean up might not be enough to rescue the situation and a kitchen facelift might be in order.

So why wait any longer when the obvious is staring you right in the face? It’s time to speak to a kitchen installation expert about giving your home the transformation it deserves.