662-253-8493 From hosting formal and informal gatherings to serving as a command center for your household, your kitchen undergoes a ton of wear and tear. So, if you’re about to reward it with a facelift for all its hard work, make sure the materials you choose are not only stylish, but can stand up to the daily grind.
Remember: just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s durable. By that same token, choosing the cheapest materials to save a few bucks now could cost you in the long run.
Bottom line, here are five materials you don’t want to employ during your kitchen makeover or remodel:
Flat Paint – One of the easiest and least expensive ways to change the look of a room is with a fresh coat of paint. And yet not all paint is created equal, especially when it applies to your kitchen. Take flat paint, for example. While it may look rich and sophisticated, try wiping off one little splatter of spaghetti sauce and you’ll understand its limitations. Opt for high-gloss or semi-gloss paint that can stand up to regular scrubbing.
Trendy Backsplash – Even if you don’t have plans to sell your home in the near future, resist the urge to go super trendy with your kitchen backsplash. Chances are what you find stylish today will feel dated in a couple of years, and because backsplash materials can cost a pretty penny, it might be tough to justify a do-over. Stick to classic styles like subway and use accessories to insert color and your personal style.
Cheap Laminate – If you’re watching your budget, countertop materials like granite, marble, and soapstone might not be an option. Luckily, cost-efficient laminate has come a long way. But some laminate could end up costing you in the long run. For the kitchen, avoid the entry-level, plastic laminate that looks dull and thin. Not only will it not stand up to the faintest of scratches, but moisture – from around the sink or steam rising up from your dishwasher, etc. – can cause it to delaminate. Choose the more durable, slightly more expensive laminate. There are many beautiful options that will stand the test of time.
Cheap Vinyl Flooring – If anything takes a beating in your kitchen, it’s the floor. That’s why you want a replacement material that can handle the abuse without breaking the bank. Cheap sheet vinyl flooring is fine for rooms that don’t come in contact with moisture and don’t get a lot of traffic. But for the kitchen, spend a little more and get luxury vinyl tile, or LVT. Like its cheaper cousin, it’s still glued down but is much more durable and forgiving. It also comes in tiles, which means it can be grouted to mimic the look of real tile.
Low-End Laminated Cabinet Fronts – Custom wood cabinetry can most certainly dent your savings. But you can still get the look of “custom” with brand new laminated cabinet fronts. Just be careful which product you ultimately select. If the price seems to be too good to be true, it probably is, and it’s probably because the cabinet is actually made with vinyl that is heated and molded around fiber board. This means that it cannot stand up to heat and moisture (two huge components in a kitchen) and it can warp and yellow with age. Spend a little more and get a product that will look beautiful for years to come.
One more piece of advice: if you want your new kitchen plumbing fixtures installed to perfection, then you want Service Pros as part of your remodeling team. We can even help you select your fixtures while advising you on the placement of a new island with a sink and other critical matters. Call today for a free in-home consultation and proposal.
