Are you planning to renovate your old kitchen? Avoid the urge to buy the cheapest or shiniest materials available and instead opt for long-lasting materials that can withstand regular abuse.
Here are some materials to stay away from while working on your kitchen remodel.
Countertops made of plastic laminate
First and foremost, there is plenty of excellent laminate available. We advise you to stay away from the low quality plastic laminate.
These are the ones that appear thin and dull, rather than densely textured. They scratch easily, and if the substance underneath the laminate gets damp, it can delaminate the countertop, leaving the edges vulnerable to chipping.
Furthermore, a single misplaced hot pan on the plastic will result in a molten disaster zone that you will remember for the rest of your life.
However, if you're on a tight budget, the premium quality plastic laminate is a good option.It has a strong color consistency, and there are several vintage and modern designs to choose from.
Low Cost Vinyl Sheet Flooring
You walk on your floor all day, so it's important that it's of good quality. The cheapest sheet vinyl floorings, which start at about $2.50 per sq foot, are usually thin.
If your vinyl floor is glued down and the underlayer is delaminated, say, you may get bubbles in your ground by water coming out of your dishwasher or fridge.
In comparison, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) costs about $5 per sq foot. It is still glued on, but it's a little more accommodating than its less elegant cousin — and it comes in tiles that can be grouted to look like higher-end marble, according to experts.
Cabinets with a high-gloss lacquer finish
A lovely shine can catch the eye. And pricey. A cabinet's high-gloss finish is achieved through the application of approximately 20 layers of lacquer. It's expensive to repair if you ding or scratch it.
Repairing them is a multi-step process. High-end thermofoil is a best alternative for a similar look.
For a more robust exterior, Thermofoil has a finish that is glued to the cabinet and baked on. It's also significantly less expensive. High-gloss can cost thousands of dollars, whereas thermofoil can cost hundreds of dollars.
Flat Paint
We all love the elegant, velvety, beautiful appearance of flat paint.
It isn't kitchen-friendly. Flat paint, also referred to as matte paint, has a short lifespan. It's in a state of flux. You can't remove even one splatter of chili sauce without ruining the paint job.
The ceiling is about the only spot in your kitchen where flat paint can be used.
Instead, high-gloss or semi-gloss paint can be used on the walls. Before they wear down, they can withstand several scrubbings.
Backsplash Materials That Are In Trend
Tastes evolve. So avoid super stylish color schemes and materials to stick with your kitchen walls permanently. Backsplashes are available in a variety of materials, including glass, metal, iridescent, and high-relief decor tiles, all of which are enticing. They're also pricey, ranging from $5 to $220 per sq foot, and tricky to install. And after all that effort and cost, justifying a re-do if your preferences shift in a few years would be difficult.
At $2 to $3 per sq foot, choose a classic subway tile or an integrated backsplash that suits your countertop material to save even more money. If you want to add a splash of color, use accessories.
Planning to renovate your kitchen? Contact the Kitchen Renovation Contractor in Glastonbury, CT.
