Deciding between Refacing vs Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

The time has come.  You've finally decided that it's time to update your kitchen cabinets.  You will no longer have to look at those awful, dated cabinets that you've been itching to get rid of since you moved in.  But you only get one chance to do this and you want to make sure you're going to be happy with the results for years to come.  Maybe you are considering whether you should reface or replace your cabinets.  It's best to know what's involved before making that decision.


Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
When refacing kitchen cabinets, the cabinet box stays, and the doors get replaced.  The front of the cabinet box will be refinished, often with a wood veneer, and new doors will be attached to give it a brand new look.  While the outside will get a facelift, once you open the doors you'll be looking at the same shelving you've had in the past, so it's best to consider whether that is something you can live with.  Often shelves have wear and tear from years of use and after thinking about it, customers decide they would rather replace everything.  While refacing is often seen as less expensive alternative, it's fairly labor intensive so that isn't always the case.
New Custom Kitchen Cabinets
The word "custom" often makes people think "I can't afford that," but it is surprising how competitive the cost can be compared to other options.  When homeowners weigh the benefits of having an entirely brand new product, designed exactly the way they want it, with space-saving and convenient features, the decision is often easy.
Edgewood Cabinetry offers quality craftsmanship and design in their workmanship to give you the kitchen of your dreams.  If you're ready to update your kitchen, don't settle for refacing cabinets or choose stock cabinets from the big box store before you contact us.  With our price match challenge, we can show you how we can give you brand new custom cabinetry at a competitive price. Check out our photo gallery to start planning your dream kitchen today.

Knobs vs Pulls...Ease of Use for Aging Hands Can Make all the Difference in Quality of Life

Baby Boomers are bursting onto the scene and are changing the face- and lifestyle patterns- of the 'senior market'. Many of today's active seniors are making the choice to age in place rather than move to an assisted living or retirement community. Preparations for an active retirement lifestyle should also come with preparations of the home to adjust for physical changes that inevitably occur.
A growing trend in retirement planning is making alterations to the home before the actual need arises. Some homeowners will make drastic, expensive changes such as replacing the standard bath tub/shower with a walk-in (or if needed, wheelchair accessible) entrance; others install a ramp to replace or accompany a stairway entrance to the home. Mid-priced makeovers may incorporate changes to shower and bath faucets and entry door handles. Installation of alarm or voice communication systems also is a popular choice for safety-conscious seniors. Often, some of the best investments for quality of life come in the least expensive places...
Everyday activities that require repetitive motions can be difficult enough, but when you add debilitating factors of aging such as arthritis these tasks can become a dreaded part of the routine. Consider the cabinetry found in most homes and you will see that they most likely were installed with small metal or plastic knobs. When fingers and hands become arthritic these knobs can be difficult to grasp- some clever inventors have gone so far as to create devices that will grasp and pull them for the user who can no longer get their fingers to bend to that extent. A simple, effective solution is to replace the smaller knobs with ergonomically designed knobs or pulls.
Knobs vs Pulls...Function does not have to compromise style. Quality knobs and pulls can increase efficiency, reduce fatigue and pain, and still keep the kitchen and bathroom looking beautiful. When considering a knob versus a pull, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Pulls

• Pull sizes are specified three ways: overall length, distance between holes and projection.
• Select a pull for add functionality. Pulls are ideal for drawers that might contain heavy pots, pans or pantry items.
• Mount horizontally on center to kitchen cabinet drawers and vertically in the upper corner of base cabinet doors on the unhinged side.

Knobs

• Knobs are specified two or three ways depending on style: diameter of knob, projection and/or diameter of base.
• Select cabinet knobs that look proportional to the size of the kitchen cabinet doors.
• Kitchen cabinet knobs are often installed on the lower corner of wall cabinets on the unhinged side. On base cabinets knobs are often installed in the upper corner on the unhinged side of the cabinet door.

Making improvements or adjustments to your home- at any stage of life- can be a time to increase the function of your cabinetry. Edgewood Cabinetry is proud to offer products from Hafele that will exceed your expectations of functionality and style. When you contact us we will be happy to work with you to make your cabinets meet your expectations for improving your quality of life.

Functional Kitchen Accessories Are Taking Center Stage

Channel surf through the home improvement shows and one thing really stands out, the increasing use of functional kitchen accessories. Part of the trend may be attributed to people’s increasing desire to have an organized but informal kitchen with wide open spaces. So what functional kitchen accessories are hot right now? Let’s take a quick look:
Lazy Susans
Lazy susans are one functional kitchen accessory that’s attracting a lot of attention these days. Although it’s true that the rotating accessories have been around for centuries, the latest models are anything but antiquated. For starters, many are made with coveted materials like gorgeous maple wood, white polymer, chrome and epoxy-coated steel. They also come in different shapes that allow for custom, built-in applications.
Recycling Systems
Of course lazy susans are not the only functional kitchen accessories currently being coveted by Americans. An increasing number of people are also making use of built-in recycling systems. The systems are designed to be unobtrusive and compact as well as functional. When selecting one, today’s consumers may choose from a variety of options. They include, but are not limited to:

• Special features (i.e. backsplashes and foot pedals)
• Assorted color schemes (i.e. bins and accents)
• Under, side and bottoms mounts
• Pull or swing out doors

Organizers and Storage
Other functional kitchen accessories that are enjoying surges in popularity at the moment are associated with drawer and cabinet organization. Among them are wooden inserts and peg systems for silverware and cookware storage. Many of the systems are also designed to be mixed and matched. One of the woods that tend to show up often in such applications is beech. Given its inherent durability and beauty, its popularity comes as no surprise to us. Additional materials found in the organizers’ construction are plastic and chrome.
For a closer look at these and other functional kitchen accessories as well as attractive cabinetry, contact us.

Farm Sinks: Why Are These Sinks Gaining So Much Popularity?

As the name suggests, a farmhouse or apron sink was built for large families living in a farmhouse because many dishes needed to be washed after meals. Farm sinks are made wide, deep, and rectangular to fit all the dirty dishes left behind. They were more practical for large families. Traditionally these sinks were designed for a country or cottage style home but that has changed through the years.
Farm sinks are not only made in porcelain but now come in various materials:

• Fireclay, which is white clay heated at very high temperatures, is the popular choice because of it's clean, smooth look. It is also very durable and chip, stain, acid, and heat resistant. This beautiful sink will match any kitchen decor.
• Copper is known as a natural antiseptic so many people will find a copper farm sink appealing for both it's elegance and functionality. The front panels of these sinks can have designs and custom molding around the surface as well. The options are endless! 
• Stainless steel farm sinks follow in third place. If you are looking for a more modern style, then these are the perfect pairing with your kitchen decor. By being the most affordable, many people will find these sinks attractive for their kitchen as well as their wallet. The sleek look of stainless steel will be a favorite choice for many.

Please keep in mind that these farm sinks will require custom cabinets because of their weight and large size. To learn more about these once traditional but now popular by demand farm sinks, contact us today!