A Holiday Kitchen Remodel

With the festive season fast approaching, now is the ideal time to plan your holiday kitchen remodel! Whether you’re hosting large family gatherings or intimate get-togethers, remodeling your kitchen will create the perfect space for holiday cooking and entertaining. Here are a few elements to consider as you craft your holiday kitchen remodel:   

Baking Stations with KitchenAid Mixer Lifts

Baking Stations with KitchenAid Mixer Lifts

If baking is a big tradition in your family, a dedicated baking station is a must-have for your holiday kitchen remodel. Custom cabinets can neatly house all of your baking supplies (even the awkwardly shaped, difficult to store items) in one central location, while a KitchenAid mixer lift makes it easy to access your stand mixer without breaking your back. The built-in shelf swings up to counter level for use and tucks away when not needed, freeing up valuable counter space for rolling dough and decorating cookies.

Hidden Spice Racks near the Oven

Hidden Spice Racks near the Oven

A cluttered spice cabinet that you can barely see is frustrating, especially during the whirlwind of holiday baking. Your remodel is the perfect opportunity to solve this problem, both for the holidays and year round. Incorporate a hidden spice rack next to your oven that pulls out to reveal all of your spices organized and within easy reach, ensuring you’ll never waste time or aggravation searching for the right bottle again. 

Large Islands for Gathering, Baking, & Seating

Large Islands for Gathering, Baking, & Seating

No holiday kitchen remodel would be complete without a large, multipurpose kitchen island. It offers plenty of space for food prep, serving, and seating, making it the central hub for holiday activities. Whether it’s setting out appetizers, making cookies, or sharing stories with family and friends, a large kitchen island keeps everyone connected during the holidays.

The Galley Kitchen Sink

The Galley Kitchen Sink

A Galley Kitchen Sink is the ultimate upgrade to your holiday kitchen remodel. This large, multifunctional sink comes with numerous attachments for food prep, serving and entertaining, and cleanup, all in one spot. With its high capacity and versatility, the Galley Kitchen Sink is built to handle anything the holiday season can think to throw at it.

Toe Kick Lighting for Ambiance & Visibility

Toe Kick Lighting for Ambiance & Visibility

Finally, a simple yet impactful way to enhance your remodel is by adding toe kick lighting. This feature adds a modern touch to your kitchen by providing soft, ambient lighting along the base of your cabinets. It elevates the look of your kitchen while ensuring safe, easy navigation for guests during nighttime gatherings without the need for harsh overhead lights. Incorporating toe kick lighting in your holiday kitchen remodel is a great way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for family and friends.

Plan Your Holiday Kitchen Remodel

Don’t wait—time is running out to plan your holiday kitchen remodel! Contact Laslo Custom Kitchens today to create a space perfect for making lasting holiday memories.

How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel

Knowing how to prepare for a kitchen remodel is the best way to avoid unnecessary headaches and ensure the process runs smoothly. Here are the most important things to consider when thinking about how to prepare for a kitchen remodel.

How to Organize Your Home During a Kitchen Remodel

How to Organize Your Home During a Kitchen Remodel

  1. When considering how to prepare for a kitchen remodel, organization should be top of mind. Start by decluttering. Donate or discard items that you don’t use or are in poor condition.
  2. Next, identify essential items like cutting knives and boards that you’ll need to access easily. Pack these up in clearly labeled, preferably see-through boxes and set aside.
  3. Then, pack up the remaining items that can go in storage. Take care to clearly label these boxes as well.

Top Tip: We highly recommend using disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a kitchen remodel to minimize the amount of clean up done without a dishwasher or kitchen sink. That means your normal dinnerware and utensils can go in storage.

How to Make Meals During a Kitchen Remodel

How to Make Meals During a Kitchen Remodel

The second thing to consider when planning how to prepare for a kitchen remodel is where and how you’ll set up a mini kitchen. Find a spot away from the construction zone to house small appliances like a microwave, toaster, and air fryer. Set your “essential items” boxes nearby. Don’t forget to include a dedicated coffee station to keep your morning routine intact.

If the weather cooperates, setting up a grill outside is also an excellent option for cooking meals during a kitchen remodel. It’s also a good idea to order out—perhaps more often than usual—to give yourself a break and keep stress levels at a minimum.

Custom Kitchen Remodel Blends Modern and Colonial Styles

The Reward of a Kitchen Remodel

While spending a few weeks with a torn apart kitchen can be a hassle, keep in mind that the final result is a beautiful new kitchen that you can enjoy for years to come! Thinking about how to prepare for a kitchen remodel will go a long way towards keeping the process manageable and avoiding unnecessary stress. And, Laslo Custom Kitchens promises to be here for you every step of the way! Contact us today to get started.

What is a Kitchen Mood Board?

A kitchen mood board is a curated collection of images, materials, colors, and textures that represent the style and overall vision you want to achieve in your new kitchen. It’s a visual tool that helps you gather and organize all of your different design ideas. By assembling one, you can better visualize how different elements will work together, ensuring the final result is a beautiful and cohesive kitchen design that’s just what you imagined.

Mood board designing a custom kitchen with Laslo Custom Kitchens in Easton, Pennsylvania

Creating a Kitchen Mood Board

Before designing your dream kitchen, we need to understand your style and preferences. That’s where creating a kitchen mood board comes in handy.

Step 1: Initial Consultation. We start with an in-depth consultation to understand what aesthetic you envision for your kitchen and the functional aspects your family and lifestyle require. We’ll discuss your favorite styles, colors, and any specific ideas you have in mind. 

Step 2: Curating Inspiration. Based on our conversation, we gather a selection of images and materials that fit your style. We use our extensive library of photos, door samples, countertop samples, and more to find the perfect inspiration for your kitchen.

Step 3: Selecting a Color Palette. We’ll help you choose a color palette that reflects the mood you want to create. Whether you prefer warm and inviting tones, cool and sleek shades, or bright and airy hues, we’ll assemble a color palette that fosters just the right atmosphere.

Step 4: Door and Countertop Samples. We provide a variety of door and countertop samples for you to explore. This way, you can see firsthand how different materials and finishes look together, making it easier to decide on the perfect combination.

Step 5: Exploring Textures. Texture plays a crucial role in the overall look and feel of your kitchen. We’ll include samples of tiles, woods, metals, and other materials to add depth and character to your mood board.

Step 6: Finalizing the Kitchen Mood Board. Once you’ve narrowed down all of the elements, we’ll organize them into a cohesive kitchen mood board that will showcase how the colors, materials, and textures work together.

Mood boards Dash Drifted Oak Textured TFL

Designing with a Kitchen Mood Board

Once your kitchen mood board is complete, it serves as a blueprint throughout the design process. We use your kitchen mood board to ensure that every decision – from cabinetry to appliances to accessories – aligns with your vision. Our team will refer to the kitchen mood board to maintain consistency and cohesion, creating a kitchen that truly reflects your style and meets your needs.

mood board at Laslo Custom Kitchens to help you lay out the design of your new custom kitchen

The Importance of Collaborating

While you can certainly find inspiration pictures yourself, it’s difficult (and expensive) for an individual to source all of the different samples needed to create a kitchen mood board. That’s why we recommend collaborating with a professional design company who will do all of the hard work for you. It’s their job, after all!

Laslo Custom Kitchens would love the opportunity to help you create your dream kitchen. Request a consultation today to get started!

Elegant Bathroom Remodel with Marble Tile in Easton, PA

Marble tile, with its classic beauty and versatile applications, is an excellent choice for creating a luxurious and sophisticated bathroom retreat. Laslo Custom Kitchens recently had the good fortune of completing a beautiful bathroom remodel with marble tile. But before we get into the specifics of one of our favorite bathroom projects to date, let’s cover the basics of marble tile selection and some helpful things to know when undertaking a bathroom remodel with marble tile.

The Appeal of Classic Marble Tile

Marble has been used in architecture and design for centuries, symbolizing luxury and refinement. Its natural beauty and unique veining patterns make each piece one-of-a-kind. These characteristics, in conjunction with its durability, make marble tile a classic choice for any space.

Types of Marble

There are various types of marble that each have their own unique characteristics. Carrara marble, known for its soft, feathery veining and subtle gray hues, is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its understated elegance. Calacatta marble, with its bold, dramatic veins, offers a more striking look. Statuario marble combines the qualities of both, featuring distinctive veining and a pristine white background.

Types of Marble Tile

Marble tile comes in several different shapes and sizes. Large tiles create a modern, seamless look by reducing the number of grout lines and mimicking the appearance of an unbroken slab. Medium tiles offer a bit more of a traditional look while still showcasing the natural beauty of the veining. Small tiles, such as mosaics, come in a myriad of different designs and add intricate eye-catching detail to the design. 

Making the Right Marble Tile Selection

When making the selections for your bathroom remodel with marble tile, consider the size and layout of your space along with the desired aesthetic. Carrara marble is ideal for a serene and classic design, while Calacatta and Statuario can create a more dramatic focal point. It’s also important to choose the right finish in terms of look and function. Polished marble tiles offer a glossy, high-end feel for walls but are not suitable for floors. Instead, make sure you select matte marble tiles that offer a more slip-resistant surface to walk on.

Bathroom Remodel with Marble Tile—Easton, PA

In this Easton, PA bathroom remodel with marble tile, we combined several different types of marble tile to create a stunning effect. Intricate basketweave marble tiles form a focal point in the middle of the floor and are framed with rectangular marble tiles from a different quarry. The basketweave marble tiles also serve as the flooring for the glass enclosed shower, creating continuity between the spaces. Finally, the shower walls are adorned with medium-sized rectangular Carrara marble tiles that really let the marble’s soft veining shine.

Also included in this bathroom remodel with marble tile is a custom vanity with plenty of storage and a large soaking tub that completes the spa-like atmosphere.

Overall, this bathroom remodel with marble tile is a beautiful demonstration of how marble tile can transform any bathroom into a classic, elegant space that exudes understated luxury and sophistication. By thoughtfully combining different types of marble tile, you can create a breathtaking and cohesive design that will remain stylish for years to come.

Laslo Is Here for All of Your Bathroom Remodeling Needs!

Did you know that Laslo Custom Kitchens does far more than just kitchens? Contact one of our experts today to start planning your bathroom remodel with marble tile!

The Galley Kitchen Sink – Revolutionize the Way You Cook & Entertain

The Galley kitchen sink has revolutionized the way we think about cooking and entertaining in the kitchen. Keep reading to see how you can effortlessly transition from food prep to serving to entertaining to clean up. Visit Laslo’s showroom to see it in person! 

Food Preparation

With the Galley kitchen sink, everything you need for food prep is at the touch of your fingertips! Save time by chopping, straining, and mixing efficiently and ergonomically with two-tiered design and assortment of accessories. And with its superior functionality, there can never be too many cooks in the kitchen! Comfortably work side-by-side with family and friends to transform the act of making dinner into a communal affair everyone enjoys. 

Serving & Entertaining

While dinner’s cooking, easily transition the prep station into a convenient serving station. Or if you’re entertaining, absolutely wow your guests with food displays that look so good, they’ll ask you who catered! Whether it’s chilled wine and fruit, DIY nachos, or a beautiful charcuterie display, the Galley kitchen sink has an accessory for everything. Trust us—these sink displays will make you the envy of your social circle!

Quick Clean Up

The Galley kitchen sink makes clean up a breeze by containing all the mess from food prep, serving, and entertaining to just one area. Make fast work of the dishes and leave them to air dry on one of the metal racks. Then just a quick rinse of the sink and wipe down around the station and you’re done! Kick back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the evening.

A Worthwhile Investment Galley Sinks

A Worthwhile Investment

While the Galley kitchen sink has a higher price tag than some alternatives, the investment will pay dividends for decades to come. Galley workstations offer the best build quality on today’s market, ensuring that the basin and tools withstand the heavy wear and tear of daily use. And while the upfront cost may be higher, good-quality products often save money over time by eliminating the need for replacements. Combine their long lifespan with improved kitchen work-flow and we’re confident that you’ll find this amazing kitchen sink to be well worth the investment!

The Galley Kitchen Sink at Laslo Custom Kitchens

The Galley Kitchen Sink at Laslo Custom Kitchens

With over 692 models and configurations, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what the Galley kitchen sink can do. Check out Galley’s photo gallery for inspiration on how to personalize your very own workstation. And when you’re ready to discuss bringing your ideas to life, one of our design experts will be standing by to help! Request a consultation with Laslo Custom Kitchens to get started!

Stunning Green Kitchen Cabinets in Macungie, PA

Even after 40 years and countless home renovations, witnessing the complete transformation of clients’ kitchens never gets old. Check out the before and after photos of our most recent project in Macungie, PA that showcases stunning green kitchen cabinets.

Green Kitchen Cabinets baseboard lighting
After
Green Kitchen Cabinets original
Before

Green Kitchen Cabinets
The unquestionable star of this Macungie, PA kitchen renovation is the olive green kitchen cabinets. Built with the classic and timeless inset door construction, the all-green finish gives both the cabinets and design a fresh pop. Not only are the green kitchen cabinets featured as the upper and lower perimeter cabinets, but as the base of the two massive islands as well. The rich green finish is complemented with warm brass pulls and knobs.  

Green Kitchen Cabinets countertop

Subtle Supporting Actors
The green kitchen cabinets make such a bold design statement that the remaining elements needed to be more understated—but no less beautiful. White quartz slabs with minimal gray veining adorn the countertops and both islands. Similarly, a neutral artisan tile with very subtle color and surface variations creates a beautiful backsplash. Top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances like the Thor 48” Professional Dual Fuel Range and Professional Range Hood complete the design.

Green Kitchen Cabinets detail

Natural & Artificial Light
Special attention was given to both natural and artificial light sources so that the kitchen’s setting would be perfect at any time of day. During daylight hours, a cascade of natural light floods every inch of the space and reflects brilliantly off of all the white surfaces, making the kitchen feel open and airy even with the dark green kitchen cabinets. For the evening, can lights and Possini Euro Courtney Pendant Lights provide more than enough working light. And for late nights, toe kick lighting gently illuminates the kitchen’s walkways, creating an intimate atmosphere for gathering or guiding the way for a midnight snack!

Green Kitchen Cabinets finished view

More than Just a Kitchen Renovation
Since the living and dining rooms flank each side of the kitchen, these Macungie, PA homeowners asked Laslo Custom Kitchens to update those areas as well so all three spaces flow together seamlessly. The largest unifying factor is the new medium-toned wood flooring that runs unbroken throughout each space. Otherwise, the living room only needed a fresh coat of paint to match the kitchen.

Blue Cabinets before
After
Green Kitchen Cabinets room
Before

In the dining room, we removed the traditional-style wainscot paneling, updated the light fixture, and installed modern geometric wallpaper. The homeowners also requested a wet bar featuring the same inset style cabinets that were used in the kitchen. The deep, navy blue finish defines the space as “separate” from the kitchen, but still offers a complementary look and feel to the green kitchen cabinets since both colors are in the jewel tone family. The Kalamera 24” Under Counter Built In Wine Refrigerator is the pièce de résistance, allowing the homeowners to perfectly chill up to 46 bottles.  

Your Green Kitchen Cabinets in Macungie, PA
Laslo Custom Kitchens is proud to be your trusted cabinet supplier and home remodeler for Macungie, PA and the surrounding Lehigh Valley, PA. Whether you’re looking for sage green kitchen cabinets, emerald green kitchen cabinets, or perhaps another color altogether, stop by Laslo Custom Kitchens to see how we can help. Request a consultation today to get started!

Customer Testimonials: 5-Star Kitchen Reviews for Laslo Custom Kitchens

Curious about why Laslo Custom Kitchens is Easton’s premier cabinet manufacturer and remodeler? There’s no one better to answer that question than our own customers! Here are a few recurring compliments found throughout our 5-star reviews and some words from the happy customers themselves:

Full-Service Kitchen Renovation Process

Easy, Full-Service Process
“All we had to do was pick out the countertop styles at Laslo’s showroom…Peg at Laslo did all the material procurement and scheduled the deconstruction and install.” – Kitchen Review from Donald K.

Laslo Custom Kitchens provides streamlined, full-service kitchen renovations, ensuring a hassle-free experience for customers. By handling design, material procurement, scheduling, demo, and installation, all customers need to do is inform the team of their wishes and watch the kitchen of their dreams be brought to life. With an emphasis on clear communication and great customer service, Laslo Custom Kitchens makes collaboration easy and creates a stress-free and enjoyable kitchen remodeling experience.

Unmatched Quality and Value

Unmatched Quality and Value
“After comparing several estimates we were convinced that not only the quality of the Laslo Kitchens’ cabinets was much better than other companies but pricing was very comparable, not to say better as well.” – Kitchen Review from Sergei & Svetlana

“I am somewhat of a perfectionist and will say that all these people are top notch and perform high-quality workmanship.” – Kitchen Review from Donald K.

Laslo Custom Kitchens sets the benchmark for superior quality at an unbeatable value for kitchen cabinets and remodeling projects. The cabinets set themselves apart from competitors’ with their exceptional materials, craftsmanship, and durability. Despite this commitment to superior quality, Laslo Custom Kitchens ensures competitive pricing, offering unmatched value for their cabinets and services.

Respectful of Budget

Respectful of Budget
“All of their proposals were neatly laid out and they worked within our agreed upon budget.” – Kitchen Review from Scott W.

Laslo Custom Kitchens routinely garners praise for adhering to a specified budget throughout their kitchen reviews. With transparent and no-pressure estimates, customers can feel confident undertaking their kitchen remodel knowing that the Laslo team is dedicated to delivering their dream kitchen without breaking the bank.  

Modern Kitchen Beautiful Results

Beautiful Results
“I have worked personally with Neil on three different occasions…Each time Neil and his excellent team have lived up to the word ‘CUSTOM’ which is part of their company’s name.” – Kitchen Review from Ruthann R.

Laslo Custom Kitchens holds a steadfast commitment to crafting kitchens that transcend the ordinary. Every kitchen is carefully designed to encompass the unique vision and desires of each individual customer, resulting in truly personal and transformative spaces. From design to installation, Laslo Custom Kitchens consistently goes above and beyond to deliver bespoke kitchens that exceed expectations.

5-Star Kitchen Reviews image

Become a Laslo Custom Kitchens Customer Today!
If you’d like to be as happy with your kitchen remodel as the people who wrote these kitchen reviews, join the family of Laslo Custom Kitchens customers! Request a consultation to start the journey towards your new kitchen today!

What Makes this Modern Kitchen in Allentown so Modern

Ever wonder what makes a modern kitchen, well, modern? (Hint: it’s not just a recent remodel.) Luckily, one of our recent custom kitchen projects holds all of the answers! Let’s take a quick look at what makes this modern kitchen in Allentown, PA so modern.

Frameless Cabinetry with Slab Style Doors
Modern kitchens often embrace minimalist design, a style that celebrates clean lines and simple forms. That’s why so many contemporary kitchens feature frameless cabinetry with slab doors. Exceedingly simple, slab doors are flat with no decorative elements beyond the material itself.

This modern kitchen in Allentown, PA showcases a stunning wall of frameless cabinetry with wood-look slab-style doors. The same style is mirrored on the base of the perimeter island to subtly define the space without interfering with the open concept layout. The interior island features high-gloss white slab-style cabinets that offer a beautiful contrast to the darker cabinetry.

Modern Stainless Steel Appliances

Ultra-Modern Stainless Steel Appliances
When choosing appliances for modern kitchens, the term ‘modern’ does not mean ‘new.’ Of course, upgrading old appliances to newer models is a plus in any kitchen. But for a kitchen with a modern design, you want to select appliances whose look is also modern.

Take this modern kitchen in Allentown, PA for example. Instead of a bulky range, the homeowners selected a sleek, smooth surface electric cooktop and a double wall oven. Both of these appliances allow the long, clean design lines that were so carefully crafted to remain unbroken. The linear range hood serves a similar purpose, mimicking the parallel lines of the island and cabinetry. And finally, the stainless steel finish perfectly complements the contemporary chrome fixtures that complete this modern kitchen.

Laslo Custom Kitchens white logo

Your Modern Kitchen in Allentown, PA
Laslo Custom Kitchens is the leading choice for modern kitchens in Allentown, PA and the nearby Lehigh Valley, PA. But don’t take our word for it—see what our customers are saying! Ready to get started on your own project? Request a consultation today! 

A Fresh Start: Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas for the New Year

Is organizing the kitchen on your New Year’s Resolution List? Laslo Custom Kitchens is here to help! We’ve compiled our top kitchen cabinet organization ideas to help you transform your kitchen into a culinary haven to enjoy with family and friends. Here are our best kitchen cabinet organization tips:

Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas

Drawer Inserts for Small Items
By far, the best kitchen cabinet organization hack is the use of drawer inserts. We’re all familiar with cutlery dividers, but why stop there? Utensils are not the only small kitchen items that should have their own little space. For example, are you a coffee or tea drinker? Use inserts to create an organized beverage drawer with its own sections for K-Cups, coffee grounds, espresso sets, and tea packets. And what about food storage? Never question whether there’s green beans lost in a mess of canned goods again. Inserts will allow you to create a space for each food item so you’ll be able to find it or know to pick it up from the grocery store with ease.

Dish Storage and Plate Racks

Dish Storage & Plate Racks
Customize your dinnerware storage with peg inserts and plate racks. Adjustable peg inserts allow you to create a layout that perfectly fits your dishes, making it easy to grab what you need without fear of the stack toppling over. Plate racks offer the same benefits with the added bonus of nicely spacing out your dinnerware, minimizing the risk of chips or damage. And let’s not ignore the visual impact—the display looks stunning too!

Pull Out Shelves for Kitchen Cabinets

Pull Out Shelves for Kitchen Cabinets
One of the main reasons messes happen is because we simply can’t see all the way in the back of traditional shelves. The solution? Declutter kitchen cabinets with pull out shelves that allow you to see and make use of the entire space. There are a lot of different ways that pull out shelves can be utilized, but one of my personal favorites is a spice rack organizer for kitchen cabinets. Simply pull out the shelf to instantly see every label!

BaseMixer Lift-up Appliance Cabinet

Pro tip: use this kitchen storage solution for heavy appliances like a stand mixer to avoid the struggle of lifting it to the counter and putting it away. 

More Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas
For more kitchen cabinet organization ideas, browse the Laslo Custom Kitchens Organization Look Book.

You don’t have to tackle this New Year’s resolution alone! Laslo Custom Kitchens vows to be there for you every step of the way. Contact us today to start planning your dream kitchen!

How an Expert Renovator can Help You Update Parts of Your Kitchen without Destroying the Rest

Many homeowners assume that if they want to get a wow-worthy kitchen, they’ll need to invest in a head-to-toe overhaul. But you don’t always need a full renovation to achieve a beautiful transformation. 

There are plenty of impactful changes you can make that will completely refresh your kitchen’s look, and these projects are the focus of this post. 

However, to get the best results, it’s always preferable to get the help of an expert contractor with any of the tasks outlined below. Experts not only have the skills to perform flawless installations but also to ensure that the unchanged parts of your kitchen won’t sustain any damage during the process. 

Replacing Countertops

Sometimes all it takes to make a kitchen fashionable is to replace its aging countertop. This is especially true for often dated-looking and low-quality materials like laminate or tile. Fortunately, it’s possible to update your countertops while keeping your original cabinets

Refacing Cabinets

Refacing cabinets is a great way to reinvigorate the look of your kitchen without having to make any structural changes. It’s a purely cosmetic process which leaves the bones of your cabinets fully intact. 

Building Additional Storage

Of course, only refacing cabinets still leaves you with the same amount of storage. Some in-cabinet fixtures can make the interiors more efficient, but if you want to expand your kitchen’s storage sans a full cabinet redo, you may want to build additional shelving or cabinets where space allows. This could be in an under-used corner of your kitchen, or in a nearby closet that can be converted into a pantry. 

Installing New Backsplashes

If your cabinets and counters are in great shape, but you still want to infuse some new character into your kitchen, a new backsplash could be the perfect solution. A professional contractor can help you choose the material, color, and arrangement that will best complement your existing design.

Updating Floors

Flooring sometimes feels like an afterthought in renovations, but it has the power to dramatically shift the mood of your kitchen. For example, a light golden hardwood can bring warmth and radiance to space, while black geometric tiles can make it feel hip and sophisticated. 

Need a Helping Hand with Your Kitchen Update?

Our team is happy to assist. We’ll guide you with expert advice and insights, learned from performing countless kitchen renovations in the Easton, Pennsylvania area. Contact our team today to learn what we can do to give you the kitchen you’ve been longing for. 

Get Your Quote

Is it Possible to Replace Countertops While Keeping Your Old Cabinets?

In our time as home renovators, we’ve encountered many of the same questions from homeowners. One of the most common questions we get is whether or not it’s possible to replace countertops while keeping your old cabinets too.

There are plenty of reasons why you would want to replace countertops while keeping old cabinets. If you already have high-quality cabinets, then you may not see any need to fix what isn’t broken, especially when skipping cabinet replacement can save money. And in some cases, a kitchen only needs new countertops and a few other updates to get a fresh look. 

It’s definitely possible to replace only your countertops, but there are some factors that should be considered before deciding if this option is right for you. 

You’ll be Stuck with the Layout of Your Old Cabinets

If your cabinet layout was designed well, then this may not be a problem. But many older kitchens have layouts that aren’t very efficient or aesthetically pleasing. 

Placing new counters on poorly-designed cabinetry could really undercut the benefits of your investment. Make sure that you are completely satisfied with your cabinet build before choosing to forego replacement. Think about where appliances are located, how much counter space is available, and whether or not your current layout obstructs walking paths. If there are significant inconveniences present, then it may be worth spending the extra money to install new and improved cabinetry. 

Old Cabinets May Not be Suitable for Your Chosen Countertops

Some countertop materials, like granite, require the cabinets they rest upon to be especially strong. The heavyweight of granite is not the only thing that requires cabinets to be 100% structurally sound – because there are natural veins throughout the stone, some parts are vulnerable to cracking. 

The only way to protect against this is to anchor the cabinets properly and make sure the build does not possess any weak points or problems with levelness. Getting old cabinets to meet this standard can be tough if they weren’t well constructed, or if they’ve shifted due to problems with the home’s flooring or foundation. 

Cabinets May Still Need Refacing

The bones of your cabinets may be solid, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a facelift. If your cabinets look a bit weathered, they can clash against your brand new countertops. You’ll need to get them refaced, resurfaced, or refinished to upgrade their appearance. 

When any of these processes become part of the equation, sequence matters. Installing the new countertops before your cabinets have been refinished will create more work and, most importantly, risk damage. Expert contractors will always advise you to have your refinishing work done before the new countertops are placed so that there’s no chance of harming their pristine condition. 

Revamp Your Kitchen with Expert Help

If you have plans to replace your countertops, cabinets, or even the full build of your kitchen, our crew is here to provide the skill and guidance needed. Get in touch with us today to receive professional advice and a personalized quote for your project. 

Get Your Quote

How Partnering with an Expert Contractor Gets You the Best Renovation Results

When you need renovation work done, it can be very tempting to hire a handyman or low-cost contractor to do the job. After all, these expenses can rack up, and many homeowners see labor as a great area to save money in. 

The problem is this: when homeowners hire unprofessional, unskilled workers, they often get low-quality results. These can come in the form of big mistakes, such as poorly done installations that need complete replacement. Or, they can manifest in the smallest details, like untidy finishes or slightly lopsided fixtures. 

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most common gaffes we’ve seen unprofessional contractors make. 

Lighting Placement

This is an area where low-tier work can really throw off what would otherwise be an attractive renovation. When the placement of light fixtures isn’t planned out properly, you can end up with lights that squeeze up against walls and cabinets. Sometimes, the light’s trim rings can even hit the crown molding. 

Conversely, you could be left with lights placed too far from crucial activity points. In kitchens, for example, this can result in your body casting a shadow over the countertop whenever you try to prepare food. 

Outlet & Electrical Placement

The placement of electrical outlets and wiring is also often treated as an afterthought by unprofessional renovators. Placing outlets too high or low makes the final product look “not quite right”. And it’s unfortunately not uncommon to see outlets placed in inconvenient locations, or for a room to simply be lacking enough outlets in the first place. 

Another fault we frequently run into is the hiding of electrical wires within cabinetry. This may be a quick fix, but the look of it is sloppy and lazy. It’s far better to simply re-run the wires and deliver a sleek final product. 

Reusing Existing Plumbing

While it may save a few dollars to keep it as it was, piggybacking off of old plumbing makes the final product look worse than it should. It’s also setting you up for plumbing issues down the road: the old piping may be running at the end of its lifespan. It may be just a year or two before it spouts a leak or starts rusting inside.

If you get a new installation, you not only have something that looks nicer, you also have peace of mind knowing that you can rely on fully updated plumbing. 

Get Beautiful Results, Guaranteed

We often see these blunders when we’re asked to fix work that was done by unofficial or low-skilled contractors. In these cases, homeowners usually wish that they had just gone with qualified professionals in the first place. It would have saved them more time and money in the long run. 

This is why we urge homeowners to always seek the help of contractors that have a reputation for masterful work. The differences can be subtle at times, but the final product they deliver looks polished, well-planned, and professional. 

If you’d like to talk to expert contractors about your renovation plans, get in touch with our team today.