DIY Wood Countertop Project

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A great DIY project from a good customer in New Hampshire. We’re glad we could be of service.

“Hi Joshua,
Thought you would enjoy the cherry top you sent me now that it is in it’s final resting place. We’re getting lots of compliments on how beautiful a transition it makes from the kitchen to the dining room. It is finished in Minwax “Red Chestnut” with 6 coats of Minwax Satin Polyurethane. Sanded between coats down to 320 grit wet. Just as smooth as my car fenders!!!

Thanks for being part of the project.
Regards,
Chris”

Cherry penninsula top

Here Chris is sanding the top before he adds a stain.

Cherry penninsula top

After staining but before top coating.

Cherry penninsula top

Installed and ready for a lifetime of use.

6 Ways to Use Bamboo in your Home

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The growing trend of green products and retail companies aiming to provide environmentally friendly goods is proving that the people are moving towards a more eco conscious lifestyle in their homes. At the center of this trend and growing in popularity is bamboo, which is widely known to be not only the most versatile and highest quality raw material, but also what many believe to be one of the greenest on the planet.

For those that are just beginning to adopt a greener lifestyle into their homes but may not know where to start will find the benefits of using bamboo astounding. Not only can it easily grow anywhere without the need for pesticides because of its natural ability to repel pests and fungi but it also can grow up to 1.6 feet per day and may only take five years to mature. When you compare its growth rate to that of a typical Oak tree, which grows about 12 inches per year, you can see why bamboo is extremely renewable, sustainable and greatly helps decrease deforestation. Aside from its massive growth rate that ensures a never ending supply, it’s also stronger under pressure than steel, creates up to 35% more oxygen than other hardwood trees, and can even be used to make biodegradable (and extremely soft) fabric.

Going green in your home can be a easier and less disruptive than you think with this versatile material. Here are five ways to introduce bamboo into your house that will reduce its carbon footprint and your quality of living:

1. Bamboo bedding
Bamboo thread comes from the starchy pulp found in the culm of bamboo stalk and can be spun to be as fine as silk and as soft as the most expensive cashmere on the market. It is naturally hypoallergenic and adaptable to temperatures, which helps keep you cool in the summer months and warm in the winter.

2. Bamboo bath
Since bamboo is naturally anti-fungal and moisture resistant, it is the perfect raw material for bath products such as towels, mats and linens. It also holds countless health benefits hair and skin making it a popular organic choice for lotions, shampoos and face masks.

3. Backyard
Aside from its universally liked beauty, bamboo has been known throughout history to withstand even the harshest of elements. Since it can grow almost anywhere in the world (except Antarctica) and is already a popular building material in severe earthquake zones, chances are it can withstand outdoor elements and normal use in your backyard making it an excellent choice for backyard furniture and patios.

4. Kitchen tools
One of the first ways bamboo was used and still one of the greatest uses of the raw material was in the kitchen. It is sturdy, non-toxic, water and mold resistant and very easy to clean. In fact, it is almost difficult to find cutting boards that are not made from bamboo because it is simply the best material for the kitchen on the market.

5. Office accessories
Going green in the home office may seem like an impossible task but with the influx of bamboo office supplies aimed at replacing plastic, metal or wood counterparts in addition to bamboo tech gadgets hitting the retail market, it is easier than you think. A growing number of companies are even offering high quality iPod speakers, laptop cases, and USB drives encased in bamboo.

6. Bamboo countertops
For a very elegant and modern look, full bamboo countertops are a perfect edition to a greener home. The natural strength of bamboo is proven in the fact that many cutting boards are made from bamboo and with proper sealing the counters are easy to clean and maintain.

Author Biography
Rachel Kaplan writes Bambooki.com, an online marketplace for the products made exclusive made from Bamboo. Her expertise include home improvement, sustainable hardwood flooring, bamboo bedding, interior design, and more.

Maintaining a Healthy Air Conditioning System

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Many people have air conditioning in their homes, but most individuals either do not know how to keep their air conditioning systems running smoothly or they do not take the time to make sure everything is in order on a regular basis. Today, we are going to discuss the benefits of maintaining your air conditioning and how you can make sure you and your system stay as healthy as possible. Maintenance is an important part of keeping a healthy home and family.

Change Filters Regularly

One of the most important aspects of an air conditioning system is its air filters. Not only does blockage increase the difficulty your air conditioner has of pushing air through (which can lower the life of your product), but it can also cause dirty air to remain in your home. In order to have an efficient system, it’s important to check filters on a regular basis. Depending on the type of system you have in your home, you may need to replace old filters with brand new ones; while other systems allow you to clean and reuse old filters.

As a general rule of thumb, you should clean or replace your filters at least once every month. If you are using your system constantly then you should check them more often than that. Also, if you have pets, your filters may need to be checked as often as every few weeks, as their fur and dander can clog filters much quicker.

It is also a good idea to check your system as a whole or have a professional come out and take a look. There are simple things that can be done in order for them to check and make sure all of your seals are in order and nothing is backing up your system from performing to its full potential.

Don’t Forget Your Coils and Fins

Whenever you clean your filters, you are doing your coils a huge favor. However, over time, coils must be cleaned as well. When coils become dirty, they are no longer able to allow as much air through and cannot absorb as much heat. Coils typically only need to be cleaned once a year if filters are being cleaned and/or replaced on a regular basis.

Your system’s fins have a tendency to bend over time which leads to less air flow being allowed through. All you need to do is check fins every few months and make sure they look straight. One way to straighten them out quickly is to use a fin comb.

Do Not Use Your System Too Often

Not only does having your air conditioner running constantly cause wear and tear on the system itself but it also is tough on your body. Our bodies are not meant to be exposed to drastic changes between hot and cold on a regular basis. Do your best to only use your air conditioner when it is needed and when you do use it; ease your body into it instead of cranking it up full blast.

An efficient and well-maintained air conditioner can cool your home very quickly and oftentimes, people tend to turn their system on too high and overcool their homes. This is going to put excess wear and tear on your system as well as your wallet.

Preparing for the Warm Months

Before the time of year comes around where you need to use your air conditioner, take a walk around your home and check for places where air may be able to leak out. This means checking all window seals and if you feel a draft, locating the source of the problem. Make sure your home is well insulated so that both hot and cold air can remain inside. The last thing you want to do is end up wasting money on trying to either heat or cool your home because air is escaping.

Why a Professional Should Install Your System

There are many people who have chosen to install their own air conditioning systems into their homes, but at the end of the day, if you want to make sure everything is up and running smoothly; it’s a good idea to have a professional get the job done for you.

At the very least, we advise having someone come out and verify that everything is running properly and that you are not losing any energy along the way. There are many systems these days to choose from and with the economy the way it is, you may want to invest in an energy efficient system, which will save you quite a bit of money in the long run. Even if you do not have the money now, when it comes time to replace your system, it is always a good idea to at least shop around and see what your options are.

James Ben is an expert in the field of home renovation and maintenance. He shares plumbing tips on his blog at Rainaldi’s Plumbing, providers of professional plumbing services.

How Safe Are Wood Countertops?

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It’s a common myth out there that wood can harbor bacteria more so than say a plastic cutting board. It’s been shown that many woods are actually hostile environments for bacteria and can be naturally antibacterial. But let’s use a commercial butchers shop as a real world example. They have to pass frequent and strict tests to maintain operations and they almost exclusively use butcher block as their surface of choice. It doesn’t dull their knives and is easy to clean. As an extra precaution clean cutting boards or butcher blocks with a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. It will kill anything left on or in the wood, it’s safe and it’s cheap.

Another question we get is how safe are the wood sealers. The bottom line is they are all safe for food contact but the sealers designed for food prep like mineral oil or butchers wax are certified food safe wood finishes. The other sealers we like to use at J. Aaron are tung-oil, conversion varnish and marine varnish. All of these sealers use solvents like mineral spirits and lacquer thinners as carriers for the solids. The solvents evaporate leaving the solids on the wood to act as the protective coating. Once the solvents are gone, usually 36 hours, there’s nothing left to contaminate food that may come in contact with the top. The only reason these finishes are not certified food safe is the cost of certification for the manufactures.

We hope this clears up some of the questions out there about how safe wood countertops are for use in the kitchen. Please write us and let us know if you have any other questions we can help with.

Written by Joshua Johnson

Custom Walnut Kitchen Island and Countertop

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This beautiful kitchen island and countertop combo are part of a basement remodel in the Atlanta area. Lots of great room for seating, serving and playing games.

Walnut CountertopWalnut Kitchen Island

Walnut island top with raised bar

Walnut Island Top

The wood has been sealed with a marine oil varnish that protects it from water and other liquids. The sealer is used, as it suggests, in the marine industry to seal wood boat decks, railings, etc. from water and UV damage making it an ideal finish for wood countertops.

The Pros and Cons of Using Reclaimed Wood

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Using reclaimed wood in the home has been popular since the 1980s, but only in the last few years have we seen such a surge in this green remodeling design idea. Reclaimed wood is wood that finds a second life as your new kitchen countertops (or a variety of other uses) after being reclaimed from a barn, factory, warehouse or other old structure. There are many benefits of installing reclaimed wood countertops in your kitchen, but there are also aspects of this material that make it less suitable for certain kitchens, lifestyles and designs. Here are the pros and cons of using reclaimed wood kitchen countertops to help you make the right decision for your home.

Pros:

  1. Reclaimed wood is sustainable: It’s well known that using wood, unlike natural stones such as marble and granite, is an environmentally sustainable resource because wood is renewable. Reclaimed wood is even more sustainable because it’s essentially recycling a renewable resource for double the use. Rather than demolishing an old barn or other structure, the boards are carefully taken down, refinished, and resold for an entirely new purpose. Using reclaimed wood is arguably the most sustainable method of getting new kitchen countertops and contributes significantly towards the green building industry. In fact, using reclaimed wood can make your project LEED Certified and FSC Certified, depending on the species, qualifying your home for special benefits.
  2. Reclaimed wood has a unique appearance: Unlike newly sourced wood, reclaimed wood has been weathered for many decades which gives it a different look. Reclaimed wood will have a unique character to it and look aged and charming, offering a traditional or historical style to your kitchen.
  3. Reclaimed wood is strong, stable and durable: Thanks to the several decades reclaimed wood has spent in the elements, it has expanded and contracted due to changes in humidity countless times and settled into its final state for a more stable, durable and strong wood plank that can easily stand up to the hardships of kitchen life.
  4. Many different wood species are included: Because old structures used a number of different wood species based on the area there are several different woods available among reclaimed wood species. Plus, many woods are only available through reclaimed wood and cannot be purchased new, providing a more unique look for your kitchen countertops. Species such as American chestnut and longleaf pine, which once were abundant but are no longer, can be found by sourcing from reclaimed wood. Many of these older species are especially strong, making them suitable for a second life in your kitchen.

Cons:

  1. Scarcity: Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how it’s perceived), reclaimed wood has become so popular for use in homes in recent years that it has become less available. While reclaimed wood is a recycled material, it is in finite supply because there are only so many old barns and warehouses with usable materials in the country, and eventually the supply will run out. This is great for the environment because it means that all of that wood has been reused and saved from the landfill, but not so great for homeowners hoping to get some of that for their kitchens.
  2. Cost: Reclaimed wood has actually become more expensive than newly sourced wood because of the additional costs of sorting the wood species and preparing them for use inside homes. There’s also the additional cost of dismantling the old structures to preserve their wood rather than a quick demolition, which gets passed along to consumers. Not to mention, reclaimed wood’s popularity is making it scarcer, which makes existing supplies more valuable.
  3. Legitimacy: Consumers sometimes have to make certain that the reclaimed wood they purchase actually is reclaimed wood, not a blend of old and new woods passed off by less than reputable retailers looking to fill a void in the market and make a quick buck.
  4. Previous wood treatments: Wood that has been reclaimed from old barns and warehouses might have been treated with chemicals that are now recognized as being toxic, and there’s almost no way of knowing which pieces have been treated and with what. Substances such as lead paint and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be present in the reclaimed wood, so ask your supplier about the risks associated with reclaimed wood origins.

Lindsay Mineo writes for Palatin Remodeling, Inc., a Southern California based home remodeling company. Her topics include kitchen and bathroom remodeling, additions and  expansions, painting and more. Visit Palatin Remodeling, Inc. for more on Los
Angeles kitchen remodeling tips and advice.

The Do’s and Don’ts for Remodeling Your Bathroom

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Remodeling your bathroom is a sure way to increase the value of your home. However, your bathroom is not a simple room to renovate, because there are several factors to consider. Plumbing, space, and lighting needs can greatly influence what you’re able to do to update your space, and your budget factors in heavily. It’s easy to spend thousands above what you intended on a bathroom remodel, but if you keep in mind some basic do’s and don’ts when planning, you can successfully remodel your bathroom and stay within your budget.

    • Do –Plan.
      By researching your options and planning your bathroom remodel before you begin, you’ll face fewer problems and save money in the end. Keep a file of pictures of styles and items you like. Make notes about price, availability, and installation costs of each item so that when you are ready to buy, you know what will work for your budget and your design before you shop.


Image Credit: Affinity Mortgage

    • Do–Stick to a Budget.
      If you set a limit on what you’re willing to spend and stick to it, you won’t face any expensive surprises down the road. Part of budgeting will also include factoring in labor from professionals such as plumbers and carpenters. Installation of cabinets, for example, is often more than half the cost of the cabinet itself. If you budget accordingly, you won’t be tempted to try to do difficult installs yourself.
    • Don’t–Let Trends Blind You.
      Keep things simple. Avoid buying into the latest trends for bathroom design when looking at tiles or fixtures that aren’t easily or inexpensively replaced. Neutral colors and classic designs provide you with the versatility to change it up later on. To add a personal touch, use towels, bathmats, art, and other accessories.
    • Don’t–Change It Up. Once you decide on a design for your new bathroom, don’t change your mind. If you change your plans after the remodel has started, you risk significant increases in expense and time. Once you’ve made your plan, stick to it unless safety, space issues, or building codes require a change.
    • Do–Use Space Wisely.
      There should be a minimum of 30 inches of space between any bathroom fixture and the opposite fixture or wall. This allows you space to move around. You can add functional space by installing double bathroom vanities instead of a standard single vanity. This gives you storage space, as well as more surface area around your sink.
    • Don’t–Forget the Lighting.
      Good lighting is a necessity in your bathroom. By adding lights around the mirror over your vanity, you can eliminate shadows. Frosted fixtures remove glare as well. In the shower, remember that lighting must be sealed against moisture. You can find lights specifically made for use in the shower at most bathroom supply stores.
    • Do–Consider the Resale Value. When designing your new bathroom, consider the impact your choices will have on resale value. Take care of the basics first. Paint, lighting, and fixtures should be replaced first. Consider replacing an old, cramped shower or a space-eating bathtub with a walk in bathtub. Walk-in bathtubs take up little space but give you the added value of a place to soak, as well as a shower.


Image Credit: BHouseDesain

    • Do–Go Modern, but Classic.
      Colored fixtures such as toilets and sinks don’t stand the test of time very well. If you go outside the neutral color pallet, your new bathroom may become dated, which is not what you want. Opt for frameless shower doors, or a stone countertop to add a dash of modern, while maintaining a timeless, classic appeal with neutral fixtures.

Image Credit: Downey Plumbing Tips

  • Do–Ventilate Properly. If your bathroom does not have a bath fan, make it a priority to install one in your remodel. If you already have a fan, make sure it is adequate. Bath fans should supply at least one cubic foot per minute of air for every square foot of space. Most bathrooms use a single 50-cubic-foot-per-meter fan, and this is often enough. However, two fans are better for bathrooms larger than 100 square feet. Install one for the shower area and one near the toilet.
  • Do–Keep Safety in Mind. Wet surfaces are slippery, so remember this when installing flooring, fixtures, and accessories. Floors around your shower or tub should have slip-resistant finishes. If this isn’t possible, add rubber mats or self-adhesive strips to prevent falls. Install grab bars in the tub and shower area as well.

Miguel Salcido is an avid blogger, father of 2 and a recent proud home owner. He loves studying home design and decor and has his eyes on purchasing some walk in bathtubs for his home.

Custom Kitchen Islands Inspired by Scandinavian Furniture

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Bornholm Kitchen Island Furniture

This is a custom kitchen island line that I just love. It uses solid wood construction and old world jointing techniques along side modern lines to make a piece of furniture that’s perfect for a so many different kitchen decors. It works well in contemporary spaces by bringing in a natural warmth many contemporary product designs lack because they are often made of plastic, painted/coated metal or high gloss wood veneer. They look cold for the most part but they also look impossible to maintain without a full time maid. These kitchen island designs also work well in cross over spaces where there is a mix of more that one style. I love the combination of clean lines with rustic or ornate styles. The two juxtapose so well and really add character to a room.

Bornholm Kitchen Island in Walnut

Bornholm Kitchen Island in Walnut

As of this writing they are only offering the furniture pieces in two woods, walnut and rift cut oak. Tinted options of those two are available if a modification from the wood’s natural color is required. As a wood sealer they use natural plant based oils which really give wood a beautiful hand rubbed look, mostly because it’s all done by hand. J. Aaron use tung-oil all the time in our wood countertops too. Tung-oil comes from the tung nut, which I’m sure most people have never even heard of. I’m not sure if that’s the oil they’re using but it’s probably similar. It’s safe for food contact and 100% VOC free making it an environmentally friendly product. So take a look at this company. I think you’ll like them too. Here’s a link to their contact page.

How to Plan a Stress-free Kitchen Remodel

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Planning and executing a kitchen remodel can be stressful. From floor plans, to color schemes, designers and contractors, there is always a lot on the homeowner’s mind. Check out these planning tips for a stress-free kitchen remodel.

Why remodel your kitchen in the first place?

The first thing you should ask yourself is why you’d like to remodel your kitchen. Is it hard to work in? Is it outdated? Or maybe it doesn’t fit with the design of the rest of the house? Whatever the reason (or reasons) write it down and then think of what you can do to remedy the situation. For example, you have a hard time cooking in your kitchen because there isn’t enough room to work. A simple solution would be to increase the functionality of the room by expanding the counter space. Make a list of functional changes that you can make. Later you can assess the cosmetic aspects of the project you’d like to tackle.

Establish your budget for the kitchen remodel

Is this a good time for you to start a remodel? It’s important that you’ve saved up a substantial amount if you’re planning a renovation. Remodels are not cheap. It’s also important that you do have the budget to work with quality materials. It’s foolish to tackle a project like this using materials that will fall apart in a year’s time. Spring for the higher quality materials, it will be worth the wait.

Choosing a kitchen layout and design

After you work out the functional changes you need to make for your kitchen, then you can start picking colors, materials, and other cosmetic details. It’s a good idea to look through magazines for inspiration.Clip out ideas you like and then out of all of your clippings, look for common elements or themes. Those are characteristics you should work into your new kitchen.

Hiring a GC for your kitchen remodel

If you have never experienced working with a general contractor before, there are a number of things to keep in mind when you begin your search.

1. Ask your friends and family!
They’re the best people to ask for GC recommendations. They’ll be honest with you about the quality of work, the materials, the hours, and the price. If you don’t get any recommendations from family and friends, try your local hardware or home supply store for tips. Use internet resources as a last resort. You never know who’s writing on the web.
2. Make a list and make some calls
Check out the background on the GCs. Make sure each is licensed and insured. This will save you loads of trouble if anything were to go wrong in the remodeling process. Ask them for references and call them too!
3. Get to know your possible GC
This is the time to familiarize yourself with your general contractor. This individual is going to be spending a significant amount of time in your home and around your family. They’re also responsible for getting the job done on time and within the budget. Do your choices seem like a good fit for your needs?
4. Get a bid and hire your new GC
Request a formal bid from your potential contractors. However, you shouldn’t be tempted to go with the lowest bid. If an offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is.

Once it’s all over

When your project has wrapped up and you’re cooking in in what hopefully is your dream kitchen, there are still a few extra things to do. If you’re happy with your contractor, call them up and let them know that you’re willing to be a reference for his next job. If you weren’t so happy, let the licensing board know about it or talk with the BBB in your area.

This article was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter for real-time updates on home improvement.

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