The Best Low Maintenance Options for High End Kitchen Countertops

Posted on October 11, 2018 by admin

If you are on the market for some new kitchen countertops, one of the most leading decision-making aspects is budget. But another key factor you should focus on is level of maintenance. Certain materials, like marble and wood, can be high maintenance, and often require ongoing care and repair. For those who run a busy household, or use their kitchens often, high maintenance countertops are not ideal. Instead, you would be better off choosing a countertop material that is durable, long-lasting, and affordable, all in one. But which options does that leave you with? The answer is plenty!

Continue reading to learn about some highly recommended kitchen countertop options that will fit the budget and look great!

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Counter Installation 317-454-3612

As a primary focal point of a kitchen are the countertops. And in modern, open-floor plan living, the kitchen is often the focal point of the whole main floor! For this reason, it can be tough deciding on a countertop material since you want it to look stunning, but also be easy to care for and afford. This push and pull thinking process can be frustrating unless you know where to look.

Here are some affordable and low maintenance kitchen countertop options that are brilliantly designed:

❖ Engineered Stone

If you want a higher-end look that is easier to care for than standard marble or granite, opt for engineered stone. Also known as Quartz, engineered stone is a terrific countertop option because it is highly durable, easy to clean and maintain, and comes in a vast selection of styles and colors. Quartz is mostly manufactured from stone chips and resin, making it waterproof, stain resistant, and heat tolerant. Also, it does not require periodic sealing to maintain all of its qualities.

❖ Solid Surfacing

Solid surfacing countertops are another material that work well for kitchens. Made from 100% polyester, this material will surprise you with its easy-to-repair qualities. Surface blemishes like scratches, nicks, and chips can all be sanded down and refinished in a matter of minutes. Although it does not retain the same level of heat and scratch resistant qualities as engineered stone, it is still a great option for busy kitchens.

In Conclusion…

Unless damaged or chipped at the edges, these two options are basically maintenance-free, other than daily cleaning and an occasional polishing. If either material is chipped at the edge, you will need a professional to repair it for you. Be sure to choose a qualified and licensed general contractor for Indianapolis kitchen remodeling services you can trust.

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC TODAY!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable countertop repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides affordable home remodeling and restoration, including a wide range of kitchen remodeling services for both residential and commercial properties. We repair, replace, and install anything and everything, all within your budget! Request an estimate, today.

How to Remove Furr Down Over Kitchen Cabinets

Posted on December 6, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

If you are currently knee-deep into a kitchen remodel, or even in the planning stages, then you have probably heard a thing or two about kitchen cabinet furr downs. “Furr down” is simply the enclosed area that sits between the ceiling and the kitchen cabinets. It looks like it is part of the cabinet system or wall, but it is in fact a hollow, enclosed area that serves no purpose in modern interior design. This is why so many homeowners choose to remove furr downs; it gives kitchens a more open and brighter feel. If you are interesting in learning more, continue reading for a brief introduction to removing furr downs over kitchen cabinets.

The Run Down on Furr Downs

It is not always a good idea to remove furr downs. That is because you are never entirely sure what lies behind them. Sometimes you get a blank wall space, and other times you get exposed plumbing, duct work, and electrical wires. To avoid surprises, it is best to contact a licensed general contractor for professional advice and assistance. Otherwise, the only other way of finding out is to open it up.

Furr Down Removal Tips

⚒ Use a utility knife to cut the caulk lines along the areas of trim that bond the joints with the cabinets and ceiling. Softly pry off the trim to expose the seams. Furr downs made of plywood are much easier to pry off. Furr downs that are covered in drywall are more difficult to remove (and messier).

⚒ If there is no exposed plumbing or wiring, you can go ahead and remove the framing that supports the furr down.

⚒ Procure and install matching crown molding in the newly exposed space if the rest of your kitchen has crown molding. Use butt joints for precise cohesion between new and old crown molding.

⚒ Many homeowners with kitchen crown molding also choose to install trim along the top edge of the cabinets.

⚒ If there is no wiring or plumbing, but a vent exposed under the furr down, hire a general contractor to install an enclosed and painted plywood box around it. Then install crown molding above to blend it with the rest of the wall.

⚒ If you have a textured ceiling but there are left over flat spots from the installation process, use a small paint brush and ceiling paint to stifle the flat areas and blend them into the rest of the ceiling.

Indianapolis Home Remodeling Contractors

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional kitchen remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Owner and licensed general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to provide on-site written estimates, and will answer all of your home remodeling questions with care. We manage a wide range of remodels, renovations, and repairs for all residential and commercial properties. Call 317-454-3612 to get in touch with our trusted Indianapolis home remodeling contractors, today.

Quick DIY Kitchen Makeover Tips

Posted on April 20, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Kitchen remodeling is a quality investment that adds value to your home. But sometimes, no matter how desperately you want it, it isn’t always the right time to invest in kitchen upgrades and renovations. For times like these, it is great to find a budget-friendly alternative to a full kitchen remodel. There are a few simple things you can do as a homeowner to improve the function, quality, and comfort of your kitchen; and all within a reasonable budget!

Continue reading and discover a handful of easy and affordable Do-It-Yourself kitchen makeover tips for your home.

Replace Your Range Hood

The indoor air quality in your home is vital to your health and comfort. With homes being built so tightly these days, it is important to make sure your kitchen is properly ventilated at all times. This is especially true for kitchens since cooking releases heat, moisture, smoke, grease, and airborne residues that are detrimental to the indoor air quality and structural integrity of a home. For this reason, range hoods are an important kitchen appliance for every home, especially smaller ones. If you want a budget-friendly kitchen upgrade that will also save you money in the long run, consider replacing your old kitchen range hood with a newer, energy-saving range hood. Including installation and labor costs, you can budget the new upgrade within $500 or less.

Stain Your Cabinets

If you want a simple upgrade that you can afford and do yourself, consider re-staining your kitchen cabinetry. Start by removing your cabinets using the proper tools. Then remove all the cabinet hardware. At this point, you need to take the time to thoroughly clean the cabinets before applying your choice of stain. Once they are clean and free of grime, you can proceed with the staining process. You can even take it a step further by lightly sanding the cabinets after they are stained, and then applying a clear coat finish. This will drastically improve the look of your kitchen cabinetry! And if you are not a fan of staining, try priming and painting kitchen cabinets a bright white color for a fresh new look.

If you have old, outdated laminate counter tops…

You can consider applying a faux countertop resurfacing paint for a luxurious and modern look! Try Rust-Oleum® Countertop Transformations™ Countertop Resurfacing Kit – $250, available at Lowes® and other hardware stores.

Change the Light Bulbs

Changing out all your old light bulbs with LED or CFL light bulbs can save you money on your monthly energy costs. Although it may not be noticeable in an aesthetic sense, it will certainly be noticeable on your energy bill! Swap out hanging bulbs, cabinet lights, under-counter lights, and all other light fixtures in your kitchen to save energy and money.

Weather Strip Doors and Windows

You can also reduce your energy consumption and save on utility costs by weather-stripping the exterior doors and windows attached to your kitchen. Not only will this make your home much more comfortable in the cold of winter and the heat of summer, it is an Eco-conscience method of saving money! If you are not interested in weather stripping, you can consider buying a roll-on window insulating film kit that you can apply on single-pane windows yourself.

How to Get More Juicy Tips!

Check out our blog about How to Remodel a Home Without Remodeling at All to learn even more budget-friendly ways to update the look of your home!

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need Indianapolis kitchen remodeling services you can afford. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides home remodeling and restoration services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we will beat any competitor’s price, guaranteed! We also offer written estimates, commercial services, in-home consultations, and more. You name it, we can do it! Call 317-454-3612 for professional-grade kitchen remodeling in Indianapolis and its surrounding area.