Spring Renovation Projects -- Cabinets

Welcome to the Stone Wood Outlet exclusive blog series, “Spring Renovation Projects”. This week we’re looking at one of the biggest kitchen, dining room, or bathroom remodeling projects a homeowner can face: cabinets. Cabinets are a versatile renovation project – they are a perfect first step for larger remodeling projects but can also be worked on singularly. The following is some basic information you’ll need when starting a cabinet installation or renovation project. Enjoy!



Types of Cabinets
The first step in a cabinet installation project is picking the type that best suits your home décor. When it comes to cabinets, Portland homeowners have many different options: ready-to-assemble, stock, custom, and semi-custom are some of the main choices. While ready-to-assemble and stock cabinets may be inexpensive, they can be difficult to match with existing design schemes. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, are created with your specific room in mind. They fit perfectly with whatever décor you have planned for the room. They are also made with a higher level of craftsmanship and care, meaning they will last much longer than the stock cabinets you can find at big box stores.
For more information on the difference between custom and stock cabinets, read “Kitchen Cabinets: Custom vs. Stock”.

Design and Installation Methods
Now that you’ve chosen custom cabinets you can begin the design process. There are many different cabinet features to choose from and each complements a different room style. The best way to decide on a design style is to meet with a professional, look at samples, and discuss the different options available. Not sure if you’re dealing with a professional? One way to be sure is to ask them about the technology they use to design their cabinets. Seasoned professionals use industry-leading computer aided design (CAD) software to help you design the cabinet system of your dreams. If the company you’re dealing with does not, look elsewhere.

Maintenance
Cabinets are one of the most neglected parts of the home. Dirt, germs, grease, and food particles can collect over time and lead to very unsanitary conditions. Once your new cabinets have been installed, you will need to make sure you keep them clean. Use a high-quality wood cleaning product and soft cloth, making sure to test an inconspicuous spot before washing visible areas.
For more information on cabinet maintenance, read “Tips for Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets”.

Of course, there is a lot more to cabinet installation or renovation than we can cover in one blog posting. For more information, or to view the different types of cabinets Portland has to offer, visit one of Stone Wood Outlet’s four locations or call 877-996-9663.

SWO Featured on KOIN 6 News

Spring is the perfect time to start planning your home renovation projects. Watch Tigard store manager John Lyons explain to KOIN 6 News all the wonderful hardwood flooring, tile flooring, cabinets, and decking products we have to help get you started.

5 Reasons to Splurge on Nice Kitchen Cabinets

Sure, the economy is still in the dumps. Yes, we are still in a major recession. No, now may not be the best time to spend tons and tons of money on home improvement projects. However, there are certain instances when spending more money on high-quality products is the smart thing to do. Installing new kitchen cabinets is one of these instances. Cutting costs by buying cheaply made cabinets may save you money initially, but in the long run it can be a real pain. Here are the top five reasons why you shouldn't feel bad about splurging on nice kitchen cabinets in Portland.

1. Bragging RightsThis reason is less about long-term financial planning and more about boosting your own ego. It always feels good to show off your new home furnishing or installation to friends and family, and kitchen cabinets are no exception. New higher-end cabinets can make you excited to entertain guests and proud to have an attractive, functional kitchen. Aren't these positive feelings worth the higher price tag?

2. SpaceOne of the biggest reasons to invest in nice kitchen cabinets is space. Most cheap stock cabinets come in only a handful of sizes and may not fit well in your kitchen. High-quality custom cabinets, however, can be designed so that every inch of usable space in your kitchen is included in the design.

3. PersonalizationNothing ruins a great kitchen like a fixture that obviously doesn't match the design scheme. With custom kitchen cabinets, you can fit the look of the cabinet to the kitchen's current design scheme, or incorporate them into a design you are working on.

4. DurabilityLike most things in life, when it comes to cabinet quality you really do get what you pay for. Higher-quality cabinets are less likely to break, rot or warp than the cheaply made kind, which saves you repair or replacement money down the road. Think of kitchen cabinets as shoes: Would you rather spend $20 on a pair of shoes that you will have to replace every month, or $100 on a pair that last you a whole year? The answer is pretty simple.

5. You Deserve ItIf you've dealt with this recession like most people, you probably haven't treated yourself to something nice in a long while. Buying brand new custom kitchen cabinets is a great way to spoil yourself. They make you feel good about getting something nice for yourself, and they are functional and durable.

Unless budget restrictions are really keeping you from making the investment, there is no reason not to choose high-quality custom kitchen cabinets when planning a cabinet installation project. Not sure where to start? Don't worry. The experts at Stone+Wood Outlet can help you with any Portland cabinet design or installation project.

This Week's Blowout Specials: Bacana Chestnut

Don't miss out on this week's blowout special on Engineered Bacana Chestnut!



For a limited time only, Stone+Wood Outlet is featuring Engineered Bacana Chestnut flooring for $1.49/SF.

Bacana Chestnut is an attractive and sturdy flooring material, featuring deep reddish-brown tones and dark striping. The eye-catching, versatile look of Bacana Chestnut makes it perfect for both complementary design purposes or as an attention-grabbing room centerpiece. With a high Janka hardness rating and density, this wood species is as durable as it is attractive.

This blowout special on Bacana Chestnut won't last long, so stop by any one of Stone+Wood Outlet's four locations for more information.

3424 NW Yeon Ave., Portland
6777 SW Bonita Rd, Ste 120, Tigard
9907 SE 82nd Ave, Clackamas
5600 NE 122nd Ave, Portland.

Tips for Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

You may not like to hear it, but your kitchen cabinets are probably a lot dirtier than you realize. By their very nature, cabinets collect more dirt, germs, food and grease than most parts of your home. Every time you or your family goes to open a kitchen cabinet and grab a snack, you are exposed to the dirt and grime inside. The solution? Clean! The following are a few tips for getting your nasty kitchen cabinets looking new again.



1. Get the right cleaning supplies.Not all cabinets are created equal, and the same goes for cleaning supplies. While metal, vinyl or laminate cabinets can be easily cleaned with soap and water, wood cabinets need special treatment. Invest in a high-quality wood cleaning product and follow the directions. Never use abrasive cleaners, as they can easily scratch and ruin a cabinet finish.

2. Always test first.Some cleaning supplies can damage the finish of kitchen cabinets. Make sure to test an inconspicuous area, like the inside of the door, first.

3. Be careful.Surprisingly enough, there are many ways to hurt yourself while cleaning kitchen cabinets. One way is to fall. Because cabinets are usually higher up, most people need to stand on a chair or step stool to clean hard-to-reach places. A tumble can cause serious injury, even from such a small distance.
Another way to injure yourself during cabinet cleaning is to improperly use cleaning solutions. When getting rid of heavy buildup of grime, grease or mold, it may be necessary to use a powerful solvent such as paint thinner. These solutions are often toxic to breathe and highly flammable. Make sure to open windows and doors, wear a mask, and turn off any pilot lights. Removing doors and cleaning them outside is another solution to reduce risk.

Feel free to call the professionals at Stone+Wood Outlet with any questions regarding cabinet maintenance, repair, or installation.