Deciding to move forward with a bonus room addition in your house is a major decision for any homeowner. There are many factors to consider, especially with a sizeable addition (at a significant cost). Ultimately your bonus room addition can become a wonderful space for you to enjoy with your family, and also a significant investment for your home. Here are some of the top “dos and don’ts” for planning a bonus room addition and coming up with bonus room ideas.
 
Why Get a Home Addition?
 
Before we dig into the dos and don’ts, it may be helpful to first consider why you would want a home addition.
 
Home additions create opportunities that aren’t available in your current space. Maybe you are increasing the size of your family, but don’t want to go through the hassle of moving to a larger home. Maybe you want to invest in your home by adding value through an addition to increase resale value for potential buyers. Or maybe you want to install a type of room that currently doesn’t exist in your home, like a playroom, an office, or a “man cave,” and you just can’t do it with your current space.
 
Dos of Planning a Home Addition
 
So you’ve decided to move forward with planning a home addition – congratulations! Here are some of the top “dos” to include on your list.
 
DO Work With Your Existing Space
 
One of the things that will help you tremendously early on in the planning of your home addition is making the decision to lean into and work with the space and structure you already have.
 
There are two types of additions you can do – you can either build out or up. Meaning, you can In other words, does it add to the footprint of the home, or is it an addition that you build on top of an existing area of your house? It’s important to carefully these options, and determine which style may work best in your home.
 
For example, do you have a sizeable garage you can build a bonus room on top of? Is there another area of your house that would lend itself well to a second-story addition? Do you have a big enough yard that building out into it won’t lead to a significant loss of space? Is there a first-floor room that would work well with a build-out addition?
 
By working with rather than against your home’s existing structure and opportunity, you will save yourself not only unnecessary costs, but also headache and stress down the road.
 
DO Start With “Need”
 
Another great way to start when planning a home addition is beginning with what is actually needed. Besides “more space” in the home, what really is the purpose of your addition? Is it a sunroom or living room addition for the purpose of relaxing or entertaining? Is it another bedroom for guests? Is it a new office for your growing home business?  
 
Based off the actual need of the addition – the primary reason you are choosing to build it – you will be able to construct a better plan for execution.
 
DO Research Styles and Options
 
The great thing about remodeling a home in today’s world is that there are seemingly limitless design and aesthetic options for you to choose from. With platforms like Pinterest, Houzz and even our own gallery, you have lots of sources of inspiration to start with. Make the planning process easier on yourself by doing significant visual research to identify things you like and don’t like in other additions that you see. This will make it all that much easier when you move onto working with a designer to complete your vision.
 
DO Hire an Architect
 
If you want to build a sizable addition for your home, investing in working with an architect will be well-worth the money. Especially since the design and structure will impact the resale value of your home, should that be your end goal, working with a professional will ensure you get maximum value.
 
Architects are highly trained in building design, engineering, and ergonomics. At the beginning of a remodeling project, they will examine your house, listen to your dreams and needs, likes and dislikes, and then provide solutions and approximate building costs.

Architects can also help work up floor plans or detailed blueprints, and even help you select a contractor. And what exactly is the difference between a contractor and an architect? The best way to explain it is that contractors typically look for an efficient and logical solution, but not necessarily the most innovative or aesthetically pleasing approach. So, if you are looking at a complex or unique design, an architect will definitely be necessary.
 
DO Shop Around for Contractors
 
If you wanted to buy a new car, you certainly wouldn’t purchase the first and only car you test drove – you would test drive lots of different cards and then choose from them based on price, deal terms, and any other number of factors.
 
The same goes with deciding on a contractor.  Your architect/designer can refer you to their favorite contractors, or you can use search tools like Yelp or Google to find highly-rated contractors in your area. Either way, once you get a few names, reach out to them with your plans and get bids or quote from all of them. This will help ensure you make the most cost efficient labor decision for your remodel.
 
DO Price Out Multiple Material Options
 
Another important factor for staying within budget is the materials you select. Whether you’re looking at flooring, paint, drywall, insulation, windows, or practically anything else, you’ll be happy to know that there are near endless options for you to choose from.
 
Furthermore, designers and manufacturers today do an excellent job of creating affordable materials for a variety of budgets, many of which mimic higher end products very well. For example, you can install vinyl flooring instead of true wood flooring for almost the exact same aesthetic, but at a fraction of the price!
 
For this reason, it is incredibly important that when you’re selecting materials for your bonus room addition, you choose a couple of options for each design need. That way, if you need to cut costs to stay within budget down the road, you have some solid backup options that you like just as much. No need to settle for any last minute suggestions from your contractor!
 
DO Consider Working With a Professional Home Remodeling Agency
 
If you are really overwhelmed by the task at hand, you should definitely consider working with a professional home remodeling agency. These professionals can help guide you through the whole process, from planning to design to execution. Check out our suite of remodeling services.
 
Don’ts
 
For every “do” that comes with planning your bonus room addition, there are also a handful of don’ts. Make sure you don’t make these mistakes when working on your addition.
 
DON’T Skip Your Research
 
Research is a key step in any home remodeling process. Especially if you are planning an addition for resale value and investment reasons, you will definitely want to consult with local agents and get a gauge on the actual value an addition can hold for your home. Planning wisely in the research phase will help you add more value than you spend.
 
DON’T Ignore Building Codes or Restrictions
 
Are there lot restrictions for the property? Will the city need to provide variance approval or any type of permit or zoning change? This can add time, cost and hassle to the process, which could have been avoided with careful planning, so make sure you do your research up front to plan for them early on.
 
DON’T Assume Your Addition is a DIY Project
 
Even if you love the idea of executing a DIY project in your home, you may want to think twice before taking this approach with your bonus room addition. While you may be able to execute individual components, such as floor installation or wall-painting, at the DIY level, don’t shy away from getting professional help. Your bonus room addition is too big of a project, but literally and figuratively, to go at it by yourself. And with the variety of help available today, you certainly don’t have to.  
 
DON’T Skip Working with a Designer
 
A contractor is pretty much a given for a major home renovation project, but don’t overlook the importance of working with a designer or architect as well. Contractors specialize in building, but architects specialize in designing. Going straight to a contractor means you are skipping the crucial design stage, and putting a humongous burden on your contractor. By using an architect, you’ll end up with a home that’s right for you and that you’ll love living in.
 
DON’T Forget the Details
 
Details can make or break a bonus room addition, so make sure you dive into the details. So, when planning, consider not only the purpose of the room, but also what types of furniture will be utilized. For example, will you need enough room for a sofa or sectional? Will there be desks or tables to account for? By envisioning these specifics, it’s much easier to determine when a planned space isn’t large enough, or is just right for its intentions. Figuring this out before work actually begins is crucial.
 
How to Add a Bonus Room
 
While there are many steps and phases to adding a bonus room to your home, they can be boiled down to five steps.
 
1. Plan
 
Planning is a pivotal phase of adding a bonus room to your home. During the planning phase is when you seek out design inspiration, decide what you like and don’t like, and take a serious look at your home to determine where an addition not only would look good, but also make sense, function-wise.
 
Another key aspect of the planning phase is setting a budget. Doing this very early in the process will help prevent squabbles and frustration later on. Plus, it will give you a more realistic sense of how much your bonus room will actually cost. Don’t forget to add some padding — around $10,000, depending on the size of your addition — to your expected budget.
 
2. Partner
 
As we mentioned earlier, choosing the right partners for building your home addition is crucial. From the designer/architect to the contractor team, you need to select partners who you trust to understand your vision and get the job done well and efficiently.
 
3. Build
 
The “build” phase is when the work actually gets done on your addition. Based on the size and scope of your contract, this can take anywhere from one to six months. Remember, quality work takes time, and the finished product will ultimately be one that will enrich your quality of life, and the value of your home.
 
4. Finalize
 
Once the addition is built, then comes the fun part – truly making it your own! Some of this will happen in the build phase, such as choosing the flooring and wall finishes, but the decorating and furnishings are what will make your bonus room addition unique yours. Details are where magic is made!
 
Bonus Room Design Tips
 
The great thing about bonus rooms is that they provide an opportunity to create design that may be the same, similar or entirely different than the rest of your home. And don’t underestimate the power of online resources, magazines, and social media to inspire your bonus room design. Just one photo can give you the spark you need to build a room around. Check out this bonus room design idea gallery from HGTV to get started.

Living room additions are a great way to not only expand the square footage of your home, but also improve the comfort and design aesthetic of your interior.

Family room and living room additions have become incredibly popular over the last several years, so there are many different ways to execute a living room addition in your own home. Here are our eight favorite living room ideas.

1. Standard Addition

The easiest way to get started with a living room addition is with a standard room addition.

Although it’s a room addition (opposed to a more robust home extension), this is a major construction project that involves creating an additional building structure and integrating it with the rest of the home. Average costs run anywhere from $80 to $200 per square foot. A standard addition can cost you anywhere between $21,026 and $64,985, with the average national cost of adding a room at $42,058.

To begin with your standard room addition, start simple by first taking a look at your property (and your property lines) to determine where it makes sense to add your new room. Next, determine a budget that you can work with for your addition. Don’t forget to include to cost of hiring both a contractor and an architect or designer who can help you design the addition of your dreams. Working with an architect will especially help to make sure the addition design is cohesive with the rest of your home, and enhance the resale value, should that be your end goal. The last step before work on your home extension begins is to have detailed descriptions of the materials and the scope of the work to be done.

There are a few ways to add a standard room addition to your home, but they pretty much can fall into the categories of building out or building.

Building out typically involves adding a room at ground level, which is one of the most popular types of additions. If you want to expand your living space without increasing the footprint of your home, building up is a great option. For this type of addition, you add a room to the second story, or you could add an entire second story onto a one story home. For living room additions, building out is typically the more popular option.

2. Small Room Addition/Bump Out

Another popular option for living room addition ideas is a small room addition, like a bump out.

Full-scale, multi-room additions get most of the attention in the additions world, but bump-outs are a highly viable option for adding more living room space to your home without the cost of a full-scale addition. Room bump-outs are “less expensive than full-on additions: less square footage, less electrical, less (or even no) plumbing or HVAC”.

Typically, a bump-out is an extra space that is far smaller than a full addition. Bump-outs can extend as far as 10 to 15 feet from the house, but they can also be tiny “pop-outs” as short as 2 feet long. Although, if you’re looking to add or expand on your living room, you’ll likely need at least 5-10 additional feet out extension.

An advantage of bump out living room additions is that, due to their size, they do not substantially alter the exterior appearance of your home. They offer more of a seamless transition for homeowners.

Especially if you already have a workable living room that is positioned on your property with viable room for an expansion into the surrounding yard, a bump-out living room addition may be an excellent option for your needs.

3. Unique Shapes

If you’re looking to use your living room addition for a space that’s more “fun” than “functional,” consider a many-sided living room addition. In recent years, uniquely-shaped additions, such as hexagon-shaped (six walls) or octagon-shaped (eight walls) living rooms have become a popular choice among homeowners.

These multi-walled living room additions are excellent choices for homeowners who want to show off their lawn or garden, as the extra walls allow for beautiful, plentiful windows that look out onto your property. If you’re looking to create a truly unique space for entertaining and lounging, a hexagon or octagon-shaped living room addition may be the perfect fit.

One thing to note about these unique-shaped additions is that due to the use of space, they have to be build as true “modular” additions, meaning they extend completely off the existing property. If you do not have a lot of yard space to build into, they may not be the best option for your home.

4. Sunroom

Another classic, visually appealing option for a living room addition is a sunroom. A sunroom is a glassed-in living space typically attached to the house and accessible from indoors. While typically regarded as being a fit for warmer weather climates, today’s sunrooms can be constructed to four-season-room standards for year-round use.

Three-season rooms are simpler to install, but since they are made out of just aluminum and thin glass, they may be too cold to use in winter months. Nowadays, prefabricated sunrooms, with thermal-resistant glass and better temperature have evolved and are more readily available for homeowners today. Even aluminum frames for sunrooms have become more structurally sound.

Another benefit of choosing a four-season-sunroom for your living room addition, aside from the obvious aesthetic value, is that they are highly energy efficient.

In general, sunroom additions have a lower square footage cost than regular additions, but you can still expect to pay at least $11,000 for a well-made sunroom of around 150 square feet.

5. Conservatory

Conservatories are very similar to sunrooms, but they are differentiated by a specific focus on showcasing flora, and usually a glass roof (in addition to walls). Conservatories are a variety of sunroom but tend to be pricier than sunrooms. If you have a lovely backyard or garden to emphasize, a conservatory may be an excellent home addition choice for you.

Conservatories can be “dressed up” or “dressed down,” depending on the vibe and aesthetic that you are going for. For example, this Pennsylvania home conservatory is very formal, with all-glazed timber windows, doors and roof. In contrast, this fun conservatory borrows from beach style to create a fresh, relaxed, coastal look.

There are lots of different directions you can go if you choose to add a conservatory to your home.

6. High or Vaulted Ceilings

Another way to make maximum impact with your living room addition is to opt for high or vaulted ceilings. Large, open spaces are very attractive in homes and can definitely help with buyer appeals and resale value down the road.

It’s a well-known fact that high ceilings carry the benefit of making a room look bigger than it actually is. So, you can get away with a smaller addition by square footage, but build up to visually make the room look more spacious.

If you’ve always wanted to have a home with vaulted ceilings, building a room addition may be the perfect solution. Building a new addition as opposed to trying to make room for vaulted ceilings in your current home tends to be an easier option. When homeowners try to build vaulted ceilings within their existing homes, there are so many issues that may arise; they have inspect the attic (where they’d be building into) to looks for roof framing (rafters are good), trusses (which make building vaulted ceilings much more difficult and can cost 20-40% more), any chimney infringement (pretty much a deal-breaker), or any plumbing or ductwork that needs to be adjusted. For all these reasons and more, living room additions provide the perfect opportunity to install vaulted ceilings in your home.

One detracting factor of high or vaulted ceilings is that the extra space may in turn cost extra money to heat and cool. High ceilings are also more difficult to clean than standard-height ceilings.

7. Fireplace-Focused

A fireplace can provide an excellent focal point for your new living room addition, especially if your house does not currently have a fireplace. If you are looking to make your living room addition into a true “hub” for your family, nothing makes a house feel quite like a home like a fireplace does.

A fireplace focused living room addition can also work well if you already have an area in your house that you consider to be a “living room.” Perhaps the existing living room can become a place to watch TV where the kids can play, and the living room addition can serve as more of a “formal” sitting and relaxation room. The choices are endless!

8. Green Home Addition

Another great use of a living room addition is to build a green or eco-friendly room addition. Especially considering the initial cost of building a living room addition, making your new room highly energy efficient will help offset added costs of the new space down the road.

There are a couple ways to make your living room addition “green.” For example, installing solar panels on the addition can not only help with powering the addition itself, but also the rest of your house. You can also make a choice to use only natural and/or sustainable materials to craft your living room addition. Don’t overlook paint choice (both for the interior and exterior of your addition) as an opportunity to reduce toxins and improve environmental-friendliness.

Insulating the foundation by using concrete or a floating cement slab as a base for your addition will prevent cold air from seeping up from the ground into the building, which will help keep home temperatures moderate and prevent crazy heating or cooling costs.

For the walls, opting for engineered lumber or composite wood will leave a lighter carbon footprint. This is because engineered lumber is harvested from trees that regenerate quickly, where supply is easy to find. The same can be suggested to siding on the exterior of the addition – engineered wood siding is eco-friendly, lighter and easier to use than fiber cement siding.

These are just of the few directions you can go with your living room addition remodel. Regardless of your budget, desired aesthetic or family size, there’s an option for every home!

Aging in Place Remodeling Tips
 
You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your home over the years – not to mention all the memories you’ve created there – so it’s no surprise that you want to stay there for as long as possible. The good news is, with a sound aging in place plan, you’ll be able to stay in your home for years into the future. Here are some of our favorite aging in place remodeling tips for homeowners who want to age in their home.
 
Start With the Bathroom
 
Because of its hard and slippery surfaces, almost 235,000 people visit the emergency room each year with injuries suffered while bathing, showering, or using the facilities (ConsumerReports.org). This makes the bathroom one of the first rooms that homeowners start with when they start the journey of aging-in-place remodeling.
 
However, there are numerous ways to practice aging in place remodeling in your bathroom without making it look like a hospital. For example, enlarging the shower is an easy change to make in the middle stages of life. You can also lower thresholds to ease entry, which will also give you the visual benefit of a more open space. Down the road, a curbless shower will prove to be a sound aging-in-place design.
 
You can also make other in-shower modifications to start prepping for an aging-in-place lifestyle without sacrificing aesthetic. For example, adding shower seats, upgrading lighting, and hanging shelves or ridges will all assist with ease of shower use down the road.
 
Another smart and safe upgrade you can make within your bathroom is modifying the floors. Water and slick tile are a bad combination, so switching to slip-resistant tile or vinyl is a safer move for the long-term. Seek out extra textured tile, or smaller tiles embedded in grout to create more friction and “grip” for safety.
 
Whether in your bathroom, kitchen or garage, sinks are another home element that are prime for aging in place remodeling. Dual-height countertops are a good idea for families with small children, and into the future, can benefit older home residents. If you choose to remodel your sinks, make sure they are wall-mounted, leaving space underneath for someone seated.
 
Other sink considerations should be faucets (lever handles are easiest to use), and installing full-length mirrors over countertop or medicine cabinet mirrors, which provide easier visibility for seated residents and wheelchairs.
 
Practice Aging in Place Kitchen Design
 
The kitchen is another key room of the house that should be considered for aging in place remodeling. First of all, make sure your kitchen is on the main floor of your home. If not, you should consider remodeling to add one, as food preparation is an activity of daily living.
 
Another thing to revisit in aging in place kitchens is the general layout and use of clearance space. The standard clearance between cabinets, walls, and appliances should be 36 inches, which is enough room to comfortably pass in a walkway and have access to drawers and doors.
 
If you are willing to rearrange your kitchen to add more clearance space, you should also use that time to make other layout modifications, such as moving the sink close to the stove. This is a great idea because, as we age, it’s harder on our arms and backs to carry big pots full of water or food to and from the cooktop.
 
With this advice in mind, you may be tempted to put your sink right next to your stove, but be sure to leave workspace in between. If your sink and stove are so close together that you don’t have anywhere to rest a hot pot or pan, you may be in more trouble than you started out with. In many cases, placing the sink across from the stove is a close enough distance.
 
Another expert kitchen remodel tip is to make the gradual switch to drawers instead of cabinets for storing all of your kitchen items. Drawers are an excellent choice for aging in place kitchen design because they display all flatware and utensils at once, which allows for easy grabbing. No need to get on your knees to peer into floor level cabinets, or use a step ladder to grab out of top-level cabinets.
 
Revisit Doors and Entryways
 
As you work on installing aging-in-place kitchens, bathrooms, and everything else, the last thing you want to realize is that your doors – your conduit between all those rooms you worked so hard to remodel – are not aging-in-place friendly.
 
Doors and doorways are often overlooked when it comes to revisiting the design of your house to make it more accessible. Over the years, you may find that your doors aren’t wide enough for access, they are hard to open, or swinging prevents access, the handles are difficult to use, and so much more.
 
Widening the doorways in your home are a good place to start, especially with older homes, where doorways can be 24-30 inches wide. Especially when you consider that the standard wheelchair is 26 inches wide, doorways may prove a more pressing issue for senior homeowners. We recommend installing doorways that are at least 36 inches wide, if your home can allow for it.
 
Typically, widening doorways is enough of a remodel improvement to allow for most accessibility needs, but there are other options for improving the user-friendliness of doors as you age in your home. For example, if you currently have several traditional swinging doors in your home, you may encounter mobility challenges when you introduce elements like wheelchairs and changing range of movement.
 
While swinging doors may seem easy to operate now, the dexterity and agility required to open these doors may diminish as the year progress, which will make them harder and harder to use. Not to mention, the wide range of movement makes it harder to pass through them with accessories like wheelchairs or walking assistants. And the last thing you want is to feel confined anywhere in your own home.
 
One of the best solutions for making doors easier to pass though is revamping doorways and doors to travel in a linear path rather than an arc. Ie. Transitioning from a swing door to a sliding/barn door (outside the wall) or pocket door (inside the wall).
 
In addition, another notable solution for small doorways and complicated doors is to install automated door openers, which allow you to unlock a door and open it with the push of a button. This is the ultimate solution for expanding mobility and ease of navigation within a home for aging-in place design, since it doesn’t require any physical exertion. While they can typically be installed relatively quickly, automated doors will top out on the higher end of the price range for aging-in-place door remodeling.
 
Stairs & Ramp Options
 
The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the first rooms that come to mind when one thinks of aging-in-place remodeling, but it is imperative to consider the outside of your house, or any other places where your home currently has stairs, as well. This is where ramps, lifts and escalators can really come in handy.
 
For a quick and easy installation option, threshold or portable ramps are your best bet. Angled entry plates and angled entry mats are two of the most popular examples of portable ramps. But, if you’re looking for a more permanent ramp solution, you may want to consider modular or custom ramps.
 
Usually, the biggest decision a homeowner needs to make is whether they want a modular ramp or a ramp that is built specific to their home and commonly constructed out of wood and/or concrete.
 
Modular ramps are made out of aluminum and can be installed and removed with little impact on the surrounding landscape. These ramps are designed to address the accessibility and aging-in-place remodeling needs of the residential market. Modular ramps are an excellent choice when accessibility needs extend beyond the scope of a portable ramp, especially since the design uses less hardware and no pre-assembly is required.
 
Custom ramps, on the other hand, are usually more labor intensive and more expensive, but they look better and can actually add value to the house when installed correctly. Modular ramps tend to be best suited for individuals who are looking for a short-term solution (like recovering from an injury), so a custom ramp may be your best bet for an aging-in-place design investment.

The general rule of thumb for ramp layout is that there needs to be one foot of ramp for every inch of rise. For example, if you have 14” of rise from ground level to the top of a stair landing then it is recommended that your ramp be at least 14’ in length. This rule of thumb helps to achieve the ADA recommended slope for a ramp. In some situations, there may be a time where a ramp will be too long to fit the location where it is needed and a vertical lift may be a more appropriate solution.
 
If you live in a multi-story home, one of the greatest challenges for “aging-in-place will be how to maintain access to the upper stories of your home. In many multi-story homes, the upper stories are where the bedrooms are, so unless you want to set up a new bedroom on your main floor (also an option), you’ll need to set up a way to safely handle stairs, or invest in an alternate form of transportation. Two of the most popular ways to do this are through the installation of a stair lift or vertical platform lift.
 
Stair lifts are an efficient way to quickly regain freedom and mobility in your home as you age. This device is typically composed of a chair that climbs up and down a staircase on a motorized rail attached. While getting up and down the stairs safely is the primary concern, today’s top quality lifts include numerous features to maximize comfort, ease of use and attractiveness in the home.

Installing a stair lift provides a great solution for mobility concerns, joint pain, leg strength, all of which can make it increasingly more difficult to navigate stairs as you age. Stair lifts can typically be installed in one day, and ordered to fit a variety of stair paths.
 
If you do choose to install a stair lift, there are a few considerations that should not be overlooked. For example, the size and capacity of the lift should be carefully considered. Depending on your specific needs, you will need to invest in either a standard size or heavy duty stair life. Standard size stair lifts usually hold up to 300 pounds, and can accommodate most needs.
 
In addition, if you live in a home with other family members, specifically family members who are younger than you, you may want to choose a stair lift that still allows for additional foot traffic and walking space. This is where a folding chair stair lift can prove to be a space-efficient option, since the chair can easily be folded out of the way to create more space.
 
Another option for maintaining open access between your lower and upper floors is a vertical platform lift or elevator. Elevators are a reliable and efficient way to travel between floors and are an excellent permanent solution for floor-to-floor transportation. If you’re planning to pass your home down to family, or re-selling is even a possible option, know that an elevator will greatly change the aesthetic and functionality of your home.
 
There are many ways to start implementing aging in place design in your home well before you actually need it, and still maintain the aesthetic of your house that you’ve worked on for years.

Silestone Countertops – How To Clean & Maintain
 
There are a multitude of reasons why many homeowners decide to incorporate Silestone countertops into their home design. One of the main reasons is because of its resilience. Although this material is quite resilient, it still needs care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. What’s the best way to keep your Silestone countertops clean and prevent staining? Here are some of our top tips for how to clean and maintain Silestone countertops.
 
Why Choose Silestone?
 
Silestone, a combination of natural quartz and other raw materials, is extremely hard and resilient. It offers the beauty of natural stone in a wide range of colors and varying textures. Just like natural stone countertop materials, Silestone is great for both kitchens and bathrooms because it’s non-porous which makes it resistant to staining caused by kitchen items such as coffee or bathroom items like makeup. You can choose between suede, polished or volcano finishes to find the perfect style for your home. For other countertop material options, check out our guide to kitchen and bathroom countertops.
 
Silestone – How to Clean It
 
Cleaning is imperative to any kitchen or bathroom, but especially if you choose to install Silestone countertops. Consistent cleaning habits of your surface are important to ensure its longevity, especially since Silestone is known for its trademark sheen and luster.
 
For most common kitchen stains, such as food, wine or oils, a simple household cleaner is your best bet for keeping Silestone countertops clean. Simply apply the cleaning product to any stains, leave the cleaner on the surface for about two minutes, and remove with a non-scratch pad. (Stay away from Brillo or wire cleaning pads). After wiping off the household cleaner, use a cloth damp with water to remove any residue, then dry the surface. You can also use this same process to remove rust and several other stains from Silestone countertops.

For Silestone countertops that live in bathrooms or slightly damp environments, the best way to clean them is similar. Swap limescale remover in for household cleaner, spray surfaced with the limestone remover and leave on for 2 minutes before wiping off, and then wiping down with a damp cloth. Always dry your Silestone countertops after cleaning.
 
Preventing Stains on Silestone
 
People often ask “Does Silestone stain?” Since Silestone is made of quartz, and therefore one of the hardest, most durable countertop styles available, the best answer is that it is hard to stain or damage, but it is possible. Silestone is incredibly resistant to scratching, chipping and staining, but it’s just that – “resistant,” not indestructible.
 
Because Silestone is extremely dense, it’s difficult for liquids to absorb into the countertop. This makes it very difficult to stain Silestone countertops since the liquid has no chance to seep down into the material. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is to wipe up any spills right away with a damp cloth, or with the cleaning combinations mentioned above. You still need to take proper care of your countertop to make sure that it leads a long and healthy life, but if you do happen to make a mistake with it, the chances are good that it will be able to withstand the situation without leaving a mark.
 
Other Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
 
Here are a few other tips for when it comes to cleaning your Silestone countertops:
 
Do not use water repellents or sealants to bring out the luster – Once it has been installed, the sheen on Silestone is the natural luster of the material itself. If you use sealants or water repellents, you will create an artificial shine that discredits the inherent sheen of the Silestone. As a rule of thumb, never use paint strippers or any products with a ph of more than 10. Any cleaning bleaches or solvents should be significantly diluted with water and never left in permanent, long-term contact with the Silestone.
 
Be cautious with kitchen countertops – If your Silestone countertops are installed in your kitchen, you may be tempted to use the same products you use to clean other kitchen appliances to clean your Silestone countertops. But you must be cautious. You shouldn’t use degreasing agents (such as those used in oven cleaners) on Silestone countertops. You must also be careful to keep Silestone away from sources of extreme heat, which can sometimes be a tricky task in the kitchen. Lastly, you should always place hot objects and dishes on top of hot pads – never directly on Silestone countertops.
 
Even though Silestone countertops are considered very resilient, it is still important to do maintenance cleaning and upkeep to keep them shiny and new. Whether you have Silestone in your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas in the house, use our cleaning tips above to keep your countertops looking their best.

When it comes to aging-in-place planning, one of the most important rooms to consider is the bathroom. It’s a room you use every day, and with the added factor of showering or bathing, it’s easy for it to become a dangerous place if not properly outfitted with an aging-in-place bathroom design. Here are some of our favorite aging-in-place bathroom and bath solutions for your home.

Grab Bars & Handrails

Although sometimes considered a harsh or hospital-like installation for aging in place shower design, grab bars and handles are truly useful. In addition, there have been many design strides made in the last several years that can assist you in installing a “grab bar” that is both functional and fashionable. Today, you can find grab bars in a variety of styles and colors to match your decor and taste.

Installing grab bars can dramatically and economically increase safety in the bathroom. (They also can be helpful in bedrooms, hallways or any other place where standing or walking assistance is needed.) If you are thinking about remodeling your bathroom anytime soon, you might want to go ahead and install bracing in walls around the tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet even if you do not plan on installing grab bars now. This will get the walls prepared to support the grab bars when you are ready and keep you from additional remodeling later.

When it comes time to install grab bars, at the toilet, grab bars can help with sitting and standing. In the tub or shower, they can help a person to stand (or stay standing) and safely get in and out of the shower. Consider several installed on the interior and exterior of the shower (or tub). For best results, grab bars should have some sort of texture to them for ease-of-grip.

A final tip: grab bars typically need to be able to support 250 to 300 pounds, so plan for that weight allowance.

Accessible Showers

The shower (or bath) is a crucial element of aging-in-place bathroom design. One of the top design options for making your shower age-friendly is replacing an existing tub or shower with a barrier-free shower.

Usually, the threshold is the primary issue – if it’s too high or there is a step of any sort, entry and exit into the shower become much more difficult with age. There are a few options for getting around this, such as installing a walk-in shower (where there is no threshold at all), leveling the threshold (an easier fix that installing a brand new shower), or an option that’s become more popular in recent years: a safeway step. A safeway step can be your best bet when a full shower remodel isn’t feasible, since it entails cutting out a section of your current bathtub for easier “walk-in” and a much more accessible and safe shower or bath environment.

Another often overlooked remodel element for aging-in-place shower and bath solutions is the showerhead itself. An adjustable shower head, which moves to suit the height and position most comfortable for a user, is a great way to add accessibility to a bathroom. Combining it with a hand-held shower head creates an even more functional experience. This is an easy upgrade to make at any stage of life that will benefit you and your family for years to come.

A truly unique option for aging-in-place bathroom redesigns are the walk-in baths. This type of design involves elevating the walls of your “tub” so can you walk right into the tub (the same as you would with a shower).

With many state of the art technological advances, you can even choose to install jets and other additions to your walk-in bathtub. Some walk-in bathtubs offer a variety of therapeutic benefits via hydrotherapy systems, which can actually help to increase mobility, relieve pain, boost energy and improve sleep.

Wet Room

Another option to be considered for aging in place shower design is a wet room. This is one of the simplest bathroom floor plans. A wet room is essentially a large shower that has a toilet and vanity in it; it will typically have one or two central drains and all areas of the room will be waterproofed. This design allows for a very open area that creates the ultimate accessible shower for any age. It also is one of the easiest to clean since you have fewer nooks and crannies to deal with.

A wet room is also a bathroom design that will allow for a lot of open space – an important factor for aging-in-place design. Keep in mind that space will be a greater issue as you age. “As you transition from mid-life to senior to elderly, planning for the use of canes, wheelchairs, walkers or similar assistive devices is a good idea. The ideal situation would be to have plenty of clear space to accommodate someone in a wheelchair around the toilet, bathtub or shower stalls and areas around cabinets and closets” (AgeinPlace.com).

Whether you opt for a wet room, a shower or tub, for overall bathing safety and usability, you may want to think about moving the tub and shower water controls closer to the entry-point so they can be reached from outside the bathing area. That way you won’t have to overextend and risk slipping or falling when reaching to turn on your tub or shower from the outside.

Another slipping-prevention design adjustment would be installing a shelf in the bath or shower area for soap, shampoo, and towels. So, when you finish bathing or showering, you can easily reach your towel and not have to stretch outside of the tub or shower and risk falling.

Accessible Sinks

In addition to the shower or bathtub, the vanity and sink should be considered for aging-in-place bathroom remodeling. You can either modify your existing vanity sink or install a custom-made vanity sink that is more accessible to older house-members.

An ideal solution is lowering sink heights to accommodate wheelchairs. This is not a drastic change, but adding it to your bathrooms earlier in life will only benefit aging residents down the road. To optimize for usability with wheelchair accessible sink, hang on a sturdy and reinforced wall, and be sure to provide space for your knees (or wheelchair) underneath a pipe-covering panel to protect user’s legs. Another great suggestion installing a dual-level sink – this style of sink is a nice choice for families with children of all ages and will prove helpful as an aging-in-place design adjustment as well.

And while you’re adjusting sink design, take another look at your cabinets too. Mirrored medicine cabinets may prove to be problematic for aging-in-place design. Other options, like open shelves, may prove easier to use, or you can install glass-front doors on your cabinets to easily see inside them without opening.

One of the easiest things to do to implement aging-in-place bathroom design is installing lever handle faucets. Lever handle faucets all people of almost all abilities to easily turn faucets on or off (much more so than twist or lift faucets). Lever handle faucets are also the most user-friendly for those with arthritis or hand-mobility issues.

Another faucet option for aging-in place design are pedal-controlled faucets. Pedal-operated faucets are actually one of the most efficient water control methods since they allow you to turn the water on and off using the foot levers in order to avoid waste. This type of faucet can help you save on home water usage, as well as modernize your house for aging-in-place.

A final consideration for aging-in-place sink design is for safety – consider making all water pressure-controlled and installing anti-scald controls to prevent burns.

Shower/Bath Seats

Another great bathroom design for aging-in-place is shower seats or benches. Shower seats can add comfort and safety to your bathing experience as you age with your home as shower seat can relieve the strain experienced with standing for extended periods of time. In general, shower seats improve safety and lessen the chance of falling, which is desirable for bathroom aging-in-place design.

There are many types of shower seats to choose from, such as shower stools, shower chairs, retractable or fold-down shower seats, or even a built-in bench that can be a more seamless design update. Sometimes bath seats can be installed to your existing shower set up, but more often than not, walls will need to be reinforced to support more weight. Shower seats are an increasingly common feature yet are often not utilized the way they were intended because most seats are placed too far from the showerhead and faucet levers.

To promote design efficiency from the very beginning, be sure to install your shower seat closer to these features, or opt for a moveable seat. Moveable seats can be a more flexible and less expensive option and can be much more easily maneuvered to fit needs as life progresses. Of course, if you opt for a moveable seat, you will need to make sure it can be easily and securely anchored when moved – otherwise, it will end up being more hazard than a help.

If you choose to install a shower seat of any kind, make sure to strategically position it near your shower handles or grab bars.

Helpful Lighting

An often overlooked design element to assess for aging-in-place bathroom remodeling is the lighting of your bathroom.

The bathroom itself will require improved lighting to promote aging-in-place design. To avoid potential with glare as you age, consider side or eye level lighting. For example, sconces on both sides of the mirror are easier on the eyes than overhead lights. You can also introduce light from a window or skylight to provide a natural source of light that you won’t have to worry about replacing (at least during the day).

In addition, you should definitely have a light in the shower stall if there is not one. The bathtub and shower stall are known to be one of the most accident-prone areas, especially for seniors and older homeowners, so additional lighting in the shower area is a wise choice.

Some other bathroom lighting considerations: install light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms, and make sure light receptacles in the bathroom have at least two light bulbs, so you always have a backup bulb if one goes out.

And don’t forget night-lights! Auto-sensor night lights are an absolute must-have for middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks, specifically on the pathway from the bedroom to the bathroom.

Floors

A final crucial consideration for aging in place bathroom remodeling are the floors. It goes without saying that your bathroom should be free of slippery floor surfaces, especially as you age into your 60s and 70s. Directly inside and outside of the shower/bathtub, you should install slip-resistant/anti-skid tile or vinyl. You can also up the safety factor by opting for textured tile over smooth tile. Smaller tiles embedded in grout also provide more friction to reduce slip rates.

When it comes to improving the safety of bathroom floors, many homeowners think that rugs help by covering up slick surfaces, but in fact, the opposite is true. Throw rugs are a major cause of tripping and falling in the home, especially with seniors. If you choose to keep rugs in your home as you implement aging-in-place design, purchase a rug with a low pile and secure it with anti-slip rug tape found at most major home improvement stores. But, it is a much smarter choice to remove rugs from your home as you approach this stage in life, and opt for safer options like permanent carpet or no-slip tile instead.

As you can see, adding aging-in-place design elements to your bathroom doesn’t need to be boring! There are many options to transition your current bathroom into a place you can use for years to come without having to sacrifice style. Use the tips above to create the bathroom of your dreams that you can grow old with.

Designing your dream kitchen can seem like an intimidating process that requires a multitude of important decisions, but instead of viewing the interior design process as a hurdle, it is vital that it be considered a creative outlet to tailor a space to your needs. If you love colonial kitchen design, then viewing many different colonial kitchen ideas will help you begin to decide what you would like your space to look like and what finishes meet your needs. Some may be asking themselves, what is a colonial kitchen?
 
A colonial kitchen often draws its style from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, which is how it earned its moniker. This distinctive style often includes elements such as exposed brick walls, white cabinetry, muted paint tones, and natural wood flooring. This is considered a classic design style and its popularity has endured through the years. To help you design your dream kitchen or do a kitchen remodel, we have put together seven mid-century modern colonial kitchen ideas.

• Farmhouse Sink: A farmhouse sink can be a wonderful addition to a colonial kitchen that gives it an air of both simplicity and functionality. A farmhouse sink can tie together a modern colonial kitchen and make the space feel both clean and classic. It can not only hold all of your dishes when being used, but it also is a design element that enhances a modern colonial kitchen.
• Updated Hardware: If you are looking for a classic colonial style kitchen with a modern twist, one of the simplest ways to tailor your space is to pick an updated hardware style. For a modern colonial kitchen, it can be beautiful to pair white cabinetry with a sleek metal bar pull style hardware in gold, rose gold, silver, or copper. By incorporating a touch of metal into the space, it balances between the classic colonial design and the sleek accents of modern styling.
• Marble or Quartz Countertops: Countertops will be one of the largest design decisions you make in your kitchen. In a modern colonial kitchen, it is important to incorporate materials that are natural, functional, and beautiful. Marble and quartz are both great choices for a modern colonial kitchen, but each come with their own pros and cons. Marble countertops are often more expensive and require routine maintenance, but are high quality, classic, and beautiful. On the other hand, quartz countertops are often more affordable and durable, but may not have the same natural look as marble.
• Built-In Refrigerator: A built-in refrigerator can be a great way to incorporate modern colonial style into your kitchen. Built-in refrigerators are seamless within the kitchen space and allow visitors to naturally focus on more significant design elements within the space, such as countertops or cabinetry.
• Open Shelving: In a traditional colonial kitchen, open shelving was often utilized to store goods. In many modern kitchens, floating shelves have made a resurgence in their popularity and can often be a distinct design element to incorporate into a space. To create your dream modern colonial kitchen, incorporate some open, floating shelving within the space to highlight dishware, glass drinkware, and décor.
• Large Range Hood: A range hood is a design element that you can customize to fit your tastes. To fit with a modern colonial kitchen style, there are a number of different approaches to incorporate a range hood. You can clad the range hood in a similar material to that of the kitchen cabinets to have it blend within the space, or can incorporate a stainless-steel range hood to add a modern twist. In some modern colonial kitchens, having a rough sawn wood cladded range hood can add a natural and beautiful design element to the space.
• Glass Upper Cabinets: If you are looking for colonial kitchen design ideas, incorporating upper cabinetry that has fogged or clear inset glass offers a modern colonial kitchen a dose of elegance. Depending upon the type of glass selected, this can also offer individuals to display their dishware or glassware while still having it within the protection of a cabinet. Glass upper cabinetry works extremely well in conjunction with open shelving to achieve a modern colonial kitchen design aesthetic.

There are many different ways you can incorporate colonial design elements with a modern flare into your kitchen. Use the above ideas as inspiration for your brand new kitchen space!

When it comes to redoing floors in your home, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. If you’re looking at remodeling your kitchen, specifically, you certainly want to choose a floor that’s durable, but also pleasing to the eye. Add affordability to the mix and one of the best options you’ll find is vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular floor choose for homeowners, and it’s easy to see why.
 
But with any choice, there are pros and cons to be considered before moving forward with this type of flooring. Here are the top vinyl flooring pros and cons.
 
What is Vinyl Flooring?
 
Before we overview vinyl flooring pros and cons, it may be helpful to understand the origins of vinyl flooring. Originally invented in the 1930s, vinyl flooring first made an impact on the architectural world in the years following World War II, and by the 1950s had become a major competitor against other flooring options, specifically linoleum (which up until that point had been considered the best low-cost water-resistant flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms).
 
And the popularity of vinyl flooring has only been steadily trending upwards since then. According to DoItYourself.com, vinyl still accounts for around 15 percent of annual flooring expenditures in the country.
 
Types of Vinyl Flooring
 
Unbeknownst to many homeowners, there are many different kinds of vinyl flooring. Typically, when people reference vinyl flooring, they’re thinking about sheet flooring, which is arguably the most popular type. However, there are other forms of flooring made from vinyl, such as tiles and planks.
 
In sheet flooring, the vinyl flooring material is laid down, expectedly, in sheets. These sheets can range from 6 or 12 feet wide. Due to the larger pieces, sheet flooring is more water-resistant than other types of vinyl flooring. It also is easier to install.
 
Another type of vinyl flooring is tile flooring, which uses tiles of 9×9” or 12×12″. Many homeowners prefer vinyl tile, which replicates the look of a ceramic tile floor at a more affordable cost.
 
There is also vinyl plank flooring, which is designed to resemble hardwood and comes in strips. One of the advantages to plank flooring is the range of styles that are out there for homeowners to choose from, all mimicking different types of wood (such as oak, hickory, elm, bamboo, and so much more). Since vinyl plank so closely resembles hardwood (without the cost), you’re sure to find a version that fits your desired aesthetic.
 
Pros of Vinyl Flooring
 
The pros to vinyl flooring are numerous, from water resistance to affordable pricing. Here are some of the things we love about vinyl flooring.
 
Water-Resistance
 
One of the biggest draws of vinyl flooring is the durability – specifically its resistance to water. Most vinyl flooring is 100% moisture-resistant. This element alone makes it ideal for use in kitchens, as well as bathrooms and even basements.
 
Compared to other flooring options, vinyl is much better at sealing against water damage than laminate and hardwood. In fact, some vinyl options are waterproof.
 
As well as being water-resistant, vinyl flooring is also a highly stain-resistant option. Specifically, printed vinyl tiles and sheets have a clear wear layer that acts as a surface barrier, which helps protect against stains and spills. Some vinyl tiles do not have this level of surface protection and may be more susceptible to stains, so be sure to read the fine print before deciding on which vinyl to add to your home.
 
Affordability
 
When it comes to cost, vinyl is one of the most affordable flooring options out there, especially compared to options like stone, tile or hardwood. At the low range, vinyl can cost as little as fifty cents per square foot, and most never exceed moderate cost levels. Very high-end premium vinyl flooring can cost as much as ten dollars per square foot, though this is still less expensive than premium flooring choices, such as stone. The difference in price of resilient vinyl products is determined by the quality of the material and the design options found in the surface.
 
Durability
 
Vinyl is generally considered to be a highly durable material. If well-taken care of, your vinyl floors can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years.
 
Printed vinyl tiles and sheets have a clear wear layer that acts as a surface barrier, protecting the floor from stains and spills. These materials are very easy to clean and maintain. Solid and composite vinyl tiles do not have this surface protection and will be more susceptible to stains, requiring occasional stripping and polishing.
 
Depending on what type of vinyl flooring you choose, however, you can expect different levels of durability. For example, “Solid vinyl and composite vinyl tiles are homogenous, with colors permeating every layer—a feature that makes them more resistant to damage from scratches. Printed vinyl will be only as durable as the clear wear layer that protects the surface. Fiberglass-reinforced vinyl sheets are extremely durable, while also being pliable and resistant to damage”.
 
Another durability “pro” of vinyl is that many types of vinyl are composed of individual pieces that can easily be replaced if damaged. This more the case with plank or tile vinyl, since the pieces are smaller.
 
Comfort
 
Next to carpet, vinyl flooring may be one of the softer flooring options out there. It is generally softer beneath your feet than options like wood or ceramic tile. Because of the softer nature, vinyl floors have a little more flexibility and give, which makes it easier to stand on for long periods of time.
 
In addition, many models of vinyl flooring, specifically vinyl plank flooring, are backed with a padded felt product. “When installed, this feature translates to a softer floor with more give. The top will look like hardwood and have that strong feel, but standing on vinyl for long periods of time is easier than standing on real wood. Additionally, objects are less likely to break when dropped on vinyl, which is good news for glasses and mugs”.
 
Another comfort “pro” of vinyl is that it doesn’t get cold in the winter, so you won’t have to worry about arming your feet with slippers to avoid the chill that colder weather inevitably brings to hard surfaces!
 
Easy Maintenance
 
When it comes to general upkeep, vinyl floors are some of most low-maintenance flooring options out there. The product requires only light routine cleaning — grit and dirt should be swept free to maintain the surface of the floor, and mop or Swiffer can be used to remove stains. There are also approved vinyl floor cleaners for stain removal, but these only have to be used on occasion.
 
The bottom line: few flooring options out there are easier to maintain than vinyl.
 
Ease of Installation
 
Vinyl can be installed directly on almost any subfloor, which makes the installation process quick and relatively easy. And unlike other flooring types, vinyl flooring is easy for the layperson to install – you can often get away without having to hire an installation professional or contractor.
 
Vinyl flooring is also a great choice if you are dealing with an imperfect subfloor. Even if the subfloor is suboptimal, vinyl flooring can often be forgiving, helping to smooth out imperfections.
 
However, when you remove your old flooring, you should always inspect the subfloor to make sure it’s in good shape before adding vinyl on top. Some types of vinyl flooring, such as tiles or large sheets require an extra level surface because any flaws and imperfections will show through as bumps and indentations on your floor. Usually the best subfloor is a layer of well-sanded plywood. Vinyl flooring “can be laid on top of concrete, but again, uniformity and smoothness can be a problem. Also, a plywood layer will give you a better feel under foot”.
 
Assortment of Design Options
 
From a design standpoint, a huge benefit of vinyl flooring is that options are available in a huge assortment of colors and styles, with some designs even mimicking the look of stone tiles or wood planks. This difference is only really noticeable up-close, so you can get away with the look of a luxury product for the affordable price of vinyl.
 
Long-Term Value
 
Vinyl is a long-lasting flooring product and can last up to 20 years. Once it’s installed, you can rest easy knowing you will have solid floors for years to come. Vinyl flooring can also be glued down which is something that may be attractive to homeowners.
 
Another interesting aspect of vinyl flooring can increase your home’s value and luxury factor — you can install in-floor heating beneath a number of vinyl flooring options.
 
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
 
While vinyl flooring is low maintenance and highly durable, as with any product, there are a handful of “cons” to be aware of. Here are some potential cons of vinyl flooring.
 
Hard to Remove
 
This “con” really only applies if you choose to glue down your flooring (which is an option with vinyl). If you choose to glue down your vinyl flooring, the removal process is known to be very difficult. If you are installing vinyl as a temporary solution, it is recommended you avoid glue to make the removal as easy as possible.
 
Warp Capabilities
 
Because vinyl products are so soft, they have a tendency to warp to any particles left beneath them during installation. For example, a trapped bit of dirt could eventually become a bump in your vinyl floor. These bumps are not only unsightly, they are also more prone to rips and tears. For this reason, you must take extra care during installation to ensure absolutely no particles are left on the subfloor, which means extra cleaning in the preparation phase. Not doing this level of cleaning would be a major mistake in your kitchen or bathroom remodel that you certainly want to avoid.
 
Not Impossible to Damage
 
While vinyl flooring is incredibly durable, it is not impervious to damage. If certain objects, such as knives or other sharp object, are dropped with enough velocity, they can damage vinyl floors, leaving dents, punctures or scars.
 
Another damage hazard to look out for with vinyl floors is the process of moving furniture. Moving heavy furniture can result in scuffs and gouges that are difficult to remove. If you do rearrange furniture, be sure to cover the feet with felt, or lift the piece off the ground before moving it.
 
Not Authentic Wood Feel
 
If you’re a wood floor purist, then you likely will not be satisfied with the texture of vinyl. Vinyl flooring does not have the wood feel of laminate or especially hardwood. When walking on vinyl flooring with shoes, it does not have the rich wooden sound a natural wood floor would (BestLaminate.com).
 
In that same vein, you also will not get the same investment value with vinyl as you would with material like hardwood. So, if you’re renovating your floors in order to increase the value of your home, vinyl may not be your best option.
 
Not Environmentally Friendly
 
Environmental advocates may balk at vinyl flooring when hearing that it is not biodegradable and does not break down naturally into the environment in a short period of time. It is also difficult to recycle, which means that byproducts and old floors often end up in landfills. Vinyl floors also consume non-renewable natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas during the manufacturing process.
 
For environmentally conscious consumers, laminate flooring might be a better option since is it fully recyclable.
 
In conclusion, there is no shortage of options out there for kitchen flooring, but it’s imperative to choose the right material for you. Knowing the vinyl flooring for kitchens pros and cons will help you make the right choice for you and your family.

If you’re exploring floor options for your home, engineered wood floors should definitely be on your radar. Developed as an innovation of traditional wood floors (but with many of the same positive properties), engineered wood floors are gaining sweeping popularity in homes across the country. Here’s exactly what you need to know about engineered wood floors, including how they stack up to a few other popular flooring options, and how to keep them clean.
 
What is Engineered Wood Floors?
 
Engineered hardwood is a variation of true hardwood, but unlike conventional hardwood, which comes straight out of a tree and into your home, engineered hardwood is a more complex product that consists of several layers.
 
Unlike true hardwood, only the top and bottom layers of engineered hardwood consist of real wood or a manufactured a hardwood veneer that’s less than ⅛ of an inch thick. In some cases, the inner layers are made of plywood, high density fiberboard, or hardwood. The core layers make the hardwood more stable than regular hardwood, and the outer surface adds a uniqueness.
 
Due to this unique construction aspect, engineered wood floors tend to be more stable than other flooring options, as well as more resistant to moisture.
 
Origins of Engineered Wood Floors
 
Originally, engineered wood floors were developed for use on the first floor of a home built on a concrete slab or in a basement. However, according to popular home design resource, Houzz, engineered wood flooring technology has exploded over the last 20 years, and its products can be used just about anywhere.
 
Engineered Wood Flooring vs Hardwood
 
It used to be that solid hardwood flooring was the gold standard for flooring in homes, but over the last several years, engineered wood flooring has certainly risen as a competitor.
 
Today, engineered wood comprises a majority share of the wood floor market, and the two types of flooring are often mentioned in the same breath. While solid wood is still preferred for by purists who have long-time prospects in mind, engineered wood is a more practical choice that provides many of the same luxuries.
 
Here is a detailed breakdown of the primary differences between for engineered wood flooring vs laminate.
 
Material
 
As previously mentioned, engineered wood flooring is a layered product comprised of a thin slice of hardwood or veneer on top of a base of high-quality plywood. Solid hardwood, as you’d expect, is made up of hardwood, and is a completely homogeneous product from top to bottom.
 
Thickness
 
Solid hardwood is usually 3/4 inch thick, while engineered wood flooring is typically thinner, ranging from 3/8-1/2 inch thick. Because of the thicker nature of solid hardwood, it retains the traditional “solid” sound that has come to be associated with true hardwood floors.
 
Engineered floors, in contrast, can sound more hollow than solid under-foot, but that can be addressed by stapling down the planks instead of floating them. Premium engineered flooring is usually thick enough to look and sound just like “real hardwood”.
 
Wood Options
 
Natural hardwood offers significantly more choices of wood species than engineered wood. The most popular wood choices for natural wood are oak (red and white), maple, hickory, and pine.
 
Engineered wood flooring, in contrast, offers fewer choices than with solid hardwood. Oak, maple and hickory are also popular, plus softer species like birch, cherry and walnut, and exotic woods like African Mahogany, Acacia and Tigerwood.
 
Installation
 
Solid hardwood floors require traditional installation and are nailed or stapled down. Solid hardwood is never installed on a floating basis.
 
Engineered wood floors, on the other hand, are much easier than solid hardwood and provide a wide range of installation methods, such as stapling or nailing, click, or glue. The newest, thinnest engineered floors use an advanced system that locks them in place. These thin floor, or “floating floors,” can be overlayed on an older subfloor and are the easiest installation option.
 
Where to Install
 
There are a few inherent qualities of solid and engineered wood floors that specifically dictate where in the house they should (and should not) be installed. Solid wood flooring is best used in living areas, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms. Solid wood is a great choice for the first and second floors, enhancing living spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
 
It is recommended that solid wood not be used in kitchens or bathrooms, and if you are dead-set on doing so, waterproof mats are placed near sink and dishwasher. An important rule of thumb of solid wood floors is to never install them below grade.
 
For engineered hardwood, you should follow many of the same room recommendations as solid wood, but there is more slightly flexibility. Engineered wood is an excellent choice for areas where solid hardwood cannot be installed, like in basements, over concrete floors or over radiant heating systems. Engineered hardwood can be installed below-grade, in basements, with proper subfloor and as long as there are no significant moisture issues.
 
Durability
 
Solid hardwood is known for its endurance. Because it is solid through and through, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times during a lifetime. Moisture is definitely the enemy of solid hardwood, which is why this material is never recommended for bathrooms, basements, or other areas where moisture is prevalent or even expected. Solid hardwood can resist some moisture, especially site-finished wood flooring (as opposed to pre-finished), which has a sealed top layer to help expel some moisture. Do not make the easily avoidable mistake of installing a floor type that’s not compatible with the room you’re remodeling.
 
If your durability concerns are around moisture, humidity or temperature, engineered wood floors are the way to go, since their layered construction provides stability against environmental changes. Engineered wood is a better option for rooms exposed to lots of moisture — the plywood base of engineered hardwood is dimensionally stable, meaning that it warps and flexes less easily upon contact with moisture than solid wood. Fibers in plywood run in cross-wise layers, which creates a far more stable structure than solid wood’s parallel fibers.
 
Price
 
Solid is the gold standard in flooring, and it’s usually the most expensive flooring option out there. Solid hardwood can vary, depending on finish and warranty, but in general, you can expect to pay more for this material.
 
As a whole, engineered wood floors tend to be less expensive than solid hardwood. But in comparison to other flooring materials, engineered floors are still considerably more expensive than laminate, tile, and carpet. Engineered wood flooring prices range from $3 to $18 per square foot.
 
Investment Value
 
Solid hardwood is traditionally the best floor choice for investment value. It’s a classic choice for floor purists, and a traditional, beautiful flooring option that will extend the life and value of any home.
 
Engineered wood floors are a sneakier option for investment value. Because engineered wood floors are real wood, they can be advertised as such in real estate marketing materials, making them more attractive to buyers.
 
Engineered Wood Flooring vs Laminate
 
Another common comparison that’s often made of floor material contenders is engineered wood flooring vs laminate.
 
What’s the Difference?
 
Unlike engineered wood floors, which typically contain some aspect of real hardwood, laminate is a purely synthetic flooring product. The top layer has an imprinted textured image made to look like real wood.
 
The core layer of laminate flooring is manufactured from melamine resin and fiber board material. The flooring material is usually 1/3 inch thick, which makes it thinner than both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Because of the thinner nature, laminate can be laid over existing floors with relative ease.
 
In essence, while engineered hardwood flooring is typically manufactured from real wood and preserves the unique textured grain and appearance of natural wood, laminate flooring is only an imitation. Some high quality laminate floors will look truer to real wood than other, cheaper options.
 
Aesthetic
 
Regarding appearance, the difference between hardwood and laminate floors is pretty easy to spot.
 
One of the defining characteristics of engineered hardwood is its resemblance to true wood floors, specifically, a telltale texture variation of the wood grain, which is why no two planks of engineered wood flooring (or, of course, hardwood flooring) appear exactly alike.
 
In laminate flooring, though, pre-designed patterns that imitate the look of wood texture, are imprinted onto the floor surface. For this reason, identical patterns are repeated on average every 5 boards. This repetition of texture is an easy way to spot manufactured flooring like laminate, against the more realistic looking solid or engineered wood.
 
Moisture-Tolerance
 
An advantage of laminate floors against engineered wood floors is that they have high resistance to moisture. For this reason, they are often used for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. There are waterproof variations of laminate flooring that are made completely of plastic.
 
Maintenance
 
Regular sweeping, dry mopping, or wiping with a damp cloth is all that’s necessary for cleaning and maintaining laminate flooring. Solid and engineered hardwood floors require a little more care – they should be cleaned using special hardwood flooring cleaners (preferably manufacturer recommended ones) that preserve and restore the finish.
 
Ease of Repair
 
Laminate flooring varies in its ease of repair. In floating laminate flooring, damaged planks can easily be removed and replaced with new planks. There is, of course, the possibility that the new plank will not match the rest of the floor, in terms of wear and tear, but generally, this installation option is preferable for the ease of floor replacement.
 
If laminate flooring was installed using the glue-down method, then repair and replacement is much more difficult and intensive. Laminate flooring cannot be sanded or refinished at all.
 
In general, engineered hardwood flooring is significantly easier to repair than laminate. If the surface damage is significant, then the entire floor can be sanded and refinished. If damage is localized, then it can be repaired by removing and replacing individual planks. Spot repairs can also be managed by manually sanding, staining and refinishing the problem area (depending on the type of finish). Spot repairs are especially easy with wire brushed and oiled hardwood floors and can be done DIY-style within a couple of hours.
 
Cost
 
Undoubtedly, the biggest advantage of laminate flooring is the price. The material itself is cheaper, and with the ease of installation, you can avoid installation costs altogether. Also, since laminate is pressed wood, it’s even more durable and resistant to scratches and dents, which also reduces the cost of maintenance and repair down the line.
 
How to Clean Engineered Wood Flooring
 
Before making the decision to add engineered wood flooring to any level of your house, it’s important to be clear about the biggest ongoing factor: maintenance.
 
Since engineered hardwood is made from wood, it requires almost the same cleaning methods as any other type of wood flooring. The great news about engineered wood flooring specifically is that the material typically smooth enough to not trap dust and allergens. It’s also easy to clean with a damp mop and special wood cleaner.
 
Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Engineered Wood Floors
 
Check out the below step-by-step instructions for taking care of your engineered floors:

• Keep your engineered flooring swept, clean, and dry on a daily basis using a vacuum cleaner with a soft flooring attachment, or a broom.
• Use a dry microfiber dust mop to pick up dirt and debris from the floor.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Excessive water or liquid can cause irreversible damage to engineered hardwood flooring.
• Place floor mats and rugs at all entrances to limit the amount of surface debris on your floors.
• This will help keep the upper wear layer and finish of your floor safe and intact for a longer period of time.
• Do not use wax-based cleaners, harsh detergents, or steel wool to clean engineered hardwood flooring.
• Consider periodic waxing and refinishing to keep your floors in top shape.
• Use furniture pads to prevent unsightly scratches.

Ultimately, your wood flooring choice is going to be determined by where you are planning to install the product and what you’re looking for regarding design aesthetic. Engineered wood flooring is a great choice for lower levels of the home, or areas where moisture is high.
 
The bottom line is this: engineered wood floors offer a beautiful finish and will increase the value of your home.

Cork floors have been a popular choice for kitchen floor remodels and renovations for years and years. And with the flexibility, sustainability and ease of installation that this option provides, it’s easy to see why! Here are some of the top cork flooring for kitchen pros and cons for you to consider before choosing this type of flooring for your home.

What is Cork Flooring?

Cork flooring is, as you may have guessed, made from cork. Cork is a natural and renewable material that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, which are native to Spain, Portugal and Tunisia. It has been used sustainably in construction for centuries. For flooring products, cork is harvested, ground up, compressed, and formed into sheets bonded with resins.

Pros of Cork Flooring

For comfort-conscious homeowners, cork is a great flooring choice. Its inherent softness creates a more comfortable environment, and makes standing for long periods much easier on backs, legs, and feet, which is key for a busy room of your home like the kitchen.

Cork flooring has gained popularity in the United States as a flooring material because of its durability, eco-friendliness and high comfort factor. Here are some of the top advantages to choosing cork flooring for kitchens.

Durability

Cork flooring has one of the longest lifespans of any kitchen flooring options, with some of the best materials able to last 40 years of more with proper care and maintenance. It’s an incredibly durable material — it resists cracking and abrasions and is impermeable to gas and liquid.

This quality is a reason why cork flooring is a great choice for large family homes, or homes that experience a lot of foot traffic. Cork flooring bounces back easily, so indentations caused by furniture or human activity won’t be permanent.

Maintenance

Although it’s not quite as low maintenance as other flooring options, like luxury vinyl flooring, for example, cork flooring is relatively easy to take care of.

Especially when installed correctly with multiple layers of a quality water barrier sealer applied to the surface, cork flooring will require sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt or dust. One thing to note though – spills need to be wiped up quickly to avoid staining, so be sure not to overlook messes that may occur as you cook and prepare meals.

Cleanliness

Cork flooring is a dream floor for the hygiene-obsessed. Cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew and termites. Unlike carpet, cork tends to repel dust, hair, and other small particles from its surface, which makes it easier to get completely clean. Because of this, and the fact that cork does not off-gas or shed microfibers, cork floors tend to promote higher indoor air quality.

In addition, cork actually has antimicrobial properties – Cork contains a waxy substance called “suberin,” which naturally repels small vermin and insects. This makes cork floors resistant to insects and can help keep a clean environment.

Safety

Another family-friendly factor – core flooring is generally a very safety-friendly choice. Cork is fire-resistant, which makes it especially great for kitchens. It will melt or ignite only at very high temperatures. And furthermore, even if it does ignite, cork generates less smoke and doesn’t release any toxic gases or chemicals when burned accidentally.

Comfort

One of the most recognizable and distinguishing characteristics, as far as cork flooring in kitchen pros and cons, is the comfort factor.

A cork floor provides a comfortable cushion underfoot because it “gives” when compressed. One of the best things about this material is how noticeably soft it feels beneath your feet, especially compared to harder floor materials like hardwood or tile. Cork flooring also eases stress on your back and legs, making it a good fit for any place in your home where you’ll be standing for long periods of time, like kitchens or laundry rooms.

And if you run cold, you’ll be pleased with the touch of cork flooring. If you usually wear socks or slippers around the house to avoid cold floors under your feet, you’ll appreciate cork’s ability to stay at room temperature and therefore feel warm to the touch.

Natural Insulation

Cork is also a natural thermal and acoustic insulator, which means rooms with cork flooring are naturally warm and quiet. This is because the inside of a piece of cork is made up of millions of tiny air-filled chambers, which act as barriers against the transmission of noise, effectively insulating any room. For this reason, cork is a great choice for kitchen flooring, but also for second floor rooms in multi-story houses, since cork will reduce noise from being transmitted through the floor to the ceiling below.

Cork flooring can also help you save money on heating and cooling bills. That same property that insulates the floor against noise will reduce transmission of heat into a room in the summer or out of a room in the winter.

Flexible Design

The look of cork flooring is certainly a draw for those looking to create a truly unique space. Unique look aside, cork flooring is widely available in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, so you can can completely customize your kitchen’s look.

Cork comes in both planks and tiles for installation – planks create a seamless-looking floor, and tiles provide a more nontraditional effect. Similar to ceramic tiles or paint, cork has the fun benefit of being able to create just about any floor motif! From stripes to chevrons to intricate patterns or even mimicking hardwood – cork provides a world of possibilities.

Materials-wise, cork flooring is sold with two types of finishes: polyurethane/acrylic-based and water-based. Polyurethane/acrylic finishes are more durable, therefore, will protect the flooring better, while water-based finishes are more environmentally friendly and also less likely to fade with exposure to light. Water-based finishes are, however, slightly more expensive than their polyurethane/acrylic counterparts.

Flexibility of Installation

As far as installation goes, cork is fairly easy to set up in your home. It also offers the added benefit of being able to be installed on uneven surfaces, or even over existing flooring. So, if you’re dealing with a particularly uneven or old subfloor, cork may be an excellent choice. In addition to being used as surface flooring, cork can be used as an underlayment for hardwood, laminate and ceramic tiles to reduce room noise.

Environmentally-Friendly

As a building material, cork has little negative impact on the environment. In fact, one of the reasons cork has seen a resurgence in recent years is because of its quality as a “green” renewable resource that can be used without the guilt associated with using luxury hardwoods that must be harvested by rainforests.

For starters, the harvesting practices for cork are sustainable: a tree should be at least 25 years old before its bark can be harvested. Cork can be harvested every eight to 14 years without killing the tree. So, homeowners can feel good about their environmental impact (or lack thereof), by choosing cork flooring.

Another environmental “pro” of cork is that the actual manufacturing process for cork flooring generates almost no waste. The residuals from the stopper production are collected, ground finely, and mixed with binders that hold the cork together. These binders typically include natural ingredients and proteins. Once complete, the cork is dyed and shaped to achieve the desired visual effect.

Cons of Cork Flooring

While cork is comfortable, insulative and generally a very family-friendly option, there are some “cons” to be aware of before deciding what kind of floor to install. Here are some of the disadvantages to choosing cork flooring for kitchens.

Easily Damaged

While is can be a “pro” for comfort, the softness of cork, unfortunately, makes cork flooring more susceptible to damage. Especially in a room like the kitchen, which sees lots of movement, if a sharp or heavy object is dropped, it can easily puncture the floor. Even small dirt particles can act like sandpaper grits and leave marks on the surface of the floor.

Furniture is also an issue for cork flooring. The legs of tables and chairs can scrape or damage cork flooring, and if you have heavy appliances in your kitchen, then you may also have a problem with them sinking permanently down into the cork. Fortunately, using furniture coasters, or placing particularly heavy furniture pieces on top of support pieces, like plywood, can help to offset this problem.

In addition, if you have pets, you can expect to deal with cat and dog nail scratches on cork flooring. Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed can help, but pet scratches are an inevitable side effect of cork flooring.

Maintenance Nuances

While cork is relatively easy to maintain, there are certain aspects that may prove to be too “high-maintenance” for the average homeowner. In general, cork flooring can be stained by oil, dirt, and spills if not properly protected, so it is not the best floor to have in a kitchen.

While cork has waterproof properties, they are not permanent – cork flooring must be sealed every 5 years to keep its waterproof characteristics. And furthermore, every five to eight years, you should have the entire floor recoated in polyurethane.

Variable Cost

Generally, cork flooring is not an expensive material and sometimes can be as cheap as $1.10 per square foot. But it can also be as high as $7.25, depending on the characteristics and color of the material. Furthermore, the warranty offered by the manufacturer and the insulation and soundproofing characteristics of the flooring material will also affect the cost of cork flooring pieces.

And if you choose to get your cork floor professionally installed, you can expect an additional cost that you may be able to easily avoid with other, self-installation-friendly flooring options. Not remembering to include installation hours into your budget is one of the top kitchen and bathroom remodeling mistakes, and can easily be avoided with the right pre-planning. In some cases, installation for kitchen flooring can easily cost more than 50 percent of the project’s cost! So don’t forget to factor this in if you are getting your cork floor professionally installed.

In addition, since many cork materials originate outside of North America, this can increase production and shipping costs.

Fading

If direct sunlight is allowed to beam down on cork materials every day, then discoloration may occur and a patch of the floor can end up taking on a different color than surrounding areas. This tends to be an issue specifically with kitchens, which many homeowners prefer to flood with natural light and big windows. While this fading can be prevented by blocking sunlight with curtains or blinds, it will definitely require constant attention.

In conclusion, cork is a fun, comfortable and safe option for any home. Although it has varying qualities that affect its use in the kitchen, by knowing the cork flooring kitchen pros and cons, you’ll be able to make the most informed decision possible and create a beautiful, functional kitchen for your home.