Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Popular Trends
National Kitchen and Bath Association Reports Trends for 2010 Results are in from a recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association to reveal the key design trends for 2010 NKBA News Release January 13, 2010
Hackettstown, N.J., Jan. 12, 2010 — The results are in from a recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) to reveal the key design trends for 2010. The results of the NKBA 2010 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Survey confirmed the continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace, but also uncovered others that indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take this year. Below are 2010’s seven kitchen trends and four bath trends.
KITCHENS
- Traditional is the New Contemporary
Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.
- Cherry on Top
Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed, and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes.
- Floored by Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials.
- Flexible Faucets
Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel, and — surprisingly — polished chrome.
- Undercounter Refrigeration
French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.
- A Range of Cooking Options
The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency.
- Dishwasher-in-a-Drawer
Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity.
BATHROOMS
- In With the Old, Out with the New
Traditional will be the most popular design style in bathrooms in 2010, as contemporary designs will be a distant second, followed by the Shaker style as an even more distant third. Beiges and bones will be the most common colors used in bathrooms, followed by whites and off-whites, and then by browns, indicating a somewhat subdued color palette this year.
- Ceramic and Granite
Ceramic and porcelain tile will be the dominant flooring materials in bathrooms this year, while natural stone will continue to prove popular as well. Though increasingly popular in kitchens, hardwood flooring won’t become common in bathrooms in 2010. For vanity tops, granite will remain king, with quartz and marble also proving popular options.
- Simple Fixtures
Perhaps more than ever, the most common color for fixtures will be white. Bisque and off-white will be the only other fixture colors at all common in new or remodeled bathroom. For sinks, simple undermount models will be most popular, followed by integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks, and pedestal sinks.
- A Nickel for Every Finish
Faucet finishes in the bathroom are similar to those used in current kitchen designs, with brushed nickel continuing to lead the way in 2010. Polished chrome and satin nickel will also be incorporated into many bathrooms, just as they had been throughout 2009. These faucet finishes will be followed by bronze and stainless steel.
About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with nearly 40,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, an extensive glossary of remodeling terms, and illustrations and explanations of planning guidelines. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and order the free NKBA Kitchen & Bath Workbook.
Contact Alcoa Construction today and let us be your bathroom remodelers or kitchen remodeling contractors !
Our primary service areas are Sussex County Delaware and Worcester County in Maryland. The cities we most frequently serve include Ocean View, Bethany Beach, Millville, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick, Selbyville, Frankford, Dagsboro, Millsboro, Long Neck, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Lewes, Harbeson, Georgetown, Milford, Slaughter Beach, Milton, Greenwood, Bridgeville, Seaford, Laurel, Delmar, Salisbury, Pittsville, Berlin, Ocean Pines, West Ocean City, and Ocean City. We also serve Kent County Delaware, Wicomico County Maryland, and Talbot County Maryland.
Bethany Beach bathroom remodeling, Fenwick bathroom remodeling, Delaware bathroom remodeling, Bethany Beach bathroom remodel, Fenwick bathroom remodel, Delaware bathroom remodel, Bethany Beach bathroom remodeler, Fenwick bathroom remodeler, Delaware bathroom remodeler, Bethany Beach bathroom renovations, Fenwick bathroom renovations, Delaware bathroom renovations, Bethany Beach bathroom remodelers, Fenwick bathroom remodelers, Delaware bathroom remodelers, Bethany Beach bathroom remodeling contractors, Fenwick bathroom remodeling contractors, Delaware bathroom remodeling contrators, Bethany Beach kitchen remodeling, Fenwick kitchen remodeling, Delaware kitchen remodeling, Bethany Beach kitchen remodeler, Fenwick kitchen remodeler, Delaware kitchen remodeler, Bethany Beach kitchen contractors, Fenwick kitchen contractors, Delaware kitchen contractors, Bethany Beach kitchen remodeling contractors, Fenwick kitchen remodeling contractors, Delaware kitchen remodeling contractors, Bethany Beach home improvement contractor, Fenwick home improvement contractor, Delaware home improvement contractor
CertainTeed Cedarboards Vinyl Siding Contains 60 Percent Recycled Content
CertainTeed Cedarboards Vinyl Siding Contains 60 Percent Recycled Content
Highest recycled content of any siding product on the market, company says
News Release September 1, 2009 HousingZone.com
CertainTeed CedarBoards Double 6-inch Clapboard Insulated Vinyl Siding now contains 60 percent recycled material — the highest recycled content of any vinyl siding product currently on the market.
The announcement is the result of several partnerships forged by CertainTeed to develop a network of recyclers and a workable formula that meets the company’s stringent quality guidelines. Recycled materials, including scraps from job sites, vinyl siding distributors and other post consumer sources, are integrated into the manufacturing process and verified by a third party auditor on a quarterly basis. Ultimately, CertainTeed plans to work with its customers to develop a Cradle-to-Cradle program.
“This is wonderful news for CertainTeed and our customers, who will now earn even more points toward green building certifications by using this new CedarBoards siding product,” says Drew Brandt, marketing director for the CertainTeed Siding Products Group. “With its newly enhanced recycled content, CedarBoards D6 is one of the few cladding options available today that allow builders and designers to qualify for LEED-H, LEED-NC and NAHB green building credits for environmentally preferred products. This adds to the energy optimization credits CedarBoards products have provided from the beginning.”
Backed by extruded polystyrene insulation, CedarBoards Insulated Vinyl Siding improves the energy efficiency of homes by insulating continuously over framing where energy loss is greatest. Comprising up to a quarter of a home’s exterior, the wood studs of a traditionally insulated wood framed wall act as thermal bridges that allow more energy to pass through. CedarBoards breaks this thermal bridge and increases the overall thermal performance of the wall by up to 30 percent. The Double 6-inch profile is available in 12 and 16 feet, both with a 60 percent recycled content.
When used in conjunction with high-performance insulation products, such as CertainTeed fiberglass insulation batts, rolls and CertaSpray foam insulation, CedarBoards can help homeowners create wall systems that maximize the energy efficiency of their homes.
“Across the nation, so many homeowners are paying excessively high utility bills, due to poor energy efficiency in their homes,” Brandt adds. “CedarBoards can help reduce these energy bills and increase the overall R-value of a traditionally insulated wood-framed wall.”
In addition to the Double 6-inch Clapboard profile, CedarBoards is also available in Single 7-inch Clapboard, Double 4-inch Clapboard and Double 4-1/2-inch Dutchlap profiles. Molded from real cedar boards, CedarBoards has a natural rough-cedar texture and the flat-faced, straight-edged look of wide board wood siding. It is available in 18 colors and four styles, as well as two different panel lengths (12 feet, 6 inches and 16 feet, 8 inches), and with a full contingent of specially designed trim and accessories. CedarBoards is backed by a lifetime limited warranty with CertainTeed’s exclusive PermaColor Lifetime Fade Protection.
CertainTeed is an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the NAHB. The company has developed sustainability programs to continually improve processes to reduce energy and water consumption, carbon emissions and landfill waste. Cedarboards, along with 11 other CertainTeed products, was recently designated as Green Approved by the NAHB, giving building professionals an easy-to-use endorsement and reassurance these CertainTeed products support their green building initiatives. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/buildingresponsibly.
Custom House Renovation in West Fenwick Delaware
Exterior Before
Exterior After
We started with a complete makeover for the exterior. New paint on the shutters and front door, new hardware, window blinds, extra shutters, dentil molding at freeze board, railings on the porch, decorative porch hanging pots, new stone water table around house, new sidewalk along side of house with flower beds, raised mulch beds with trees and landscaping, raised stone flower beds in front of the house and the front of the driveway, extend the driveway by 3 feet. The end result was a transformation from ordinary to Extra-Ordinary!
Custom Landscaping
Great Room Before
The extensive interior renovation included removing everything including all carpets, all vinyl flooring, all appliances, and all door hardware. We then added stainless appliances including a double wall oven and gas on glass cooktop. We added hardwood floors in the dining room, study, and upstairs hallway.
We stripped the original stairs and added hardwood stairs with custom runner. With all the flooring removed, we went to work adding custom trim throughout the house including single, double, and triple crown moulding, coffered ceilings, chair rail boxes, chair rail wainscoting boxes, cased all openings, custom cabinet trim under the bar top, and added traditional wainscoting throughout. The next step included complete demolition of the fireplace and installation of a new stone fireplace with bluestone hearth and mantel. Every window received custom 2″ white blinds and window treatments.
Twelve custom colors painted throughout the house added a finished touch. We then added 16×16 ceramic tile on the 45′ angle in the kitchen and morning room. 16×16 ceramic tile was added in the laundry along with a 15 lite glass door into the new exercise room addition. The exercise room addition was an additional 350 sf and featured two cased windows, two ceiling fans, cable TV, wall to wall mirrors, carpet, and full HVAC. We also added double frosted french doors leading into the workshop and two car garage.
The cabinets in the master bath were upgraded, along with the tile, and beadboard wainscoting in the powder rooms. A Sunroom with columns was added to the owners suite. We upgraded the electric throughout the house adding floor outlets, dual switched outlets in each bedroom, and 14 ceiling fans throughout. We finished the bonus room with a deep blue paint, custom trim, a HD surround sound system fitted for both plasma TV and a ceiling mounted projector. We then added a wet bar to complete the experience.
Great Room After
Great Room After
Study
Dining Room
Kitchen Remodeled
Morning Room Addition
Owners Suite Before
Owner's Bath Before
.
Owners Suite After
Owner's Suite Sunroom Addition
Exercise Room Addition
Bedroom 1 Before
Bedroom 2 Before
Bedroom 3 Before
Bedroom 2 After
Bedroom 3 After
Bathroom Remodel After
Bonus Room Before
Bonus Room After
Bonus Room After
Bonus Room Bar
Loft and Hardwood Upstairs Hallway
Proposed Legislation Would Boost Remodeling Activity With More Tax Credits
Proposed Legislation Would Boost Remodeling Activity With More Tax Credits
HIRE Act of 2009 offers credits for meeting environmental standards
News Release July 13, 2009 HousingZone.com
Congressman Henry Johnson (D-GA) and Nathan Deal (R-GA) are sponsoring legislation, the Home Improvements Revitalize the Economy (HIRE) Act of 2009, to provide tax credits to stimulate the purchase of kitchen cabinets and other remodeling and home furnishing improvements.
“Not only would this help stimulate the manufacturing market for home furnishings and buildings products, it would save retail jobs, generate billions in revenue and increase home values at the time when we really need a boost,” according to Johnson. “By creating this tax deduction, we will offer incentives for consumers who would otherwise forego spending in 2009 and 2010. We will encourage environmentally sound practices by doubling the benefits for the purchase of building products and home furnishings that meet nationally recognized environmental standards.”
Under the proposed HIRE Act, individual consumers and joint filers would receive respective $2,000 and $4,000 tax credits for purchasing items that meet recognized environmental standards (LEED, NAHB, Green Globes, SFI/FSC and ESP). Retailers, contractors and building product resellers can receive up to $10,000 for covered purchases.
A coalition that includes 14 associations representing kitchen cabinets (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) home furnishings, flooring, paint and coatings, carpet and rug, and other interests have joined forces to support passage of the legislation.
“This bill would help everyone in our industry – manufacturing, retail, design and suppliers. The costs would be more than offset by increased economic activity and saved jobs. The incentives cease after three years. This definitely is a pump-priming effort of limited duration and near immediate payback,” according to KCMA Executive Vice President Dick Titus.
A copy of the HIRE Act can be viewed on the KCMA Web Site – www.kcma.org. Supporters are encouraged to contact their congressmen and ask that they co-sponsor the bill.
How Composite Decking Can Capture Homeowner’s Attention
How Composite Decking Can Capture Homeowner’s Attention
With demand for decks expected to increase, composite materials offer an option
By Brent Gwatney, Moisture Shield June 25, 2009 HousingZone
Despite challenging economic conditions, demand for decking continues to increase. A recent report from housing market research firm SBI predicts the U.S. market for residential fence, deck and rail products will grow 4% in 2009, with 7% - 9% annual growth from 2010 through 2012.
Among the decking materials with the highest expected percentage increase is wood-plastic composite decking, with demand estimated to rise 9.5% annually through 2013, according to a 2009 report from the Freedonia Group.
Reasons for composite decking’s growing appeal include its durability, versatility, environmental benefits, and long life span. Due to its unique product make up, wood-plastic composite decking is resistant to moisture and insects; does not rot, splinter or decay; or require sealing or staining to maintain its beauty. As a result, it allows today’s busy homeowners more time to spend enjoying their outdoor living areas.
Builders can set themselves apart from their competition and attract homebuyers by incorporating decks and landscaped areas into the homes they build. And, by using wood-plastic composite decking, they can be confident that the decks they build can withstand tough weather conditions, look great year after year and last two to three times longer than solid wood.
The Green Factor
Composite decking offers builders and homeowners an environmentally responsible alternative decking material. Some wood-plastic composites include recycled content such as recycled wood fiber and recycled polyethylene plastics from items including detergent bottles, grocery bags and milk jugs – helping save thousands of pounds of trash from entering landfills each year.
Depending on the amount of post-consumer recycled content, some composite decking products qualify for credit under green building rating systems, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Standard.
To ensure a composite decking product contains recycled content, builders should consult the manufacturer. If recycled materials are incorporated, it is also important to determine the percentages of post-consumer and pre-consumer content, as they vary among manufacturers.
The combination of wood and plastic used to create high performance composite decking allows these materials to be cut, shaped, colored and designed in ways that are not possible with wood decking. |
Application and Design
The combination of wood and plastic used to create high performance composite decking allows these materials to be cut, shaped, colored and designed in ways that are not possible with wood decking.
Composite deck boards can be bent for use in curved stairs, benches, trellis and walkway arches, planter boxes, and any surface or non-structural features that call for round edges. The composition of some wood-plastic composites, like MoistureShield® decking, absorb substantially less moisture than other composites and solid wood, making it possible for it also to be used in projects that have direct contact with the ground (such as landscape trim).
With color choices ranging from gray to warm, rich hues of tropical hardwoods, builders and homeowners can mix and match multiple colors to add visual appeal within the deck itself, as well as complement the home’s finishing materials.
Decking areas built with composite materials also resist splintering, twisting, splitting, and cracking. A splinter-free and non-slick surface makes composite decking suitable for use in kid-friendly play structures and in other applications where safety is a concern, including access ramps and pool and hot tub surrounds.
Composite decking materials are easily machined, and can be installed with standard hand and power tools. For some wood-plastic composites, stainless-steel trim head screws can minimize the chance for metal corrosion or staining on the material. If a project requires screws to be hidden, they can be countersunk to draw up excess decking material that can then be brushed over the screw head and tapped with a hammer for the desired look. Some composite decking is also compatible with hidden fastener systems.
Product lines continue to expand as the interest in alternative decking materials increases. Some manufacturers have added decorative railing components, including posts, post caps, balusters, and trim boards to their product offerings, making it simple for builders and homeowners to complement their decking. For easy installation and concealment of outdoor lighting, security systems and audio equipment, railing and posts are available in hollow form.
Composite deck tiles offer remodelers, builders and homeowners a new option for enhancing exterior surfaces. |
Deck Tiles and Fencing
Another product type – composite deck tiles – offer builders and homeowners a new option for enhancing exterior surfaces, quickly and easily. The versatile and environmentally conscious tiles can be installed on patios, balconies, rooftops and virtually any hard, level surface. For example, made using 90% pre-and post-consumer recycled content, EcoShield deck tiles snap together for simple and secure installation. Such tiles are available in multiple colors, patterns and sizes. They will not rot, splinter or decay, and can be simply unsnapped, repositioned or removed at anytime to create a new design.
In addition to decking materials, some manufacturers are adding wood-plastic composite fencing to their product offerings. The new composite fencing materials are designed for installation with traditional treated wood frames or metal frame systems. Available in both dark and light finishes, composite fencing provides builders and homeowners another solution for their landscaping needs.
As the market continues to move toward sustainable construction, builders and homeowners are choosing materials that are environmentally responsible. Wood-plastic composite decking products offer engineered strength and long-lasting beauty, while making efficient use of recycled materials. Suitable for a variety of applications and climates, composite decking products help builders and homeowners transform the exteriors of their homes into outdoor living areas that can be enjoyed for years to come.
About The Author
Brent Gwatney is vice president of sales and marketing for MoistureShield composite decking. For more information, visit www.moistureshield.com
Thinking of a Kitchen Remodel?
The only thing that stops most people having the kitchen of their dreams is the potential cost. Kitchen remodeling costs will vary depending on the type of kitchen you currently have, the type of kitchen you want, and how much you want to spend. Even if your ideas are for all the best appliances, quality cabinets and worktops seem too high for your budget, it may still be possible for you to enjoy a new kitchen.
However, if you are willing to make a few compromises and a little research then there is no reason why you can’t get close to what you desire. So if you plan it carefully, the cost should only be a minor obstacle to you achieving the kitchen style you really want.
Many homeowners, in an effort to save money, often go the do-it-yourself route. It should also go without saying that you need to be comfortable using tools and not afraid to get your hands dirty because if you aren’t then the chances of you completing this project are small. Whilst it may look very good on paper, if you are not able to do this but try anyway, the chances are you will have to pay a kitchen fitter to rectify your mistakes before they can complete the work.
The main factor you need to consider that will make your kitchen remodeling dream a reality is which jobs you’re able to complete yourself and those where you will need a professional tradesman. Many homeowners find out the hard way that hiring a professional is actually cheaper in the long run after you factor in quality, warranty, and the value of your time that will be wasted trying to spend the next year on a remodeling job that would have taken a professional one month.
