kitchen design – Page 9 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

5 Trendy, Contemporary Wallpaper Ideas For The Kitchen And Bath

If you consider wallpaper something that should stay in the past, your vision might be incredibly dated. Do you imagine an entire room covered in tacky prints, the paper pealing at the edges, and the colors faded with age? That’s no longer the norm.

It’s time to discover today’s wallpaper options, which are surprisingly modern and much more versatile. From patterns that appear to have texture and dimension to wallpaper that you can actually wash; let’s take a look at five trendy, contemporary wallpaper ideas for the kitchen and bath.

Wallpaper? Just a drop.

Let’s begin by eliminating the notion that wallpaper must cover all of the walls in the room. As part of a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, many designers are choosing to use wallpaper strategically. Some bathroom and kitchen trends include using wallpaper to create an accent wall. You can also make a large room feel more intimate by dividing the walls with a chair rail and wallpapering only the top or bottom half. This allows wallpaper to be purposeful, and adds an interesting element to the room without appearing overwhelming.

It’s the digital age.

When it comes to wallpaper, we are no longer restricted to what can be painted by hand. With all of the advancements in printing, the wallpaper patterns available are so intricate and diverse that there is something for everyone — and every room. If you’re embarking on a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, consider using wallpaper in a tile-inspired pattern, or one that features a really interesting and unexpected design. Printing offers so many possibilities, there’s no reason to limit your creativity.

Add some texture.

It’s incredible how dimensional modern wallpaper can appear. When shopping styles, you’ll find woven grass, wood grain, cork, and more. Each of these unique materials is able to create a stunning, textured look. There are wallpapers that so closely mimic wood paneling, stone and other natural materials that it is almost impossible to detect any difference compared to the real thing.

Keep it clean.

When you have wallpaper in a room like the kitchen, there is a good chance it will be splattered with food at some point. This used to be a wallpaper tragedy, because cleaning the delicate fabric was anything but easy. Today, you’ll find a vast selection of wallpaper in washable materials that are perfect for applying in the kitchen.

Consider metallics.

We’ve already learned that modern wallpaper offers more options when it comes to prints and patterns, is much more durable, and can even appear textured and dimensional. Even more exciting are the color options, which now include shimmering metallics.

Replicating the beauty of gold, silver, and bronze, this beautiful wallpaper can really bring life to a contemporary kitchen or bathroom. If including metallic wallpaper in your kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, remember to add some task lighting to highlight each glimmering detail. Bonus: this light reflecting wallpaper can also brighten up the room and make a smaller space feel much larger.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, bar room, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

6 Efficient Tips For Properly Loading A Dishwasher

Household chores don’t have to be a bore — improve your dishwasher’s performance (and cut back on your cleaning time) by loading your dishwasher in the best possible way. For utensils, glassware and dishes that truly sparkle, you can’t just pile it all in and hope for the best. Instead, think outside the box and be methodical with your placement, just as you would with your kitchen design. With a little strategic know-how, you can help your dishwasher reach its full potential in no time.

Compartmentalize

Most dishwashers have three separate compartments to safely hold items — the top rack, bottom rack, and utensil basket. The top rack holds glasses, mugs, bowls, dishwasher-safe plastic, and other delicate items. Larger and heavier items have a home on the bottom rack, such as dinner plates, bakeware, serving bowls, platters, and pots and pans. Like the name implies, utensils go in the utensil basket.

Keep It Together

Stay organized by grouping like utensils together. This allows for easy sorting later, when putting clean knives, forks, and spoons back in the cutlery tray drawer. When loading the dishwasher, rotate pointing spoons and forks down and up to prevent sticking, and keep knife handles up for safety.

Check Your Filter

Filters are very important and usually are overlooked. Many modern dishwashers have filters to trap food particles, helping to keep the main compartment clean. It’s best to regularly clean out any filters, to keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Skip The Pre-Rinse

Although this has long been a controversial cleaning debate, and a matter of preference, pre-rinsing is not necessary. Most modern dishwashers are equipped with sensors that measure how dirty your dishes are, and adjust the cleaning process accordingly, saving you time and water usage. With that said, a quick rinse is okay — you should make sure large food pieces are gone before loading the dishwater.

5. Don’t Be Scared Of Stemware

You wouldn’t want to put your fine crystal stemware in the dishwasher, but everyday wine glasses should be perfectly safe. Keep them tilted inside the holders on the upper rack to get a thorough clean. Just beware of the bottom rack, since the water temperature is hotter there, and the cleaning detergents are thicker.

Don’t Over-Use The Detergent

Too much of anything is bad; so don’t go heavy on the detergent. Instead of leaving your dishes clean, too much detergent wastes money and leads to slimy dishes. Read the product label on the back and stick to the recommended amount, or opt for pods instead.

Think of your dishwasher like you would a good kitchen design, with thoughtful consideration for placement and practicality, and then put your newfound knowledge to the test. By incorporating these easy and efficient tips for loading your dishwasher properly, you can help to achieve organization from the inside out.

7 Lovely Ways To Add Color In The Kitchen

Since the kitchen is heart of the home, shouldn’t it be a cheerful and inviting space? It’s true that neutral hues are always a safe bet, and white kitchen cabinets are eternally popular. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in a beige box to keep things classy. With spring on the horizon, now is the time to start sprucing up your home with tasteful pops of color. Here are a few brilliant ideas to help get you started.

Color Outside The Lines

You can’t help but be happy when surrounded by pretty pastels. Opting for a colorful finish on kitchen cabinets is unexpected, and can offer uniquely stunning results. Think neutral tones like Sage, Tidewater, and shades of gray, for a subtle hint of color without overwhelming or dating your space.

Take A Tip From Mother Nature

The simple act of looking out your window can be all the decorating inspiration you need. Bring a bit of natural beauty into your kitchen by adding earthy elements like reclaimed wood, freshly cut flowers, bowls of bright citrus fruit, pots of fresh culinary herbs, and indoor houseplants.

Make A Splash

Sometimes a small addition can make a huge splash. Kitchen backsplashes are an easy way to complete your kitchen update with style and color. Willow Lane Cabinetry carries Cristezza Club Glass Tile in a rainbow of colors, including Slate and Baby Blue, Teal, Light Olive, Grey, and Red, to name a few.

Wow With Your Walls

Simply painting your walls can elevate your space, and it is by far the most inexpensive way to add color to your kitchen. Choose a hue that compliments your cabinetry, or add a colorful accent wall with wallpaper. No longer stuck in the 1980s, wallpaper is seeing a resurgence as of late, with subtle geometric patterns, botanicals, and faux marble leading the trend in 2018.

Add Artistic Appliances

While stainless steel appliances reign, today’s market also features a fun variety of colorful dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, and ranges for daring homeowners, manufactured by reliable brands. We’re not talking Avocado Green, Harvest Gold, or Bisque from decades past. Instead, color choices include pretty shades of blue, red, orange and yellow.

Don’t Forget The Details

Like their larger cousins, small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders all come in a wide selection of kitschy colors with retro flare. You can also add hints of color with area rugs, valances, artwork, dishes, and table linens.

Express Yourself

Nobody said your furniture had to be boring. Go bold by pairing colorful, painted wood chairs with a farmhouse table, or enameled barstools with upholstered seats in a matching fabric print that pulls from the colors of the room.

How To Give Your Kitchen A Healthy Makeover

Come January first, most people are all about eating healthier. But when February rolls around, those plans go right out the window. If you want to stick to your resolutions this year, it’s time to take a good look at your kitchen.

The Best Laid Plans

Get Smart

Start by ridding your kitchen of anything high in sodium, sugar, and trans fats, or anything overly processed. Food labels list the ingredients (the less, the better), plus helpful information on calories, number of servings, total carbs, fiber, fat, and nutrient content in the packaged foods you buy. Look at the food labels to determine what is a healthy choice — and what isn’t.

Make A List

Create a grocery list to replenish your kitchen with healthier food staples, such as whole grain pasta, brown rice, high-fiber cereals and beans, frozen vegetables, low-sodium chicken broth, lean meats, and high-protein yogurt, eggs and cheese. Also have fresh fruits and vegetables on hand, prepped and ready to eat when looking for a snack. Fresh, whole foods are always a smart choice.

Take It Easy

If you have a family, you should ease into this process slowly, especially if you have picky eaters in the house. To change your family’s eating habits for the better, you will need to determine what types of meals they enjoy the most, and swap out unhealthy ingredients with healthy alternatives that still taste great. Don’t scare them off by introducing a new way of eating all at once.

Get Creative

To add flavor to your meals (without all the salt), install a door mounted spice rack in a cabinet near the stove for easy access when cooking. A slow cooker can be a lifesaver for busy families, so put it to good use to avoid the temptation of take-out after a busy day. Browse the Internet for favorite recipes made healthier, like Healthy Slow Cooker Chili, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, or Slow Cooker Lo Mein.

Embrace Change

While it’s important to eat healthy, don’t deprive yourself of the foods you love. Strict diets can set you up for failure. After all, food was meant to be enjoyed! With just a little planning, a touch of creativity, and a few simple swaps, you’ll be on your way to a healthier kitchen!

5 Things To Consider When Designing Your Dream Laundry Room

Having a laundry room that is organized, efficient, and beautiful sounds more like a dream than a reality. But what if we told you that there were only five things needed to take this fantasy forward? No, this is not an illusion. These are the steps you need to take to bring your vision from imagination into existence.

Storage should always take top priority.

When imaging your dream laundry room, did you ever notice that one thing is always missing from the picture? Yes, the laundry. That is because the ultimate laundry room is clutter free. There’s never an overflowing laundry basket or pile waiting to be folded.

Your laundry room cabinetry should have efficient space to store key elements such as multiple baskets for separating clothing and linens, and a hideaway for your drying rack and ironing board. Functionality is fathomable only when storage solutions are made a priority in the design process. Shop the selection from Willow Lane Cabinetry to see for yourself.

Don’t think of this space as solely a utility room.

One great mistake homeowners make when designing their laundry room is that they fail to see the potential. By solely focusing on the room’s functionality, they miss out on incorporating aesthetics and décor that can elevate this space into much more than a utility room. From chandeliers to luxurious backsplashes, the most beautiful laundry rooms are barely reminiscent of utility rooms at all. Don’t be afraid to incorporate elements or décor that you may have thought were reserved for the kitchen or living room. By coloring outside of the lines, you’ll be able to bring that castle in the air down to earth.

Utilize your vertical space.

Not every laundry room is lofty or grandiose. In many cases, creativity is required to accommodate all of your wants in a smaller space. Don’t be discouraged. Optimize vertical space by stacking appliances and installing floor to ceiling laundry room cabinetry. By looking up, not just side to side, you will see a whole new world of possibilities.

Open shelving and wall accessories are small additions that yield big results.

One of the incredible qualities of a dream laundry room is the ability to bring together very basic elements in an artistic way. Think open shelves lined with storage baskets and drying racks that fold up onto the wall. These necessities can become decorations in themselves, by selecting interesting and modern renditions of classic items.

Give your laundry room dual functionality.

A laundry room can also be a mudroom for storing boots, coats and umbrellas. For some, it is best served as place for bathing and feeding pets. There are so many possibilities that you have yet to discover, but can by working with one of Willow Lane Cabinetry’s laundry room designers. This service is free of charge to all of our customers, and includes a custom layout, photorealistic renderings, and an itemized list of what you need and how much it will cost. Stop thinking about your dream laundry room, and start designing it today with the help of our expert team.

5 Terms To Know When Shopping For A New Kitchen Sink

You’d think buying a new sink would be a simple step in your kitchen renovation, but you’d be surprised. With a lot of unfamiliar terms and measurements you never knew existed, navigating kitchen sinks can be quite the conundrum. Here we share five things that will help clarify your kitchen sink confusion.

#1. Installation Type

There are a few different installations you can do when it comes to kitchen sinks.

Apron front sinks (also known as farmhouse style) require a wider sink cabinet and one that can accommodate its exposed front.

Topmount is a drop in style sink that is installed over the countertop. The edges of the sink will be fully visible, and there will be a clear divide between the sink and countertop.

Undermount refers to installing the sink beneath the countertop to create a straight drop from the countertop to the sink. This is a sleek choice, with little to no reveal.

#2. Single Bowl or Double Bowl

There are pros and cons to both single and double bowl kitchen sinks, so it really comes down to the size of your sink base cabinet and your personal preferences.

Single bowl sinks can accommodate larger items like pots and pans. You will have more options when it comes to sizes and faucet placement, and they are typically less expensive.

Double bowl sinks offer more versatility when it comes to food preparation, and washing and drying dishes — think rinsing veggies in one side and dirty dishes in the other. But it may be more difficult to find the perfect size for your kitchen, and you will have limited options in regards to installing your faucet.

#3. Sink Material

Choose a sink material based on the look you love and the durability you seek.

Stainless steel is a popular choice because it easy to clean and maintain, and provides a durable material for kitchen sinks at an affordable price point. It keeps a consistent look over time, and a brushed satin finish will help hide any scratches. Stainless steel works with any style kitchen, and is especially in sync with contemporary kitchen designs.

Granite composite is another excellent contemporary option with style and durability. Astragranite from Willow Lane Cabinetry is comprised of 80% Quartzite and 20% Acrylic. Silver ions are added to the sink during the manufacturing process and kill 99% of bacteria on contact. It comes in a variety of sizes, styles and colors, is scratch resistant and can resist heat up to 550 degrees.

With copper, you get a unique look that changes over time and nicely complements country, rustic and transitional kitchen designs. It has antibacterial properties, so it provides an ideal environment for washing food and dishes. Copper takes a little more care than other options, but it’s well worth it for that gorgeous natural patina.

#4. Sink Thickness

If shopping for a stainless steel sink, another number you will want to be familiar with is the thickness. You will find 16, 18 and 20-gauge stainless steel sinks. The lower the gauge, the better the stainless steel is — in other words, a 16-gauge sink is thicker than a 20-gauge sink. The most popular thickness is an 18-gauge sink, which is easy to find and considered a good thickness for kitchen use.

#5. Number Of Faucet Holes

If you’re replacing an existing kitchen sink, you can simply look under the sink to see how many holes your mounting plate covers. If it has three, get a new faucet with three holes as well. This will be the easiest option. If you are building new or completely remodeling your kitchen, the choice is yours!

6 Simple Ways To Go Green In The Kitchen

The concept of green living has increasingly grown in popularity over the past few years, and while trends come and go, this one is likely here to stay – and for good reason! Making a few basic changes at home can help save money and energy, which is good for both you and the environment. From kitchen hoods that improve indoor air quality, to Low or No-VOC paint, here are six simple ways to go green in the kitchen.

Improve Air Quality With A Range Hood

Most homeowners spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and proper ventilation is a must. The best way to improve indoor air quality in the kitchen is through the use of a kitchen hood, especially one that vents to the outside.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.” About 95 percent of the food we throw away ends up in landfills. But with a little planning and prep work, you can reduce your amount of wasted food.

Make a weekly grocery list with meals in mind, and stick to it. Check your refrigerator and pantry first, to see what you already have. Don’t buy more than you need, prepare perishables in a timely manner, and properly store your grocery items to maintain maximum freshness.

Don’t let leftovers sit around for too long. Instead, immediately freeze them, or repurpose items for a second meal later in the week. Recycle glass, plastic and cardboard packaging in a pullout waste container conveniently located in the kitchen, and consider composting food scraps as well.

Opt For Energy-Saving Appliances

When purchasing new appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens, look for the Energy Star label. Most are 10 percent to 50 percent more efficient than standard models, which can help homeowners save money on energy bills.

Choose Your Countertops And Floors Wisely

When remodeling your kitchen, you’ll find a variety of flooring and countertop options made from natural, recycled materials, such as engineered stone, cork, bamboo, or linoleum. These options are durable, easy to clean, and come in a large selection of styles and colors.

Stick With LED Lighting

LED lighting is energy-efficient, and has a longer lifespan than incandescent or florescent bulbs. Save even more by installing dimmer switches, and motion sensors that automatically turn light on and off as needed.

Use Low or No-VOC Paint On Walls

Typical household paints are traditionally filled with potentially harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. When the paint dries, VOCs are released into the air, where they react with other elements to produce ozone. This can lead to air pollution and health issues, such as headaches, respiratory problems, and nausea. Thankfully, Low or No-VOC paint is now widely available at your local paint or hardware store.

Transitional Kitchens: Where Tradition Meets Trendy

Not sure about what style to implement in your kitchen remodel? Are you stuck between your traditional ways and the urge for something fresh and contemporary? Let us introduce to you the transitional kitchen. This hybrid kitchen design perfectly blends the old and the new to create a balanced and functional look for homeowners with mixed tastes.

What defines this kitchen style?

In a transitional kitchen you will find both classic and contemporary elements. But rather than clash with each other, they are clear complements and create a unique unity. One example would be a kitchen with sleek stainless steel appliances, traditional shaker style kitchen cabinets, granite countertops and hardwood floors. The finished product is fresh but familiar at the same time. This is the magic of transitional kitchen design.

How can I create this design in my home?

Building out your transitional kitchen is easy. Your first step is to focus on the major decisions, like kitchen cabinets, flooring, counter tops and appliances. This it the core of your kitchen, and you want to make sure that while the styles of each may vary, cohesively they make sense side by side. To make this process easier, utilize Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free kitchen design service. You’ll receive photorealistic renderings to see how your kitchen cabinets look in your space. No need to guess when technology can do the work for you!

How do you avoid the possible chaos that could occur?

Think of a transitional kitchen as a friendship or relationship, where two different people each bring something to the table. Separately they may be “missing” something but together they are whole, offering strength to one another’s weaknesses. If each person was exactly the same, they could overwhelm rather than benefit one another. When designing a transitional kitchen, you’ll do well to keep these principles in mind. If you try to make every aspect of your kitchen both traditional and trendy, you’ll achieve nothing but chaos. If you focus your styles in certain areas, such as modern kitchen cabinets and traditional hardwood floors, you’ll see how each part of your kitchen brings a unique value to the room as a whole.

What else can be done to amplify this look?

Kitchen design reaches much further than the basics. Outside of your cabinets, flooring, and counter tops is a whole world of opportunities to exemplify your kitchen style. The furniture in your space — from bar stools to the dining room table — make a huge statement. The lighting, and even the kitchen hood above your range, speaks to theme of the room. The paint on the walls and the backsplash give color and character to your kitchen. And then there are the accessories! Decorating your countertops and walls is the finishing touch on any kitchen design. Make sure yours include a balance of new and old — a fruit basket just like your grandma used to have on the same countertop as your brightly colored KitchenAid mixer.

A transitional kitchen should be a breath of fresh air, as it allows you to encompass all the things you love about home design. Don’t stress yourself about getting this just right! You’re getting the rare opportunity in life to have everything you want, so have fun with it and enjoy the process.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Written by Korrie. Korrie Martinez is a self proclaimed DIY pro with an eye for design and a craft for finding simple solutions to homeowner’s common concerns. Her articles offer tips and trends to help The RTA Store’s customers achieve the home of their dreams on a balanced budget. Follow Korrie on Instagram and Twitter @kokonez or visit her website www.korriemartinez.com.

How To Choose The Perfect Paint For Your Kitchen Or Bath

A fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to beautify a room. But when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, not all paints are created equal. Choosing the right paint for your home is important, and just like prepping the space before you paint, it would be wise to do your homework before you begin shopping for colors. Kitchens need a durable interior paint that will stand up to grease and the occasional scrubbing. Bathrooms are exposed to water and high-humidity, and should have a high-quality paint that is moisture and mildew resistant.

It’s All About The Finish

Interior paints come in flat/matte, satin/eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes. For a bathroom or kitchen, satin or semi-gloss paints are considered the best choices. Semi-gloss paints are water and stain-resistant, and can stand up to frequent cleanings — something to consider if you have little ones with sticky, greasy fingers. Keep in mind that while it’s by far the easiest to clean, semi-gloss paint reflects light, which may call attention to any imperfections in your walls. Satin paint, on the other hand, is washable and holds up well to humidity. It has a softer sheen than semi-gloss, and does a better job of hiding flaws. While semi-gloss is the most durable for high traffic areas like the kitchen and bath, satin is still a good alternative for those who prefer a less shiny surface. When painting your kitchen or bath, always choose quality paints with a good rating. If you have a history of mold and mildew problems, you may want to consider paint with anti-microbial additives made specifically for bathrooms.

Color Your Space Beautiful

If you take the time to paint, you want to be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come. So coat your walls in a color you love! Of course, paint colors are a personal choice, but there are some colors that are tailor made for the kitchen and bath.

Blue: Ever popular, blue is a classic color with endless variety. Cloudy blue, serene aqua, and bold navy are the quintessential bathroom colors, reminiscent of hues found in nature, from the sky to the sea. When used in the kitchen, opt for cheerful blues like cyan, teal, or Tiffany Blue.

Green: Earthy and organic, green brings a touch of nature indoors. From lighter tones like celery, mint and sage, to rich hunter and moss, this neutral pairs well with white, black and every cabinetry finish in between. When used in a bathroom, it invokes a spa-like atmosphere.

Gray: From smoky to charcoal, gray is right on trend. Gray can be light and ethereal, or rich and elegant, and can be a stunning choice for a kitchen or bath with undertones of blue or green.

Yellow: Pale yellow is a happy, sunny kitchen color when paired with white kitchen cabinets or a bathroom vanity. Opt for mustard and gold tones in the bath, for a more elegant look.

Red: Red is a dramatic choice for a bathroom, and is well suited for a kitchen. Studies show the color red helps stimulate the appetite and lively conversation around the table.

Brown: Like gray, brown is a neutral that adds a pop of color without going too bold. Brown runs the gamut from light to dark, with sandy beige, camel, taupe, and chocolate hues.

Greige: The perfect mix of gray and beige, greige is the hottest neutral in home decorating today, working equally well in a contemporary or traditional kitchen or bath.

White / Cream: Clean, crisp and timeless, white is like a blank canvas that stunningly showcases your décor, while cream does the same with a touch of warmth.

Written by Tiffany. Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

Solid or Engineered? Choosing The Right Hardwood Floors For Your Home

Hardwood floors have long been the most desired option for the home. Durable and easy to maintain, hardwood floors offer warmth, character, and beauty, and fit any and every style of décor. One hot trend for 2016 is hardwood in the kitchen. Become a savvy shopper, and learn how to choose the best hardwood floors to suite your needs, and your home.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood comes in strips, usually measuring ¾ inches thick and anywhere from one and a half to three inches wide. It can also be found in planks as wide as six inches. This type of flooring is constructed from solid pieces of wood, with tongue and groove sides. Solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture, so it should be nailed and glued down, and should have a quality urethane finish.

Solid wood is a beautiful addition to the home, including the kitchen, but be sure to immediately mop up any spills. The hardness of wood varies with the direction of the wood grain, and The Janka hardness test helps measures the wood’s resistance to denting and wear. Certain woods are naturally more durable than others — so the higher the ranking, the harder the wood. Grade levels tell you about knots, color variations, and imperfections. The higher the grade, the more expensive it will be.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is made from layers of plywood stacked in opposite directions and laminated together. This method makes engineered hardwood more stable and less susceptible to moisture damage, and therefore an excellent choice in in the kitchen. Quality engineered wood generally ranges in thickness from 3/8 to 3/4 inches.

Unlike solid wood, engineered hardwood can be installed anywhere as a floating floor, including over concrete. Other methods of installation include nailing and glue. Engineered hardwood is considered easier to install than solid wood. It is also often more affordable, since the top layer is all you will see. However, these floors can only be refinished a limited number of times. Once installed, a quality engineered wood floor can be difficult to distinguish from solid, though some homeowners still prefer the natural beauty of solid hardwood.

Popular Species Of Wood For Flooring

American Cherry
American Walnut
Ash
Bamboo
Beech
Birch
Brazilian Cherry
Brazilian Teak
Brazilian Walnut
Hickory
Mahogany
Maple
Red Oak
Tigerwood
White Oak
Yellow Pine

Like beautiful, quality kitchen cabinets, both solid and engineered hardwood floors are an investment that will last — and be enjoyed — for many years to come.