A lot of homeowners come in looking for new custom cabinets or a cabinet reface. However, most of the time they are uncertain as to which cabinetry material they should use. Many homeowners initially think that wood is the best and only option for their home. Don’t get me wrong, wood can be a great option for your kitchen, but it’s most definitely not your only or best option. Recently, lots of homeowners who have been looking to change up their kitchen have been contemplating whether to use 3D laminate or MDF for their cabinetry. Here are the pros and cons of using either 3D laminates or MDF for your cabinetry. 

3D Laminate 

Modern science and technology have paved the way for a new type of laminate. These new laminated doors are designed to look just like their wood counterparts. Laminate cabinets are less expensive wooden cabinetry doors that are covered in a plastic-like layer called laminate. 

Pros 

• high- and low-pressure laminates can withstand extreme pressure
• easy to clean
• scratch resistant
• cost affordable
• endless color options and can be made to look uniform
• quick to produce while maintaining a high-quality look and feel 

Cons 

• although durable prone to damage due to the pressure it was made under
• the laminate may slowly lift over time.
• difficult to repair a damage, so it’s easier to replace

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) 

MDF cabinetry is made from wood fibers, resin, and wax. MDF doors are a simple option to reduce the large cost of installing new custom cabinets.  It’s durable, stronger, and denser than other forms of pressed board, so it can work in almost any application where a natural wood product would be applied. 

Pros 

• fewer cracking or warping issues
• no noticeable grain on your cabinets so it gives your cabinets a smoother finish
• easy to customize
• cost effective
• environmentally friendly product
• high levels of moisture resistance

Cons 

• scratches cannot be repaired easily
• do not handle extreme heat well
• MDF doors cannot be stained
• does not equate to the natural aesthetic found in solid wood.

Kitchen Solvers 

There always seems to be an abundance of options when choosing your new cabinetry. This abundance of options means the kitchen of your dreams can become a reality. But it can also mean feeling a little overwhelmed with your choices. When you’re in the process of a remodel, overwhelmed is the last thing we want you to feel like when upgrading your kitchen. At Kitchen Solvers, part of our core belief is providing each homeowner with the most Pleasant Remodeling Experience. From the moment you call, we will meet you where you are at in the buying process. Call your nearest kitchen solvers for your consultation! If you’re looking to gain a greater insight on what a kitchen remodel entails make sure to visit our blog articles like Looking for a Financially Savvy Cabinet Restoration? Cabinet Refacing could be your Solution! And What are the Steps in a Kitchen Remodel? 

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Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

CHICAGO — Sales leads and project requests are robust, and revenue forecasts are bullish, but profit margins are reportedly being squeezed, COVID-19 remains a concern, and kitchen/bath dealers and designers continue to face supply-chain snafus, product price hikes, a skilled-labor shortage, and other headwinds to more robust growth in the months ahead.

That’s the primary consensus of a series of surveys conducted by Kitchen & Bath Design News and other industry sources attempting to get a handle on 2022 business prospects, following a year in which the kitchen/bath market witnessed sharp growth in both its remodeling and new-construction sectors, while COVID-19 continued to reshape the nation’s housing landscape, incomes and saving accounts rose, design trends and homeowner demographics evolved, and larger, more-multi-functional homes continued to remain a focus of consumer spending

But the pace of market growth, while projected to be palpable, has tapered off in recent months, and is expected to cool even more in the months ahead, as inflation scythes through the economy, product and labor availability continue to hamstring design/remodeling firms, housing affordability remains at historically low levels, and uncertainties tied to the coronavirus continue to loom.

KBDN’s nationwide survey of dealers and designers, conducted at the tail end of 2021, found that an overwhelming majority (86+%) of those polled said they expect their company’s revenue to either increase or remain roughly the same in 2022 compared to 2021. In contrast, less than 14% said they anticipate a revenue decline in 2022. Revenue gains are anticipated for both new and remodeled kitchens and baths, although dealers and designers are more bullish about revenue growth from kitchens (34.2%) than they are from baths (7.9%).

Dealers and designers also report that sales leads and project requests are up dramatically compared to the same time a year ago – understandable given how the current confluence of COVID-related demand, savings growth, home appreciation, government stimulus and other factors continue to spur homeowner spending. Specifically, a whopping 65+% of survey participants report their current sales leads are either somewhat or much higher now compared to a year ago, while only about 15% report that sales leads are lower and about 19% say they are about the same.

But while sales leads and strong, and revenue is generally expected to increase, surveyed dealers and designers paint a different picture when it comes to anticipated profit margins. For example, while 33.6% of those surveyed expect 2022 profit margins to increase, 14.2% expect margins to decline compared to 2021, and more than half (52.2%) expect margins to remain the same.

Other survey findings:

n With the COVID-driven emphasis on health and wellness, work-at-home arrangements and families sheltering in place, increases in client requests are being reported for products that range from universal design, smart appliances and aging-in-place elements to outdoor kitchens, anti-microbial materials and home ventilation.

n Pricing is apparently not a major factor for clients, many of whom seem willing to spend whatever it takes to get the kitchens and bathrooms that they want. For instance, while roughly 60% of the dealers and designers surveyed by KBDN say that pricing is either less important to clients or about the same as it was a year ago, far less (40%) say that pricing is more critical to clients now.

n While 51% of the design professionals surveyed say they are either extremely, very concerned or somewhat concerned about COVID-19 negatively impacting their business operations and profits in 2022, more than half (54%) say they are “not very” or “not at all” concerned, even in light of the new Omicron variant impacting the nation.

n While less than 5% of survey respondents report clients postponing or cancelling projects, nearly 44% report they are experiencing longer lead times for product deliveries and/or production and shipping delays.

The post Leads Robust, But Margins Being Squeezed, KBDN Survey Finds appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

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Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — Ongoing supply-chain disruptions coupled with labor shortages, higher material costs and emerging uncertainties wrought by COVID-19 are cooling the pace of kitchen and bath market growth in the wake of an exceptionally strong year in 2021.

According to the latest Market Forecast Report issued in recent weeks by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the 2021 kitchen and bath industry posted healthy, double-digit gains over 2020, although growth projections were “pared back a bit” compared to the NKBA’s previous (July 2021) forecast, “as lingering issues caused by the pandemic seem to be catching up to consumer sentiment.”

The NKBA projected total 2021 revenues of $167 billion, a 19% increase over the $141 billion that was posted in 2020, but lower than earlier forecasts, which predicted that full-year revenue totals would reach $171 billion.

“2021 has been like none other for our industry, as strong growth across virtually every sector led to record revenues,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of the Hackettstown, NJ-based NKBA. However, some homeowners, faced with price increases related to supply chain disruptions, “are deferring projects until they’ve enough saved to get exactly what they want, or in the hope that costs will come down,” Darcy added.

The NKBA reported a nearly 10% year-over-year growth in the kitchen and bath remodeling sector in 2021, and a 26% growth in the new construction sector. Premium projects were up by more than 22%, while low-end projects grew about 11%, “suggesting a cooling of the DIY trend,” the NKBA said.

“These findings are very encouraging and indicate that…growth should be sustained into 2022,” Darcy said.

In related news, the latest NKBA/John Burns Real Estate Consulting “Kitchen & Bath Market Index,” issued in December, remained in “solidly expanding territory,” but cooled from the record number posted in the previous quarter. Expected future activity “also tailed off a bit,” having peaked in the first quarter of 2021, reported the NKBA and John Burns.

“In relative terms, the outlook remains quite positive,” with association members projecting about a 9% sales gain in 2022 – “impressive if it holds true, given 2021’s strong growth,” said the NKBA, adding that supply chain disruptions, cost of materials and availability of skilled labor are hampering the industry’s ability to take full advantage of strong demand…as NKBA members scramble to meet client needs, with most resorting to brands they’ve never previously used.”

Other findings of the NKBA/John Burns Report were as follows:

n The challenging business environment has forced the industry to become “supplier/vendor agnostic” – prioritizing product availability above other factors. The industry has also moved toward sourcing more domestic-based products in an attempt to circumvent global supply chain issues. Manufacturers are prioritizing high-value products to protect profit margins while stockpiling excess materials to help ease lead times and overall constraints.

n The kitchen and bath industry continues to feel the pains of ongoing supply chain challenges. Port congestion is further compounding strained supply chains that are still recovering from the effects of Winter Storm Uri and Hurricane Ida, while labor shortages are causing delays in the trucking industry. Meanwhile, lead times for domestic and foreign raw materials are well over 6+ weeks and has many within the sector struggling to keep up with demand in today’s economy. As a result, product backlogs extend well into 2022 as these difficulties prevent those in the industry from staffing full production schedules.

n Even in the face of ongoing challenges, the industry remains cautiously optimistic about the health of the sector. Despite projects being pushed into 2022, the industry is continuing to see demand for building and construction projects as 84% of firms report low postponement rates and 90% report low cancellation rates relative to their overall project volume.

The post Pace of Market Growth Seen Cooling After Strong 2021 Gains appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

Hybrid kitchen is a relatively new term we coined in the remodeling industry. So you might be wondering, what exactly does a hybrid kitchen remodel entail? Hybrid kitchens allow Kitchen Solvers to offer the best of both options to customers by saving them money while allowing them to add new cabinets or replace some cabinets that might not be useful. Here’s why a hybrid remodel might be the perfect fit for your next kitchen remodel. 

Hybrid kitchens construct a new style of kitchen around your already existing design. The beauty of a hybrid kitchen is that it can truly be whatever you want. If you’re looking to mix new cabinets with refaced cabinets, a hybrid kitchen remodel is the way to go. Not to mention hybrid kitchens are a great way to improve the functioning of your kitchen space. 

It’s common for homeowners to have a few doubts going into their remodel. Oftentimes, there’s a few things in their kitchen which they absolutely love and do not want to part with. A hybrid kitchen remodel mixes what you love about your current kitchen with what you want to incorporate into your new kitchen. For example, maybe you love most of your kitchen, but wish you had an extra-large pantry in an empty corner for more storage space. Kitchen Solvers can create a cohesive look by refacing your existing cabinetry and adding a new pantry cabinet and refacing that as well. We’ve also had homeowners have flood damage to their lower cabinets, but their upper cabinets are still in great condition. We can salvage the upper cabinets and add new lower cabinets and reface all the cabinets to make it look like one cohesive kitchen. At Kitchen Solvers, we pride ourselves in making your kitchen dreams become your reality. 

Opting to have a hybrid kitchen remodel means that no have the most flexibility to cater your space to your specific liking. Hybrid kitchens mean every look is unique, so you never have to worry about stepping foot in a kitchen that looks identical to yours. Not only will your kitchen look unique, but hybrid remodeling is an excellent route for those who want to remain within their budget. Instead of buying all new materials and paying for longer hours, hybrid kitchens use what you want and replace the outdated designs. 

Kitchen Solvers 

At Kitchen Solvers, we want to ensure that you, the homeowner, protect and preserve your beautiful kitchen. The most important factor in how to make a kitchen remodel easy is getting help from professionals. At Kitchen Solvers, our expert design team can help you create the ultimate kitchen that fits your budget and offers some of the best features and styles available. 

Be sure to check out some of our most popular articles: How can I make my kitchen more luxurious on a budget? and 5 Reasons on Why You Should Say “Yes” to Quartz.

The post Why You Should Consider a Hybrid Kitchen Remodel appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

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Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

• Project Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Simple Shaker
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: White
• Countertop: Laminate
• Countertop Color: White/Grey
• Backsplash: Subway Tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of North Indianapolis’ Gallery page.

The post Spotlight Kitchens of November – New Cabinetry appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

• Project Location: Menomonie, WI
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing and New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Mission
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Classic White and Black
• Door Material: Maple
• Countertop: Cambria
• Countertop Color: Hollinsbrook
• Backsplash: White Subway Tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Eau Claire’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Hawthorn Woods, IL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing and New Cabinets
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: Ontario white for uppers and Haze Supermatte for lowers
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Calacatta Laza

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Grayslake’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Pickerington, OH
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: Stratus Super Matte
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Bianco Fumo
• Backsplash: Canvas La Belle Purity polished ceramic

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Columbus’ Gallery page.

The post Spotlight Kitchens of November – Cabinet Refacing appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

Kitchen Transformation by Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse

Project Location:  Onalaska, WI 

Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing 

Type of door style: Shaker 

Remodel style: Transitional 

Color: Spruce on Maple for Perimeter and Medium Brown Walnut Stain on Rustic Alder for Island 

Countertop: Quartz 

Countertop color: Viatera Muse 

Backsplash: 3” x 6” arctic white tile  

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse’s Blog.  

Find a location near you.  

The post Kitchen of the Month Winner for Cabinet Refacing for November appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

Kitchen Inspiration by Kitchen Solvers of Eau Claire

Project Location: Menomonie, WI 

Remodel type: New Cabinetry 

Type of door style: Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection Bristol 

Remodel style: Modern 

Color: Boulder 

Countertop: Cambria Quartz 

Countertop color: Delgado  

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Eau Claire’s Blog.  

Find a location near you.  

The post Kitchen of the Month Winner for New Cabinets for November appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

Oftentimes, the remodeling world can be stressful to navigate. With so many options, styles, and designs, it’s hard not to occasionally feel overwhelmed. And along with each decision comes an added price. At Kitchen Solvers, we know a kitchen remodel can be timely and costly. One of the most important aspects of any kitchen is your space’s layout. The layout is what determines how easy your kitchen is to navigate and how convenient it is for both cooking and entertaining. If you want to make sure you get the most out of your kitchen, optimizing all your given space will ensure easy navigation and top convenience. Read below to learn about which kitchen layout suits your home best.

L-Shaped 

This layout has become increasingly popular because it offers a very open feel to the kitchen. The L-shaped kitchen has two walls which intersect at a 90-degree angle that feature all the appliances. Often one of the walls is longer than the other to keep space open. Keep in mind working in the kitchen causes you to have your back to the rest of the house, so installing an island can help you prep meals and face people. 

U-Shaped Kitchen 

The U-shaped kitchen, also known as the horseshoe layout, adds a third wall to the L-shaped format. This kitchen layout provides workspace on all three sides and gives seamless countertop space. This layout works great in any size kitchen! Normally, homeowners will make the third wall an island or peninsula to help optimize traffic flow.  

Galley Kitchen 

A galley or one-wall kitchen is the most popular layout amongst homeowners because it makes the most out of the available space. A one-wall layout has the appliances and counters all lined up together which makes installation quick and convenient. Most customers choose to have an island compliment this set up to increase counter space and functionality.

Setting Up Appliances and Sections 

When it comes to setting up your appliances and sections, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Each appliance and section has its own traits, and while they often work together with other parts of your kitchen, they still have individual requirements to account for. This is true for appliances like stoves and sinks in addition to sections like cabinets and islands. 

Stoves and ovens are an essential aspect of any kitchen, but there’s something important to remember when placing them. To make ventilation easy, or even possible, your stove and oven combo will need to be placed on an exterior wall. Installing ventilation over an island or in the middle of your home can be costly and complicated. 

Islands are a common addition to high-end kitchens, but you need to consider where they’re implemented. An island that’s too close to the side of your kitchen will make maneuverability difficult. On the other hand, an island that’s too far away will cease to serve a convenient purpose. It’s just another surface that you must walk all the way over to.  

Kitchen Solvers 

At Kitchen Solvers, it’s our job to ensure that you have the most Pleasant Remodeling Experience. Making sure you’re constantly blown away by your home is part of our job description. Whether you need storage solutions, a design upgrade, an island installed, a cabinet reface, or want to start from scratch with a whole new kitchen remodel, Kitchen Solvers is here to make your dreams a reality. Also, feel free to check out our blog articles which cover everything from Adding an Easy Color Pop to Your Kitchen! to What is Cabinet Refacing and Why Should I Consider it for My Home? 

The post Which Kitchen Layout Suits Your Home Best? appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net

CHESAPEAKE, VA — Dave’s Cabinet, a leading cabinet manufacturer in the Mid-Atlantic region, has announced that the ownership interest of company founder David Alderman CMKBD, has been purchased by John K. Morgan, CEO of Green Forest Cabinetry.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Dave’s Cabinet, founded in 1980, occupies three manufacturing buildings on approximately 40 acres of land in Chesapeake, VA. The business consists of a fully equipped end-to-end cabinet manufacturing/finishing facility, a retail division, plus a modern granite/quartz fabrication unit.

“I am incredibly proud of the 40+ years of Dave’s Cabinet’s success, especially the commitment and work to better our local community,” said Morgan, who, along with Alderman, is a past president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

“I could not be more pleased to have the opportunity to lead his legacy to the next level of tomorrow’s micro-manufacturing world,” Morgan added.

Under the terms of the agreement, Julie Boone will retain her existing ownership interest in Dave’s Cabinet, said the company, which also announced a continuation of an annual $5,000 grant/scholarship to both the Great Bridge Baptist Church, a local parish, and the student program at the NKBA nationally.

The post VA-Based Supplier Dave’s Cabinet is Acquired appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Paul Gardner

www.denniskitchens.net