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RED
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VERY EXPENSIVE |
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BLUE
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EXPENSIVE
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GREEN
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AFFORDABLE
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Door Finishes
Solid Wood and Bamboo
If you
choose wood, will you go for solid wood or wood veneer? The veneer is
cheaper and is more durable to weather conditions. Whilst the humidity and
temperature outside have an effect on your solid wooden kitchen doors, the
biggest influence comes from the changes in temperature and humidity derived
from your kitchen activities.
Wood itself is available in various colours, but it can also be glossed,
painted, colour washed or waxed to give it the finish you prefer.
Veneer Finish
This
is a door made of thin layers of real wood applied in leaves over a particle
board door, providing uniformity and even colour distribution. Veneer is a
more economical alternative to real wood but without the compromise of
colour changes.
Melamine / Laminate
Laminate cupboard doors have numerous possibilities in colour,
texture and sheen. You can opt for a soft look with creamy colours and a
matt finish. Alternatively, to make a statement, select the Italian elegance
with glimmering fronts, bold colours, modern handles and other stylish
finishes to compliment this theme.
A great advantage of laminate cupboards is that they are virtually
maintenance-free. Laminate only needs the occasional wipe to keep it its
lustre and maintain its condition.
MDF
Supawood
A versatile product with many options for shaping doors into different
profiles and edging, allowing for manufacture of contemporary, colourful and
funky modern units. Although the board itself is inexpensive, the type of
finish selected will influence the expense to the end product.
Countertop Finishes
Countertops and Worktops for kitchens are available in a variety of
materials. The most popular options today include:
Laminate,
Granite,
Stainless Steel,
Wood,
Quartz Surfaces and
Corian.
The countertop is an integral part in the design of any room or kitchen.
However, for example, food preparation can deliver a large amount of wear
and tear to the surfaces in the kitchen. Below we have tabled various
materials used for countertops and provided some advantages and
disadvantages for consideration.
Laminated tops
The
most common brands are Formica and Max which are the most affordable option
to complete your kitchen. The range of colours and patterns are vast with
varying edge profiles and widths.
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Wide variety of colours and patterns |
Susceptible to scratches and knife cuts |
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Most affordable option |
Limited to certain profiles and shapes |
Granite
Granite articulates style & quality. It is the most common type of stone
used for countertops. Granite is quarried worldwide, with colours and
patterns that reveal the region and geological conditions where it
originates from. Each slab is unique, with random and inconsistent patterns
boasting its natural impressive character and distinction. It is highly
durable, it doesn't scratch or burn and it retains its colour. Whilst
Granite is an expensive material, the finished appearance is often well
worth the investment.
Costing Granite : The general rule for granite pricing is that the lighter
the colour of the granite – the more expensive it will be per square meter.
Rustenburg granite (black) is your most affordable colour.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages |
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A large variety of colours and patterns |
Can be scratched |
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Heat resistant and hard wearing |
Expensive |
Solid
Wood
Wood gives a great look and character to your kitchen. On the countertop,
however, it is highly susceptible to scratching and cutting. Hot pans will
burn it or leave marks, and it can be unhygienic if meat or poultry is
prepared on it. However, it is one of the only surfaces that will not damage
your knives. Oak, maple, cherry, red beech, walnut, teak, and mahogany are
all hardwoods favored for countertop applications.
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Ideal for cutting on |
Deep cuts will show |
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Only surface that will not damage your
knives |
Hot pans will burn it or leave marks |
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Very attractive |
High maintenance |
Quartz (Caesar stone, Quarella, Silestone)
Made
from Quartz, it delivers a great natural look to any kitchen. It is highly
durable being resistant to scratches, stains and heat. However Quartz is
more costly than Granite. Quartz surfaces are hygienic because the material
is non-porous which makes it resistant to bacteria and mildew. It is
available in approximately 26 colours and has a warranty. Most quartz
products are of Italian and Spanish origin.
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Advantages
|
Disadvantages |
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Scratch resistant |
Expensive (approximately 15% more than
Granite) |
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Stain resistant |
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Heat Resistant |
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Warranty |
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Does not need to be resealed |
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Stainless Steel
Often
associated with professional kitchens, stainless steel is practical and
contemporary. Steel is highly durable and can be shaped in many ways to fit
your kitchen. The backsplash and the sink can be made out of the same
segment of steel, ensuring that there are no awkward corners or gaps for
food to get lost in. Stainless steel is hygienic and is the only surface
that can be safely bleached.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages |
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The only surface that can be safely
bleached |
Can scratch and dent |
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Corrosion proof |
A high maintenance option |
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Very durable |
Expensive |
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Sinks, draining boards and backsplashes
can all be fabricated into the counter top |
Leaves fingerprints |
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Heat proof |
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All the joints can be polished for a
seamless effect (may cost extra) |
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Corian®
Corian countertops are known as a solid surface countertop (as opposed to
those built up in layers i.e. laminate). Corian is hardwearing, resistant to
scratches, scorching and heat. Damage to the countertop can be easily
repaired, but would however incur additional expenses. This is the most
expensive countertop option. A wide range of colors and styles are available
and most suppliers provide a substantial guarantee. Corian is a famous
brand, has been established for 30 years and is the market leader in colour
variety.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages |
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Large variety of colors and edge styles |
Cost is high when all available options
are used |
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You can create your own design on the
deck |
Repairs may be costly |
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Backsplashes can be any height and coved
to deck for a very clean look |
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Seams are virtually invisible |
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The material is renewable and repairable |
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Glass, stainless steel and
aluminium as an addition
Glass
is an ideal material for brightening rooms or kitchens comprising of wood or
dark cabinets. Glass is often used on door panels, usually in conjunction
with other materials, such as aluminium frames, to break up the uniformity,
reflects light and adds creative flair.
Clear glass is an appropriate choice for displaying ornamental pieces, but
can highlight dust and fingerprints. An alternative solution would be to
select frosted glass which will reduce cleaning and hide the contents of the
unit. |