Kitchen reno ideas and questions

[Hudson_Hawk]

FI and I are talking about doing some minor (haha is anything EVER minor?) kitchen renovations. Our kitchen is currently in the shape of a big U, and while we have tons of counter space, we feel the space could be improved upon so it''s more functional and flows better. One major complaint we have is that we don''t have a built-in dishwasher. We have a portable one that''s a PITA to move around.

So anyway, we''re talking about removing the open arm of the U and building the cabinets out along the wall. In the empty wall cabinet space left from the arm, we''d install a built-in dishwasher. One thought is to put a small cabinet to the right of the dishwasher for additional counter space and storage (our K/DR are one large space, the fridge is built into shelving along the wall opposite from the sink. We were also thinking about maybe making use of some open space by the stove where our portable D/W currently resides when not in use. the space is about 3''x3'' and we were thinking about putting a small 2''x2'' cabinet next to the stove for storage and additional counter space. We also plan to install new granite or solid surface counters with a backsplash. The island is a possibility, we might just leave the space open. It depends on the budget, etc. We''re thinking of doing a tall butcher block table as the island.

I''ve sketched out our existing layout and our proposed layout as best I could with the limitations of Paint, see below.


So what we''re going to have to to is the following:
1. demo the counter
2. install pergo in open space left by counter (we have extra from when we did the floor)
3. rebuild existing cabinet if needed (where the new D/W will go)
4. Install/build 2 new small cabinets
5. Install new D/W
6. Install counter tops and new sink

My questions are:
1. are we crazy
2. is this a wise use of the space
3. thoughts on FI and I doing this work ourselves (we''re both pretty handy)
4. Do you think we could do stock cabinets for the 2 new ones
5. How hard is it to install a built in dishwasher? (elec and plumbing are right there)
6. Is the island necessary?
7. Thoughts on cabinets from Ikea?

 

[Hera]

first thoughts: I'm a little concerned about the space between the island and the dishwasher. You will need to have space to open the dishwasher fully and the amount of space doesn't look big enough right now. I was thinking it would be hard to navigate behind, but I guess you could get on one side of it to empty it.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Yea, the sketches aren't to scale...There's more space than shown (I placed the island too close in paint). But the size of the island in general is a concern I have. FI is pushing for the island, I'd like the space to be open. So like I said, the island is open for debate.

 

[Hera]

I'm a fan of an island but there needs to be enough space. A minimum of 36" and 39" to 48" would be better. There might be a code in your state, so make sure you look into it.

 

[crystalheart1]

It''s funny.. that is our kitchen lay out ( the new one you have ) except we have additional cabinets on the
other side of the island as well. It is a nice flow

We are in the middle of a complete renovation too. I have been with out a kitchen for months. My husband is doing all the work - except for the granite counters.

Have you tried to visit Garden web ? They have a great kitchen site / forum. Many helpful posters and information.

I have heard good things about Ikea. We got nice cabinets as Lowes. They had free glazing.. free sink cabinet and a % off..

I like your new lay out.. good luck

 

[tyty333]

Go with granite! Whatever you do dont use Corian. I have it and it scratches like heck! Hate it!
Cant wait to update with granite but we have a lot of counter space so its going to be expensive.

Yes, I think you need the island...although you maybe could wait on it and do it later. You could
also do a moveable island on wheels so you can move it to where ever you want it when you need
to. Are you planning on doing an island with barstools? Tall/short?

 

[Hera]

I would look into e-counters for your pricing on your countertops. They look very good on prices and you can get an estimate online.

 

[applequeen]

From someone who is in the middle of a total kitchen renovation project.... No I don''t think you''re crazy and Yes I think you could do it. It''s a lot of work but you can do it. Will you be able to get stock cabinets to match what you already have (will you be painting or staining them?) ? The dishwasher should be easy to install providing that the electric and plumbing are ready for it. You might want to check with a plumber and electrician to make sure it''s hook up ready or to make any necessary adjustments.

Due to the economy there are so many good deals for these sorts of projects. We''ve received some amazing rebates at Lowe''s for our cabinets and countertops. Home Depot offers an online design tool for their instock cabinets that we used (although we ended up not going that route) which might be helpful for you in laying out your design.

Have you thought about a rolling island (I think they''re also called "floating islands). I think I''m going to order one by Kraftmaid to match the cabinets we''re insalling. It comes in 24, 30, and 36 inch width options and includes a butcherblock countertop. The price I was quoted for a 30inch with doors on both sides was arount $520 before taxes... of course the price depends on the wood type, door style, finish, etc. You can also get it with doors on only one side which I''m sure is less expensive (and is probably what I''ll end up with).

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 5/8/2009 2:30:56 PM
Author: tyty333
Go with granite! Whatever you do dont use Corian. I have it and it scratches like heck! Hate it!

Cant wait to update with granite but we have a lot of counter space so its going to be expensive.


Yes, I think you need the island...although you maybe could wait on it and do it later. You could

also do a moveable island on wheels so you can move it to where ever you want it when you need

to. Are you planning on doing an island with barstools? Tall/short?

I told FI that if we were doing an island it would have wheels, so we wouldn''t have bar stools. My brother has this great butcher block table that''s on wheels it''s about 18" x 36" and has a 6" leaf that folds up for additional work space. We might try to find something similar.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I really like my Corian.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 5/8/2009 2:36:57 PM
Author: applequeen
From someone who is in the middle of a total kitchen renovation project.... No I don't think you're crazy and Yes I think you could do it. It's a lot of work but you can do it. Will you be able to get stock cabinets to match what you already have (will you be painting or staining them?) ? The dishwasher should be easy to install providing that the electric and plumbing are ready for it. You might want to check with a plumber and electrician to make sure it's hook up ready or to make any necessary adjustments.


Due to the economy there are so many good deals for these sorts of projects. We've received some amazing rebates at Lowe's for our cabinets and countertops. Home Depot offers an online design tool for their instock cabinets that we used (although we ended up not going that route) which might be helpful for you in laying out your design.


Have you thought about a rolling island (I think they're also called 'floating islands). I think I'm going to order one by Kraftmaid to match the cabinets we're insalling. It comes in 24, 30, and 36 inch width options and includes a butcherblock countertop. The price I was quoted for a 30inch with doors on both sides was arount $520 before taxes... of course the price depends on the wood type, door style, finish, etc. You can also get it with doors on only one side which I'm sure is less expensive (and is probably what I'll end up with).

YAY I'm not crazy!!! LOL...

To give you a little background, our kitchen is a work in progress. FI's grandparents built the house in the early-mid 60s. The kitchen originally had a wall oven and a counter-top stove. The cabinets were plain-fronted pine with just poly on them and the counter tops are white formica with gold speckles (to look like marble). There was faux brick vinyl tile on the floor in the kitchen, dining room, and hallway.

When FI inherited the house he had to replace the appliances because they were so old (the oven had lost all of it's insulation and both were fire hazards). He cut the stove out of the counter top and installed our current gas stove. He framed around that and made it look pretty. He removed the oven and turned the space into cabinets for pots and pans. He installed pergo over the vinyl floor, trimmed out the cabinet doors and added a chair rail as an accent in both the kitchen and dining room. I should take pictures because his wood working skills are fantastic.

Anywhoo, the counter is really all we have left to do. We want to make sure we LOVE the layout of the kitchen before we invest in a new counter top, which is why we're now having this conversation. the space under the "arm" that we want to remove is currently wooden drawers that aren't on tracks. They stick and make the most horrific noises. So that's the background...

 

[jet2ks]

Nope not crazy at all. The new layout looks good! I like the idea of a butcher block table as the island. Plumbing and electrical for a dishwasher are not hard if you have any experience with them at all. I would double check to make sure that your drain line is big enough to handle the dishwasher and sink. Some houses of that age have undersized drain piping, especially if it a long run to the main sewer line.

The only thing I would suggest professional installation on is if you go with granite countertops. There is an art to making seams line up and securing it without damaging or cracking the top.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 5/8/2009 3:06:35 PM
Author: jet2ks

Nope not crazy at all. The new layout looks good! I like the idea of a butcher block table as the island. Plumbing and electrical for a dishwasher are not hard if you have any experience with them at all. I would double check to make sure that your drain line is big enough to handle the dishwasher and sink. Some houses of that age have undersized drain piping, especially if it a long run to the main sewer line.

The only thing I would suggest professional installation on is if you go with granite countertops. There is an art to making seams line up and securing it without damaging or cracking the top.

Yea, I have no desire to watch FI try to template, cut, and install a granite counter top. He''s handy, but he''s not THAT handy!!! We''ll leave it up to the pros!

 

[applequeen]

If he''s done all that work already then you can totally do this project... go for it

I just noticed that Lowe''s is has a deal now where you can get a rebate for the cost of dishwasher installation (basically if you buy a dishwasher above a certain price and arrange to have Lowe''s install it they''ll reiumbuse you the installation cost). They''ve also a $100 rebate offer on several of their appliances. You could combine the offers and get a pretty good deal.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

That does sound like a good deal. Alas, we have a wedding to pay for between now and July. This project won''t happen before then

 

[applequeen]

I can''t imagine doing a kitchen remodel and planning/ paying for a wedding at the same time... you''re a wise woman to wait

Lowe''s has those offers all the time so you might get lucky and catch it again.

Good luck with both projects

 

[pennquaker09]

Date: 5/8/2009 2:30:56 PM
Author: tyty333
Go with granite! Whatever you do dont use Corian. I have it and it scratches like heck! Hate it!

Cant wait to update with granite but we have a lot of counter space so its going to be expensive.


Yes, I think you need the island...although you maybe could wait on it and do it later. You could

also do a moveable island on wheels so you can move it to where ever you want it when you need

to. Are you planning on doing an island with barstools? Tall/short?

You know you can have Corian sanded smooth right?

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I don''t think your crazy...and I think your new layout looks very nice.

You could use ready made cabinets from a big box store...but make sure they match the cabinets you already have.

I would for sure hire a professional to do the plumbing work...even if it''s easy. Generally it isn''t extremely expensive--and it''s one less thing you need to do.

I would use granite. I''m a fan and I have it, so I''m bias...it certianly isn''t for everyone....but it''s a wonderful surface.

 

[pennquaker09]

I will add two things:

1. Generally, U-shaped kitchens are the most efficient. From the diagram of the way your kitchen is now, I don''t know I would put yours in that category because I don''t see where your refrigerator is.

2. Steer clear of the IKEA cabinets. Two words: cheap formaldehyde.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

PQ-the fridge is built into cabinets on the 4th wall facing the U. Does that make sense?

 

[pennquaker09]

That''s kind of what I was thinking Hudson. In my opinion, the fridge needs to move, but I don''t know if that is feasible for you.

It needs to be closer because as it looks now, your triangle is too large. Even though I don''t personally like going strictly by the work triangle, I don''t completely throw it out the window.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

The fridge is maybe 3 feet from the stove and the sink. I don''t see why it has to move?