CARE & MAINTENANCE: 
Please allow cabinets to cure six weeks before using any type of cleaning products on them. Cabinets are equal to furniture and cleaning products should be oil based or formulated for wood. Do not use water or any type of water based cleaners on cabinets. It is important to wipe up spills and water marks as they occur. Give special attention to areas around the sink and dishwasher. Avoid draping damp or wet dish towels over the doors. Over time, this moisture can cause permanent damage to the finish.
 
STAIN & FINISH INFORMATION: 
The variation in pattern and color visible in the various stains and finishes is an element in the beauty of the wood, not a defect. As the cabinetry goes through the finish process, the color of each component is matched as closely as possible variations in the wood are emphasized in certain finishes such as glazing. No attempt is made to tone down or cover up these color variations in the wood. These potential variations are natural occurrences and are within standards established by the cabinet industry.
 
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY:
We believe in quality craftsmanship. We also believe that quality craftsmanship should last your lifetime, not just a set number of years. Simply put, your investment is protected for as long as you own it.
What is not covered: The natural aging of the wood color, wear and tear, damage or defects caused by abuse, negligence, or altercation. Warranty is non-transferable. Please let us know if you have any questions.

• In a fond farewell to your old kitchen, spend some time in it, cooking. Make family favorites and throw them in the freezer. You’ll thank yourself later.​
• In the weeks before the work begins, keep a list of all of those restaurants you’ve been meaning to try. When the microwave gets old, your list will come in handy for a quick escape!
• Pack up the kitchen well before the cabinets arrive. While it’s a great time to spring clean your shelves, don’t forget to label the storage boxes well. This will make the unpacking process a lot easier and a lot more fun!
• Plan to create a temporary kitchen and to relocate a refrigerator, microwave, toaster and coffee maker for use during construction.
• You may be able to temporarily move everything you need…except the kitchen sink. Consider where your water source will be in relation to your temporary kitchen.
• Arrange an eating area.
• Keep utility utensils nearby such as: can opener, bottle/wine opener, sharp knives and microwavable plates.
• Keep daily use staples available: butter, ketchup, salt and pepper, spices.
• Tell the kids you’re picnicking…use paper plates, napkins and disposable silverware.
• Remember cleaning supplies and dishtowels.
• Don’t forget about your pets! If there isn’t an area in your home to keep them safely away from construction – especially during certain phases – it may be a perfect time to treat your pet to a vacation with family or a play date at a friend’s home.
• Decide on where you’d like the installers to store their tools. Make sure it is in a locked area.
• Dust…there’s just no way to avoid it. If there is a fish tank or electrical equipment in close proximity to the work, remember to keep them well covered.
• Before the cabinets arrive, prepare a safe enclosed area for the cabinets and appliances to be delivered to. Usually a garage is a good location.

Good luck and enjoy your beautiful new kitchen!

Things To-Do before your installation date

Please:

The most powerful tools in saving costs on your bathroom remodel are:

• Knowledge
• Preparation
• Sticking to your plan (avoiding changes mid-project)

 
When it comes to a bathroom remodel, 50 to 75 percent of the cost is in labor. Understanding the construction process is key because a good contractor will work with you to try to reduce those labor costs while still achieving quality work and profit to your contractor.

​Contractors are used to running into unforeseen problems and are often dogged with client changes mid-way through a project. So it is certainly understandable that they’d want to budget some cushion in their bid. That's why having a solid understanding of the process and a firm project plan saves you big bucks.

The best contractors provide free design consultations in your home, with their designer so that you have the knowledge it takes to be prepared, stick to your plan and achieve your dream for less.

Now that you know the process, get busy and make your new bathroom happen!

Choosing the right countertop can be overwhelming. Not to worry. We're here to help you explore the pros and cons of the most popular countertop materials so that you can decide what's best for you and your family.

Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, building one from scratch or just ready to give yours a face-lift, countertops are a central part of the look. And you may be daunted by the wealth of options on the market; countertop surfaces range from well-known butcher block to less common materials such as glass and terrazzo.

We've chosen 11 of the most popular to get you started.
​Read on to find the one that's right for you.

Granite

Pros: Granite's beautiful mottling and the host of colors and patterns found in nature make each piece one of a kind. It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear. 

Cons: Like most stone, granite must be sealed every so often to avoid stains. And its heaviness means you'll need very sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight.

Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed
 
Quartz Surfacing

Crafted of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz surfacing (also called engineered quartz or engineered stone) is a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the easy care of solid surfacing. 

Pros: Quartz surfacing has the same advantages as solid surfacing with regard to maintenance. As an engineered product, it's available in a far greater range of colors and patterns than natural stone.

Cons: This material doesn't have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it's an engineered product. It's relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment. 

Cost: $40 to $90 per square foot, installed
 
 
Marble

Is there anything that looks and feels more glamorous than a marble countertop? Peerless in terms of its luminescence and distinctive veining, it's an ultratraditional choice.

Pros: Nothing beats marble for sheer elegance. It stands up to heat well, and because it remains perennially cool, it's a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations (read: Dough won't get too soft). 

Cons: Marble is very susceptible to stains, even with sealing. For that reason, it's not often used throughout an entire kitchen — most homeowners limit it to one or two small areas. It can also scratch and chip. 

Cost: $40 to $125 per square foot, installed
 
Solid Surfacing

Made primarily from acrylic and polyester, solid surfacing first was sold under the brand name Corian, which is often (erroneously) used as a generic term for it. Today, it's made by a host of manufacturers and has enjoyed steady popularity over the years.

Pros: Because solid surfacing is nonporous, it's virtually maintenance free — no sealing or special cleaning required. Although it can be susceptible to scratches and burns, those are easy to sand out. Color and pattern options are extensive, and because you're not trying for the look of a natural material, you can experiment with vibrant hues such as turquoise or tomato red. Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris.

Cons: Solid surfacing can have a patently artificial look and feel, yet can approach the price of natural stone. As mentioned above, it doesn't stand up to hot pans or sharp knives as well as other materials. 

Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed



Tile

Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colors and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World. 

Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace.

Cons: Tile's uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth. 

Cost: $10 to $80 per square foot, installed
 
Laminate

Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. In the past, it hasn't always had a reputation as stylish, but that's changing: The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces.

Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it's a good choice if your budget is tight. It's low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn't require the support of a thick cabinet base. 

Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. Because of the raw particle board core, you can't use laminate with undermount sinks, and it's also difficult to repair if it gets damaged. 

Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot, installed
 
Soapstone

Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble. 

Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.) 

Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china. 

Cost: $70 to $100 per square foot, installed



Stainless Steel

Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has slipped into vogue within the past two decades. These countertops are custom made to fit your kitchen, so you're guaranteed a tailored look. 

Pros: There's a reason stainless steel is used in restaurants and other high-traffic kitchens: It's nearly indestructible, and it resists heat and bacteria. It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial-style kitchens. 

Cons: Fingerprints show and must be wiped off frequently, and stainless steel can also dent. It can be loud as pots, pans and dishware clang against the surface. Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching. Stainless steel is extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication.

Cost: $65 to $125 per square foot, installed
 
Concrete

Think concrete is just for floors? Think again. Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete countertops have an industrial chic that fits right into a loft or adds interest to an otherwise traditional space.

Pros: Concrete is extremely versatile: It can be cast in any shape and custom tinted any shade you wish. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells. Concrete stands up well to heavy use, although it isn't as heat resistant as some other surfaces.

Cons: Because it's porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. With time and settling, small cracks can develop. Concrete is extremely heavy and will need strong support beneath. Like stainless steel, its custom creation ups the price tag.

Cost: $75 to $125 per square foot, installed
 
Butcher Block

Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It’s especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens. 

Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block’s warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it’s what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease.

Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.

Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed
 
Paper Composite

Paper countertops? You read it right. Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is ecofriendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds. 

Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It's surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It's also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete. 

Cons: The material isn't scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn't (unless you install it yourself).

Cost: $85 to $125 per square foot, installed
 
 
Article courtesy of Houzz and Houzz contributor Lisa Frederick