DIY Kitchens Can You Do It?

Like everything else ,kitchens get old and worn. Cabinets need to be updated. Sinks need to be replaced.Besides redoing the room is always a lift. There's nothing like a brand new kitchen to cook in. There is one problem - cost. Can  you afford it? Or do you think you can do it yourself.

The average cost of kitchen remodeling in the States is anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000. A usual remodel consists of upgrading your sink and faucet, installing or replacing your counter tops,along with adding a tile back splash. The biggest transformation are the cabinets. It's refacing or refinishing.  If they're really old then a complete tear out is necessary and new ones will be installed. A new oven and microwave may be installed as well. It's an expensive deal that only a home loan can cover. Many remodeling companies can redo kitchens but the price can be extraordinarily steep. You can save money by remodeling it yourself. If you're handy and ambitious , then this is the project for you and your friends. Just know your limits. DIY stores like Home Depot has classes for this. Take them. Garner as much info about reconstruction  and plumbing as you can. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You have to be well prepared before you start. One small mistake could lead to something major disaster later on.

Before you start , look over decorating sites and magazines. Get an idea of what you want. Whether you do it yourself or get a company in , have a clear vision of what you want in your kitchen. Do you want solid cabinets or one with glass panes? Then there's the question of what wood to choose. Do you go for maple which is the sturdiest  but the staining it could come out blotchy? What about the most inexpensive pine? It's pretty and rustic looking but can easily dent or scratch due to it being soft wood. Cherry is another beautiful  choice, but's it's super expensive. The same goes for walnut and oak.What kind of sink do you fancy. A double or a single basin? Counter tops are important too. There are a mouth watering array of different stones. Granite is by far the most popular yet again, it's costly. However it does add to a home's resale value. Soapstone is also popular because it can absorb water along with giving the kitchen a rich antique look. Of course there is marble, the lushest of all the counter top materials. The deep grey random veining will give any kitchen, large or small, a glam vibe. Like quartz  countertops, it's expensive and heavy. A more affordable material are the classic tiles. They're pretty, come in a variety of different patterns and add charm to any kitchen.Other choices are laminate and wood.

Do it yourself kitchens can be a rewarding and fun fall project. Just know what you're getting into. There's a lot of work but then end product is a beautiful new kitchen. 

There's A Rock In My Drink!

People are going to be demanding cooled off libations now that warm weather is around the corner.The problem is that ice is not the best thing to put into any drink.It melts.It dilutes the drink ruining the taste and strength. What to do? Sink a few rocks into that glass.

Rocks  are surprisingly the latest trend to keep drinks, especially one like whiskey well chilled. This was the subject of an article in yesterday's New York Times Dining section. The article , written by Catherine Saint Louis, tells of how using soapstone cubes and circles can ice a drink better than any ice cube could. After all soapstone doesn't melt which means that the whiskey's integrity isn't ruined.This actually would be great for any beverage , alcoholic or non , especially ice tea or lemonade.They also don't have any flavor that can ruin the taste.

Whisky cubes as they're called has been a blessing surprisingly for kitchen remodelers. Soapstone is a popular medium for kitchen and even bathroom countertops. Unfortunately the economy is not what it was and people are forgoing redoing their kitchens. Luckily the stone can be carved down into cubesnad discs and sold  for drinks. Many remodelers are cashing in on this and making more money doing such, Jesse Billin, once a successful one is making more money with his Hammerstones Whisky Discs. Another soapstone cube manufacturer,Justin English of Sparq Homes has even discovered a second use for these clever substitutes. They can be heated to heat up lukewarm coffee or luke warm tea. These novelties are catching on and are being gobbled up for groomsmens; or corporate gifts as well as for that hard to buy for dad, stepdad or boyfriend

Putting rocks in a drink. It sounds preposterous  but it works, Adding a few  soapstone discs or cubes actually is a good idea. They maintain the drink's integrity while keeping it icy cold.