Kitchen Emporium

New Year's Greetings from Kitchen Emporium.

2012-01-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

As we ring in 2012, we want to wish all of our past customers a prosperous New Year, in all aspects of your life. To our future customers, we look foward to giving you the best kitchen for your home and making it an enjoyable experience. To all you gents out there, how about a new kitchen for Valentine's Day?

For more information, contact us at (757) 397-2014 and ask for Rob or Dennis. Happy New Year!

River Run Cabinetry in Birch

2010-09-28T15:35:00.004-04:00

These birch cabinets seem to come alive as you walk through the room. Lighter places turn dark, and vice versa, as you move from one side to the other. This is a natural phenomenon called "chatoyance", and is found in many different species.

Notice the upper doors to the right of the slide-in stove. Although this effect is best when viewed in person, you can glimpse the shimmer even in this photo.

Contemporary kitchen in Suffolk

2010-09-28T14:56:00.005-04:00

Natural maple cabinetry from Dynasty and Omega was used to create this stunningly beautiful contemporary kitchen. The sleek slab door and strategically placed stainless steel hardware bring together the horizontal and vertical lines. Contrasting countertops and appliances break up the blond wood and give a visual definition to elegance- everything you need and nothing you don't.

Staggering depths allowed us to incorporate the offset walls behind the refrigerator without sacrificing either aesthetics or storage.

Red oak kitchen remodel

2010-09-28T14:32:00.009-04:00

This Red Oak traditional kitchen contrasts nicely with the stainless steel appliances and natural finished hardwood floor. Under-cabinet lighting provides clean light to work surfaces without casting shadows, and when used with a dimmer, makes for attractive accent lighting in the evening.

Notice how the dark granite countertop transitions beautifully into the black cooking surface. The use of a light ceramic tile for the backsplash keeps the darker counter top from over-powering a small space.

These cabinets from Shiloh also feature raised panel drawer fronts- an economical upgrade for a kitchen of this size.

Odell Kitchen Remodel

2009-07-06T19:51:00.007-04:00

Here are a few pictures of a kitchen remodel completed in July 2009. Keep in mind that these are not the ‘staged’ pictures, but pictures we took while waiting for the electrical and plumbing inspection to be completed. It should take the homeowner a week or so to put her kitchen back together and start enjoying her new conveniences like the corner lazy susan and full extension drawers with the non-slam hydraulic.

Project Description: We provided entire kitchen design and cabinet layout, wall removal, hardwood floor repair and refinish, cabinet installation, electrical, plumbing, general carpentry, designed a new lighting plan, and helped homeowner select all material such as cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and tile.

Cabinets: Omega cabinets in Cherry wood with autumn stain on the Madrid door style.

Appliances: GE

All tile, lighting fixtures, and hardware were provided by homeowner.

Here are the before pictures-

During pictures-

Many things happened during these stages. One major wall was removed to open the space; a pantry/closet area was removed, along with all the soffits in the room. You can see by the photos below that we had to patch into their existing oak floor where the wall was removed. We also ran into lots of water damage along the window wall caused by a leaky exterior window. We had to reframe that entire wall and replace the window and casing.

Pictures of the kitchen as of today-

Granite Countertop color: Black Mosaic

Kitchen Remodel Pictures

2009-05-28T10:10:00.002-04:00

Here are pictures of recent kitchen remodels by Dennis Wieckert.

Hansson Kitchen Remodel. The perimeter cabinets are by Dynasty Omega in the Plainfield Door style with an Oyster finish. The island cabinets are by Shiloh in the Square Raised Panel door style with a distressed black finish.

Fitzpatrick Kitchen Remodel. All cabinets are by Dynasty Omega. The perimeter cabinets are in the Anson door style with an Oyster finish and Amaretto glaze. The island cabinets are in a cherry wood with a Nutmeg stain and Java glaze.

What Does It Mean To Be Green?

2009-02-23T15:05:00.001-05:00

What is a ‘Green Home?’

A green home is one that meets high levels of energy efficiency and water efficiency, and its design has been reviewed against criteria which range from site utilization and landscaping to the selection of materials, finishes, appliances and lighting. Most standards focus on new homes, but renovated homes can qualify as well.

Why would someone want a ‘Green Home?’

Lower operational costs resulting from the energy and water efficiency aspects of the design.
Tax incentives and rebates offered by electrical utility companies, government agencies and other organizations.
Increased health and comfort from the features that control humidity, reduce chemical exposures and improve air exchange and filtration.
Recognition that the home has been reviewed and meets specific criteria.
Higher re-sale value.

What are the basic criteria for a ‘Green Home’?

The Criteria vary slightly from program to program but the key areas include:

Lot design, preparation and development
Resource efficiency
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Indoor air quality
Operation, maintenance and homeowner education

Environmental Programs

Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) is a voluntary program for kitchen cabinet manufactures to demonstrate that their products and manufacturing processes are based on practices and materials that benefit both the environment and the well being of society.

California Air Resources Board (CARB) Rule on Composite Wood Panels is an air quality regulation which seeks to control the emissions of formaldehyde from composite wood panels and products with such panels sold in the State of California. It covers plywood, particleboard & MDF. The rule is effective 1/1/2009, but phases all the various board products in a 4 year time frame.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines are voluntary programs which sets out criteria defining what a ‘green home’ is. Builders submit their design for review, and if it earns a certain level of qualifying points it is awarded a certification plaque for display.

What role do cabinets play in a green home?

Although cabinetry isn’t a primary source for earning points under most environmental programs, your cabinet manufacturer should focus on doing the right thing for the environment. In the overall qualification program, cabinets play a very minor roll in determining a home’s ‘green’ status. The primary aspects that cabinets can help earn points on are in terms of construction materials and impact on indoor air quality.

Stock Cabinetry

2009-02-23T14:16:00.002-05:00

Stock cabinets are constructed prior to purchase. The manufacturer does not build them to your unique specifications, so all sizes meet industry standards. Stock cabinetry widths begin at 9 inches and increase in 3" increments to 48".

Formerly known basic cabinetry, stock cabinets no longer offer only the bare minimum. While prices largely remain tailored for the budget-conscious, stock manufacturers now provide luxurious options previously exclusive to custom cabinets.

About HomeCrest Cabinetry

For over three decades, HomeCrest has manufactured quality cabinetry at affordable prices. Their main production facility is located in north central Indiana. Their selection of cabinetry styles, wood species, finishes, decorative glazes and hardware is among the widest in the industry. In fact, they offer over 300 style and finish combinations.

Custom Choice Cabinetry. Unlike other manufacturers, HomeCrest doesn't limit you to "off the rack" cabinetry styles. Their Custom Choice options let you modify existing some cabinets to fit many non-standard applications. You can even create unique, one-of-a-kind cabinets and accessories all your own - without the cost of custom cabinets! HomeCrest cabinets are usually available within four weeks of being ordered.

Woods offered by HomeCrest are cherry, maple, hickory, and oak. Another offering by HomeCrest are Thermofoils and melamines. They are materials made of natural wood fibers permanently pressure-bonded to rugged vinyl overlays, are an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to hardwoods. Bright, cheerful and resistant to stains and scratches, thermofoils and melamines combine practical everyday durability with smart elegance.

Drawer & Cabinet Construction

HomeCrest hardwood door frames are made from solid 3/4" - thick wood with door stiles and mortise-and-tenon rails. Raised panel doors use 1/2" - or 9/16" - thick solid wood center panels, while veneered doors use 3/16" - or 7/16" - thick veneered center panels.

3/8" Sta-Beam, 1/2" Plywood
End Panels

1/2" & 3/8" Reinforced
Plywood Toe Kick, 3/8" Plywood
Hanging Rail

3/4" Plywood Shelf, 1/2" & 3/8" Plywood
Back/Top/Bottom Panel

Drawer Boxes are rated at 100 lbs. capacity. Choose from maintenance-free 1/2" laminated drawers; or 3/4" dovetailed solid wood deluxe drawers with SofTouch™ full-access under-mount drawer guides.

1/2" Laminated

3/4" Deluxe

3/4" Deluxe SofTouch™

Base Cabinets Shelves and trays are available in laminated wood. Trays, available in optional solid wood with deluxe drawers, glide smoothly on epoxy-coated guides.

Adjustable Shelf

Adj. Shelf and
Sliding Tray

Two Sliding Trays

End Panels consist of unfinished plywood, finished plywood or decorative end panels for cabinets. HomeCrest end panels are designed to resist moisture and damage from household chemicals.

Laminated

Plywood Unfinished

Plywood Finished

Decorative

Toe Boards Choose from laminated or wood veneer overlays.

Laminated

Wood

Another great option offered by HomeCrest is having an ‘all wood box’.

To view all of your cabinet options, please visit; http://www.homecrestcab.com/products/options/

Semi-Custom Cabinetry

2009-02-13T10:27:00.002-05:00

Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to semi-custom cabinets. A step up from stock cabinetry, semi-custom cabinets typically come in 3" increments but have the ability to incorporate certain custom features, such as modified depths and modified widths. Semi-custom cabinets have a wider range of door, finish, and wood selections than stock cabinets.

Kitchen Emporium offers two beautiful lines of semi-custom cabinetry. Dynasty by Omega and Shiloh. Our Dynasty semi-custom and Omega Custom lines have the ability to blend together with ease, giving you that stunning kitchen without breaking the bank. Because they offer matching door styles and finishes in both lines, we are able to integrate a few custom pieces without paying for full custom throughout. It’s a value that you can’t find with any other brand. Shiloh cabinetry comes with a 3 year limited warranty on its stained cabinets, 2 year warranty on painted cabinets and all Omega cabinets have a limited lifetime warranty.

Both Dynasty and Shiloh are all wood cabinetry made from the highest quality materials and with superior construction methods.

Dynasty cabinets are available in Alder, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Pecan, Quatersawn Oak, Rustic Alder, Rustic Oak, and Rustic Pecan. Dynasty offers many opaque finishes for an additional 15% up charge.
Available in Maple,
Oak and MDF

Dynasty offers many types of glazes to suit your budget and your personal style. Whether a crevice-only or an all-over glaze, each is hand-applied artistically for a one of a kind look. For a more in-depth description, please visit; http://www.omegacab.com/glazes.asp

Shiloh Cabinetry offers oak, hickory, maple and cherry. In addition to those four wood species, they offer thermafoil doors and drawer fronts on painted maple face frames. The same all-plywood box construction applies to their thermafoil products as well. Painted Finishes are available in 13 base colors on oak or maple. All 13 finishes are also available with any of their six glaze colors. In addition, you can choose from wear, distress or sand-through as special finish techniques to be added to your favorite color.

Custom Cabinetry by Omega

2009-02-11T15:13:00.002-05:00

Within the limits of sound construction, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the design and style possibilities of custom cabinetry. There tend to be two kinds of custom cabinets: those made by a custom manufacturer and those made by a local “custom” woodworking shop.

Here at Kitchen Emporium, we specialize in Traditional, face frame cabinets with full overlay doors offered by Omega. Omega Cabinetry was ranked #1 by Consumer Report August 2004 as the best cabinet available.

Since 1977, Omega Cabinetry has grown from meager beginnings in a small barn in the rural community of Washburn, Iowa to a leading manufacturer of all-wood cabinetry. Located in Waterloo, Iowa, in the heart of the Midwest, Omega Cabinetry boasts over 600,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production space on almost 60 acres and more than 1,400 well trained and hard-working associates.

The basic building blocks of the Omega Cabinetry products are select hardwoods and veneers. Cabinets are available in Alder, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Pecan, Quatersawn Oak, Rustic Alder, Rustic Oak, Rustic Pecan, Red Birch, and Walnut.

Doors manufactured within Omega Cabinetry are under strict tolerances for humidification that reduce tendencies for warpage and shrinkage. All raised and reversed raised panel doors are joined by tongue and groove, and miter doors are joined by finger joint and dowel method.

Drawer fronts are solid hardwood, or MDF if opaque, and are attached to the drawer box with wood screws. Drawer boxes are constructed of closed grain wood machined to 5/8” thickness and joined at all four corners with a dovetail joint.

Drawer Guides used are totally concealed tandem full extension undermount self-closing guides. These guides feature a 100-lb weight capacity and an easy release feature. These guides also carry a life time warranty.

Frames are constructed of solid 3/4” thick wood and joined by dowel pins or hardened steel screws. Frames are joined to the cabinets sides by a tongue and groove method that eliminates any nail holes in the face frame.

Tops and Floors of cabinets are 1/2” plywood with hardwood veneers on both sides. Tops and floors are dadoed into the cabinet sides and secured by glue and metal.

Cabinet sides are 3/4” plywood or MDO (Medium Density Overlay) with select hardwood veneers. All finished sides will match the face frame and door species. All interiors are birch or maple and are stained and finished to the same exacting standards as the exteriors of the cabinet. Cabinet backs are 1/4” plywood which is secured to the sides by means of a rabbet joint and metal fasteners.

Shelves are 3/4” thick plywood that is veneered on both sides with select birch or maple veneer and banded on the front edge with a 1/4” solid hardwood band. All shelves are fully adjustable unless otherwise noted. Solid hardwood shelves may be ordered for an additional charge.

Omega Cabinets offers a diverse palette of over 50 standard finishes. These include stains, opaque finishes, frosts, glazes, distressed, and two-tone effects. Omega will also work with you to develop a custom finish.

OMEGA CUSTOM ONLY FINISHES

Baroque –
The overall effect of this artistic finish is that of a much-loved family heirloom. Similar to Renaissance but in a golden hue, Baroque features slight tonal variations, pad staining, dents, rasping, chiseling, an abundance of worm holes and other special effects.

Vintage Clear –
Vintage Clear is a lighter touch if distressing with only sand-over and sand-through only. All special effects are applied by hand for a randomness that replicates the natural wearing of wood through the years.

Cappuccino –
Cappuccino is available on maple opaque finishes and features a brown toned glaze that will slightly tint the base color, making the finish appear slightly darker. Like Hazelnut, Cappuccino is an artistic quality finish, making each door its own work of art. The unique profiling of each door style allows for a different degree of glaze hang-up.

Hazelnut –
Hazelnut is a dynamic dark brown brushed glaze, which is perfect for an entire project, spectacular island, or a stand-alone furniture piece. Its artistic quality and unique profiling of each door style allows for a different degree of glaze hang-up, making each door its own work of art.

Renaissance –
Renaissance combines distressing and hand-applied shading for a magnificent artistic effect. The combination of the cherry wood in conjunction with the pad stain, wiping stain, dry brush stain, and speckling gives each piece a uniqueness all it own, showcasing the beauty of each door. Because of the complexity of this finish, slight tonal variations should be expected. Among the special effects used to achieve this look are: medium dents, rasping, chisel marks, and an abundance of worm holes.

From the select materials used to build the cabinetry to the multi-step finish processes applied to each component, Omega Cabinetry's quality is unparalleled. Backed by the most comprehensive warranty in the industry, depth and breadth of product offerings, there's no question that kitchen solutions from Omega are the best value around.

Typical Time Line for a Kitchen Remolding Project

2009-02-09T09:25:00.002-05:00

Here is a typical time line of a kitchen remodel by Kitchen Emporium

Week 1

Day 1- Tear out old cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Dispose of all debris.

Day 2- Remove walls, add walls, general carpentry

Day 3- Electrical rough in. Add, remove or change any electrical. Most jobs require 1 day.

Day 4- Relocate any plumbing if needed.

Day 5- Plaster work. Make all wall and ceiling repairs. Usually requires a return trip to touch up.

Week 2

Day 1-5- Cabinets are installed. Some kitchens will be quicker than others depending upon the size of the kitchen.

Day 3,4 or 5- Measure for countertops.

Week 3

Floor installation may be installed at this time.

Week 4

Countertops may be installed this week. During extremely busy times, they may take another week. Once installed, we will schedule the electrician and plumber to connect all plumbing and electrical fixtures.

Week 5

Day 1- Install tile back splash

Day 2- Make any adjustments to cabinets, countertops, plaster touch up and paint touch up.

Week 6

Finish anything that did not get done in week 5.

The above time line is very typical of a kitchen remodel by Kitchen Emporium, however there are situations that cannot be planned for and will be the cause for deviation from the schedule. We will do all within our power to adhere to this schedule, but please do not refer to this schedule as the exact schedule for your kitchen remodel. We will do our best to give you your new kitchen in the shortest amount of time without sacrificing the quality of work.

How To Survive Kitchen Remodeling

2009-02-06T11:30:00.002-05:00

The Council of Better Business Bureaus reports that home improvements rank first in nationwide inquiries and fourth in complaints. There are many reliable contractors, of course, but it takes time to find one that is right for you. These guidelines can help:

In the beginning. Don’t be fooled by credentials. Being a ‘licensed’ contractor may mean only that a person has paid a $50 fee required by the city, though some areas may have more stringent regulations. The only way to judge a contractor is to get objective references and to look at their work. Ask to see references, then ask each home-owner about the contractors working style: Did they keep them informed of delays or hitches? Did they listen to their questions and suggestions? Above all, ask about the attention to detail and the commitment to finishing the work.

When you meet with the contractor ask: “How many projects are you working on now”? It’s a good sign if they are in demand, but make sure that they are not overbooked and continually behind schedule. Also ask: “Who handles problems and complaints”? If it’s a foreman on the job, a secretary in the office, or the contractor themselves, it’s always good to know. Don’t be pressured. The hurry-up contractor who insists, “If you don’t decide immediately, I won’t be able to get to your job for six months”, should be scratched from your list.

Making the choice. When you have narrowed the field to at least two possibilities, insist on a written quote. If a contractor says he works only on a ‘time and materials’ or ‘cost-plus’ basis, disqualify him. You could run the risk of writing checks until the cows come home.

One of the most common mistakes people make is being charmed by the lowest estimate. If the price sounds too good to be true, you’re probably not going to get full value. You will most likely get the best results with one of the middle estimates. If the contractor you’re most comfortable with is ten or fifteen percent over your budget, ask if they will redesign the job without sacrificing the quality. Chances are, you and the contractor can probably come to an agreement.

Reaching an agreement. For even the smallest job, the only acceptable contract in one that’s on paper. If you don’t understand something in the contract, ask that it be explained. A contract should cover work and materials and the cost or pay schedule. All the materials should be spelled out. For instance, ‘granite counter’ is unacceptable. ‘Uba Tuba Granite with 4” splash and Full Bullnose edge’ may be wordier, but it’s understood by everyone.

Before the first nail is hammered, be certain you contractor has liability and workers comp insurance. If a worker is injured on your property, your homeowner’s policy probably won’t cover him, and you could be liable. Also make sure that your remodeler obtains necessary building permits.

Remember that the toughest thing for the contractor to specify is job completion. The wrong materials might be shipped, something might be back ordered, and you never know what you are going to find when you demolish a plaster wall or take down a soffit over the wall cabinets. It’s always safe to say that the job will take longer that you predict.

Pay periods. Down payments vary with each company. Make sure it’s clearly stated on the contract and that you are fully aware of the payment schedule. At Kitchen Emporium we require a 50% deposit to order materials, a 25% payment upon delivery of cabinets, and the remaining 25% amount upon completion of work.

Remember that a remolding job can be an emotional, as well as financial investment. Once the workers have gone, you and your family must live with the job they did. For that reason alone, it’s well worth taking the time to find a contractor who’s truly proud of their work- and who wants you to feel the same way and is not afraid to give you all the references you want. And those that operate without a physical street address with an office and showroom can be the quickest to leave town.

Don’t Forget the Moldings

2009-02-03T15:16:00.002-05:00

Moldings and trim can serve as decoration for your cabinetry. They also can hide joints or finish the transition between the cabinets and the ceiling and floor.

More traditional and formal styles of cabinetry typically call for more elaborate detailing.

Transitional or eclectic looks might use smaller crown moldings, smooth pilasters, or different types of foot moldings such as the pedestal or bun.

Pilasters, turnings, fluted fillers in addition to moldings are a great way to spice up a small or simple kitchen.

How Much Do Cabinets Cost?

2009-01-02T09:50:00.002-05:00

These are the basics to consider when you are budgeting for your new cabinets. Your cabinets’ door style and color have a major impact on your new kitchen by making the strongest visual statement. They’ll also have the most impact on your wallet. Cabinets will usually account for half the cost of your entire kitchen remodel—a hefty sum that demands careful consideration.
When it comes to cabinetry, price depends on:

Manufacturer
Quality of cabinet construction (stock, semi-custom or custom)
Materials
The number of interior storage options or the type of cabinet
Door style and finish
The number of cabinets you need

Prepare to Spend

Stock cabinets: $5,000 to $10,000
Semi-custom cabinets: $10,000 to $30,000
Custom cabinets: $ 20,000 and up

Be ready to make a compromise here and there. Here’s a guide to a few lower-priced cabinet substitutions that will give you a look similar to pricier materials.

Combine a simpler stock cabinet or door style with crown molding.
Vary the heights of your cabinets.
Substitute maple wood with a cherry-colored stain for more expensive cherry wood.
Instead of paying for removal and installation, tear out old cabinets yourself.
Opt for fewer molding details.

Full Overlay vs. Standard Overlay

2009-01-02T09:33:00.002-05:00

How the cabinet door fits over the cabinet box determines the door overlay and apperarance of the kitchen.

Courtesy of Shiloh

Full overlay doors have approximately 1/4” to 3/8” spacing between them— they will cover most of the cabinet frame.

Courtesy of Shiloh

Standard overlay doors reveal about half of the face frame. Typically there is usually a 1” to 1 1/2” space between closed doors, allowing you to see much of the face frame. Because standard overlay doors are smaller than full overlay doors, they require less material, so this choice will reduce your cabinetry’s total cost.

Courtesy of Omega

Inset doors sit within the rails and stiles and lay flush with the front edges of the cabinet frame. Most inset doors are only available with framed construction. Note: wood may expand and contract because of humidity, making more frequent adjustment of doors necessary.

Selecting Your Wood Cabinet

2008-12-22T10:59:00.002-05:00

If wood is your choice of material, then you will be happy to know that there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a wood species. Today there is no hot trend that will be ‘out’ next week when it comes to wood species. So just sit back, relax and rely on your taste and cost as your main determinants.

Your choice of wood will have the most impact on the cabinet’s ultimate look. If you want a light look, for example, you might start with a light wood like maple. In the mid-range, consider cherry with a light to medium stain. Or you can stain maple to be darker than its natural color.

For a darker kitchen, you will want to use a wood such as Alder and Cherry that will allow the stain to penetrate into the grain for a richer and darker finish.

Your Wood Options

2008-12-17T15:23:00.002-05:00

I really think they should teach this in school because unless you are a wood expert (or someone who likes to Google this) how and why would you ever know the major difference in wood characteristics. So here it is. Simple and straight forward.

Oak: Oak’s coarser natural texture results in a defined straight grain that’s more open and casual than elegant. Oak’s porous nature makes it extremely absorbent: The darker the stain, the more apparent the grain pattern. Among the most common cabinetry woods, oak’s durability and finishing characteristics has made it a common choice.

Pecan/Hickory: Pecan is one of the strongest and heaviest used American woods, and is a member of the hickory family. With colors ranging from white to a red brown, it’s color and grain pattern varies greatly. This straight and fine grain accepts medium to dark finishes and bleaches well. With a natural or light finish, Pecan has a wild grain pattern with a lot of variation. It looks right at home in a rustic or country setting.

Alder: Once dismissed because of its weed-like growing habits, the Pacific Northwest’s most abundant hardwood is one of the most in-demand options. Consistent in color, alder tends to range from a pale pinkish-brown to almost white. Because it has a close grain and readily accepts stain, alder can imitate maple and cherry. Alder is classified as a ‘hard wood’, however, it is significantly softer than maple or cherry.

Red Birch: Birch is a strong, durable, closed grained wood with a very even texture. In a natural finish the grain patterns allow for an iridescent appearance. This species looks similar to cherry wood but doesn’t darken dramatically like cherry does.

Maple: Generally a straight, tight grain, but expect occasional wavy eye patterning. Maple’s consistent grain pattern allows it to easily adapt to both traditional and contemporary designs, making it easy to see why maple is the number one wood choice for cabinetry. A very durable wood, maple finishes well, making it an excellent choice for stains and glazes.

Cherry: Cherry is a smooth, even grained hardwood known for its warm, rich look. Cherry will range from deep red to reddish-brown color. Cherry ‘mellows’ and darkens with age; exposure to sunlight will cause the wood to darken and redden significantly.

Kitchen Cabinets 101

2008-12-16T16:10:00.004-05:00

The Cabinet Box

You might be surprised to learn that solid wood rarely forms the cabinet box. But yes this is true that it’s more often used in face frames and doors than in the larger side panels. That’s because it can warp—a special concern in the kitchen where the moisture level changes frequently. But the cabinet box, using multiple layers of plywood (real thin pieces of wood) in a variety of sizes and directions can reduce the warp factor. The materials of the cabinet box (depending on whether you have custom, semi custom, or stock cabinets) typically contain wood chips, other wood by-products, and synthetic additives to make them especially strong and warp resistant. Your options include:

Here is a detailed diagram of one of our semi-custom cabinet lines- Shiloh Cabinetry.

Solid wood hanging rail for secure fastening to wall
Solid wood corner blocks in base cabinets add strength and stability
3/4" plywood drawer box with undermount guide (solid wood dovetail drawer available)
Solid wood door, no composite material (except thermafoil product)
Maple laminate over plywood for a durable interior, or a real wood veneer interior is available
3/4" plywood adjustable shelving with metal shelf clips
1 1/2" solid wood frames
3/8" plywood bottoms are strong and resist water damage
Smooth, catalyzed conversion varnish topcoat that is resistant to most household chemicals
1/2" plywood sides with optional applied doors or raised panel ends for a great look and outstanding quality

It is quite common that the door and the cabinet box will be constructed of different materials. A cabinet door might be solid maple and the cabinet box will be plywood covered with a maple veneer.

So when you are out there shopping for your cabinets, make sure you do your homework and understand the differences between the different materials. Usually a certain material (plywood) correlates with a certain quality of cabinetry, which will have a typical delivery time frame of four to six weeks.

Kitchen Remodel and Entertainment Center

2008-10-21T09:40:00.006-04:00

Kitchens Pictures

2008-10-07T09:44:00.007-04:00

Preparing for a new kitchen

2008-10-06T09:26:00.004-04:00

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? Just remember that the more planning you do up front, the happier you will be with the result. Use this checklist to get started and keep on track.

THREE TO SIX MONTHS AHEAD
- Set up a file to keep track of ideas, product, names and business cards. Look through books and magazines for ideas and product that appeal to you.
- Make Lists of must-haves and wishes. Take note of what's working and not working in your kitchen, including storage and countertop work space.
- Begin researching contractors. Check with local professional associations, ask friends for referrals.
- Go with a pro. It's important to have a professional kitchen designer involved.
- Establish your budget and figure on spending at least 10% more.

ONE TO THREE MONTHS AHEAD
- Settle on a contractor. Be sure expectations are clear, then get everything in writing. Also be sure you understand how money will be dispersed. There is usually a deposit to order materials, one or several interim disbursements and a balance due upon completion.

WEEKS BEFORE AND DURING
- Let the neighbors in on the plans, such as daily construction. Your courtesy will likely make them more willing to endure any temporary inconveniences.
- Talk with the contractor about day-to-day routines, where deliveries will be stored, where work areas will be set up and which bathroom workers will use. Keep pets away from the site.
- Clear out the kitchen and set away from the area. Set up a temporary kitchen and understand that you will be without your main kitchen until the work is complete.
- Keep communication open to all parties involved so everyone knows what to expect and what is expected from them.

2020 Design

2008-08-01T14:07:00.008-04:00

20-20 DesignTM is the leading kitchen and bath planning software in the interior design industry.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and when it concerns our customers, a picture is worth a thousand blueprints. Blueprints can be difficult for our customers to read and understand. Instead, we provide them with compelling, realistic 3D renderings of their kitchen or bath layout. This is a rendering of a recent kitchen renovation.

Color Combinations

2008-07-03T11:43:00.002-04:00

Summer is the time for bright, fun and pretty colors and if you are having trouble finding the right color combinations for your room, take a peak at a color wheel.

Complementary colors
Hues on the opposite side of the color wheel are complementary colors. Use the same intensity of blue and orange for a stylish combination.

Analogous colors
Combine two or three colors on the color wheel for a harmonious look. Red, orange and yellow go great together.

Monochromatic color
Varying the intensity of a single color can create a beautiful combination. Pair a dark, medium, and light shade of your favorite colors for a soothing color scheme.

Colors Defined
Red is bold. It is an intense color that exudes passion, vitality, and drama. Red makes a great accent color.

Blue is magical. It is uplifting and peaceful, but it can also be stimulating and electric in strong cobalt and indigo shades. Blue serves as an elegant hue on a backsplash or as a bold line in a tile shower.

Green is natural. The fresh feel of green can be as zesty as a lime or as exotic as a jade. Muted olive tones are classic, while brighter shades offer a more contemporary look. Accessories such as fabrics, ceramics, tiles, or small appliances are great in green.

Yellow is luminous. This sunny shade makes a room feel light and cheery. It can be soft and delicate as a wall or cabinetry color or rich and golden as an accent piece.

About

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This is what we at Kitchen Emporium want to know. We have been serving the greater Hampton Roads area from Virginia Beach, to Chesapeake, to Norfolk, to Suffolk to Williamsburg since 1988. We are willing to put our years of kitchen design experience into making your ideal kitchen a reality.

With personalized attention and customized service, we will create an environment that not only functions well, but reflects your individual tastes and style.

We offer our clients:

High degree of personal attention
Affordable quality stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry
Attractive, functional Granite and Quartz countertops
Authorized Corian showroom
1700 sq. ft. Showroom with functional Kitchen
Certified kitchen designer on staff
We install everything
we sell or
do-it-yourself

Realize your ideal kitchen today at Kitchen Emporium of Portsmouth, Virginia. Please stop by and visit our kitchen and bath design showroom. We look forward to the opportunity to complete your home remodeling needs.

Please visit our website at http://kitchenemporium.net/default.htm see a more extensive portfolio of our projects.

Please visit http://www.kitchenemporiumtestimonials.blogspot.com/ to read comments from our customers.

Location

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Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton and Williamsburg, Virginia. These are all towns in which you will find remodeling and new work by Kitchen Emporium. We invite you to add you name to our long list of satisfied Virginia homeowners.

3411 High St - Portsmouth, VA 23707 - P: 757-397-2014 F: 757 399-4298 E: info@kitchenemporium.net

Our Services

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Kitchen Emporium, serving clients from Williamsburg to the outer banks of North Carolina, offers a high degree of personal attention with customized service. This requires more time and effort on our part, but, in turn, leads to a high level of client satisfaction. We do it because we are a small family owned business that enjoys our work. Just ask any of our past clients. References are gladly furnished.

Kitchen Emporium is a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Be assured, your design will be infused with the latest technologies and tools of the industry. We focus on keeping up with the leading standards for creativity, quality and service.

One of the most important services we offer is a Certified Kitchen Designer on staff. We are also members of the Tidewater Builders Association (VA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

We remodel / design….kitchens, bathrooms, home libraries and offices, laundry rooms, entertainment centers and hutches. We can add built-in cabinetry to any room of your home.

Kitchen Emporium can install your built-in cabinetry and countertops. Additionally, we install ceramic tile flooring and backsplashes, move walls, handle plumbing, electrical work, plaster and other remodeling. Kitchen Emporium holds a Virginia Class A contractor license #2701 034256A

What is a Certified Kitchen Designer?

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Certified Kitchen Designers (CKDs) specialize in the design, planning and execution of kitchens, bathroom vanities and other built-in units throughout the home. Only a select group of expert designers attain the CKD designation(s). CKDs must meet common core educational requirements, adhere to various legal restrictions and regulations in practice, and follow a professional code of ethics. The CKD is competent beyond the minimum interior design qualifications of federal and state (provincial) legal codes and requirements. CKDs prove advanced knowledge of technical and personal communication skills required to succeed as a design specialist in residential kitchen, bathroom and other built-in environments.

The Employees

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Rob Rardon founded Kitchen Emporium in 1988 and is an active participating member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. With a Degree in design, Rob uses his creative flair to design beautiful, classic kitchens. Rob’s interests involve spending time with his family and will often be spotted with his golf bag in tow.

Dennis Wieckert joined Kitchen Emporium in 1990 and has had a background in the design/construction industry for over twenty five years. Dennis takes pride on building relationships with his customers and enjoys designing beautiful spaces. Dennis spends his free time with his family and is also involved in many church activities.

Testimonials

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Kitchen Emporium Testimonials

Dear Mr. Rardon,

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the professionalism, integrity and superb customer service your company demonstrated in the successful completion of our kitchen renovation contract. Additionally, the product knowledge, hard work, diligence and attention to detail of Mr. Dennis Wieckert were critically important to the successful completion of the contract. The finished product, our new kitchen, is beautiful and exceeded our expectations.

Your company was highly recommended by several of our neighbors. We were very fortunate to have you as the prime contractor and are pleased with the project management, attention to detail, communication, and customer service you demonstrated over the past few months. Any construction/installation contracts end up successful and some end up in litigation. It all depends upon the professionalism, integrity, and capability of the prime contractor, the quality of sub-contractors, and the planning and detail incorporated into the contract. The quality of product and your work was excellent. Despite several challenges, you did an outstanding job managing your sub-contractors, directing, and coordinating the installation schedules and ensuring the quality of the finished product. As the contract proceeded, you kept us well informed and overall the communication was excellent. You demonstrated a lot of flexibility and resourcefulness regarding incorporating our thoughts and ideas and managed to maintain the contract schedule. The end result of your efforts was a high quality job, delivered on time and at the agreed upon price. We sincerely appreciate the efforts and hard work of you and Dennis and simply wanted to say “thank you.'”

We have shown our new kitchen to many of our friends and neighbors. We will continue to refer you and your company to anybody who is looking for an honest, competent, and capable contractor. Thank you again for a job well done. JoAnn and I want to extend our best wishes to you for continued success.

D. R. “Mac” Mckenzie

Captain, USN (Retired)

Norfolk, VA

Dennis,

Thanks so much for your patience, expertise, and humor in helping us with our kitchen.

Sarah L.

Norfolk, VA

Dear Rob and Dennis,

On behalf of our church family, I would like to express our appreciation for the beautiful countertop that now resides in our preschool nursery at Calvary. It was a perfect finishing touch to our redecorating efforts and has been genuinely admired by all who have seen it. Thank you so much for your generous gift. May the blessing of our Lord be richly bestowed upon both you and your fine business.

Rev. Phillip Parker

Calvary Baptist Church

Portsmouth, VA

Dear Elizabeth,

I wanted to thank you for the professional way in which the installation was handled. All of the people involved in the removal and installation of the vanity and fixtures were prompt, courteous, and efficient. It was a pleasure to work with all of you.

Jane P.

Portsmouth, VA

Dear Mr. Rardon,

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks for the excellent service you provided us on our recently completed kitchen. Kitchen Emporium came to us highly recommended and frankly you exceeded our expectations.

Your very punctual performance an meticulous attention to detail was quite impressive. All of our concerns and questions had immediate answers and resolutions. As could be expected of a sizable remodeling project, there were many questions and ideas brought forward all of which were handled professionally and timely. You delivered and installed your products as promised without any deviations, monetary changes or adjustments. We were at all times informed of your schedule and like clockwork, you delivered.

We are understandably proud of our new kitchen and putting it all together has indeed been a rare and pleasurable experience for us. As we continued to enjoy the newness of our home, we will forever remember your part in it and we will be certain to highly recommend Kitchen Emporium to anyone we know that may be in the market for kitchen remolding or any other services you provide.

Lastly, we would like to extend a special note of thanks for your commendable patience and tolerance in dealing with our sometimes indecisiveness and uncertainties. It has indeed been a pleasure doing business with you.

Bill H.

Virginia Beach, VA

To the Professionals at Kitchen Emporium,

We just wanted to thank you for the excellent service your team provided during the past few months in the selection and subsequent installation of our kitchen, laundry room and bath room cabinets.

Dennis was a big help in the selection of our oak cabinets as well as narrowing down the overwhelming choices of countertop options. We had not been able to find the exact kind of cabinets we wanted (plain oak with no knobs, just finger pulls) to give us a clean looking kitchen and laundry and still be stylish until we say the cabinets your installed. Some of his suggestions such as the drawers for pots instead of regular cabinets are very much appreciated and actually provide more storage than the normal choice of cabinets. Turning the two bookcases in the family room facing toward the French doors also turned out to be an improvement in the appearance of the room.

The team of installers did an excellent job as well as suggesting some options that also enhanced the appearance of the cabinets. Their idea for fitting a duct under the kitchen sink directly into the wood looks as though it was designed to be that way.

We look forward to continuing our relationship with you when we get ready to finish the room above the garage and will be calling you for replacing that cabinet and sink in that bathroom. We have and will continue to recommend your business to anyone we know of who is in the building process. Feel free to use us as a reference. Again, thank you. We really appreciate the attention to detail. You took the same care and time with the whole process s we have in building the entire house.

Terry and Wayne Darrington

Suffolk, VA

Dear Rob and Dennis,

It was a pleasure working with both of you on our remodeling project. We are very happy with the final project.

Thanks for everything,

Barbara C.

Chesapeake, VA

Rob,

We love our new kitchen! Thank you so much for the wonderful design you came up with for our very limited budget. It makes our home much more livable. I actually enjoy preparing meals in such a lovely environment without the dread of having to wash all of the dishes by hand afterward. You are a real blessing.

Lesa and Dan

Suffolk, VA

Dennis,

Thanks again for our beautiful kitchen. We couldn’t be more thrilled!

Laura,

Portsmouth, VA

Dear Rob,

Thank you for making sure the floor was done right and to our satisfaction. We will recommend you to our friends.

Karen and Jim P.

Suffolk, VA

Rob and Dennis,

You guys are so great! A pleasant surprise of a super new cutting board made my day. The kitchen looks great, thanks to a job well done. It constantly gives us a reason to say thanks for choosing you.

Sonya and Tim M.

Portsmouth, VA

Dear Rob,

Thank you for the great job. I am very satisfied with everything. One thing was most appreciated, you always did exactly what you promised, and that is unusual these days.

Thanks again,

Donna B.

Portsmouth, VA

Dear Dennis,

Meant to send you a note on our ‘kitchen anniversary’ but some big jerk named Hurricane Floyd kind of distracted me. Anyhow, we’re still greatly enjoying our new kitchen and still greatly appreciate all your help in achieving what we wanted. Thanks!

Debby C.

Virginia Beach, VA

Rob and Dennis,

Thank you for your patience and attention to detail. We love our kitchen!

Steven and Lisa L.

Chesapeake, VA

Dear Rob,

I just wanted to thank you for being so patient with me through my uncertainty in deciding on our kitchen cabinets. Initially, going into the remodeling, I was so sure the white was what I wanted. I got sidetracked because I did not like the laminate cabinets.

Your beautiful showroom and the information we received gave me what I needed to make a very important decision. I am so looking forward to my new kitchen. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Dixie T.

Chesapeake, VA

The Home Depot

Taylor Road Store

RE: ___ family cabinet installation mistakes

To Whom It May Concern,

The reason that we are writing to you today is to provide a timeline of what we feel were various miscues on the part of Home Depot, KraftMaid, and ___ Enterprises, Inc. during the installation of our built-in den cabinets/entertainment center. Due to the fact that one mistake has compounded the effects of another, it will have taken nearly four months to complete the installation of these cabinets (please note: installation has still not been completed as of the time of this writing). In our opinion, this project has taken entirely too long, especially when considering the fact that this installation consisted only of a straight line of cabinet aligned along one wall, interrupted only by our fireplace, in addition to the following facts:

no structural work was required
no electrical work was required
no plumbing work was required
the owners (us) provided all required/agreed upon prep work prior to ___ Enterprises arriving on site for the installation (removed existing crown molding and fireplace mantel, removed brick toy box, repaired brick hearth, installed plywood floor panels to provide reasonable flush floor surface, removed baseboard hot water heat register, relocated air conditioner ductwork and vent in way of cabinets, relocated multiple electrical outlets, repaired drywall).

The following is an approximate timeline of what has transpired on this project;

Mid June 2007- design completed/contract signed at Home Depot. Project cost paid in full.

Late June/early July- first set of cabinet deliveries received from KraftMaid. Neil checked this delivery and several items were back ordered or missing.

Mid July- another delivery received. A different person (Stephanie or Peggy) checked this delivery and some items were damaged and had to be ordered again.

Late July-another delivery received. A third person (Stephanie or Peggy) checked this delivery and more items were damaged and had to be ordered again.

Mid August- another shipment received. Peggy checked this delivery and all items appeared to be in place. Installation was scheduled.

Mid August-___ Enterprises arrived to provide installation. Unfortunately, the wooden counter top had a beveled edge and was thus 3/4” short to support wall cabinets. Other errors were also noted (right- hand support panel for t.v. bay had a natural finish and did not match the bisque paint color of cabinets, right-hand support panel and overhead panel for t.v. bay did not match one another in size). ___ Enterprises representatives notified Peggy and discussed required remedies and new pieces were ordered.

Early/mid September- replacement pieces arrived from KraftMaid. ___ Enterprises arrived to finish installation. The replacement pieces were made too long (a mistake by KraftMaid). ___ Enterprises installed the remainder pieces in order to resolve a conflict that arose during the ogee molding installation. Also a ___ Enterprise representative installed a piece of trim along the rear corner of the t.v bay such that an electrical outlet cover plate cannot be installed.

Mid September- the final piece was received from KraftMaid. The panel section mandated by the ___ Enterprise representative has still not arrived, and it will apparently not arrive until early October. Home Depot attempted to schedule another installation by ___ Enterprises to effect substantial completion without the end panel. ___ Enterprises has advised that their schedule cannot accommodate us, and that they will not be available to complete the project until mid October.

In reviewing the project, we feel that the following items will need to be improved upon for Home Depot to remain competitive in the market place and to prevent similar snafus from occurring in the future:

Three different project team members checked in the deliveries from KraftMaid. Even with these folks checking the various pieces, there were still several “surprises” that slipped through quality control. This should not happen- using one dedicated person per project to review items instead of three would have been advantageous.
It seems as if the project management team members are being stretched too thin- they do not seem to be closely monitoring these projects until something occurs to bring a project to a screaming halt. Only then is oversight truly provided.
The role of the project manager is unclear. We have rarely corresponded with Neil, our project manager. It is much more typical for us to speak with Peggy, who appears to be the department head of three different departments. While we feel as though she is doing the best she can given her many duties, it seems as though Neil should be working with us instead. When my wife contacted Neil to schedule inspection for the initial KraftMaid delivery, he was either not prepared of had not received our contact/order information.
The delivery time for each round of product deliveries from KraftMaid took three weeks. This has been the greatest source of delays for the project. This caused the project to drag on interminable every time damage or smudging was discovered. Apparently, KraftMaid is unable to UPS delivery and this seems horrendously inadequate for making timely deliveries.
The designers at Home Depot and the installer at ___ Enterprises don’t seem to be on the same page. ___ Enterprises argued vociferously for us the use laminate counter tops, which we adamantly opposed due to the location of these cabinets. The designer advised that the wooden tops were perfectly suited for this application and would provide a superior look. In the final analysis, we strongly agreed with the designer, however because of the conflicting advice, this was a strong source of friction during the planning stages of the project.
A conflict between the brick hearth and the Ogee molding on the left side cabinets was not discovered until the second time ___ Enterprises had arrived to perform the installation. An end panel was missing and if ___ Enterprises had installed the Ogee molding during the first day of installation, the missing panel would have been caught much earlier in the project.
Although the designer, Christina, seemed very thorough and knowledgeable, she was apparently unaware of the conflicts.
Home Depot’s front desk customer service representatives seemed very callous and occasionally quite rude when answering the telephone. Furthermore, it appears that messages are not being delivered by customer service to the kitchen department staff.

My wife has expended a great deal of time and effort trying to manage this project, to keep all parties informed, and to provide ”motivation” to the project team. Either she or I have been readily available for every inspection and installation as needed. I have taken a vacation time from work to oversee the installation, only to see it gone to waste. My wife has become increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the comical errors despite her best efforts.

Furthermore, our sunroom which comprises nearly 10% of our home’s square footage, has been almost completely inaccessible for over three months as it was necessary to store the cabinets.

In the final analysis, this project could and should have been handled more expeditiously and proactively. A homeowner should not have to expend so much energy to see things through. For comparison purposes, Kitchen Emporium completed a $35,000.00 renovation to our kitchen this past spring (including significant structural, electrical and plumbing work in addition to cabinetry and granite countertops) in less than sixty days.

For these reasons, we would appreciate receiving a full refund of the monies we paid toward this project.

Sincerely,

Christopher and Angela T.

Dear Dennis,

Thank you for doing such beautiful work. We love the kitchen.

Tammy and John L.

Virginia Beach, VA

Dear Rob and Dennis,

Just a quick note to thank you both for a job well done. We absolutely love our new kitchen.

Sincerely,

Al and Ruth P.

P.S. An extra ‘thank you’ to Dennis for the beautiful job you did finishing up our kitchen. Your conscientiousness is so very much appreciated.

Rob,

Thanks for the help. I appreciate your patience more than I can say. If I find an old man with money, I’ll be back for some more cabinets. Your folks did a fine job.

Isabel O.

Chesapeake, VA

Dennis,

Thanks again for all your help and I’m referring you to all my friends and neighbors! You were great about letting me vent when I needed to!

Tracy R.

Virginia Beach, VA

Dear Rob,

We are so thrilled with our new kitchen! It’s everything we had hoped for and more. From the very beginning, thru all the decisions and choices, the usual problems and those unexpected ones, your calm steady manner and reliable expertise always helped to make in not so overwhelming these past months.

We are so pleased to add our names to Kitchen Emporiums satisfied customers and long list of fans. Sending many thank yous and our best wishes to you and Dennis for continued success.

Jane O’Keefe

Norfolk, VA

Dennis,

We love the kitchen and sing your praises to one and all. Thanks again for making it such an enjoyable experience. your ideas and input solved so many problems and have worked wonderfully.

Gus and Joan S.

Hampton, VA

Dear Rob,

Thanks for a great job at a fair price. We are looking forward to the move in the near future.

Crawford J.

Norfolk, VA

Dennis,

So far, all is working well with the cabinets and countertops. Everyone loves the look, layout and more- that includes me! Thanks for everything!

Pam C.

Norfolk, VA

Rob,

We’re both very pleased with our kitchen and the fine work you and your contractors did. Thanks.

We’ll be sure to recommend you to others.

Steve and Tonya

Chesapeake, VA