Butcher Block – Individual pieces of wood are bonded together to make a work and cutting surface.  It is easy to sand out small nicks and scratches.  It is not recommended for use near sinks or dishwashers as they are prone to water damage.  Hot cookware can scorch the surface.  Sealing and periodic treatment is recommended as wood is porous.  The environmental impact of using wood really depends on the way the material was grown, harvested, and processed.  Select FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, reclaimed wood, or non-commercial regional species.  Materials should meet US FDA requirements for food contact.

Concrete – Made from cement, sand, stone and other fillers.  You may also incorporate recycled materials such as glass into the concrete mix (some local products contain up to 85% recycled glass).  However, cement production is energy intensive; approximately one tonne of greenhouse gases are released for every tonne of cement produced.  Concrete will tolerate hot cookware but it is porous so sealing and periodic treatments will be necessary.  Many sealers are toxic so be sure to use products approved for eating surfaces such as food-grade mineral oil.  We also recommend that you use non-toxic, natural pigments mixed into the concrete for integral colour rather than surface-applied stains.  It is also very heavy and may require cabinet reinforcement.

Engineered Stone – Quarts crystals and ground quartz, pigments and polyester resin are combined and poured into a mould to create a dense slab resembling granite.  The slab is then distributed to regional fabricators.  It is durable and very difficult to scratch, cut, or stain.  It will tolerate hot cookware with no sealers or treatments needed and is naturally hygienic.  However, it is a non-renewable resource and most are manufactured in Europe so shipping this heavy material long distances results in environmental impacts.  We recommend Cambria.

Laminates – Layers of phenolic resin-soaked paper are cured under high pressure and finished with a decorative surface.  Although laminates are non-toxic, the resin is made from phenol and formaldehyde, two toxic chemicals.  Although it is hygienic, it is not very durable; seams and nicks & scratches will show while hot cookware can scorch the surface.  Further the substrate may be prone to water damage.  Choose products made with water-based rather than solvent-based resins.  If you are going custom, you should be able to choose a base other than particleboard like exterior-grade FSC-certified plywood or formaldehyde-free, medium density fibreboard (MDF) made with exterior-grade resins.  Also request adhesives that contain no or low VOCs which are harmful to air quality.

Natural Linoleum – Made from linseed oil, wood flour, pine resin, and pigments with a plant fibre backing (all renewable products), natural linoleum is also called the 40-year floor, due to its durability.  You can apply it to substrates for use as countertops, just like laminates.  Because it needs a substrate, choose carefully and be prepared for possible water damage.  It has anti-static qualities thus repels dust and can provide an antibacterial surface.  Hot cookware can scorch the surface.

Natural Stone – Quarried from around the world, environmental impacts depend on quarrying and production practices as well as transport distance.  It is also a readily available salvage and remnant item.  Salvaged material is available at a fraction of the cost (and environmental impact) of new stone.  It is durable and can tolerate hot cookware well.  However, it may prove difficult to repair and as it is porous it will require sealing and treatment.  Being heavy, you will need to reinforce cabinets.

Paper-resin Composite – Made from multiple layers of craft paper and resin bonded under low pressure into slabs.  Some products use 50-100% recycled paper and all can be fashioned with woodworking tools.  Thinner sheets will save money and resources.  Small nicks and cuts with this type of composite can be sanded out.  The material itself is also naturally hygienic however, hot cookware can scorch the surface.  Further the surface may stain or mottle but you may like the effect it creates.  Thinner sheets will save money and resources.  To reduce staining we recommend regular treatment.  As this type of material is relatively new to the market, make sure you choose an experience installer to avoid problems.

Solid Surface – A mix of fillers and resins.  Can be easy to clean and small nicks and scratched can be sanded out.  However, surfaces are prone to stains, cuts and scratches and hot cookware can scorch the surface.  Further the filler is often a form of bauxite – the ore that produces aluminum – extraction and processing of which is associated with caustic soda contamination of water supplies, buaxite and alumina dust, and eco-system dislocation.  Resins are either polyester or acrylic, both from oil and natural gas products.  In other words, the mining, extraction and manufacturing are environmentally damaging not to mention the natural gas contributing to the pollution and depletion of scarce resources.

Stainless Steel – A combination of steel, chromium and nickel.  It is durable, hygienic, reusable/recyclable, and can tolerate hot cookware.  However it is prone to scratching and will show fingerprints.  Moreover, its production requires large amounts of energy.  Chromium is also a toxic heavy metal but when bound in stainless steel during manufacturing the finished product is non-toxic.  BUT its production causes pollution.  It is usually anchored to a plywood base for stability and we recommend you use FSC-certified plywood.

Tile – It is DIY friendly and will tolerate hot cookware.  Further you can replace individual tiles in case of cracks or damage.  However some of the disadvantages are that the grout can stain and may harbour bacteria while the surface it self may become uneven.  Tile manufacturing requires large amounts of energy but its durability gives it an environmental edge.  Source tiles from recycled glass (we recommend products from local companies like Interstyle), recycled porcelain (Ecotiles from Ames Tile), salvage ceramic scrap, or feldspar tailings – waste from feldspar processing.  It will require sealing so make sure you choose sealers free of formaldehyde and low in VOCs.

Your stone countertops are very easy to clean. A mild detergent (soapy water) will keep your stone looking beautiful for a long time.  Avoid household products that contain acids, alkalis and other chemicals that will degrade the sealer leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining.

Rinse and dry the surface with a soft sponge  after washing.

Avoid exposing your stone counter tops to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, acids, oil, juices, wine, etc.  If contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water.

Do not cut directly on your stone counter top.  This can cause deep and permanent scratches to appear.

Avoid directly dropping heavy or sharp objects on your counters.

Avoid excessive force on top of counter tops , especially around the rim of the sinks.

Avoid flame or applying heat directly to your stone countertops even if it may be a “heat resistant” material.

For natural stones only, to prevent staining stones, we recommend that you re-seal your counter tops every 1  to  1½  years.

When planning a kitchen for a wheelchair use, make sure you know the measurements for the wheelchair.  As a rule of thumb, you should provide a 5′ radius to enable a 360 turn in the space without interruption.  As with bathrooms, entry doors should have a minimum 32″ opening and door should swing outward in case someone falls inside and blocks the opening.

Observe the height of the wheelchair armrest so you can customise your countertop height to accommodate this.  Typically countertop height should be between 28″-34″.  Counter thickness should be no more than 2″.  Space for knees calls for 24″ in height and about 30″ in width.

Sinks should be shallow to allow the cook to sit or stand while working.  Faucets should be a loop or single lever for easy operation.  Companies like Kohler offers options for ADA compliant fixtures.  Drains should be installed as close to the back as possible to keep knee space clear.  Hot water pipes under sinks should be insulated to prevent burns in case of contact.

Wall ovens and microwaves should be placed approximately 31″ from the floor to allow a wheelchair user easy access.  Cooktops should have staggered burners and controls should be at the top front to eliminate the need for reaching over hot elements.  Dishwashers should be 6-8″ off the floor and be located in an area where it can be accessed from either side.  For fridges, consider compact units that can fit under counter.

If at all possible, do not overlook the following points when designing an accessible kitchen:

• Install glare-free lighting, cabinets, and low-gloss counter laminate
• Install switches, thermostats, other types of controls no higher than 48″ off the floor
• Electrical outlets should not be any lower than 15″ off the floor

As with any other design, always consult your local building code requirements to ensure you have covered all mandatory points.

Essentially, the goal of the triangle is to place the three most common work areas to the most efficient distance apart and minimize any traffic through this work zone.  The three main work areas are: refrigerator, sink, and stove.  Placing these too far from each other means you are travelling unnecessary distances to get to common items you need while cooking.  However, placing them too close to each other means you are constantly circling one cramped work area, which may be a bit dizzying.

Consider giving yourself between 4-9 feet for each leg of the triangle.  The total of all three legs should come in between 12 and 26 feet.  Avoid placing the triangle in high traffic zones and obstructions.

By incorporating a work triangle you will increase your efficiency and enjoyment in using the space.  Here are some of our favourite efficient kitchens:

Kitchen Before & After by Susan Allison:

Bathroom Before & After by Kelly Schmidt:

1. Determine your budget because like everything else there’s a high and a low end.  Regardless of your budget though, creativity will take you a long way.
2. Determine the theme that you are going for.  If you are already doing a renovation then the theme most-likely has already been determined so this should be easy.  Whether it’s country, traditional, or contemporary it’s always a good idea to maintain a consistent theme.  However, as backsplashes usually cover a small area, you can definitely do something a bit different to add interest.
3. Continue your counter material up to the wall as backsplash to be consistent.  For those who have difficulty when there are too many choices, this is always a good option.
4. Define specific work areas by varying the type of material or colours used.  For instance, try stainless steel behind your cook-top and tile the rest.  Introducing different materials will make the space more interesting and allow you to highlight those big budget items, like your Wolf range!  Be careful not to overdo it though because it could end up looking like a mess.
5. Give you backsplash the same attention your cabinetry or countertop would get.  It’s at eye level, so most likely will be the first thing you see when you enter the room.
6. Do your research!  There’s a plethora of materials to choose from including, laminates, glass, ceramics, metal, and solid surface, so make sure whatever you choose is right for your needs.
7. If you are on a budget but still want something special, choose one area to install the very expensive recycled glass tiles (for instance), and use something more budget friendly for the remainder of the space.
8. Neutrals are pretty standard these days but for interest consider adding a colourful band or border for a punch of colour.
9. If you are a collector of tiles and have an interesting collection gathered through your travels, by all means use some of them to make your backsplash a bit more unique.
10. Seek professional help if you need it and when it comes to tiling quality can vary with each tiler so make sure you do your research.

PLASTIC PIPES

• PVC – (Polyvinyl Chloride) can be used only for cold water.
• ABS – (Acrylonitrite-butadiene-styrene) is used for waste removal, drain and venting, primarily in bathrooms.  It is a rigid plastic pipe that can be connected to several kinds of metal pipes.  If you are considering this, check with your contractor or local building codes as it is not permitted in some areas.
• PEX – can be used to carry both hot & cold water. It is often used for interior water pipes in residential plumbing.
• CPVC – (Chlorine-polyvinyl-chloride) is generally used to carry hot water and often used as a substitute for copper pipe.

Dishwasher – look for low energy consumption, a delay timer & an economy cycle or half-load button; this will save on water & money

Refrigerator – look for frost build-up prevention; by circulating the air rather than using the defroster, this will help you prevent freezer burn.

Sink – stainless steel is highly recommended as they can take more abuse and is hygienic.

Oven – consider a multi-functional oven.  This will give your cook more option like browning, thawing, and many others.

Range – consider accessories like cooker hood, splashback, grill, griddle plates, rotisserie, wok burner & fish-kettle burner

Faucet – a cost-efficient option is the three-way or tri-flow faucets that take away the need for bottled water or other purification system.  Newer models offer dual-flow for hot & cold filtered water.

Countertops – Look for durability, ease during cleaning and consider the people in your household who will be using these areas.  There are many cost-effective & aesthetically pleasing options so it really depends on what your needs are.

Flooring – The cost for installation can be just as much as the material so consider your options carefully and also do thorough research for the right installer as they can make or break your design & budget.

Bathroom Fans – Look for something that’s powerful enough for your room & ensure the noise level is to your satisfaction.  Utility exhaust fans are great for reducing odors & moisture, such as in kitchens.  Fan-forced heat models are more common in colder rooms such as bathrooms as they provide extra heat.

Lighting – more is not always better.  Consider how you will use the space & what is required for the day-to-day activities.  Flourescent lamps are very popular as they use 25 to 35 percent less energy than incandescent & provide the same amount of illumination while lasting 10 times longer.  There’s also an increasing interest in LEDs.  Whatever your option, make sure you get all the information from your lighting supplier/installer to make an informed decision.