Marc LaBossiere / Winnipeg Free Press
The Cabinet Corner crew hard at work making cabinets on site at their manufacturing and Display Room location on Des Meurons Street.
photos by Marc LaBossiere / Winnipeg Free Press
This cottage kitchen Marc installed includes new cupboards, countertops, backsplash, appliances, lighting and flooring.
Cupboards and countertops are the two main ingredients required for a full kitchen remodel. Sure, there are obviously multiple other factors to consider including lighting, flooring, plumbing, fixtures and appliances, but failing to choose the right cupboards and countertops may be a recipe for disaster.
In any space slated for demolition prior to a remodel, accurate measurements of the room’s dimensions dictate how the area can then be appropriately populated. For most rooms of the house, this can be achieved with relative ease.
When a remodel involves a kitchen, however, it’s best to include a kitchen design pro. And with today’s advancements in technology, a 3D rendering of the design will bring your kitchen to life, long before your old kitchen receives the heave-ho.
For all things cupboards, I called Richard Rochon at Cabinet Corner on Des Meurons Street — we’ve collaborated on several kitchens, kitchenettes and mini-bars over the past few years, and I don’t move forward on anything kitchen-related without speaking with him first.
I spoke recently with Rochon regarding the process of a kitchen design layout, and he had much to discuss.
"The software allows designers to plot a layout of a person’s kitchen. The 3D factor gives a very realistic look as to how one’s project will appear. A customer can then easily visualize the plan — this makes their investment more personal and exciting.
"It also allows a designer to notice the smaller details that would otherwise be difficult to envision. After all, our goal is to help guarantee a more refined and beautiful result."
Clients of mine generally have a pretty good idea as to what they want before meeting with a kitchen designer, who helps sort through the plethora of cupboard and countertop options.
"The faces or doors on the cabinetry primarily dictate the ‘look’ of the kitchen. I normally break it down into three choices: colour, style and material," Rochon said.
"Generally, ‘colours’ are either white, solid or wood grain. White is the most popular because of its neutrality and clean look. Solid colours are grey tones, brown tones or bold colours like blue. Wood-grain colours can be broken down further by light, medium or dark hues.
"Door styles can be separated in terms of slab, flat panel and raised panel. Slab is the contemporary choice; simple and square but can be ‘spiced up’ with an outside border and/or decorative handles. Flat panel is commonly known as ‘Shaker’ style. It has a frame with a flat inset panel and is the most popular style. Raised panel has a frame with a flush panel. It is substantial and the most decorative.
"The materials that make up the doors vary as well. Wood (such as maple and oak), thermofoil (a vinyl-wrapped MDF panel), melamine, acrylic, veneer and aluminum make up the variety. All come with pros and cons and are closely related to door colour and style choice. From the door, the cabinetry normally follows suit," he said.
"All cabinetry is manufactured at Cabinet Corner. We have the capabilities to make flat doors from melamine, veneer or acrylic. We can also stain and lacquer wood products. Cupboard doors, countertops, mouldings and hardware are ordered from respective vendors."
The cupboards manufacturing process can take up to four weeks. As a contractor, I gather the required room measurements in advance for the design process, and subsequently confirm these dimensions prior to the confirmation of the order.
While waiting for the cupboards to be delivered, my time is well spent preparing potential changes to framing, adapting electrical for kitchen usage, prepping the rough plumbing, implementing any ceiling lighting upgrades, completing the drywall and painting, as well as flooring upgrades if needed.
My goal: to have the entire space prepped for the cupboards installation the moment they are ready from manufacturing.
Although it is best to order the countertops at the same time as the cupboards, measurements of countertop sections should only be taken after the lower cabinets have been installed — this ensures accuracy. Rochon provides some advice regarding countertop choices. "There are many, many options out there, but the main two remain laminates and quartz. Laminates come in a wide variety of colours and are the least expensive," he said.
"The lifespan of laminates depends upon the care given to it — heat, water and accidental impact can easily damage it. Quartz has become very popular of late, and is often mistaken for granite. Although still sought after (and most expensive), granite is a natural porous slab of rock that requires a sealant periodically to maintain its look.
"Quartz on the other hand, in basic terms, is crushed granite mixed with epoxies that make it non-porous. This makes quartz maintenance free, which provides greater longevity. It isn’t totally invulnerable, but close to it. The price of quartz is at least four times that of laminate, but usually less than natural granite."
Kitchens are an expensive upgrade. And due to the substantial investment required, the planning process should never be taken lightly — preparation is key to a successful kitchen remodel.
"There is nothing wrong with spending more than three months easing into this important decision," Rochon said.
"The more prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you will be with the final product. Your (new) kitchen is an area you will work in and see every day, for the next 15 or even 20 years.
"It’s the most important room in your home, and we are always honoured each time we get to help with the process."
My sentiments, exactly.
"We’re here to help make the dream come true."
Well said, Richard, well said.
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