Updating Kitchen Counters Makes for a Fun Winter Project

Old counters can make a kitchen seem drab and out-of-date. Luckily, there are a few options for counter replacements that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you’d love to give well-worn or boring old countertops a new look without breaking the bank, this week’s column is for you.

Paint. Assuming you’re working with old laminate counters, a fresh lick of paint can give you an easy update to a dark, faded kitchen. Brands such as Rust-oleum offer special paint just for countertops that come in a dozen colors and don’t require a coat of primer if you’re just going over laminate. Many also contain antimicrobial protection which will protect the painted surface against mold, mildew and other odor and stain causing microbes.

Concrete. Concrete countertops and floors are very fashionable in home trends, but having to deal with the process of pouring a real slab can be expensive and challenging. Not to worry - you can always skim coat your current counters to make them look like the real thing. Ardex sells a feather finish which will help the concrete bond to the countertop, and while it might not have the same durability as a solid concrete counter, you’ll be able to achieve the look for a lot less.

Tile. I love the aesthetic of tile because it can add lots of color and style to a kitchen at a really affordable price. While you can technically tile over laminate, I’d recommend building new countertops out of plywood and then using an underlayment of tile backer to secure each piece into place. A tile countertop can look great, but it also involves a lot of grout which can be tough to clean. If you’re tiling, be sure to invest in a proper sealant.

Stainless Steel. If you’re comfortable building and sanding down new plywood countertops, consider wrapping them with stainless steel sheet metal. For a metal look without the real thing, you can purchase liquid stainless steel paint made by a company called Giani. Both will give your kitchen a modern look which can be brightened up with colored cabinets, or left with more natural materials for an industrial feel.

Corian. If you love the look of stone but granite and marble are out of your budget, you might want to consider a less expensive alternative such as Corian, which is a solid surface material derived from bauxite. It’s durable, comes in a variety of thicknesses and can mimic the look of marble, sandstone or other popular, more expensive natural stone materials. It also comes in solid colors if you’re after a more contemporary look.

Do you have a tip or trick to give countertops a breath of fresh air without spending a ton of money? I’ve love to hear from you - send me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Spruce Up Those Suspended Ceilings with Head Turning Tiles

I received a question from a reader this week that I thought was well worth sharing.

Dear Bob,

We are remodeling our basement this winter and my husband says we should keep the suspended ceiling even though I think it looks terrible. He says it makes it easier to get into our wiring and plumbing. Is there anything we can do maintain the accessibility but make it a little more stylish?

Thanks,

Sue G.

Dear Sue, I’m so glad you asked this question because suspended or drop ceilings make a lot of sense for basements and office spaces. A suspended ceiling consists of a simple grid of lightweight tiles or panels, and they are popular because they are simple to install and allow easy access to internal wires and pipes. There are other benefits too: suspended ceilings are great for absorbing acoustics, they are more moisture and fire resistant than drywall ceilings, and they are naturally insulating which gives them a tick in terms of energy efficiency.

For all these reasons, suspended ceilings are a popular choice and your husband is right for wanting to keep them. However, I agree with you -  those mineral fiber panels aren’t the nicest to look at. Luckily, manufacturers have recently been thinking the same thing and there are now tons of options to create a really great looking ceiling to match your remodeling project.

One of my favorite options is pressed tin tiles, which were popular in the early 1900’s and can still be found in townhouses and brownstones in urban areas like New York City. They are making a huge comeback in modern design too. Tin plated tiles come in a range of patterns and finishes and the detailing adds a lot of flare to a room, even if you choose a white finish. Personally, I love the warmth of a copper look.

The faux wood is another popular choice, which comes in a ton of stains and colors. I like a dark walnut or cherry for a den or home office, while a lighter color would look great in a kitchen or darker basement.

Lastly, let’s not forget about vinyl. Vinyl tiles allow you to get interesting textures above your head and some of the 3-D and built in crown molding options can give a room a classy upgrade without forgoing durability. They are very easy to clean and are stain and water resistant if you’re looking for a solution in a leak prone area.

I hope these ideas answer your question Sue and best of luck with your basement makeover!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Christmas Tree Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

Did you know that Christmas trees alone result in $13 million dollars in property damage every year? According to the American Christmas Tree Association, the combination of tree dryness, lighting malfunctions and placement near a flammable heat source can be deadly during the holiday season. So let’s make sure we all stay safe with a few tips to ensure your tree is in great shape and won’t cause a fire in your home. Here we go:

 

• The drought has made for incredibly dry conditions, so when you’re choosing a tree it’s important to make sure the needles are green and spring back when you bend them. If they snap easily or if the tree is shedding needles while still in the lot or on the farm, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

• Once you have your tree, be sure to place it at least three feet away from lights, cords, radiators, fireplaces, vents, or any other heat source. The perfect aesthetic placement might not be the safest, so be smart and avoid any kind of set-up that can start a fire. Also, don’t place a tree anywhere between you and an exit. You want to have a clear path out of the house in case of any emergency.

• Remember to keep your tree well watered. The drier the tree, the more flammable it will be, so keep the base full and check it every day.

• Inspect your lights before you begin decorating. Remove and replace any damaged bulbs and throw away strands that aren’t working properly. If you buy new, make sure they have been checked by an independent testing laboratory for safety. There should be a label on the box or the strings themselves denoting this safety measure.  

• Indoor lights are made for the indoors and outdoor lights are for outside. This may sound silly but pay attention to what kind of lights you’re using for what purpose. Different wattages and configurations can be a fire hazard if not used correctly.

• Keep candles far away from your tree. An open flame can light up a tree in seconds. Also it’s a good idea to keep a small fire extinguisher near the tree in case of an emergency.

• If you’re going out or going to bed, be sure to switch the tree off. Sure, the holiday twinkle may look lovely for the neighbors, but you don’t want to be woken up by smoke or come home to a house burned to the ground.

• Once the needles start to fall, it’s time to get rid of the tree. Do not leave any old greenery in your garage or leaning up against your home as they can be a real fire hazard. Use the community recycling program to dispose of your tree safely. For Bristol residents, the city collects trees after New Year’s Day for approximately two weeks. Trees can be placed curbside by 6am on your regular rubbish collection day.

 

While Christmas tree fires are not overly common, one false move can engulf your entire home in flames. Follow these tips to keep your family safe and happy tree hunting!

 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.