The most common remodel in a home is a kitchen remodel and it is also the most costly and extensive. It can be really valuable for your home and add more productivity if done right. But how do you do that? What aspects should you focus on? What materials are best for your home?

Here are some important aspects that you should consider before beginning the process of a remodel. 

Determine Your Why

Before you start any remodel it is important to determine what you want to accomplish with the update. Are you wanting to add more space? Are you wanting to add better lighting or just more updated appliances? 

Making a list of why you want to complete a kitchen remodel can help you stay focused when actually working on the kitchen. Getting side-tracked is the easiest way to spend more money and time than you planned. Keeping your vision in mind helps to make sure that you are in love with your kitchen after the remodel is complete.

Timeless Materials

Choosing all the materials for your kitchen is a daunting and important task. You will want to choose timeless materials if you want your kitchen remodel to be in style for a long time. Choosing timeless materials also helps with the resale value of your home if you ever decide to sell.

Some timeless materials include subway tile, marble, white shaker cabinets and wood floors.

Once You Move Plumbing, That’s Where It Stays

Changing the layout of your kitchen may require you to move appliances and plumbing. Keep in mind that plumbing can be adjusted and moved, but it is expensive and sometimes really complicated to adjust. Keep in mind your “why” when you are deciding if you want to move the plumbing. 

There are many kitchen designs that look just as classy without moving the plumbing. Updating appliances, changing paint colors, adding or changing shelving, etc. 

Consider The Resale Value

With any home project, you should keep in mind how the updates will affect the value of your home. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so you should keep in mind the functionality and other trends when you choose elements of your kitchen. 

Any money you put in your kitchen you will ultimately get back out. People are always looking for updated kitchens when they are buying a home, so keeping your kitchen up to date can increase what you get for your home. Completing a kitchen remodel will help you feel more comfortable in your kitchen and help out your future home buyers as well.

Storage Space

While designing custom cabinets may be appealing, it is not the only option. You should choose cabinets that are in your budget, but also keep your kitchen looking clean. There are ways to upgrade your current cabinets, floating shelves and unconventional storage spaces. 

Depending on what you want to accomplish with your remodel, will determine what you do with your cabinets. If the whole purpose of your kitchen remodel is to add more storage, then the majority of your budget should focus on the cabinets and storage solutions. 

Choose Practical Countertops

Countertops should be made out of durable materials but choosing a material that fits both aesthetics and practicality helps you to get the most out of your kitchen. An important aspect to keep in mind is if the material requires maintenance or not. Doing some research about what countertops are right for you can help your kitchen remodel. 

Let Rosewood Help You Our team is ready to help you build the kitchen of your dreams. The kitchen should fit your unique needs and be able to change and adapt with your family. We ensure quality service that will get you back in your kitchen as soon as possible. If your kitchen is uncomfortable and outdated let the experts at Rosewood Home Remodeling remodel your kitchen. Contact us today!

Summer is just around the corner and backyard BBQ’s and family gatherings are sure to fill your summer weekends. If you have an outdoor deck, you want it to stand up to the weather and traffic. Gathering on your deck should be a joy and easy on the eyes. Rosewood Remodel would love to help you with your deck staining. Whether you are looking to re-stain or paint your deck here are some common deck staining questions to help you get started. 

How Long Should I Stay Off Of My Deck After Staining?

While you may want to get right to entertaining, it is recommended that you stay off a newly stained deck for 24 hours. Just like any other paint job, letting the stain or paint dry will yield the best results. Allowing the stain to soak into the wood, set properly and have some time to dry will allow you to enjoy your newly painted deck for a lot longer.

Oil Or Water Based Stain?

Now it’s time to choose a stain, we can help provide tips on what stain to use for your particular deck. Choosing between an oil based stain and a water based stain also comes with choosing if your stain will be transparent, solid or somewhere in between.

Oil based stain may take longer to dry but often provide a smoother finish and sink deeper into the wood. These stains also require less long term maintenance because they are highly durable. Water based stains are easier to clean, non-flammable and don’t release harmful fumes or obnoxious odors compared to oil stains. Water based stains also are resistant to mold and mildew which can be great for places where it rains or snows. 

Deck Stain Or Deck Paint?

To add to the choices when it comes to staining your deck, there are multiple options for deck stain and deck paint. Choosing this can depend on the material of your deck and other factors. We can help assess your situation and help you choose the best option for your deck. The biggest difference is that deck stain seeps into the wood and penetrates deep, while paint just adheres to the surface.

Paint provides surface level protection but is also thicker which can be a good option to mask imperfections. But as temperatures fluctuate and moisture comes to your deck, the paint can start to peel and chip. Multiple layers of paint can help combat this problem.

Deck staining helps to emphasize the natural grain of the wood. While it may provide less protection than painting it is better than implementing untreated wood. Adding stain adds some protection and keeps the natural beauty of the wood that you have chosen for your deck.

Should I Sand My Deck Before Staining?

Even if you have a professional coming to stain your deck, they may tell you that it is not a bad idea to sand down your deck first. While sanding is not necessary if you are wanting your deck to look and feel smooth, then you will definitely want to sand down the rough texture of the wood. 

If you choose to paint your deck, sanding beforehand will help the paint to adhere in an even coat. 

Should I Wash After Sanding?

If you choose to sand your deck, you may want to pressure wash the remaining dust or paint particles away. Once you wash your deck, you should let it dry for at least 24 hours before staining it or having a professional come in to stain. Wood is porous and will open up to the water and soak it in. If your wood is full of water it will not be able to suck up the stain or paint and will cost you extra money to redo the job. 

If you do pressure wash your deck, be careful to avoid chipping or leaving indents in the wood. Rinsing the wood off with a lighter pressure hose can also do the trick and avoid damage.

How Many Coats?

It is typical for solid color stains to require two coats. It is important to paint the stain or paint in thin coats in long smooth strokes. Hiring a professional can help you get an even coat and spend less time on your hands and knees making sure you don’t miss a spot. 2 coats helps to ensure that nothing was missed and that there is a good layer of protection for your deck. 

How Is The Weather Going To Impact My Deck Staining?

This is an important question to consider when staining or painting your deck. If your deck is in direct sunlight a stain will provide more protection from the UV rays of the sun. Transparent stains are better for wet surroundings because they allow moisture to escape. 

In colder temperatures and snow, staining will protect your deck. If you do live in a lower temperature area, you may want to consider applying a water repellent finish every few years to upkeep the look and keep moisture out of the wood for longer. Cold and wet temperatures allow the wood to expand and contract causing it to warp. Applying a stain adds an extra layer of strength and can make your deck more durable and strong.

It is also best to not hire for deck staining in direct sunlight or when it is going to rain. The stain and paint needs time to set and soak in and this will not be possible if weather gets in the way. 

How Do I Choose A Color?

Choosing a color is honestly mostly a personal preference and can add a personal touch to deck staining. If you choose a gray or blue this can provide a more modern or coastal look. More natural colors like red, brown, or taupe can look rustic and more natural with the landscape of your yard. You can choose many colors from bold to more natural. 

Some stains only come in certain colors so know your options for oil or water based before getting your heart set on a color. Rosewood painting can also provide a color consultation to help you choose paint for your deck or your home. Getting your deck ready for summer with Rosewood Painting and Remodel. Contact us today or request an estimate.