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How To Choose A Farmhouse Sink For Your Kitchen

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 06:13:49 GMT

Help with how to choose the best farmhouse sink for your kitchen

The Best farmhouse sinks for your kitchen.

There are many different types of kitchen sinks on the market and it can be overwhelming when you walk into a store and don't know exactly what you want. One of the most popular in households is the farm kitchen sink. Before you start looking for one, however, you should learn more about these types of kitchen sinks.

If you search online, you will have no problem finding a perfect country kitchen sink for your new home. With contemporary design and style, these sinks easily find their way into today's modern kitchens. There is a few considerations you should be aware of before you spend your money on a new farmhouse sink. Just liking the style isn't enough to ensure you get a sink that lasts and is suitable for how your family will use it.

The post below offers a few factors to consider when selecting a farmhouse sink:

The style of Farmhouse Sink

Traditionally mounted sinks

Since these sinks were originally intended for farm use, they still have that traditional look. When you look at some of these sinks you should be able to imagine how they would fit perfectly into your kitchen. While they can be very similar there are a few factors that define the different styles.

How you are going to use this style of sink has more of an impact than you might believe.

Traditionally installed farmhouse sinks do extend past the edge of your kitchen cabinets. This look offers a really traditional style, however, if you are someone who will stand at the sink and hand wash your dishes, this might not be a fantastic long-term solution. A Flush Mounted farmhouse sink might be better for you. They are installed to be perfectly in line with the edge of your cabinetry which means that you aren’t reaching over the sink and may suit you better.

If you use a dishwasher for most meals and you are not going to be standing over the sink for extended periods of time, the mount might be a lesser factor.

T his flush mounted Butlers sink (above) might be better suited than a traditional mounted farmhouse sink.

They are usually set to protrude slightly outside your cabinetry, however if you have back challenges or have lower cabinets, you might be better to purchase a sink that can be set completely into your benchtop.

Under bench Vs inset mounted sinks

Would you prefer the sink to be mounted under your benchtop or not? Having your benchtops extend over the top of your sink will mean that any challenges with your sink will mean the complete removal of your benchtop, however, you may prefer that look. This style of installation will also enable you to simply swipe debris off your benchtop straight into the sink. The ability to do that might far outweigh the cost to pull apart your entire kitchen if you do ever need to replace your sink.

If you choose not to have your benchtops extend over the lip of your sink you do need to ensure that the sink is properly sealed.

The longevity of your farmhouse sink

One of the most important factors to consider before buying a sink is its durability. You don't want to install a new sink every year, do you? Common materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, and copper are used to make kitchen sinks on the farm so they are definitely durable. They won’t all age at the same rate though.

Copper sinks are amazing to look at however, even if they are sealed, they will patina and age far quicker than a ceramic sink will.

Ceramic sinks can be prone to scuffing and marking however these days this is far less likely. Ceramic sinks can be protected by plastic or rubber inserts to stop pans and knives from damaging them. However - with the evolution of production processes this is less and less likely to be a consideration.

Enamel sinks are probably the backbone of all farmhouse sinks and they do look fantastic. If your sink is properly installed you shouldn’t have any more challenges with an enamel sink than a ceramic one, however, enamel can chip and crack over time. Smacking a heavy frying pan into an enamel sink runs a higher risk of damage than a polished metal farm sink would get. If you have teenagers not happy about their clean up duties and some crash banging of utensils is bound to occur, maybe you should avoid an enamel sink.

Double or Single Sinks

Farmhouse sinks are traditionally just one trough. This is great for fitting in all your pots and pans, but not so great for the amount of water you need to fill the sink. A twin sink might be your best option if you are doing smaller loads of dishes and water is or can be restricted.

A double sink also offers you the ability for pre or post-wash rinsing.

How big a sink should you get?

Most sinks available in Australia are offered in relatively standard sizing. Farmhouse kitchen sinks can come in a variety of sizes and can be made compact for small kitchens. Make sure you check your available size before you go shopping.

The cost of a farmhouse sink

You are never going to get a designer sink for the same price as a standard kitchen sink, however now that they have been around for quite some time, farmhouse sinks are priced much more competitively than they were even 5 years ago. Consider looking at last year’s model for hefty discounts and if you have no problem with it, chat to your local supplier about taking last year’s display stock off their hands. That can be a great way to get a great discount on a sink that has never been used.

Prices usually start at around $700-$800 for the smaller single trough farmhouse sinks and can go up to $3200 for the top of the range. They are not cheap in comparison to a standard kitchen sink, however they are not just a kitchen appliance, they can be the main design focus of your kitchen.

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How To Protect Your Home From Summer Storms

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:53:15 GMT

8 Steps To Protect Your Home From Summer Storms

Natural disasters are known to wreak havoc in some parts of the world, often causing millions in damage. Fortunately, you can take steps that can protect your home from summer storms and natural disasters that may threaten your home.

A few basic precautions can help protect your home from all types of summer storm damage. This article explains some of the precautionary measures you can take.

Prune Your Trees

Some of the worst damage from storms is caused by falling trees. A healthy, sturdy tree is unlikely to uproot in high winds, but a tree with dead limbs or excessive growth can be a recipe for disaster. Spring is a great time to contact an arborist to assess your trees. If you have large trees on your property, you should have them checked frequently, possibly every few years. By caring for them, you can protect both your property and the tree itself.

Manage Your Rainwater Tank Overflow

In heavy rain, it can be shocking how fast your rainwater tank can fill. That is always great news for the summer season; however, a tank with an improperly managed overflow can cause immense damage.

Rainwater tanks are often placed close to your home, which is great for using the water, but if your runoff is not managed properly, the effects can be disastrous. Overflowing tanks can create erosion not just through your garden but could undermine the foundation of your home if left unchecked. Have a plan in place to manage the overflow of your rainwater tanks, and make sure you put it in place for the summer season.

A simple way to manage overflow with a tank is to get your installer to add in an extra pipe outlet at the very top of your tank that connects to a permanent or temporary runoff pipe. When the water gets to the top of the tank, it will start spilling out the pipe, which you can then direct to appropriate stormwater runoff or via a flexible hose away from the foundation of your home. This way you are controlling the run off not just leaving it to spill from the top in any direction.

Bunnings have this Grunt Temporary Downpipe available in 25m lengths for only $15.

Clean Up Your Yard

Remove any loose items that are lying around your yard or down the side of your house. It’s easy for us all to lay that extra roof sheeting or garden equipment under the eaves of your home. While it’s easy access for us, any of these items can become projectiles in a storm. Old plant pots, tools or renovation items should be secured before the summer season arrives.

Modern windows offer durable glass and strong storm protection, but they are not bulletproof. Heavy objects that land directly on your window at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour will destroy your windows and the security of your home.

Thanks to the Northern Star for this image

Don't know what to do with your pool furniture? Throw it in the pool. It will sink to the bottom and as long as it's not left in a chlorinated environment for days on end it will be fine.

Clean Your Gutters and Check Your Roof

Remove any debris from your roof and gutters to ensure rainwater can easily drain off your roof and home.

When water can't get through your gutters, it can collect on your roof and could come into your home under the eaves.

Be sure to do this safely, or if this is something you aren’t confident about look for a local service that can do this for you. Being up a ladder isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if you are unsure, get a professional in.

Assemble and Maintain A Storm Kit

We all are so used to having everything at our fingertips; however, a bad storm could result in a complete loss of power or water for days on end. You don’t need to embrace armageddon level prepping, but you should have the basics for up to a week without power and/or water.

Essentials for your storm kit:

2-3 Litres of drinking water per person per day
A few sets of dry clothes, especially if you are in a cold environment.
Batteries for your radio or power packs for your phone - you need to be able to get updates
Food for your pet & a crate or a way to secure them and keep them safe
Any medications you require and be sure to check the expiry date on these frequently.
A secure waterproof box to store your gear
Tinned food or camp-style meals
A good flashlight (preferably waterproof)

Additional items for your storm kit:

a list of significant phone numbers,
copies of important documents that could help establish your identity if you do suffer from significant damage
insurance documents

Bunnings has this Keter 390L box for only $135 or BCF have a range of options available.

Have a Plan in Place for Your Pet

Dogs in particular, are often terrified in storms. Having a plan in place to keep your pet calm and stress-free should be an essential part of your storm plan. Don’t forget to consider what might happen if you aren’t home. Ensure your neighbour or house sitter knows what actions to take if a storm is heading your way. The last thing you want is your pet escaping. Put practices in place to secure them quickly.

Check your Windows & Doors

It only takes a small opening for the wind to get under a siding and tear it apart. Even a small opening in your window or door could expand as it gets wet. Windows in your home can leak in severe storms if they are poorly sealed and high winds could break them. Make sure your windows are properly sealed to keep out wind and moisture. If they are old and do not seal properly, consider replacing them. You can also install plastic or metal shutters on your windows for extra protection.

Sign up for Storm Warnings.

Sign up to the service in your area that could help in an emergency. In QLD we have the State Emergency Service and other Australian states have similar. If you are in QLD, consider downloading their app before the storm season commences. SES Android App or SES Apple App . These will enable you to submit a request should you need to.

A few insurance companies will now alert you through their app that a storm is coming. Suncorp Insurance for example will send you a notification that a storm is on its way.

Prepare a plan in case an alert is issued. Be aware of your escape routes (almost all councils have these as public record), and be prepared to evacuate if you are advised to do so.

We hope that this helps you to put practices in place to keep you and your family safe during our summer storm season.

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How to Choose A New Kitchen Backsplash

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 01:36:51 GMT

What to think about when you choose a kitchen backsplash

In the world of kitchen remodelling, cabinets and counters get all the attention. They may consume most of the budget, but that doesn't mean they should be your only focus point. Other essentials can be used to not only serve a function, but can also greatly brighten up your design. Consider using your hotplate or sink backsplash to not only protect your kitchen, but to also be a focal point your visitors will be sure to comment on.

In addition to its aesthetic value, the backsplash you choose for your kitchen should be very resistant to any substances that could potentially damage it. Keep in mind how your kitchen gets treated before you choose your backsplash. If you cook multiple times per day and your backsplash is being cleaned often, that will have an affect on what will work best. Choosing a great metallic tile might work well in a kitchen that doesn’t have a lot of traffic, but might not work nearly as well in a typical family home.

While there are no "rules" to be followed, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best backsplash for your kitchen:

The style and material of your kitchen counters

For most people, the counter tops are the focus of their kitchen. They often choose other kitchen factors based on the style, colour, and design of their countertops. Since the backsplash is always facing towards the counter, it makes sense to keep to a specific theme which ties the two together. While you do want to stay “on theme”, color and texture are two factors that can have a massive impact on how your kitchen looks. Don’t be scared to grab some samples and start testing what looks great.

The most popular combinations are a textured, stone or granite worktop with cabinets that reflect the style of the kitchen, and a neutral tile colour for the backsplash. However, you can be as creative as you want with the colour combinations.

Grout colour on your backspash tile

Tile in the kitchen has always been very popular with most homeowners. Most people like to match the colour of the mortar to the colour of their backsplash tiles, however this is one place where you can be a little bold without being too over the top . Grout colour plays a significant role in the overall look of your kitchen. A contrasting grout colour draws attention to the entire tile pattern and makes your backsplash even more visible. A grout colour that is the same or close to the tone of your tile can give a broader more expansive look and lessen the ability to see the shape and size of the tile.

If you have a dark kitchen with black tile as your backsplash, you could consider using a tan or rust color grout to reflect your granite counter top. The darker color will be easier to keep clean and could give your kitchen a whole new look. Choosing black tile with black grout will have a different look and white grout will again look entirely different. Experiment with some samples and see what visually looks best for you.

The height of the backsplash

Height is an essential detail that most homeowners overlook. You don’t need to set a specific size for your backsplash; however, it does need to be uniform across the space.

You could choose to set it to a specific height, or you could run it the full height between the countertop and the top cabinets. You can even extend the backsplash to the ceiling if you want it to have a greater effect.

Your budget for your kitchen backplash

As with all other kitchen remodelling considerations, choosing the best backsplash for your kitchen will depend on your budget. Different tiles and materials have different prices. For example, ceramic and porcelain tiles are cheaper than laser cut and stone mosaic tiles. Once you've decided on a suitable height for your backsplash, calculating the cost based on your budget is a lot easier.

If you have cabinets surrounding the backsplash (to the side and over the top) your backsplash size may be reasonably small. If that is the case, you could consider materials that are a much higher per square meter rate, as you don’t have a massive area to cover. If a tile is $45/sm but you only need 4qm that’s $180 + installation, however, if you wanted to tile a 3 meter long wall with that tile it could run into the thousands. This could be your opportunity to introduce some higher value materials into your kitchen for a more upmarket look.

If you need inspiration in choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen, please be sure to reach out and discuss it with a member of our team.

Shape and pattern of your backsplash

Do you prefer classic shapes or fun patterns? This is another important decision because if you want your kitchen to stay timeless in design, we recommend keeping a classic tile size. While you might like to replace the tile backsplash in 10 years, it will be more cost-effective if you have kept to a standard size and shaped tile.

If you are renovating your home specifically for sale , you might like to consider a material that isn’t necessarily to your taste. While trends are a factor, prospective purchasers can be put off by very "trendy" or custom fixtures. The likelihood of a buyer saying no because you have clean crisp white tile as a backsplash is slim, but the chance of someone saying no to your home because you have aged copper as a backsplash could be a lot higher.

If you are building your forever home however, this could be a good chance to express your personality.

Consider Eco-friendly Options.

Cork mosaic tiles are suitable for walls or floors, and 100% bamboo tiles are sealed for a warm and contemporary backsplash. Recycled glass tiles are durable, stain-resistant, and come in a range of unique colours that result from the amalgamation and reuse of recycled glass, says Khan. These tiles come in all sizes, from fingerprint-sized mosaics to larger squares.

Backsplash Materials

When choosing a backsplash for your kitchen, the material is just as important as the colour is to the overall look. At this point, you can consider the many options available regarding the materials you could use for your backsplash. These typically include ceramics, stone tiles, and bricks, to name a few. The material that you choose mainly depends on the overall look you want to achieve in your kitchen. For example, if you want a more rustic look, a brick backsplash is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a modern style, ceramic tile with a clean matte glaze may appeal to you.

Tile

Tile continues to be the most popular material for backsplashes in general, however, there are several variations within the tile group, which are broken down here according to the tile material and manufacturing process.

Ceramics

Ceramic tiles are a mixture of clay, minerals, and water that are burned at high temperatures. These unglazed tiles are often referred to as quarry tiles. Quarry tiles usually add a top-notch quality to your home. They are monochrome over the entire length and have no cover glaze. This is often referred to as body build-up. Ceramic tiles are generally affordable, durable, easy to install and come in a nearly endless variety of colours and patterns.

Handmade (ceramic)

Handmade ceramic tiles can be tailored to your specific needs. Each tile is cut and designed by hand. The quality control at this level cannot be surpassed by any mass production. If you can't find what you're looking for, tile made to your specifications might be the way to go. Expect the price to be high however.

Glazed ceramics

Glazed ceramic styles are ceramic tiles that are treated with liquid glaze and fired again. Liquid enamel is made from a derivative of glass. The enamel is either applied with a high-pressure spray or poured directly onto the tile. If you look at a glazed tile from the side you will see 2 layers. The body of the tile is thicker and covered with the glaze on the surface. Glazed tiles have a hard, non-porous, waterproof surface after firing. They are more dirt-repellent than unglazed tiles and easy to clean.

Glass

Glass tiles are made from a mixture of glass and paints that are brought into a molten state. These are then poured onto an iron table and pressed with a mold to make the tile. After cooling, the parts are separated and the tiles can be assembled into easy-to-install sheets. These tiles are colourful, reflective, and easy to clean. They can be sold individually or as a mosaic on a mesh back. Because the tiles are transparent, the adhesive is visible through the tile and requires an experienced tiler to apply.

Backsplash Considerations

You can be overwhelmed with all of the backsplash materials to choose from. Tile alone has hundreds and hundreds of varieties. It doesn't end there, however. keep the following in mind when choosing the backsplash of your dreams.

Wall Area of Application - how much sqare meters you have to cover could limit your budget for materials.
Height of Backsplash - there are varying thoughts on where it should end but you should consider this decision in your overall kitchen design. You stunning white Hamptons style kitchen might look somewhat less impressive with a 600mm high backsplash than it would if your vertically laid subway tile went all the way to the ceiling.
Full or Partial Window Surround - tiling to a window can increase the costs. Consider whether you are happy to spend the extra tiling costs and have that light filled farmhouse sink blend perfectly into your design.
Should your kitchen and stove backsplash be the same or would a variety of backsplash material look better?
Tile Arrangement – horizontally, vertically, at an angle, in a pattern (i.e. herringbone). This is a great way to put a spin on more traditional materials. Simple affordable square white tile can look amazing laid on a 45 degree angle.
Substitutions – wood-like tile may be used in place of real wood and be heaps more servicable.
Do you need to consider your backsplash before you get your building quote. If you would like rustic recycled brick, that may have to be added into the build cost, not just allocated as a backsplash expense.

No matter which type of backsplash you decide on, they can be a real feature in your home at an acheivable price point. If you are renovating your home a new backsplash can really modernise your kitchen.

Good luck in making your decision and of course, please feel free to get in touch should you need any help with your Gold Coast home build or renovation.