Kenneth Lewis Blog

In this post we'd like to shed some light on counter-top refinishing, which some people may not even be aware of. Counter-top refinishing is a process of repairing and restoring an existing kitchen counter or bathroom vanity to extend its functional life, without replacement. The process involves the application of a very hard and durable acrylic coating to the existing counter. But counter-top refinishing isn't just for counter-tops, it works equally well on bathroom vanities, laminate breakfast bars, and even cultured marble sink vanities.

Most all tile, cultured marble, Corian and other laminate counter-tops can be refinished. We mention Corian because Corian has been a popular countertenor brand that we sell, and has been widely used for a lot of our clients. Counter-top refinishing has been popular for years, but recent technological advances have made counter-top refinishing more durable, affordable and attractive to homeowners. So it becomes a more attractive option over replacing your counter-tops. Counter-top refinishing is almost always more affordable than replacing old and worn counter-tops, and especially custom counter-tops or large counters with curves and unique angles. After crunching some numbers we found that counter-top refinishing will typically save homeowners 30% to 50% over total replacement costs.

Refinishing is a great advantage to the alternative mainly because of the sentence above; refinishing can be up to if not over 50% savings compared to replacement. Equally important is avoiding the demolition mess associated with counter-top replacement and the days waiting for the new counter-top installation. A refinished counter-top can usually be returned to light duty within 24 - 36 hours. With our expert and professionalism you’ll have the kitchen you want in days, not weeks.

A refinished counter-top is durable and can extend the useful life of your counters for 10-15 years with basic care and maintenance. Counter-top finishes are available in dozens of colors and textures to fit almost any decorating plan. Take a look at some of the textures we have to offer and see how we can help to refinish your kitchen counter-tops today. We use only the best materials and procedures to give you a durable and attractive counter-top that you can be proud of for many years to come.

Do you need more preparation space in your kitchen? How about storage space? Strongly consider installing a kitchen island to increase property value, kitchen aesthetics, and functionality of your kitchen.

We specialize in kitchen island installation. Considering the fact that the kitchen ranks high in the most utilized space in any house, why not increase both the comfort and utility of that space?   Below is a compiled a list of the benefits of a kitchen island:

• Even if you don’t have a kitchen the size of a basketball court, an island transforms transient space into workable and efficient areas. Storage areas for relevant appliance for each area will enhance the efficiency of the space.
• If you need additional workspace, an island can provide it. You can choose a specialty top for the island (butcher block, stone or stainless steel) to make is especially useful for baking or chopping.
• If you don't like the look of a traditional island, you can add extra space with a large table. Same concept, different form!
• If members of your family like to eat in the kitchen, or if you love to talk to them while you cook, an island can add additional casual eating space.
• If you need extra work surface in more than one area of the kitchen, an island can add flexibility and mobility with a movable space. An island on casters can be moved to whichever area you need - near the stove, near the sink, or out of the way!
• If you lack a focal point or if you would like to take attention away from flaws elsewhere in your kitchen, an island is a perfect way to do so.
• If your home has an open plan, an island can serve as the outside wall of the kitchen to give visual separation for the space.
• If you need space for appliances or an extra sink, an island can be a perfect solution. You can add a small refrigerator, a cook top or an additional oven to enhance the usability of any island.
• If you want to be able to keep an eye on the kids in the family room while you are preparing dinner, an island can separate rooms without blocking the view.
• Of course, return on investment. Kitchen upgrades and remodeling consistently rank in the top 5 home improvement investments when measured by positive return on investment.

 
Contact Kenneth C. Lewis today for a professional assessment of what a new kitchen island can do for you.

Today was one of those truly rewarding days when a customer celebrates your work almost as much we did. We love what we do and that passion translates to an every increasing professional satisfaction.  

Our most recent kitchen remodeling effort transformed (it seemed) not only the kitchen itself, but the owners of the property.  I would not label these customers "tired and boring" like their kitchen cabinets, but at the end of the project, their new kitchen brought forth an enthusiasm for their home that was clearly lacking just days ago. They seemed almost as proud of this work as we were. The experience of improving our client's pride of home ownership makes every job a self-motivating and passionate experience. And yes we do much more than kitchen cabinets.

We recently reviewed our customer feedback forms and uncovered common themes such as  "Attention to detail", "Quality Materials", and "Professional". One great customer wrote that even our van shouts "professional". Click to read more about what our customers are saying, and while your out there, be sure to view the picture of one of our rigs that represent our brand and a rolling example of the best the Northeast has to offer in cabinet and general home repair.  

Many Cambria Quartz styles to pick from for your countertop - see the Qaurry collection choices below:

If you have cabinets built 20 to 30 years ago, chances are they are higher quality than what you can buy today. If your cabinets fit into this age bracket, they are square and plumb, it makes more sense for you to refinish and improve what you already have rather than spending big bucks starting from scratch. On the other hand, if you have rusty metal cabinets, cheap particle board cabinets, or have structural issues like unlevel floors causing your cabinets to warp, refinishing isn't a good idea and replacing might be your best option.

Refinishing your cabinets can have great return on your investment if you are planning to sell your house. You can make or break someone’s buying decision with your kitchen interior, and if you have a nice layout chances are they will be more interested in buying. Even if you aren’t about to sell your home, refinishing your cabinets is a great return on the aesthetics. Giving your home a new look makes it more clean and positive feeling. Refinishing cabinets isn't rocket science but it is tiring and dirty work. A lot of time and energy is spent on refinishing if you don’t know what you’re doing, so let the professionals at Kenneth C. Lewis take care of your cabinets. We can give you that fresh new look and save you money in the process.

Granite countertops are naturally resistant because of their naturally smooth and shiny surface. However, despite the tough exterior of granite countertops, they are sensitive to stains and scratches after prolong use. Here are some ways on how to care for your granite countertop and maintain its shiny and polished surface.

Clean granite countertops regularly. Your granite countertop has to be wiped down after each use. This is done not only for sanitation and hygienic purposes, but also to remove any leftover particles or substances that can scratch or stain it. The best cleaner that you can use is a simple solution of mild soap and water. Remember to rinse it with water to remove excess soap. Never use detergents, abrasive soaps, and rough sponges or scrubs to clean your granite countertop because they can cause scratches.

Seal granite countertops periodically. Sealing is a process of closing the granite pores to make them resistant to any type of absorption that can lead to moisture buildup and stains. Sealing also gives granite countertops their noticeable shine. We at Kenneth C. Lewis recommend having your granite countertop sealed once or twice a year, depending on how frequent you use it. However, if it is exposed to acidic or oily substances often, consider sealing it more than twice a year.

Use a chopping board or other alternative surfaces during food preparation. Using a chopping board to prepare food can protect your granite countertop from the cuts and scratches. Also, there are protective pads that you can stick under the blender, food processors, or other appliances. These pads do not only help you move around your appliances effortlessly they also protect your granite countertop from scratches and abrasions.

New to the countertop market and put into the same category of natural stone is engineered quartz. Quartz is great by combining 93 percent of natural quartz with 7 percent resin to create a highly durable material that is twice as strong as granite. Just recently quartz has been marketed in North America but it has been in Europe for 15 years. Engineered quartz offers a countertop that is nonporous and stain resistant. The slabs being manufactured have uniform colors and patterns, making it easier for consumers to know that they will get what they want. Unlike granite, engineered quartz doesn't require a sealant, just a cleaning on a regular basis.
 
The only drawback with this type of countertop is that a hot pad is required when placing a hot pan on it, and it is as expensive as granite. However, the money invested is worth the quality, value, and the durability these countertops will have to offer. An option that some consumers take to save money is having the natural stone cut into pieces and placing them like tiles. Another affordable option is placing a slab over an existing countertop. Both natural stone and engineered quartz require the proper maintenance to avoid any discoloration, scratches, or other costly damages. Natural stone requires special sealants about every six months to a year. And always avoid acidic cleaners or solutions to prevent severe damage to the countertop

Antique furniture pieces may deteriorate over time, just like any other kind of material in the world. When this happens to your furniture, you are faced with the question of whether you should refinish or restore the antique piece. In choosing which process should be undertaken, it is vital for you to have a complete understanding of the difference between the two before you run hastily into the decision. And here at Kenneth C. Lewis  we can cover both of the needs for you.

But what is the difference between Antique Restoration and Antique Refinishing?  Well as the name implies, antique restoration process refers to the step by step procedures to restore the antique piece. Basically, the process ensures that the antique object will not lose its value or worth as time goes on. Antique restoration may refer to light cleaning, antique refinishing, or conservation.

Now, antique refinishing is a method of antique restoration. And in this restoration technique, the restorer usually prioritizes the upholding of the functionality of the antique furniture. So for example, if the antique furniture is a table, the restorer would have to make sure that the legs of the table are in good shape and condition to hold some weight on the flat surface where food can be displayed. As such, aside from light cleaning or the process of removing dirt and stain from the product, reassembling and repainting should also be a key factor. However, the restorer should make sure that regardless of whatever he does, the antique furniture should be able to retain, if not totally increase its value.

Corian? What kind of countertop is that? Well at Kenneth C Lewis we only use the finest quality materials for our countertops, and corian is one of them. A brief history lesson entails; DuPont developed Corian, seeking to provide a solid, non-porous surface. It was introduced into the market in 1967 and it boomed instantly, because of its diverse use and easy maintenance.  Corian is a blend of natural materials and pure acrylic polymers. Some of the newer Corian countertops may offer a blend of polyester materials. Polyester is a more popular component for design, because it offers richer color options, however the durability compared to acrylic is far less. Because they are non-porous, Corian countertops are highly resilient to stains and high heat and are easy to clean.

The design and durability of Corian countertops make maintaining them easy. Just soapy water and ammonia-based products are the best to keep your Corian looking clean and new. Even scratches can be easily repaired with light sanding. Since it is made out of 100 percent acrylic-based material, it has a long-lasting beauty and superior strength. And it won't fade in the sunlight. The material's long history of use attests to its durability and help to sustain its positive characteristics and benefits.

A material this good has to be expensive right? Wrong. Corian is more affordable and provides greater beauty than laminate countertops, with less maintenance and repairs over the life of your kitchen design. Another benefit of Corian countertops is that they can be used outdoors and they do not pit, weather or lose their polished finish as stone does. So let Kenneth C. Lewis install your new Corian countertop today!

Cambria offers distinct advantages in the areas of environmental health, safety and sustainability.  Cambria is committed to environmental responsibility in its product offerings and business practices. Product Attributes include:

• Natural quartz; strong, durable and long lasting.
• Cambria is nonporous and nonabsorbent, and therefore resists stains from common household items such as coffee, tea, and wine.
• As the only quartz countertop produced in the USA, Cambria has lower transportation requirements than other quartz surfacing products produced in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
• Cambria is GREENGUARD For Children and SchoolsSM certified.
• Cambria is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®.
• Cambria can contribute to projects achieving LEED points.
• Cambria is certified by NSF International (Standard 51-Food Equipment Materials) as safe for use as a food preparation surface.
• Cambria is radon free.