consumer reports kitchen planning and buying guide - october 2014

5/19/2018 Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning and Buying Guide - October 2014

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planning & buying guidSPECIAL ISSUE| OCTOBER 2

Pick the perfect color p

Display Until October 13, 2014

Fresh looksfor$5,000$19,000$55,000

EXPERTPICKS

170 RefrigeratorRangesCountertopsFlooring

& more!

KITCHEN


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PW o r l d M a g s . n e t W o r l d M a g s . n e t

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ConsumerReports.org KITCHEN PLANNING & BUYING GUID

4|Hot listOur exclusive take on the best and worst of whats new

in the kitchen.

8|DIY design onlineFree apps and websites can simplify the planning and remodeling

process. See our picks for the best of the bunch.

10|Finding the best prosBelieve it or not, hiring the right help can actually save you money

on your project. Heres how to assemble your team of pros.

14|5 under $250Style on a shoestring: These amazing updates will give your

kitchen a lot more splash, for not much cash.

18|True colorA coat of paint is all it takes to give kitchen cabinets, walls, and

furnishings a new lease on life.

22|Hue knew?Perk up your kitchens look with small appliances, kitchen tools,

and accessories in a rainbow of bright shades.

Go to ConsumerReports.org and click on Appliances or Home & Garden

contents

p.18

FEATURES

KITCHENplanning & buying guide |OCTOBER 2014

COVER: CASEY DUNN

p.2

[ ]

PLANNING MATTERS

WEEKEND UPDATES

24|Dream kitchen, real budgetHow much does a new kitchen really cost? We show what you

can get at three different price points, so you can see if you can

afford the workspace youve been dreaming of. Plus, we share

expert tips for saving on everything, to help you squeeze

more great stuff out of every hard-earned dollar.

32|All about tileIts one of the most high-impact kitchen

materials, but tile is more than just a pretty

face. Our guide gives all the basics, plus

expert tips for shopping smarter.

38|Brighter and betterA dated California ranch house gets a major

makeover, complete with a sophisticated

new dream kitchen.

44|Q & A with Marc MurphyWe asked the chef, Chopped judge, and father of two

for his best advice for designing a home kitchen.

REMODELING GUIDE

DESIGN DETAILS

BEFORE & AFTER

STAR STYLE

W o r l d M a g s . n e t W o r l d M a g s . n e t

http://worldmags.net/http://worldmags.net/


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[ ]136|RESOURCES Design professionals and manufacturers

48

72

How to use this buying guide49

cabinetry & surfaces

Cabinets & storage |Cabinet class 50

Countertops| Counter measures 56

Flooring| Floor show 62

Interior paint| Local color 68

appliances

Refrigerators| Big chillers72

Ranges| Range of options88Cooktops| Top picks100

Wall ovens| Built-in convenience108

Range hoods| Clearing the air 112

Microwave ovens| Faster food114

Dishwashers| Dish duty122

fixtures & fittings

Sinks| Clean living130

Faucets| Water works134

130

BUYING GUIDE

contents

p.58

p.88p.50

2 KITCHEN PLANNING & BUYING GUIDE ConsumerReports.orgW o r l d M a g s . n e t W o r l d M a g s . n e t



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Dreams,

deliveredPresident James A. Guest

Chief Operating Officer Rich Gannon

Vice President and General Manager, Magazines and Newsletters Brent Diamond

Vice President, Integrated Content Creation Liam McCormack

Senior Director, Content Strategy & Delivery Diane Salvatore

Editor, Kitchen Planning & Buying Guide Amanda Lecky

Coordinating Editor Terry Christofferson

Design Manager Rosemary Simmons

Art Directors Janice Hogan, Tracy Stora, Benjamin Margherita

Contributing Photo Editor Michael Green

Production Associate Terri Kazin

Image Specialists Frank Collado, Mark Linder

PUBLISHING DIVISION

Associate Director, Newsstand Marketing Patricia McSorleyNewsstand Sales Manager John Corich

Associate Director, Manufacturing & Distribution Steven Schiavone

Director, Web Products Theresa McNamara

EDITORIAL DIVISION

Editor in Chief Ellen Kampinsky

Managing Editor, Books and Special Publications Robert Tiernan

Design Director Timothy LaPalme

Editorial Production Manager Eric Norlander

Associate Director, Research Jane Healey

TECHNICAL DIVISION

Vice President and Technical Director Liam McCormack

Deputy Technical Director, Yonkers Mark Connelly

Director, Consumer Safety Group Urvashi Rangan

Consumer Reports Appliances and Home Improvement StaffRobert

Markovich, Editor; Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, Deputy Editor; Daniel DiClerico, EdPerratore, Senior Editors; Kimberly Janeway, Associate Editor; James Nanni, Associate

Director, Appliances; Bernard Deitrick, Emilio Gonzalez, Senior Program Leaders; Tara

Casaregola, Pat Slaven, Program Leaders; Cindy Fisher, Ginny Lui, Larry Ciufo, Joseph

Pacella, Senior Project Leaders; John Galeotafiore, Associate Director, Home

Improvement; Enrique de Paz, Peter Sawchuk, Program Leaders; Frank Spinelli, David

Trezza, Senior Project Leaders; John Banta, John McAloon, Christopher Regan, Project

Leaders; Mark Allwood, Michael DiLauro, Kelly Moomey, Product Specialists; Claudette

Ennis, Associate; Michael Visconti, Manager, Technical Support; Leigh Druckenmiller,

Karl Hoedl, Aminata Ndiaye, Li Wang, Eric Hado, Vincent Leonardis, Craig Limbert, John

Macchia, Frank Rizzi, Michael Sedlak, William Taylor, Steve Bova, Sara Brown, Nilda Adell,

Awilda Cruz, Assistant Project Leaders

Content Operations Director, David Fox; Dawn Yancy Elleby, Associate; Scheduling:Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director; Diane Chesler, Associate; Content Production:

William Breglio, Manager; Eugene Chin, Letitia Hughes, William Hunt, Wayne Lizardi,

Anthony Terzo

Consumer Reports National Research CenterDonato Vaccaro, AssociateDirector; David Gopoian, Research Program Leader; Rosalind Tordesillas, Senior

Associate; Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater, Associates; John McCowen, Coordinator

Communications Office Lauren Hackett, Director, Communications & Social Media;Douglas Love, Associate Director; Charles Fields, Communications Counsel; Executive

Staff Vice PresidentsRahul Belani, Chief Technology Officer; Michael DAlessandro,

Chief of Staff; Eileen Hershenov, General Counsel; Christopher Meyer, Public Policy &

External Affairs; Christian Nimsky, Vice President & General Manager Digital

Interactive Products & Services

Copyright 2014 by Consumer Repor ts, Yonkers, New York 10703.Published by Consumer Repor ts, Yonkers, New York 10703.All rights reserved, including the rig ht of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.ISSN: 2329-8103Manufactured in the United States of America.

We all have dreams. Someof them involve a bright andshiny new kitchen. Maybeit looks like one you saw in amagazine, in a movie, or ina friends houseor maybeits a figment of your very ownimagination. Whatever shape

your kitchen dreams take,the process of transformingthem to reality can seemimpossible, or at least hard and expensive. But gettingmost of what you want is actually a lot easier than youmight have thought. Were here to show you the way.

Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning and BuyingGuide isnt just a catalog of dream kitchens. Weve gotplenty of thosejust look at the one on page 24. Wow!Its also a hands-onguide to saving oneverything. Real-

world renovations,weekend makeoversfor under $250,design tips from astar chef: Tis issueis chock-full ofinside tips you cantafford to miss.

And when its timeto shop, our indepen-dent evaluations ofmore than 700 products will give you the unbiased truthabout performance, features, capacity, and more. Youcan trust our reports because we buy everything we testand accept no adsso our testers can tell it like it is.Our brand-reliability surveys of tens of thousands ofsubscribers reveal the brands that are less likely to break.

So go aheadthink big. Follow our product picksand expert advice and youll soon find your dreamsbeing delivered.

Amanda Lecky

Editor

editors note

KITCHENplanning & buying guide|OCTOBER 2014




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Hotlist Our exclusive take on thebestand worstofwhats new in the kitchen.Retro returnsVintage and modern design elements

have been influencing kitchen style

for several years. Now, at least one

appliance manufacturer is recognizing

the popularity of the streamlined

look among younger buyers. GE

designed its new Artistry series with

Millennialsmany of whom are first-

time homebuyersin mind. We were

impressed by the retro styling on its

new GE Artistry ABE20EGWS bottom-

freezer, $1,100 (far right), including its

high-gloss doors, horizontal handles,

and old-school logo plate. To keep

the price of the fridge low, features

are limitedno water dispenser or

adjustable shelveswhich resulted

in a poor ease-of-use score in our

tests. But if you love the retro look,

the GEs solid temperature perfor-

mance and energy efficiency make

it a good option.

TREND WATCH

Quartz counters: a good thingIn our tests of countertop materials, quartz has consistently matched granite when it comes

to stain, scratch, and heat-resistance. And, it doesnt have to be sealed or resealed. Now,

even Martha Stewart has recognized the beauty of quartz. Designed to offer the look of

marble without the high price and low performance, Home Depots Martha Stewart Living

line is adding a selection of quartz counters in seven colors. They cost $65 to $80 per

square foot installed. We couldnt buy samples in time for this issue, but we expect it to

perform similarly to the brands weve tested. For more on surfacing choices, see page 56.

MATERIAL WORLD

Eat Script Letters Sign, $30; amazon.

com. Woodland Imports Old Look

Adjustable Bar Stool, $140; allmodern.

com. Sea Gull Lighting Single-Light

Pendant, $79; wayfair.com. GE Artistry

Gas Range, $550; geappliances.com




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The best and worst appliance innovations

New features with staying powerNew and improved functions are an appliance makers

bread and butter. But only some of those fancy features

are worth your hard-earned cash. A few winners:

Steam ovens. Promising speed,

versatility, and healthful cooking,

these pro staples are becoming

popular luxury upgrades for home

cooks. Two we liked: The Wolf

CS024, $3,800, is a high-end

built-in convection steam oven.

The Cuisinart CSO-300, $300,is a countertop toaster-oven that

offers steam cooking functions

on a budget.

Four-door refrigerators. This newspin on the French-door refriger-

ator provides an additional easy-

access storage compartment,

often with separate temperature

controls. When it first came out

a few years back, none of the

four-door models made our rec-

ommended list, raising doubts

about its longevity. But more

manufacturers have since intro-

duced well-built four-door models,

including Samsung, which leads

the category with two recom-

mended models. A newly tested

four-door Whirlpool narrowly

missed our refrigerator picks list.

Ranges with double ovens.This innovation has followed

a similar slow-building trajectory to four-door fridges.

Double ovens now have their own category in our range

Ratings, with many top scoring models. The beauty

of a double oven is its versatility, since it lets you cook two

dishes at two different temperatures. LG, Maytag, and

Frigidaire, are among the standout electric models and LG,

KitchenAid and GE scored well for gas models.

Third-rack dishwashers. Dish-

washers have always had a

utensil basket in the bottom

rack. But were seeing more

models with a third rack

designed to handle cutlery,

and larger utensils like whisks

and tongs. The Bosch 800

Series SHE68T55UC, $950,

is among the high-scoringmodels in our dishwasher Ratings

with this feature.

HOT

Stand mixer + food processor +

blender + induction hot plate

Four appliances in one, the

Kenwood Cooking Chef, $2,000,

did perform extremely well as a

stand mixer, and even turned outcreamy risotto. But serious safety

concerns in the food processor

function made us rate it a Dont

Buy: Performance Problem.

Multitaskers that disappointThe space-saving appeal of do-it-all appliances is

clear. Unfortunately, multitaskers tend to fall short

at all of their tasks. Two examples from our tests:

Coffeemaker + blender The

Hamilton Beach Java Blend

Brewer/Blender 40918, $70,

promises the compact combo

of one machine for your morning

coffee and smoothie. But itscored only fair for both brewing

and blending. Youre better off

spending a few dollars more for

separate, full-size appliances.

TIPIf youve ever used bleach to get stains out of granite counters, you

may have dulled the finish. Our experts say: Follow the manufacturers

instructions to seal the surface, and try OxyClean on stains.

HOT VS. HYPE

HYPE

Dont Buy:

PerformanceProblem




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Frigidaire

freezer convertsto a refrigerator

Between federal energy standards and

the Energy Star program, dishwasher

manufacturers face myriad restrictions

some mandatory, some voluntarythat

require them to make dishwashers

that use less water and energy. But when

they do, something has to give and that

something is time. Some of todays

dishwashers take more than three hours

to complete a normal cycle. No regulation

addresses how long a cycle can run. So

dont expect normal cycles to drop any-

time soon. Fortunately, while dishwasher

makers are limiting the water and energy

their normal cycle uses, no regulation

blocks them from also offering quicker

cycles that claim to wash either a fully

soiled load or, more commonly, a lightly

soiled one. Models that include such

cycles include most of our top picks, in-

cluding the Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]

UC, $730; Kenmore Elite 12783, $1,200;

Kenmore Elite 12793, $1,350; and

KitchenAid KDFE454CSS, $1,500. Of

these, the Bosch has the shortest normal

cycle at 95 minutes. For more, check

our Ratings on p. 122.

Why do new dishwashers take so longto complete a normal cycle?

Wouldnt it be great if the stand-

alone freezer in your basement

could occasionally double as an

extra refrigeratorsay, to hold

catering trays and drinks before

a big party? Thats the promise

of the Frigidaire FKCH17F7HW,

the industrys first convertible

freezer/refrigerator. And the $770

multitasker, with its respectable

12.7 cubic feet of usable capacity,

proved adept in both modes in

Consumer Reports tests of freezers

and refrigerators (for the full refrig-

erators tests, see p. 72). In both

modes, the Frigidaire delivered

excellent temperature control, and

its self-defrosting, so you wont

have to do that task by hand. Its

noise and ease-of-use scores were

just average, though those factors

shouldnt be a deal breaker if the

flexibility fits your needs.

A switch lets you toggle between

refrigerator and freezer modes.

Hotlist

GOOD QUESTION

THATS A FIRST!




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Does it ever pay to pay more?

Toast mastersWith few moving parts and a simple

design, youd think that most toasterscould make a decent piece of toast. But

thats not what Consumer Reports has

found in its decades of testing toasters.

In fact, only one toaster in our current

Ratings gets excellent marks for making

toast thats not too light, not too dark,

and that pops out perfectly browned

slices batch after batch. The Calphalon

Stainless Steel HE200ST, $60, right,

is among the less-expensive models in

our toaster Ratings, but its ability to turn

out evenly browned toast, consistently,

was unsurpassed by the competition.It was particularly good at toasting at

a range of intensitiesideal if your near-

est and dearest prefer different levels

of light to dark. Other special features

include settings for bagels, warming and

reheating, and defrosting.

MicrowavesTwo almost identical-looking GE

over-the-range microwave ovens

recently hit our labs. Both have touch-

pad controls, a stainless-steel finish,

about the same amount of usable oven

space, and were great at defrosting,

heating, and ventingbut one cost

almost twice as much. Microwaves

range in price from less than $100

to more than $1,000; heres what you

get for paying more or less:

Size and typeCountertop models cost

the least. Compact models can costvery little but usually offer the least cook-

ing space. Midsized and large models

add capacity and features. Over-the-range models save counter

space, but they dont vent as well

as a range hood.

SettingsYoull pay more for lots of

programmed settings that rely on

a sensor to determine when food is

done, like on the $400 model shown

above. If you usually set cooking times

yourself, dont spend extra for a sen-

sor. The $250 oven doesnt have one.

ExtrasAlso decide whether youll use

grilling and browning features, slow-

cook, convection, and other extrasbefore paying more for them. For more

details, see p. 114.

Ever wondered how exactly our experts find the top

models? For toasters, our testers toast acres of white

bread, comparing each toasted slice to a Toast

Standard chart to determine the best performance.

Food processorsThese models had similar overall scores

but very different prices. Heres the deal:

CapacityMore expensive models often

have a larger capacity. The Cuisinart

holds 16 cups; the Kenmore, only 11.

Power and noise Paying more may buy

heavy-duty kneading and quiet operation;

bargain picks may be lighter and louder.

Attachments High-end models may

come with extra attachments, such as

whisks, adjustable slicing disks, and

dough blades.Low or high? The GE JVM7195SFSS, $400, has 40-plus food settings; the GE

JVM3160RFSS, $250, is more basic.

$400 $250

Low or high? The Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast 16

Cup, $300, is bigger and quieter. Kenmores

Red 414302, $75, is smaller and noisier.

LAB REPORT

FACE OFF

$300 $75

We tested similar appliances to see if a higher price means better performance.




10/140

Create an idea bookNo need to fill a three-ring binder with dog-eared magazine clippings,

snapshots of friends kitchens, and product brochures. With a simple keywordsearch on a pin-board site, homeowners can quickly sort through hundreds

of thousands of images and create an online folder full of looks they like,

says kitchen designer Jennifer V. Hicks, CKD, of Mosaic Group in Atlanta.

PINTEREST(free website

and app): The largest pin-

board site lets you search

millions of photos and send

favorites to your design

team, says contractor Kathi

Fleck, of Lonestar Property

Solutions in Bedford, Texas.

pinterest.com

CLIPIX(free website and

app): As you shop for every-

thing from faucets to flooring,

use this handy tool to

bookmark the products you

likeand quickly return to

them again and again from

your computer or phone.

clipix.com

DIYdesign

online

Our favorite apps andwebsites will help you

manage your kitchenupdatefor free!

HOUZZ(free website

and app): Totally dedi-

cated to all things home, this

site contains some 800,000

images. You can create virtual

idea books of whatever features

interest you, like subway-tile

backsplashes or white kitchens,

says kitchen designer Jamie

Gold, AKBD, CAPS, in Bonita,

Calif. houzz.com

DIYpin-b

oards

Estimateproject costsGetting a feel for project costs

before you start interviewing

contractors allows you to gauge

the scale and scope of your

project before the bidding begins

simplifying the back and forth

with your professionals.

HOMEADVISOR(free website):

View cost ranges for kitchen

projects in your area based on

details submitted by homeowners

who have done the same jobs.

homeadvisor.com

REMODELORMOVE(free website):

Answer 11 questions about your

project and youll get a ballpark

project price tag calculated from

census and contractor data.

remodelormove.com

COST VS. VALUE(free website

and iPhone app): See the regional

average costand return on

investment at resaleof your

kitchen project, based on surveys

of realtors and remodeling pros.

remodeling.hw.net

planning matters




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YOUTUBE(free website and app): You can find how-tos for

various DIY projects among the millions of user-posted

videosbut they havent been checked for accuracy.youtube.com

Learn how to DIYIf youre handy, theres no better way to save money than

to do some of the kitchen remodel yourself. A host of sites

provide the how-to information youll need. Word to the

wise: Its usually safest to take advice from true experts

professionals with years of experience in their field, notfrom creative enthusiasts, whose knowledge may lack both

depth and breadth. A few good resources:

MONKEYSEE(free website): View short videos of the steps

to simple kitchen repair and upgrade projects, each provided

by an expert in that field. monkeysee.com

HOMETALK(free website): This social media site allows

weekend warriors to share pictures and videos of their projects, says

Todd Costello, of Brooks Custom, a high-end countertop fabricator

in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. hometalk.com

THIS OLD HOUSE(free website and iPad app): View instructionalvideos from the remodeling gurus behind the long-running PBS

television show. thisoldhouse.com

MAGICPLAN(free app): Take photos of

the existing kitchen, and this app will

create a scale floor plan. Its not as accurate

as measuring everything out, obviously, but for

a homeowner who wants to get a rough feel for

planning and budgeting purposes, its a terrific

first step, says Nashville, Tenn., architect Ryan

Thewes. sensopia.com

FLOORPLANNER(free website): Drag and

drop everything from cabinets to appliances

to create your own 3D kitchen design.

floorplanner.com

SKETCHUP(free app for computer): Finally,

you dont have to be an architect to use

computer-aided design, says Rye, N.H., con-

tractor Patrick Driscoll. This Google tool allows

anyone to create floor plans and 3D renderings,

choosing either from standard sizes for cabinets

and appliances or icons of actual products

from various manufacturers. sketchup.com

NKBA DESIGN STANDARDS($4.99 app):

How wide an aisle do you need between a sink

and an island? How much countertop overhang

for a breakfast bar? This app puts 31 National

Kitchen and Bath Association standards at your

fingertips. nkba.org

Play with colorColor is always one of the trickiest

things for homeowners to select,

says Jim Grace, of Reico Kitchen and

Bath, a 17-location design shop based

in Springfield, Va. But new apps are

making it easier.

COLORCAPTURE (free app):

Snap a photo of any color and find

the closest match in Benjamin Moores

paint line. (Or use Sherwin-Williams

ColorSnapor Behrs ColorSmart.)

benjaminmoore.com, sherwin-williams.

com, behr.com

COLORCHANGE (iPhone app, $2.99):

Take a picture of any room and then

swap in different colors wherever you

wantwalls, cabinets, backsplash,

countertops, floorsto see how the

results would look in place.

colorchangeapp.com

Design your new kitchenA host of new apps helps you plan your new kitchenfrom the floor plan to the cabinet

layout to the color scheme.




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In the never-ending battle tokeep remodeling costs undercontrol, its tempting to skipenlisting outside help. If

you know what you want and areworking within the rooms existingdimensions, you may be able to dothe design work yourself, and thenhire tradespeople. But if you wanta totally new kitchennot just aswap-out of appliances and cabinetshiring a trained pro can save youa bundle while helping you sidestepsome common goofs.

Finding the

best prosEnlisting the right remodeling experts can helpyou get the kitchen youve always wantedforless than you thought youd spend.

planning matters




13/140

ConsumerReports.org KITCHEN PLANNING & BUYING GUIDE

Designers may not work for free, buttheyre likely to have creative ideasand cost-cutting solutions that youmay not have thought of. Even morecompelling, a designers expertiseand experience with materials andconstruction can help you get the mostfor your money by narrowing downchoices to the ones that fit your life-style and budget. Get their advice,then check our Ratings to find theproducts that scored best in our tests.

Heres a Whos Wholist to help youknow which pros you should considerhiring for your project:

ArchitectTis is the expert to call

when youre planning a major remodelor addition, changes that affectmechanical systems, or structuralmodifications such as moving load-bearing walls. In fact, your municipal-ity may require an architect or engineerto sign off on the plans. Architectsare trained to see the big picture, sothey can help you think througha project. But until the job is sent toseveral contractors, most architectscant provide a full est imate. o findan architect, go to aia.org.

Kitchen designerHeres whom tocall if youre planning to reconfigurean existing space by adding orremoving non load-bearing walls,or changing the cabinet layout.Certified kitchen designers (CKDs)have passed an exam, administeredby the National Kitchen & Bath

Association, which tests their expertisein both structure and aesthetics.

Teir coursework and job experience

also prepare them for such detailsas whether the countertop is atthe right height for al l it users. Forinspiration, visit nkba.org.

Certified remodeling contractorCertified k itchen remodeling con-tractors (CKBRs) need five years ofexperience and at least four completed

jobs each year to be certified by theNational Association of the Remod-eling Industry (NARI). Tey mustalso pass an exam that addresses

plumbing, electrical, ventilation,materials, installation, and demolition.

Tese specialists communicate withboth subcontractors and designers.Visit nari.org and click on Homeownersfor a check list.

Interior designerWant help withdecorative style, color, or a specificfinish or furnishing? Consider hiringan interior designer in conjunction

with a CKD. He or she can helpintegrate the kitchen into other roomsof your home or source unusualmaterials. Need to save? Heres oneplace to cut costs. For tips on working

with a designer, go to asid.org.

Paying for it. Professionals chargefor their services in different ways.

Design/build firms often figure a flatdesign fee or percentage into the total

job cost. ypically, a CKBRs fee isan estimate based on time, labor, andmaterials that includes his or herprofitfrom 10 percent to 20 percent.Interior designers and architects maycharge an hourly fee, a percentageof the total project cost, or a flat fee.

Retailers add further variations.Te Home Depot charges a measurefee that is deducted if you purchasethe stores products and the services ofa Home Depot-sanctioned contractor.

A kitchen dealer, CKD, or upscalehome center may charge a design feeoften credited toward the total cost

if you continue the design process andbuy the components of the kitchenor bath at that location.

ILLUSTRATIONS

BY

MICK

RICERETO

Cheat sheetIf youre Youll need

Adding on Architect

Reconfiguring withinthe same footprint

Updating the style,or need help with sources Interior designer

Managing a major project General contractor

Certified kitchendesigner




14/140

While there are plenty of honest remodeling

contractors out there, the field has its share

of bad apples. We asked CRs Facebook fans

to tell us the craziest thing their contractors

told them. Well, all windows leak a little,

a poster wrote. Dont worry about water

coming through the electrical fixture, another

wrote. Our favorite: It would save time just

to send you a court transcript. This check-

list will help you avoid similar experiences

with your kitchen remodel:

Dont chase lowball bids. Tough competition

is inducing some pros to lower their profit

margins with low bids and then make up

the difference with shoddy work. Gauge the

going rate for your project by getting at

least three estimates, rather than jumping

at the lowest estimate.

Check references. Reputable contractors

are glad to provide names and contact infor-

mation for satisfied customers. Try to check

past jobs in person to talk with customers

and see how the work is holding up. Ask

questions like these:

Would you hire this pro again?

How would you rate his/her work?

How did the contractor handle

cleanup each day?

Was the contractor easy to talk to?

How did the contractor handle differences

and work changes?

Was the job completed on time and at

the bid? If not, why not?

And always check the Better Business

Bureau and your states attorney generals

office for complaints before making

your pick.

Get a written contract.It should spell out in

detail what will be done to complete the job,

all associated costs, and a payment schedule.

Dont sign a contract with a lot of open-ended

amounts, or allowances, for products and

materials. Once the work is underway, stick

to the terms, since contract changes can

blow any budget. For more details, see Put

it in writing, opposite.

Review the paperwork.That includes up-

to-date license and insurance and workers

compensation policies. (The Contractors

License Reference Site has information on

licensing requirements in your state, plus

a list of licensed contractors.) The contractor,

not you, should get permits and give you

a lien waiver when the job is done to keep

suppliers from knocking on your door for

unpaid bills. Youll need to get the final cer-

tificate of occupancy.

Dont pay cash.Write out the check to the

contracting company, not an individual.

Paying by credit card also adds a layer of

protection. A reasonable down payment is

30 percent of the total project cost to be

paid upon initial delivery of materials. Make

final payments only when work is completed

to your satisfaction. A reputable pro wont

pressure you if the job is not done properly.

How to hire the right contractor




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Put it in writingA contract spells out the terms of the work,

helping you and the contractor minimize

misunderstandings and wasted effort caused

by poor instructions. It should include thefollowing basic items:

The contractors name and address,

license number, a timetable for starting

and finishing the job, a payment

schedule, names of subcontractors,

and the scope of work to be done

Specification of materials and

equipment needed

Demolition and cleanup provisions

Approximate start and finish dates

Terms of the agreement.Watch out

for binding arbitration provisions that

limit your right to sue in the event

of a dispute

More details:An excellent addendum to

a contract is the contractors statement

of what isnt included. This includes the

assumptions the contractor has made

about your job, such as that the existing

wiring and plumbing lines are adequate,

that the homeowner will pay for all trash

removal, that the subflooring is sound,and so on. Do your homework and specify

the materials and brand names of all the

products, appliances, and fixtures to

be used. The contract should also give

the contractor the burden of obtaining all

municipal building permits.

Payment:Its common to pay for a project

in stages, especially as key materials

and supplies are delivered. A 30 percent

down payment on first material delivery

is reasonable. Your contractor should

agree to resolve problems that arise during

the course of work rather than afterward.Thats a good reason to hold back part

of the final payment (5 to 10 percent, for

example) until after a job is completed.

You should include such terms in the con-

tract. Never make the final payment until

you have obtained signed mechanics-lien

waivers or releases from all subcontractors

and suppliers. These are basically receipts

acknowledging payment for goods and

services; they free you from third-party

claims on your property in the event that your

contractor doesnt pay subs or suppliers.

ILLUSTRATIONS

BYMICK

RICERETO




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5under

250$Try these easy ways to giveyour kitchen a lot moresplashfor not much cash.

Paint high-impact areasYou probably know that you can give old cabinets new life with a pretty newfinish. But before you commit to what can be a painstaking project, especiallyif youre hoping to transform your whole kitchen, think about focusing the

power of color on a single area. Choosing an unexpected hue for one sectionaround the sink,say, or on an island (or both, as above)can make a surprisingly big impact, with a lot less workthan tackling an entire room of cabinets. For the best paints for your project, see our paintRatings on p. 68.

$100

weekend updates




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Brighten upA few prominently placed bursts of bold color can workwonders by drawing the eye away from less attractivefeatures. Pick furnishingslike the bar stools above

small appliances, and accessories in bright shades, and dont forget theoften-overlooked kitchen window, an ideal place to add color and pattern.

Tip: For window treatments, be sure to buy machine-washable fabric,so you can periodically nix cooking grease or lingering smells. Look fordeals in the remnant rack at the fabric store; instead of paying customprices, use iron-on hemming tape and clip-on rings to make your own.CA

SEYDUNN;RIGHT:ERIKA

BIERMAN $200




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Install a focal-point fixtureChoose one prominently located fixture, l ike the one over the kitchen island,and replace it with a show-stopper. Tink bold color, an eye-catching design,or the sparkle of crystal. Tere are many online sources for light fixtures at

reasonable prices (three great examples: lightinguniverse.com ; lampsplus.com; progresslighting.com)but you might fare even better on Craigslist.orgor by trolling local flea markets. Even if youhave to pay an electrician to rewire a nonworking fixture, the price will probably still be right.

$100




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Add an islandA custom-builtisland combinesstyle and

storage with a sometimes-hefty

price. Save by opting for anunfinished or ready-to-assembleisland and doing part of the work

yourself. Youll find a wide varietyof doors, drawers, and counter-tops in different configurations,starting at around $150 at sourceslike unfinishedfurnitureexpo.com,amazon.com, or JC Penney.Before you buy, make sure youhave enough room to fit the islandcomfortably; you should have

a 36- to 48-inch wide clearanceon all four sides.

Update thehardware

Installing newhardware isprobably the

simplest cabinet update. o avoidhaving to fill a bunch of screwmarks, be sure to measure thedistance between the holes after

you remove the original hardware,and then choose new styles thatmatch that size. Tere are plentyof places to buy new knobs andpulls, but youll find bargain prices inthe hardware aisle (not the cabinetryaisle) of your local home center,online (try overstock.com), and at Ikea.WE

RNER

STRAUBE;TOPRIGHT:JOHN

GILLOOLY/PEI;RIGHT

:ROB

KAROSIS

$250

$100




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RedTry: Behr Red Tomato 170B-7In a simple, modern space, a single wall painted in a strong

shade, like tomato red, creates energy and attitude. Keep in

mind that although most of our top-rated paints provide good

one-coat coverage without priming, getting the best result froma rich color like red often requires a second or even third coat.

TRUE

COLOR

Update cabinets, walls,furnishings and morewith a quick-and-easycoat of paint.

weekend updates


http://worldmags.net/http://worldmags.net/http://worldmags.net/http://worldmags.net/http://worldmags.net/http://worldmags.net/


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COLOR

YellowTry: Valspar Like Butter 3005-2AWhen you want the effect of color without going too bold,

soft yellow is your friend. If you choose a shade thats

on the creamy side, yellow can work as a neutralwhile still

providing plenty of sunshine. One perk of picking yellow: As

the most reflective color in the spectrum, it bounces light

around a space, making it seem not only brighter, but also

biggera boon in a dark or small space.RIGHT:NANCY

ELIZABETH

HILL,

OPPOSITE:DAVID

DUNCAN

LIVINGSTON

ConsumerReports.org KITCHEN PLANNING & BUYING GUIDEW o r l d M a g s . n e t W o r l d M a g s . n e t



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GrayTry: Sherwin-WilliamsOpaline SW6189Sleek, neutral gray is dominating kitchen

palettes at the moment, and for good reason:

Its an always-classic color that works well

with the shine of stainless steel, a range of

natural materials, and most accent colors.

For a truly sophisticated result, try gradations

of gray, from charcoal on the walls to a silvery-

blue on the cabinets. Then, add warmth with

hot hues such as bold pink, orange, or even

bright yellow.

GreenTry: Benjamin Moore

Chic Lime 396If youre not ready to commit

to a color as strong as acidic

lime green on all four walls,

consider using the hue as an

accent: on chairs, as shown

below, on a single wall, oreven on the backsplash. When

painting furniture, be sure to

use a semi-gloss formula, which

will be easier to keep clean

than a matte finish.

JETTBUTLER/FODASTUDIO;RIGHT:EVAN

WHITE




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HUEKNEW?

Color has come to every corner of thekitchen, from the tool drawer to the toaster.

The ArtisanDesign Series standmixer, $460, is nowavailable in threenew colors, includingSea Glass.kitchenaid.com

Designed to beused at an angle foreasier mixing, thebowls of the MixingBowl Set, $22, aredishwasher- andmicrowave-safe.containerstore.com

Five-pieceColorM

eisterToolKit,$45;chefsresource.com

Scissors andknife fromFive-piece Color MeisterTool Kit, $45;chefsresource.com

Five-piec

eColo

rMeister

ToolKit,

$45;

chefsr

esourc

Jacaranda

Colorblocked

Spatula

,$16;lydali.com

weekend updates




25/140

In a range ofcheery hues, theDiamonds Collectionsix-quart slow cooker,$40, adds richlytextured style to the

countertop.bellahousewares.com

Built to order,the solid woodCokie Counter Stool,$490, comes injust about everycolor you canimagine, includingthose pictured.mainecottage.com

Jelli NonslipReversible cuttingboards, $10 to

$15, are made fromdurable polypropyline.crateandbarrel.com.

With a sleeknew designto fit its brightcoat, theSodaStreamSource, $100,is easier to useand featuresan LED display.sodastream

usa.com

The kMix D220E toaster,$100, comes in sunnyyellow and a rainbow ofother energetic colors.delonghi.com

Handwoven in Indiaand fair-trade certified,this set of 10 colornapkins, $90, is sureto brighten up thebreakfast table.karaweaves.com.




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24 KITCHEN PLANNING & BUYING GUIDE ConsumerReports.org

Getting (almost) everything you want at a price you can afford is absolutelydoableif you make the right choices. Our latest test results and tips showwhere to save and splurge, without breaking the bank.

Dream kitchen,realbudget

remodeling guide

Tilebacksplash$11 per sq. ft.

page 29

Quartzcountertops

$75 to $90

per sq. ft.

page 31




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Kitchen remodels come

in all shapes and sizes,from the mostly DIYcosmetic update to

a full-scale multimonth renovation,with price tags ranging from a fewhundred to hundreds of thousands.Fortunately, wherever you fall onthe scope-and-spending spectrum,creating a do-it-all kitchen is easierthan you may think: Prices haveplummeted for premium features likedetailing on cabinetry, induction onranges and cooktops and energy-saving insulation in refrigerators.

Youll also see a veritable explosion

of green products like bambooflooring and others that blendperformance and value. But, howmuch will it really cost? o give youa sense of what your money mightbuy, we took top-performing prod-ucts from our extensive, ongoingtests and created three cost-efficientdesign schemes. Te first is for a$5,000, do-it-yourself makeover.

Te next one ups the budget to$19,000, the average spent on aminor, midrange kitchen remodelthis year, according to Remodel-ing Magazines Annual Cost vs.Value Report. Te third scenario,

for $50,000 and up, targets thesmartest choices for a moderatemajor remodel. Whatever you spend,remember that the more you planthe more you saveso, make your

wish list early and be sure to shoparound, including for contractors andother pros. And, dont change yourmind midstream: change orders,as the trade calls them, can make

your labor costs skyrocket. Finally,dont overdo it. Super-sized kitchensare not only expensive, but exhaust-ing to work in. A more manageablefootprint offers far more bang for

your buck.

Want a kitchen like this one?

With some smart shopping,

you can get a very similar

look, on any budget.

Threebudgets,three plansAbout 1.5 million homeowners

will remodel their kitchen in 2014.

Costs vary, but heres a snapshot

of three budgets, based on the

Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value

Report (costvsvalue.com) and our

own analysis of what you might get.

Budget DIYCOSTAbout $5,000TIME IT TAKESone month

RETURN ON INVESTMENTDepends

on what your time is worth!

Minor midrangeCOSTAbout $19,000TIME IT TAKESthree months

RETURN ON INVESTMENTAbout

83 percent

MajorCOSTAbout $55,000+TIME IT TAKESsix months

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

About 74 percent

Pendantlighting

$15 and up

page 27

BRANDON

BARRE

Dream kitchen




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5ways to make a smallkitchen live largeShort on space? Dont let efficiency get squeezed.

1. Go vertical.Buy extra tall wall units or stack cabinet boxes all the way

to the ceiling. Keep less-often used items in harder-to reach spots.2. Get low. Some cabinet manufacturers offer toe-kick drawers perfect

for flat items like placemats and trays.

3. Dont block aisles.Make sure open cabinet and appliance doors (the

dishwasher is a major culprit) wont obstruct the flow of trafficor crash

into other open doors.

4. Maximize storage. Outfit cabinets with specialized storage accessories

like roll-out shelves and spice racks (left). Drawers hold more than cabinets

and allow you to access the contents more easily.

5. Lighten up. Choose pale, reflective materials and surfaces to bounce

light around the space, which will make the room appear larger. If possible,

and if it fits into your budget, add windows.

Willing and able to do most of

the work? Then $5,000 can go

a long way, with a couple of

important caveats. First, the kitchen

must be small enoughsay 150

to 200 square feetto minimize

material costs. Starting with

a workable layout helps, too.

Knocking down walls can boost

costs to five figures in a hurry.

Appliances: about $2,300Thats about all it takes to get a new range,

refrigerator, and dishwasher that deliver

both performance and energy efficiency.Our top-freezer refrigerator offers even

cooling and low energy costsand comes

in a stylish stainless steel finish, as does

the gas range weve chosen. But note:

Stainless steel drives appliance prices up,

so unless manufacturers offer a free

stainless-steel upgrade, opt for a basic

white or black finish. Either can be

stylish, trendy, and versatile.

Countertops, floors, walls: about$2,000The average kitchen has 56 square feet of

counters. Laminate counters can get you

a new look for $1,000. Vinyl flooring wears

well and goes down easy, especially if you

choose tiles or planks, or choose laminate

flooring for the look of wood at a lower

price point. And painting walls is a no-

brainer when it comes to easy do-it-your-

self projects.

Cabinets: around $350New paint and hardware can make old

cabinets look new again, provided theyre

sound, square, and stable to begin with.

Try removing some of the cabinet doors

and painting the

insides and shelves

in a contrasting

color to add somepop. (See Dont

Replace. Refresh or

Reface on p. 28

for details.)

Sink, faucet,lighting: about $320More good news:Our tests have found that

sink and faucet prices dont always indicate

performance. Stay on budget with a top-

mount, single-bowl sink in stainless steel

and a basic faucet in a classic chrome fin-

ish, which proved fairly durable in our tests(just dont scratch it with a heavy-duty

scouring pad). A pendant light in a bright

color or sleek metallic finish adds illumina-

tion and style over the sink or island, for

a small price.

$5,

000The simple cosmeticupdate




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1.Project Source Winchester Oak 2765, $1 per sq. ft.; lowes.com 2.Samsung NX58F5500SS, $799; samsung.com 3. Frigidaire

FFHT2126PS, $850, frigidaire.com 4. Foto Pendant Light, $15; ikea.com 5. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Satin Enamel, $34; homedepot.

com6.Laminate countertop, about $30 to $100 per sq. ft. 7. Pfister Shelton Stainless Steel 1-Handle Pull-Out Sink/Counter Mount

Traditional Kitchen Faucet, $99; lowes.com Note: flooring and countertop prices include installation.

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Dont replace cabinets. Refreshor reface insteadIf your kitchens layout already works, cabinet refurbishing can be a smart

movebut only if the existing boxes are in good condition, inside and

out. Assuming the cabinets are structurally sound, they can be refinished

or refaced. Refinishing costs the least, but its is easier said than done.Youll be removing the doors and drawers, cleaning them with a degreas-

ing agent, sanding them, and applying a primer, multiple topcoats, and

often a sealer. Paying a pro will cost $50 or more per door opening. If

your home was built before 1978, the pro will have to be certified under

provisions of the Environmental Protection Agencys Renovation, Repair,

and Painting rule, to protect against possible lead-paint exposure.

Refacing is more expensive, but it allows you to change the style of the

cabinets by replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying veneers

to the face frames and ends. Peel-and-stick kits are available at home

centers, or you can pay a pro $150 and up per door opening. Installing new

hardware, including hinges and drawer slides, completes the makeover.

Youll need to hire the various

contractors, manage the project

yourself, and stay within the

existing footprint to make this

budget work. That figure may

include a kitchen designer, since

many work on retainer, but forget

about hiring an architect or general

contractor to change the layout.

Our budget leaves room for one

small-scale construction project

say, removing a nonload-bearing

wall to open the kitchen up to

an adjacent space (about $1,000),

adding a built-in island ($1,000

and up), and putting in a pantry.

Appliances: about $3,250This amount guarantees you the option of

trendy stainless steel. Moving up in price

also lets you take advantage of some of thelatest appliance features, like a double

oven in the range.

Counters, backsplash, floors: about$5,000Stepping up to solid surfacing gives you

a stain- and heat-resistant countertop.

Seams between pieces and the sink are

invisible. But youll need to hire a pro to

do the installation. Mosaic tile gives the

backsplash a designer look. And while

a linoleum floors all-natural makeup may

be appealing, vinyl, plastic laminate, andsome engineered-wood flooring shines

in our tests for roughly the same price.

Cabinets: about$4,000Consider refacing and

changing the hard-ware. Accessorizing

the base units with

pullout shelves and

a retractable trash

can improves storage.

Sink, faucet, lighting: about$1,000An undermount sink offers a clean look.

A $19,000 budget should let you hire an

electrician to install hard-wired under-

cabinet lighting and a focal-point fixture.

Labor: about $3,000Unexpected expenses: $2,750

$19,000The minor, midrangeremodel




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1.Harris Wood Traditions SpringLoc Red Oak Bridle HE2505OK48 engineered wood flooring, $5.50 per sq. ft.; harriswoodfloors.com.

2.Solidad chrome two-handle high-arc kitchen faucet, $225; moen.com. 3 MS International Silver Tip 12 x 12 mosaic wall tile;

$11 per sq. ft., homedepot.com. 4. Kitchler Nickel with Fresnel Lens pendant light, $356; lampsplus.com. 5. Ascenta SJX3AR7[5]UC

dish-washer, $750; bosch.com. 6. Samsung RS25H5000 refrigerator, $1,399; samsung.com. 7. Refaced kitchen cabinets, new

hardware, and storage systems, about $4,000. 8.Solid surfacing countertops, about $35 to $100 per sq. ft.

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$55,000The major remodelNow youre into a major project.

Given the complexities, you

definitely need a general contractor

to oversee the job. Getting a range

of estimates and checking refer-

ences can help you get the right

quote. Still, even if you save a few

grand on the project management,

youll still have to make some

smart decisions. Being flexible

with the design can help, says

Michael Frederick, an architect

in Charleston, S.C. Shopping around

for deals is always wise.

Appliances: about $5,000No need to drop $20,000 on commercial-

grade appliances, which can be repair-

prone and are often more expensive to fix

than mainstream models. Whats more,

our tests have found that faux-pro styles

typically deliver better performance overallfor about half as much.

Counters, backsplash, floors: about$8,000Stone countertops and solid-wood floors

are still the default options for high-end

kitchens. But quartz is giving granite a

run for its money. Our tests have found

that factory-finished wood floors are more

durableand less messythan those

finished on-site. And the finish is covered

by the manufacturers warranty.

Cabinets: about $13,000New cabinets are usually the priciest part

of a remodel. You could easily blow your

entire budget on cus-

tom units. Our budget

assumes semi-custom

cabinets, which wevefound to be as durable

as custom.

Sinks, faucet,and lighting:about $2,000A double-bowl sink lets you rinse and soak

at the same time. A pro-style faucet offers

versatile performance. Look for a no-drip,

no-stain warranty for any faucet. For light-

ing, this is your chance to design in energy

savings: If youre rewiring, LED fixtures use

less energy than compact fluorescents.

Labor: about $18,750Unexpected expenses: $8,250

Top design trendsHeres whats hot in the kitchen,as reported from this years homeshows by CRs intrepid experts.

Contemporary and transitionalSleeker looks are finally overtakingtraditional styles.

Sleek, European-styleframeless cabinets

In keeping with the upswing of contem-

porary design, cabinets are going more

and more minimalist.

Steam ovensLongtime mainstays of the professional

kitchen, steam ovens are working their

way into home use.

Gray, white color schemesCool and serene palettes are everywhere

this year, with gray leading the pack.

Quartz countertopsDurable, versatile quartz surfacing is

gaining on granite.

Pullout styles and polishedchrome finishes for faucetsRetractable faucets make spraying

around the sink easier. Classic polished

chrome has a retro look.

Pull-out trash/recycling binsFitting cabinets with trash bins saves

floor space.

LED lightingEnergy efficient bulbs are easier to

findand afford.




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1. Mullican St. Andrews Solid Oak Strip prefinished wood floor, $6.30 per sq. ft.; mullicanflooring.com 2. Kohler Strive undermount

stainless steel sink, $637; faucetdirect.com 3. American Standard Pekoe 1-handle semi-professional kitchen faucet, $386; riverbend

home.com 4. Hart Lighting LED Pendant, $296; wayfair.com 5. Samsung RF261BIAESR French-door refrigerator, $2,100; samsung.com

5. Semi-custom cabinets, about $13,000 7. Green Tapestry 3 x 6 handmade ceramic tile, $25 per sq. ft.; glasstileoasis.com8. Quartz

countertops, about $75 to $90 per sq. ft. 9. KitchenAid KDRS505XSS gas 5-burner, double-oven range, $2,000; kitchenaid.com

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All about tileCeramic? Porcelain? Glass? Heres everything you need to know to makethe best choices for great looking, easy-care backsplashes and floors.

Walking into a ti le showroom can beas overwhelming as it is inspiring.

Te displays are spectacular, but thereare so many options, at so many price

pointsits enough to make you walk right back out.Before you run to the home center for a box of plain

white subway tileand miss out on the chance to makea bold impact in your kitchenuse our tile primer toget the lowdown on this durable, beautiful material.

o help you shop, weve asked an expert panel of ti le

manufacturers, retailers, and installers for their besttips on everything from the pros and cons of the mostcommon types of tile, to which type of grout to choose.

ake your ideas and their advice to the tile store, andremember: Decide what you can spend before you headout, and take your time. Rushing to make a decisionis one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make whenchoosing tile, says Charlotte Barnard, creative directorof Nemo ile. So be creative, but choose carefully.Read on to learn how.

design details




35/140

A spectacular tile pattern can

give even a kitchen with

plain-vanilla cabinets a dose of

one-of-a-kind designer style.




36/140

CeramicPrice:$2 to $7 per square foot

What is it?A mix of clay, minerals, and water, ceramic tiles are fired

at high temperatures. Glazed styles are then treated with a liquid glass

coating and fired again, creating a hard, stain- and scratch-resistant

surface. Unglazed tiles are sometimes referred to as quarry tiles.

Best for:Ceramic tile is typically affordable, durable, easy to install

and comes in a nearly endless array of colors and designs.

But:Colors can vary from lot to lot and ceramic is not ideal for high-

impact areas. Handmade or art tiles can be extremely pricey.

PorcelainPrice:$3 to $7 per square foot

What is it?Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is fired at a higher

temperature than standard ceramic, making it denser and less porous.

Best for:Use stain- and impact-resistant porcelain tiles on floors, walls,

backsplashes. Its easy to clean and comes in a wide variety of styles.

But: It requires a special setting material designed to adhere non-porous

materialsDIYers often buy the wrong one. Check with the manufacturer

to be sure youre using the recommended adhesive.

Glass

Price:$7 to $30 and up per square foot

What is it? Thin pieces of glass sold individually or as a mosaics, some-

times with other types of tile, on a mesh backing.

Best for:Colorful, reflective, easy-to-clean glass tile is best for walls

and backsplashes. Some glass tile is rated for use on floors. The wide

range of colors gives glass tile great wow factor.

But:It can be expensive and difficult to install. Because the tiles are

transparent, the adhesive is visible through the tile. Unless youre highly

skilled, getting professional-looking results is difficult for a DIYer.

CementPrice:$9 to $17 per square foot

What is it? Handmade of natural materials, cement tilesalso known

as encaustic or Cuban tiles in the U.S.typically boast bold patterns.

Best for:Resilient and beautiful, cement tiles are appropriate for floors,

backsplashes and walls.

But:Theyre pricey and not as common as other tiles, so your installer

may not be used to working with them. Also, cement tiles are prone

to etching by acid or harsh detergents and must be sealed on installation

and resealed periodically.

StonePrice:$6 to $15 per square foot

What is it?Pieces of natural stonegranite, slate, travertine, marble,

onyx, sandstone, to name a fewcut into thin, regular pieces, stone

tile has a rich, one-of-a-kind look.

Best for: Use stone on walls, backsplashes, or floors. Get the look

of a granite countertop for less by using granite tiles instead of a slab.

But: Most stone tile can be damaged by exposure to water, pigment,

or acid, so be prepared for extra maintenance. Seal on installation and

reseal every 10 years.

Which type?Tiles come in a wide variety of materials, each with pros and cons.




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Wall vs. floor: Whats the difference?Not all tile is created equal. As you shop, be sure to choose the right kind

for the right surface. Heres how to tell which is which.

Wall and floor tiles in

a similar shape and color

palette complement each

other, for a cohesive look.

Wall tilesAny tileincluding products designed for the floorcan go

on the wall. However, many wall tiles are not durable enough

to withstand foot traffic, and ceramic tile glazes are often

too slippery to walk on safely. Also, consider placement and

usage. You may regret putting a highly textured, unglazed tile

in a grease-prone spot such as behind the range.

Floor tilesAll tiles are graded and rated for different uses. To be sure

youre choosing high-quality, safe floor tiles, look for an overall

grade of one or two; a wear or PEI rating of three or above

(three is only for light-traffic areas) and a slip-resistance

ratingcalled the Coefficient of Friction or COFof 50 or

above. These numbers will be on the box, or ask the retailer.PHOTO

BY

NANCY

NOLAN




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Natural influenceHigh-definition printing and realistic surface textures create

porcelain tiles that look like natural stone and wood. Porcelain

wood or stone is much less expensive than the real thing,

notes DeeDee Gundberg, senior new product development

program manager for Ann Sacks Tile & Stone.

Geometric patternsInfluenced perhaps by the popularity of mid-century modern

design, geometric patterns like chevron are strong in ceramic

tile, both in the tiles themselves and in their installation.

Colorful Moroccan-inspired motifs are also strong favorites.

Larger and longerNew technology has led to tiles as large as 48 x 48. Large-

scale tiles are especially impressive when used on a feature

wall, says Gundberg. And, rectangular is the way to go. Long

tileslike 8 x 20are our most popular, says Kirsty Froelich,

design director for The Tile Shop, a national retailer.

Blue-green and graySerene color combinations are holding strong in the kitchen,

with watery hues and soft grays proving the most popular

choices. The edgy look of metallic finishes is equally important

right now, both in the form of ceramic tiles with a metallicglaze and real metal cut into tiles and adhered to the wall.

Whats hot

Tips for savingsTile for an 18 high by 10 long backsplash could run from $45 for bargain-basement ceramic

tiles to $450 (and way up) for glass mosaic. Add the rest of the kitchen backsplashes, the

floor, and installation and youre well into the thousands. Keep your prices down by mixing high

and low. Splurge on one wow element, like a marble tile floor or a glass accent piece, says

Froelich. Or, says Gundberg, accent inexpensive field tiles with special trim pieces. The right

color choice could keep your costs down, too, says Barnard. Common colors like white are

manufactured in greater numbers and may cost less, she says. Also, if you have a small area

to cover, you could ask about discontinued items or returns, which may be marked down.

Americans tend to shy away from tile with bold colors and patterns, but

are embracing natural textures, new finishes, and larger sizes.




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Parquet

Brick

Grid

Installation essentialsTiling is often touted as a good DIY project,

but unless youre experienced and working

with a smooth, level surface and basic

ceramic or porcelain tile, its a job better

left to a pro, particularly for more complex

projects. There are just so many variables,says Dan Welch, president of the National Tile

Contractors Association. Tile has changed a lot

since I first started installing it 20 years ago

its thinner, larger, there are new materialsand

if your installer isnt familiar with the product youre

using, the job may not get done right. His advice:

Pick a contractor with CTI (Certified Tile Installer)

certification from the Ceramic Tile Education

Foundation, and, ideally, who works for a brick-and-mortar tile

contracting firm, so you have someone to turn to if your job doesnt

go as planned. Find an installer at tilecareer.com.

Grout without griefMost tile maintenance stems

not from the tile itself but from

the grout lines between tiles.

Your route to headache-free

grout: Specify larger tiles (for

fewer grout lines) and thinner

joints between tiles; choose

a grout color that will hide dirt;

and have the grout sealed. Welch

recommends leaving the choice of

the type of grout to your installer,

who will know what works best

with the variety of tile and instal-

lation particulars. As a general

rule of thumb, use unsanded

grout for glass, shell (like mother

of pearl), and marble, and joints

less than 1/8 thick; sanded

grout for other types of tile and

joints larger than 1/8.

Care and maintenanceIts not necessary to seal porcelain or glazed

ceramic tiles (though you should seal the

grout), but you must seal natural stone or

anything porous such as unglazed ceramic.

Youll have to reseal the surface every eight

to 10 years; your retailer should direct you

as to proper care. To keep tile clean, use

a gentle, neutral cleansermost tile retailers

sell specialized products, or you can use

diluted dish liquid. Acidic cleansers may strip

off the sealant, and anything abrasive could

scratch the surface of the tile.

Pick a patternPicking the right installation pattern

can give even the most inexpensive

subway tile a design-savvy looka

smart, sneaky way to save. Here are

a few of the most stylish techniques.

HerringboneCENTER:BRANDONB

ARRE;BOTTOM:STACEYVANB

ERKEL




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andBrighter

IMPROVED FLOW The new

layout made room for a

wider island and an open

peninsula, creating a two-

cook friendly workspace.

before & after

AFTER




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Remodel or move?

This was the decisionSuzanne and Bob

Williams faced notlong ago. The Greenbrae, Calif.,ranch-style home where thecouple had raised their threekids felt outdated. But, theyloved its layout and couldnt finda just right alternative in thereal estate section. Still, remodel-ing felt like a big undertaking,and a fresh start was tempting.

It took meeting MarthaCarvalho and Jason Urrutiaof the Sausalito-baseddesign firm Urrutia Designto swing the pendulum firmlytoward remodeling. Inspiredby the teams less-is-more designphilosophy, the Williamsesdecided to take the plunge,ultimately embarking on a whole-house update that transformedtheir comfortable home fromfamily central to a more stylish,grown-up haven.

betterAn improved layout anda lighter look gave anoutdated family kitchen asophisticated new style.

BEFORE




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BeforeA pass-through wall divided the family room and kitchen,blocking light from entering the otherwise windowless workspace.

An awkwardly placed pantry offered useful storage, but limited

floor space. Accessible through a small door in the corner of the

kitchen, the dining room felt closed off and uninviting.

AfterRemoving the pass-through and raised breakfast baropened up the layout and allowed for a one-level peninsula,

creating a comfortable casual dining area and more prep space.

Eliminating the pantry made way for a bigger island, and a

wide, centered door better linked the dining room and kitchen.

GATHER TOGETHER The family room

and kitchen feel like one continuous

space, an effect the design team

emphasized by using a simple white-

and-black palette throughout.

BEFORE




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The remodel touched every room in thehouse, but the changes in the kitchenand family room had perhaps the biggestimpact on the couples lifestyle. The old

kitchen was dark and cramped and felt closed off

from the living areas, says Bob. We spend most ofour time in this space, so we wanted to make it morecomfortable and more inviting.

With a few relatively minor architectural tweaksremoving the kitchen pass-through wall, eliminatinga pantry, enlarging doorwaysthe design teamimproved the flow between rooms and created a morefunctional cooking area, complete with a large centralisland and a roomy breakfast bar. Custom cabinets,new appliances, and light-reflective surfaces gave thespace an updated, but timeless, look.

We like to keep things simple, says Urrutia of

the style. This kitchen wont look out of date in fiveyears. And thats a good thing, because the coupleintends to enjoy the refreshed spaces for a long time.We wouldnt dream of moving now, says Bob.

PHOTOSBYANDREARUGG/COLLINSTOCK;ILLUSTRATION

SBYTAEWON

YU




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GROWN-UP FUN In place of the bright

colors and country style that felt right

when the couples children were young

are sleek cabinets painted in rich black,

marble counters, and party-perfect

amenities like a dedicated bar.

BEFORE




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Make it yoursBlack and white is chic all over.

Main squeeze

Rabbit Citrus Juicer in Polished

Chrome, $50; Metrokane.

metrokane.com

Tall order

Sunpan ModernVintage 30 Bar Stool

with Cushion, $295;

Wayfair. wayfair.com

Clear choice.

Seeded Glass Pendant

Light in Clear, $199;

Shades of Light.

shadesoflight.com

Cut above

Madeira Paddle Board,

$15; Sur La Table.

surlatable.com

Stripe it rich

Heavyweight Striped Kitchen

Towels in Black, $10 for three;

Bed Bath & Beyond.

bedbathandbeyond.com

Love handles

Cabinet and appliance

pulls from the Sanctuary II

and Nouveau collections,

$11-$80; Top Knobs.

topknobs.com

Geometry lesson

Villa Home Global Bazaar Peleki Pillow, $110;

AllModern. allmodern.com




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star style

Q A&




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Years of experience in

restaurant kitchens (and four

home remodels) have given

Chef Marc Murphy a unique

perspective on what makes

a great workspace.

with Marc MurphyThe busy restaurateur and Chopped judgeshares his recipe for a five-star home kitchen.

RICKLEW




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When hes not running the five New York City

locations of Landmarc, Ditch Plains, and

Kingside, or appearing as a judge on Food

Networks Chopped, Chef Marc Murphy catches his

breath at home, where cooking is truly a family affair.

My wife usually helps me with deciding the menu, and

I love having my kids in the kitchen, he says. Thanksto years of experience working in professional kitchens

from Paris to Monte Carlo to Manhattan, he has designed

his own home workspace to be a combination of comfort

and efficiencyand he can help you do the same. Here,

the chefs tastiest tips for a kitchen that cooks:

1Whats makes a great kitchen?Functionality. Te flow of the kitchen reallyhas to work for you. For example, I like having a stove

with plenty of open counter space around it so I can

have room to work and multitask. You need to reallythink about your cooking style and your lifestyle.Do you like to entertain? Are you actually going to usethe kitchen to cook? For me, the kitchen is really thecenter of my home, so it has to be big enough for meto cook in, but also have my family and friends around

when doing so. Also having the dining room close tothe kitchen is key because everyone always ends upgathering in the kitchen.

2What restaurant feature shouldmore home kitchens have?It may sound odd, but an ice machine. I always find

when entertaining or cooking at home, theres neverenough ice, so when I designed my own kitchen I gotan ice machine and its made my life so much easier.

3What kind of food doyou cook at home?Everything. I like all cuisines and

just enjoy making good food, thatseasy and delicious. In the summer itsall about the grill. I grill everything,even lettuce. In the fall, I like to makeroasts and lots of hearty soups orbraised dishes.




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4Whats your biggest pet peeveabout home kitchens?Teres never enough room in the fridge!

5Whats the secret to stress-lessentertaining?Choose your menu wisely. Pick dishes that require

fewer steps and prepare, prepare, prepare! Prep asmuch as you can in advance because you usually wantto actually spend time with your guests when yourehaving them over.

6Whats your favorite material forkitchen countertops?I love stainless steel because you dont have to worryabout placing hot pans on the surface and ruining itplus, I love the way it looks.

7What about for floors?Its not exactly a flooring material, but the GelPro Mat is amazing. Its a gel-filled pad designed torelieve the stress of standing for long periods of time,and you place it right over your existing flooringmaterial, like a rug. It makes a huge difference on theknees and lower back, and allows you to have whateverflooring you like in your kitchen.

In the summer its allabout the grill. I grill

everything, even lettuce.

RICKLEW,

RIGHT:MEGHAN

HALL




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The pages that follow give you the tools you need to make the right decisions

on everything from refrigerators to faucets. Its a lot of informationwe know.

Heres a qu

consumer reports kitchen planning and buying guide - october 2014

Documents