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  • Soft Contemporary (4 of 4): The Backsplash, Island and Switches
  • From "Kitchen Renovations"
    episode DKTN-113


    PHOTO

    In this week 's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan starts a four-part project that involves converting this old, outdated kitchen ...
    PHOTO

    into this beautiful new soft contemporary kitchen ...
    PHOTO

    that's a perfect place for a young couple to entertain!
    PHOTO

    The "pink" countertops definitely had to go according to the homeowners.
    PHOTO

    Here's the old layout, and when designer Lisa Loushin-Crocker was through working her magic ...
    PHOTO

    she suggested this new light, spacious and airy layout!
    In this segment host Paul Ryan and the homeowners set the backsplash and corbels are added to the island. The contractor brings in the table to support the island and the cabinet hardware, switches and dimmers are installed.

    Materials and Tools:

    Sink Installation --

    Safety glasses
    Pencil
    1" spade bit
    Cordless drill
    Extension cord
    Jigsaw
    Router
    Carbide-tipped straight bit
    100-percent clear silicone
    Denatured alcohol

    Preparing Epoxy --

    2 part epoxy kit
    Piece of cardboard for mixing surface
    Small putty knife

    Constructing Center Island Extension --

    Safety glasses
    3/4" plywood
    1x3" matching hardwood
    2 sturdy metal table legs
    Tape measure
    Pencil
    Framing square
    Extension cord
    Table saw
    Chop saw
    Impulse finish nailer
    1-3/4" nails
    Cordless drill
    Pilot drill bit
    1-3/4" screws

    Countertop Installation --

    Plenty of help for carrying and lifting
    6' level
    Safety glasses
    Cordless drill (for installing corbels)
    Appropriate drill bit
    2-part epoxy
    Small putty knife

    Installing Hardware --

    Selected hardware (knobs and pulls)
    Screwdriver or screw gun

    Dishwasher Installation --

    Safety glasses
    Water supply line
    Teflon tape
    Cordless drill
    Appropriate screw bit
    1" spade bit

    Window Treatment Installation --

    Selected blinds and curtain rods
    Safety glasses
    Cordless drill
    Vix bit for pilot holes
    Appropriate screw bit
    advertisement


    PHOTO

    Figure A
    Installing the Backsplash

  • For the 4"-tall backsplash (figure A) apply a thin coat of epoxy along the bottom edge and along the seams and press into place. Any excess can be cleaned up with a scraper.

    Note: The backsplash is glued to the countertop and "not" the wall because as the house settles over the years, you'll want to make sure there won't be a crack between the countertop and the backsplash.
    PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
    Installing the Center Island

  • Stone corbels (figure B) are installed to add support for the center island overhang.

  • Use a piece of 3/4" plywood (figure C) cut to the width of the center island cabinets and to the length needed to support the fabricated countertop extension.

  • Attach two sturdy metal legs to the far end of the plywood.

  • Anchor the extension to the cabinets by screwing through the cabinet into the frame of the extension using 1-1/4" screws.

  • Make sure the screws inside the cabinet don't interfere with the drawer slide mechanism.
    PHOTO

    Figure D
    Installing the Island Countertop

  • Help was definitely needed to bring in the huge full 36"x96" island countertop (figure D). This particular piece weighed more than 400 pounds.

  • Lift and rest the back of the big slab against the edge of the countertop. Lower over and onto the cabinet-extension top.

  • Slide into place and make sure the piece is centered with equal overhang on all three sides.

    Note: The fourth side will be different because of corbels supporting that end.

  • Finally, lift the edges and apply epoxy and set carefully. Let dry and the countertop is ready.

  • Clean up and excess epoxy with a razor blade.

  • Wipe the surface clean using denatured alcohol and paper towels.

    Tip: While the epoxy is drying for the countertops, now would be the perfect time to install the cabinet hardware. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions.
    PHOTO

    Figure E
    Installing Switches and Dimmers

  • First, make sure to take an accurate count of dimmers, switches and receptacle (figure E).

    Note: Using dimmers can really save you money and double the life of a light bulb.

    Safety Alert: Make sure the power to the circuits is turned off before starting any electrical project. If you aren't comfortable or familiar with wiring, please hire a professional.

    In the next segment it's time to install the appliances.


    RESOURCES :

    Skil
    Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
    Website: www.skiltools.com

    Stanley Tools Information
    Stanley Tools/Works
    Website: www.stanleyworks.com

    Fiskars (Bucket Boss Division)
    Fiskars Bucket Boss Division
    Website: www.bucketboss.com

    Makita Products
    Makita USA Inc.
    Website: www.makita.com

    Paslode Nail Guns
    Paslode
    Website: www.paslode.com

    Wolfcraft Products

    Wolfcraft Inc.
    Itasca, IL 60143
    Phone: 630-773-4777
    Fax: 630-773-4805
    Website: www.wolfcraft.com

    3M Painter's Masking Tape and Sanding Pad
    The 3M Company
    Website: www.3m.com

    Custom-Fabricated Quartz Countertops (Caesarstone)

    Brand name: Caesarstone
    Model #: 9350
    Color: Carmel
    Where available: See Caesarstone information, below

    Ceasarstone
    Website: www.caesarstone.com

    Kohler Kitchen Appliances and Products

    Undertone Kitchen Sink
    Brand name: Kohler
    Model #: K-3353-A
    Color: Stainless steel

    Clairette Kitchen Faucet
    Brand name: Kohler
    Model #: K-692-G
    Color: Brushed chrome

    Soap and Lotion Dispense
    Brand name: Kohler
    Model #: K-9619-G
    Color: Brushed chrome

    Where available: See Kohler information, below

    Kohler Co.
    Website: www.us.kohler.com

    Electronics (Lutron Electronics)

    3-way Switch
    Lutron satin colors
    Model #: SC-3PS-TC
    Color: Terra Cotta

    Phone Jack
    Lutron satin colors
    Model #: SC-PJ-TC
    Color: Terra Cotta

    GFCI Receptacle
    Lutron satin colors
    Model #: SCR-15-GFCI-TC

    Receptacle
    Lutron satin colors
    Model #: SCR-15-TC
    Color: Terra Cotta

    Single Wallplate
    Lutron satin colors
    Model #: SC-1-TC
    Color: Terra Cotta

    2-Gang Wallplate
    Lutron satin colors
    Model #: SC-2-TC

    3-Gang Wallplate
    Model #: SC-3-TC

    Where available: See Lutron Electronics information, below

    Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Website: www.lutron.com

    Whirlpool Appliances Information

    Stainless Counter Depth Refrigerator
    Brand name: Whirlpool Gold
    Model #: GC5THGXL
    Color: Stainless

    Stainless 30" Free-standing Range
    Brand name: Whirlpool Gold
    Model #: GR465LXLS
    Color: Stainless

    Tall Tub Dishwasher
    Brand name: Whirlpool Gold
    Model #: GU1500XTLS
    Color: Stainless

    Microwave Hood Combination
    Brand name: Whirlpool Gold
    Model #: GH9115XEB
    Color: Black

    Where available: See Whirlpool Corp. information, below

    Whirlpool Corp.
    Website: www.whirlpool.com

    Window Shades (Duette Honeycomb)

    Brand name: Duette Honeycomb Shades

    Where available: See Hunter Douglas Window Fashions information, below

    Hunter Douglas Window Fashions
    Website: www.hunterdouglas.com

    Bar Stools (Holland Bar Stool)

    Brand name: Holland Bar Stool
    Model: Catalina
    Color: Gun metal graphite

    Where available: See Holland Bar Stool information, below

    Holland Bar Stool
    420 West 17th St.
    Holland, MI 49423
    Toll-free: 800-423-1903
    Website: www.hollandbarstool.com


    GUESTS :

    Shane Kretsinger
    Vice President, Operations
    Autumn River
    We apologize no contact information is available.

    John Neitz
    Manager
    Caesarstone
    Website: www.caesarstone.com

    Melissa Andresko
    Media Relations
    Lutron Electronics
    Website: www.lutron.com

    Tiffani Bruce
    Public Relations Manager
    Whirlpool Corp.
    Website: www.whirlpool.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: