Our answer: Are you looking for a laminate worktop with a woodlike finish or do you want the real thing. If you are thinking of Formica/laminate, we suggest you have a look at www.bushboard.com, as they are the suppliers of this type of worktop. You can call them for brochures and samples. For the real thing, please visit www.rootskitchens.co.uk, a company that can deliver you cherry wood kitchen worktops to install yourself.
Our Answer: Nice idea - a very attractive alternative. Do note however that whichever stone you choose will have to be treated with some kind of sealer against dust and obviously germs. We suggest you really do need the advice of a stonemason on this one. You will find a stonemason for your area at the following website: www.diydoctor.org.uk. Click on 'Locate a specialist'.
Our answer: For unusual sized replacement doors, go to www.doorsdirect.co.uk. They do not only supply a wide range of standard door sizes, but they can also make your doors to the size you prefer. They cover all sorts of designs, colours and materials.
Our answer: Maybe you can have a look at the following website: www.spacesavers.co.uk. They supply fully assembled mini and compact kitchens and are based in London, but they will probably cover the whole of the UK
Our answer: We have asked this question to our experts and they say that unfortunately, Formica can't be repaired to a satisfactory level. However, we had a look on the internet and came across the following repair kit, available by postorder from the USA:
With this patented kit from The DoItYourselfStore, you can easily repair chips, burns and scratches on kitchen counter tops, floor, cabinets, or any plastic laminate such as wall paneling, furniture, or desktops. There are dozens of repairs you can do in your car, truck, SUV, boat or RV.
The kit comes with seven colors and a mixing chart to help you match any color. Simply mix the repair compound to the desired color, apply on the damaged area, and allow to dry.
Our answer: Choosing a kitchen that is both practical and beautiful is indeed a difficult task. There are two things that sprung to my mind immediately when I read your e-mail. First thing was that I got the idea that you haven't decided yet what colour your kitchen its going to be. You're talking about real wood finishes and high gloss white finish, those two options are miles apart. The second thing was that you haven't decided on a budget yet, as there can be a lot of difference in price between a wooden kitchen and a laminate one. I think you should start there, see what you can afford and then decide what's the best kitchen you can get for that. Now, the difference between laminate and wood is apparent. Some people swear by wood as it is for them 'the real thing'. Over time, a non-painted wooden kitchen will change colour, but that is just what a lot of people love. It will grow to a rich patina that you will never get with a laminate kitchen. It basically grows with you over the years. Obviously a painted wooden kitchen will not get this colour change, but will still give you the natural feel of wood. The downfall of wood is maybe that it indeed is under the influence of changes in temperature and humidity in your kitchen. I think you should talk to a kitchen specialist to exactly find out how much those changes would be. And as wood is well coated with varnish, I think that a damp cloth would suffice. Don't use scourers though as they will damage the varnish! Laminate is a complete different animal. It is build up of layers of different material, coated with a thick film of hardwearing plastic. It is easy to maintain, but if it chips, it can look very nasty.
In both laminate and real wood you can get a rainbow of colours. Decide what colour you think would be suitable for your kitchen is very important as you have to live with it for a very long time. Also in laminate you have the possibility to choose textures, and like you said high gloss or matt finishes.
Our answer: We get a lot of questions about colour and as we don't actually see your kitchen and the colours of the cupboards and tiles, it is always very difficult to give an opinion. Colour is a very personal thing. It has all to do with what kind of ambiance you want to create and how much natural light and light fittings you have in your kitchen. A book that has been a great help to a lot of people is 'The New Kitchen Planner' from Mitchell Beazley.
Our answer: Little irregular tiles are usually in all sorts of colours available from your local DIY shed, unless you are looking for something a bit more exclusive, like hand made tiles. But as you are tiling on a budget, I would suggest Wickes, as they do lovely colours. Wickes will also have information leaflets on how to tile, but here are a few guidelines: Always make sure your surface is clean and dustfree. Get the best tile adhesive you can afford and take your time in designing a pattern when you're using different coloured tiles. Leave enough time for the tile adhesive to set before you start grouting.
Our answer: There are no real guidelines for whether the sink should be fitted under a window or not, but there is one practical argument for it. Fitting a sink under a window means you can look out of the window when you do the dishes! And it will let natural light on your work, so that they get nice and clean too.
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