Category: Stucco

Appliance Shipments Continue Climb Through Q3

Myrtle Ryan

WASHINGTON, DC — Reflecting continued gains in new construction and residential remodeling, domestic shipments of major home appliances continued their year-long upward climb through the third quarter of 2021, despite a modest July-through-September downturn, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reported.

According to the Washington, DC-based AHAM, a July-through-September decline of 2.4% compared the same quarter a year ago was not enough to thwart an overall year-to-date gain of 16.0% in major appliance shipments compared to the same nine-month period in 2019.

Year-to-date shipments through the third quarter of 2021 totaled 66.7 million units, compared to 57.5 million units shipped in the third quarter of 2020, AHAM reported.

Gains through the third quarter were posted in all key product categories, including food preservation (+17.8%), cooking (+12.6%), kitchen cleanup (+9.1%) and home laundry (+19.1%), the trade association said.

 

The post Appliance Shipments Continue Climb Through Q3 appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

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New CA Law Requires Use of ‘Lead-Free’ Plumbing Fixtures

Myrtle Ryan

ONTARIO, CA — A new plumbing code signed into law in California will mandate strict new limits on the manufacturing and sale of plumbing fixtures that leach lead, a toxin that has been tied for decades to drinking water, state officials announced.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed into law AB 100, legislation that establishes new lead leaching standards for the state, according to the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), an organization that coordinates the development and adaptation of plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool and solar energy codes in the U.S. and abroad.

The new law, effective Jan. 1, 2023, prohibits the manufacturing and sale in California of any plumbing fixture, fitting or faucet that does not meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020, the IAPMO said. The law also requires that product packaging and labeling of any device that’s intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption must indicate compliance with the “lead-free” standard.

“AB 100 will help reduce the risk of lead exposure in the built environment through certified, ‘lead-free’ endpoint devices,” said Robyn Fischer, director of government relations for the Ontario, CA-based IAPMO. “This new law will complement the larger-scale efforts underway to help protect Californian’s water infrastructure and underscores the state’s commitment to uphold public health and safety.”

“We’re grateful that California’s new law promotes the industry standard for lead reduction, so that drinking water fixtures and faucets are accurately labeled,” added Tom Palkon, IAPMO’s executive v.p.

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LX Hausys America Unveils New Brand Identities

Myrtle Ryan

CHICAGO – LX Hausys America Inc. unveiled new brand identities for its  HIMACS Solid Surface and Viatera Quartz Surface brands, and a new brand identity for its resilient floorcovering line of products, HFLOR, at NeoCon last week. The new brand identities reflect the company’s name change this summer from LG Hausys America to LX Hausys America.

The new name is a result of the company’s position within the recently established LX Holdings Corp. The holding company is a globally diversified organization recently spun off from LG Group, the South Korean multinational conglomerate best known for its advanced consumer electronics.

Concurrent with the name change, the company introduced a new logo. It pays homage to the company’s roots, looks to the future and embodies the organization’s management philosophy: “Link to a sustainable future.” Of significance, the “X” within the LX Hausys logo is intersected with an ascending diagonal line, which is a visual representation of the company accelerating into the future, notes the firm.

An ascending diagonal line is now found within each brand logo. This subtle design treatment creates a unified look between the company and its three brands, the company continues. It also ensures the company’s mission for creating a more sustainable future is consistently visually represented across its portfolio of brands.

 

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RSI Acquires Beck/Allen Cabinetry

Myrtle Ryan

ST. LOUIS, MO – RSI Kitchen & Bath President and CEO Megan Bittle has announced the expansion of the RSI portfolio of offerings with the acquisition of Beck/Allen Cabinetry in advance of company President Mike Beck’s planned retirement.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Beck/Allen through times of tremendous growth, as well as challenging economic downturns that tested our team,” said Beck. “To have had a role in taking Beck/Allen from meager start-up to becoming the sought-after player in the cabinet space that it is has been both gratifying and humbling. A succession plan was extremely important as we looked to the future, and we’re confident that the company and our employees will be in trusted and forward-thinking hands with Megan at the helm.”

Founded in the year 2000 by Mike Beck and Lee Allen, Beck/Allen began as a wholesale cabinet company catering solely to home builders and remodelers in the St. Louis area. Over two decades, the company evolved in both product lines and capabilities, earning the respect and business of leading trade professionals including designers and architects.

“I believe that to exist in our industry 20 years from now, you must be thinking of strategic alliances, and Beck/Allen represents a complementary segment of the kitchen and bath industry in St. Louis,” says Bittle. “There is so much growth potential in the St. Louis market that acquiring a local business with strong ties to the community and not having to look outside of this market was incredibly intriguing. Our cultures and customer bases meld so well that I saw an opportunity to grow RSI over the next 10 years.”

Moving forward, Beck/Allen Cabinetry will be referred to as a “division of RSI Kitchen & Bath”.

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How In-Stock Cabinets Can Transform Your Home!

Myrtle Ryan

Over the years, the term in-stock cabinets has become a little synonymous with the kitchen. Having become a staple of the room over the last few decades, many homeowners simply believe them to be suitable for that one room.

However, that is not the case, and utilizing them in other rooms can help to you transform your home. As technology and materials advance, in-stock cabinets are able to offer you with some truly beautiful designs and styles that can help you to elevate any interior.

Still not sure? We thought we would take a closer look at how they can enhance some of the most popular rooms in your home…

In-stock Cabinets for Bathrooms

Your bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in the home, and storage is an incredibly important feature. Installing in-stock cabinets in your bathroom can provide you with a wide range of benefits, including:

Allowing you to enjoy a unique design that combines storage with countertop space. This will let you display things such as cosmetics or various décor options.In-stock cabinets for the bathroom can also help you to make better use of your existing space. If you find your bathroom has unused nooks, then adding a cabinet can help you to add the perfect finishing touch.Adding an in-stock cabinet can also help you get rid of the traditional pedestal sink storage, reducing the clutter in your bathroom.

In-stock Cabinets for Laundry Rooms

The laundry room is another very important space within the home. However, for many homeowners, this room remains a functional, if slightly uninspiring, area. In-stock cabinets can help you to transform your laundry room in multiple ways:

By providing greater storage and organisation for your essential supplies. They can also help to keep supplies out of sight from children or pets.They can also add additional countertop space to fold or iron your clothes.In-stock cabinets can also help to provide seating space for your family, which can be useful if you are putting on shoes or getting ready to head outside.

In-stock Cabinets for Wine and Coffee Bars

Looking to create a truly unique wine or coffee bar in your home? In-stock cabinets are a fantastic way to transform any space:

Help you to create a dedicated bar space to entertain friends and familyProvide you with additional storage and organisation to keep ice buckets, glasses, and anything else you need.Boost the visual appeal of any room by creating a tidy and stylish bar area that is both eye-catching and functional. They can also be tailored to meet any interior design, ensuring you have the perfect matching cabinets.

In-stock Cabinets for Home Offices

As more people work remotely, in-stock cabinets are quickly becoming a must-have accessory for any home office. These unique solutions can help you to:

Enjoy a clear workstation, allowing you to quickly create the perfect home office solution to store everything you need.They can also help you to improve your organization and reduce any clutter by giving you a secure place to store them.In-stock cabinets can also create a more inviting space to work from, making it more enjoyable to work from (while also looking far better on your next Zoom call!)

In-stock Cabinets for Dining Rooms

No matter whether you are eating with your family or entertaining friends, your dining room is often the heart of any home. Adding in-stock cabinets can help you to:

Enjoy an ample serving space, allowing you to serve guests directly at the table or creating a delicious buffet spread for those more relaxed occasions.Not only do they help you to bring more dishes through to the dining room, but in-stock cabinets can also free up space on the dining table, helping to make it feel less cluttered.In-stock cabinets can also help you to transform the aesthetics of your dining room, allowing you to create a modern and stylish interior that your guests will love.

In-stock Cabinets for Bedrooms

Whether you are looking to store accessories and cosmetics, or you just need more space in your bedroom, in-stock cabinets can help you to transform your bedroom in multiple ways, including:

Acting as a makeup station. The flat surface is the perfect spot to add a mirror and lighting, allowing you to stop trying to apply your makeup standing in front of the bathroom mirror.For students, an in-stock cabinet can also double as a fantastic desk for remote learning, allowing them to complete homework and lessons in a private space.In-stock cabinets for bedrooms can also help to reduce clutter by providing ample storage space for a huge array of items.

In-stock Cabinets for Playrooms

Children’s playrooms can often be a messy space, so adding an in-stock cabinet can transform your interior in multiple ways:

They are a great way to neatly store and organize all of your child’s favorite toys. Allowing you to keep them out of sight while remaining easily accessible.In-stock cabinets can also double up as a fantastic desk space that your child can use for their drawings and colorings in.They are also a very stylish solution that can help to either enhance the existing décor or add a splash of additional color and texture.

In-stock Cabinets for Entertainment Rooms

Do you regularly host fun nights for your friends and family? If so, in-stock cabinets for entertainment rooms can provide an array of benefits, including:

Increasing the amount of usable storage space. No matter whether it is storing your favorite DVDs or records or keeping some of your favorite drinks out of sight, this storage space can be invaluable.With all that storage space, you can remove the messy and unsightly clutter, helping to create a cleaner and less distracting room for your guests.In-stock cabinets for entertainment rooms are also a great way to transform the interior of any room, allowing you to create the perfect décor for your home.


     

Looking for in-stock cabinets?

If you are looking to transform your home with some beautiful and stylish in-stock cabinets, then Explore Kitchens is here to help you. We provide our customers with the very best cabinet solutions, operating across Northern Virginia.

So no matter which room you are looking to transform in your home, our experienced team is here to help you create the perfect interior. Want to find out more? Get in touch today!

The post How In-Stock Cabinets Can Transform Your Home! appeared first on Explore Kitchens – Kitchen Remodeling in McLean, VA.

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4 DIY Kitchen Storage Ideas

Myrtle Ryan

Have you been craving some change within your kitchen, but aren’t looking to drop hundreds to achieve your new look? Well, you’re in luck. Changing up the look and feel of your kitchen does not have to be pricey. There’s countless do it yourself home projects regardless of if you’re looking for a smaller or larger scale project. If you’re in the mood for some change, this article is for you. Here’s 4 DIY projects which will improve your kitchen storage space.

Include Hooks and Racks

Fully utilizing hooks and racks within your kitchen will maximize the vertical space within your home. It allows often-used kitchen utensils to be easily accessible, so you are not forced to store items where they are hard to reach or see. You can hang mugs, pots, pans, and other cooking utensils from hooks and store larger items on racks. Pro tip, before fully installing your hooks and racks make sure to check their weight capacity.

Corner Shelves

Shelves don’t have to take up a lot of room for them to be useful. Even a shelf with a shorter than average length can be used to your advantage. Corners are often neglected within one’s home. They’re normally thought of as places to squeeze in a microwave or another appliance, but you can utilize this space to install cut shelving for extra storage. This storage space can be used as either a practical or decorative space.

Introduce Shelf Inserts

Use shelf inserts to create extra levels for jars and other items with varying heights. A clip-on basket also maximizes pantry space, and you can place flatter foods like tortillas and pasta boxes underneath. Shelving inserts are a quick and easy way to double your storage space. They are also cost effective and take almost no time to install.

Turn Your Backsplash into Storage

Your backsplash can serve many purposes. It can provide beauty and character to your home while also providing functionality. Implement a rail or a floating shelf within your backsplash. However if you’re concerned about damaging your walls, adding a few command hook will not hurt your kitchen.

Kitchen Solvers

At Kitchen Solvers, we want to ensure that you, the homeowner, protect and preserve your beautiful kitchen. The most important factor in how to make a kitchen remodel easy is getting help from professionals. At Kitchen Solvers, our expert design team can help you create the ultimate kitchen that fits your budget and offers some of the best features and styles available. Once the plan is established, we’ll take care of the rest. Connect with our team today to get started designing the kitchen of your dreams.

Make sure to check out some of our top trending articles: Small Remodeling Upgrades to Make a Big Splash in Your Kitchen and Confused about Cabinetry? A Guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace!

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stucco

How Does Stucco Work?

James Thompson

stuccoBefore you start using stucco, make sure that there are no underground elements such as salt, sulfur, or carbon dioxide in your soil. If you add these elements, the stucco will not bond properly with your masonry or base material, and it may result in structural failure. When you buy new plaster for your project, ask to see a sample so you can determine if the Portland cement you are using is appropriate for your soil type.

After determining that you’re using the proper cement for your home project, you’ll want to mix your stucco batch with either medium or light pigments depending on the needs you have for the area being stucco’d. For areas such as brick, you can either go with a dark or a lighter shade. Darker shades of stucco allow the pattern to stand out better against the background of the building and light colors help to show up more of the original stucco once it has cured. Another option you have is to blend the colors together. This can make for a unique look, especially if you choose to use historic stucco to match the exterior of your home.

The final step is to mix the Portland cement with water to create the final mixture necessary to seal the surface and allow it to dry. If you have a smaller wall or room to fill, you can mix the stucco by hand but if you are working with a larger space, be sure to have a container to mix the Portland cement with water in. Mixing by hand leaves small air bubbles in the stucco, and these can cause the stucco to stiffen and dry out prematurely.

Once the stucco has completely dried, you can apply it to the areas you want to coat with stucco. If you have already applied the stucco before the ground is dry, you should mix the cement with water and apply it to the surface right before the ground is hardened. Then, you can pour the mixture into your moulds and begin shaping the stucco into the patterns you desire. You can also hand stamp decorative patterns on the stucco once it has cured to give it a rough texture.

There are many options available when it comes to using stucco. Some of the more common uses include repairing cracked and worn floor tiles, protecting masonry structures, coating exposed brick walls, protecting exterior walls from weather, and making repairs to the portico and facades. When stucco is used as a binder, it seals the edges of mortar joints while also increasing the structural integrity of the building. When stucco is applied to the interior of a structure, it forms a smooth surface that will not mar the look of the flooring, walls, or landscaping. It also provides a textured surface for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Stucco can be combined with other materials to create a variety of effects including: stamped patterns, decorative crown moldings, textured ceilings and walls, stamped concrete finishes, pre-painted hardware and paint, and more. When stucco is stained or painted, the finished look can change dramatically. For example, a light stucco finish coat can be combined with dark wood trim, while a dark stained stucco finish can be combined with a light cherry wood trim. Stucco finishes can even be applied to architectural pillars.

When stucco becomes wet, it begins to expand like elastic. Because of this, any space that is exposed to water must be thoroughly dry mopped dry before stucco may be applied. Mopping after exposure to moisture takes care of a lot of potential problems, including cracking and shrinking, flaking, mildew, corrosion, and other water problems. If you are looking for a way to improve the look of your home, stucco may be the right choice. However, if you have young children or pets, you may want to consider an alternative to stucco, such as fiber-cement siding.