Ask Mason tagged 'kitchens'

Fun with Refinishing Cabinets

Mason — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:00:00 -1800

Dear Mason,

I am updating my kitchen, but want to avoid replacing the cabinets for cost reasons. The present cabinets are in pretty good shape, but I don't like the appearance. They're 1960's or 70's knotty pine. I would like to paint them white.

One painter that we had look at the job told me that the paint might not stick to the old cabinets and that the knots will show through the paint job. I have heard of painting old wood cabine [...]

OK, Admit It... Size DOES Matter!

Mason — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Hello - doing a kitchen makeover and keeping the original cabinets (30 yrs old but solid wood). Problem is the Kenmore wall oven in a cabinet is 23" - the cabinet holding it is 27". I've searched the net, there are no more 23" wall ovens out there. I can't think of how I can fit one it, or make the existing cabinet any bigger. Replacing the cabinet would be difficult to match color & quality. Any suggestions? Please help!!! Thanks!

Chrissie

[...]

On Cabinet Refacing, Square Pegs and Round Holes

Mason — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Mason, enjoy your articles. After 12 years in the refacing business, I finally started my own co. What do you think of the laminate and veneer process? Since I am now also doing sales, I could use any sales pitches you might have. Thanks!

Kirk B Reno, NV

Kirk,

Congratulations on taking the jump to ownership. Remember, you're not your own boss... now you have so many more bosses - your customers!

I confess that when I first read your inquiry [...]

Home Advice from a Realtor

Mason — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Everyone is familiar with those shows on cable television, following the processes wherein homes are bought and sold. Designed to Sell, House Hunters, Curb Appeal, and others have become Home & Garden TV phenomena.

While so much of home improvement television is deeply rooted in fantasy, these shows have some real-world applications. Richmond's own Nancy Frazier of Long & Foster Real Estate is likely one of the most experienced and successful agents in our area.& [...]

Granite Countertops Safety Scare

Mason — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Mason,

I have read and seen a lot in the media recently about the dangers of radiation from granite countertops. I have always thought that stone tops would be a great improvement to my own kitchen, but now I am concerned. What do you think?

Lisa C., Richmond, VA

Lisa,

I recall way-back-when, we made fun of the saccharin / cancer scare. How many pounds of sweetener could one possibly gorge a lab rat with, and did that have anything [...]

Barnwood Restoration

Mason — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Question for Mason:

We are finally after 4 years re insulating our kitchen walls. The drywall has been removed as well as a layer of old barnboards. We have reinsulated and the vapor barrier is in place. I like the idea of putting the barnboards back and having a rustic looking kitchen wall. My question is how would you refinish barnboard? (this board is really old and has a rough dark colour to it). And what would I use to fill the gaps between boards?

Is there Such a Thing as K-Y Jelly for Appliances?

Mason — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Mason,

About 12 years ago we had our kitchen remodeled in our 1925 home in Northside. It's a very narrow galley-style kitchen, and it requires having a side-by-side refrigerator--there's not enough swing space for a full-door model. We dislike the side-by-side because you can't really fit anything of any size in either side, but at the time that was our best option. So now, the fridge is dying, and we've started looking at 3-door models with the freezer on the bottom.

Kitchen Flooring - Stick a Cork in It!

Mason — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Mason,

Would you recommend cork flooring for a kitchen?

Brenda G. Dallas, TX

Dang, Brenda, I didn’t know our blog went all the way to the Lone Star State! Welcome, and know that I love your question!

There are SO many choices for flooring these days. Kitchens, obviously, have some very special needs in terms of durability, maintenance, clean-up, comfort, and of course, STYLE! The “best” floor for your kitchen should be based on which of these consider [...]