Should I Use a Veneer or a Solid Wood for my Cabinets?

Question: Should I use a ‘veneered cabinet’ or a ‘solid wood’ for my cabinets?

Answer: There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Veneered plywood has the advantage of price. It also holds screws better in some circumstances, is less prone to warping and checking, is usually a little heavier and more uniform in color and grain and has less seasonal movement. Disadvantages are when it chips (usually at the edges) the layers underneath become very visible, it can chip out more with sawing, and you usually don’t have as much selection when trying to do elaborate grain and feature matching.

Solid wood is more expensive, requires more time in color and grain matching, is usually lighter in weight, and chips and scratches don’t show up as conspicuously. This is why solid wood is often used on framing while plywood is utilized for flat panels, where it is less prone to damage and has less seasonal movement.

However, if you want to apply elaborate edge details or carving to panels, then solid wood is by far the better choice.

Solid wood                                                       Veneer

Check out the Big ReUse-apalooza Project Reveal

Civil War Rolling Planter Box
Designed & Built by David Costa, David Costa General Contracting, LLC

This rolling planter was constructed from milled pieces of an 8-foot door, a stone plumbing display countertop, and scrap pieces of a PVC type sheet stock. Other misc. materials include heavy duty caster wheels, clear silicone, metallic spray paint and teak oil.

Perspective:
When milling the door into usable pieces, I noticed that the door had been constructed with large ‘mortise & tenon’ joints, which appeared to be hand cut. The door was laminated with a 1/4″ white oak exterior, and a 1/4″ fir interior, over pine.

Given the type of workmanship of this door, I would guess that it was constructed sometime in the early 1900’s. Given the size and cut of the wood used for the door, I would estimate that the seedlings for the trees used in this doors started growing around the time of the American Civil War, if not decades before. Hence, the project title.

Use and care:
The planter can be used as a container, if desired. The PVC material will not rot. The container was sealed with silicone, so moisture should not leak thru the sides; however the bottom was not, to allow for drainage. Additional holes could be drilled into the bottom if desired, or it could be sealed up to make waterproof. The wood is finished with natural teak oil, and additional coats can be applied as desired. I wouldn’t suggest leaving the planter outside year long unprotected, primarily to preserve the wood’s integrity.

What is ReUse-apalooza? ReUse-apalooza is a Designer Challenge event benefiting EasterSeals and Building Value where local designers craft re-purposed functional pieces and “object d’art” culled from Building Value’s inventory. The resulting objects are always curious, creative and often real gems. The pieces are sold by silent and live auction during the ReUse-apalooza party.

When is it? The event takes place on May 19 at Building Value in Northside.

Click here for more information about this awesome event benefiting the local community!

Spring Maintenance Tips

Below are several outdoor items you’ll want to attend to now that spring has sprung:

  • Gutters and downspouts: clean out and check for leaks
  • Siding: Clean with a pressure washer and repaint if necessary.
  • Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating.
  • Window sills, door sills, and thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
  • Window and door screens: Clean screening and patch any holes. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
  • Drain waste and vent system: Flush out system.
  • Hot water heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
  • Evaporative air conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt.
  • Heat pump: Lubricate blower motor.
  • Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If you can slide a nickle into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
  • Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits.
  • Deck and porches: Check decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose boards and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on exposure to sun and rain.
  • Landscape: Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures.
  • Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads.

Click here to read the full article on Home Advisor.

DCGC to Participate in ReUse-apalooza!

What is it? ReUse-apalooza is a Designer Challenge event benefiting EasterSeals and Building Value where local designers craft re-purposed functional pieces and “object d’art” culled from Building Value’s inventory. The resulting objects are always curious, creative and often real gems. The pieces are sold by silent and live auction during the ReUse-apalooza party.

When is it? The event takes place on May 19 at Building Value in Northside.

What is DCGC submitting? Below are photos of the materials Dave chose to work with – you’ll have to wait and see what the completed project looks like!

Click here for more information about this awesome event!

Ever Popular Cable Railing Systems

An increasingly popular choice for clients who prefer a more ‘Modern’ aesthetic, for both
indoor and outdoor projects.  It has become readily available and easier to order through on-line suppliers, or in pre-made individual components as well for custom assembly.

This Anderson Deck was added to a Prairie Style Architecturally designed home, which sits on a wooded lot. The combination of Clear Cedar post and rails, and the low visual cable components, makes for a pleasant open feel setting.

Stay Warm with Heated Flooring

It is hard to imagine it being cold now, but in no time the cold weather will return. If you are planning a Bath or Kitchen remodel, consider having your contractor install a ‘Heat matte’ or heat wire system under your new flooring. Typically used as a secondary source of heat, I hear many of my clients say that they close off their forced air ducts in these rooms because it’s so pleasant. Particularly helpful and comfortable in an older home, heated flooring can be quite cost effective as well. At about 15 watts per square foot, an 8 x10 foot heated bathroom floor costs about .42 cents for an 8-hour period, or $1.25 a day (cost based on national average of .10/kW/hr). To learn more about floor heating and warranties go to: www.warmlyyours.com

Decking Q&A with David Costa

Question: What does pressure treated mean when referring to exterior decking?

Answer: Pressure Treated Decking is Yellow pine that has been ‘Kiln Dried’ to remove it’s natural moisture, then put a large tank with chemical laden water. The sealed tank is put under extreme pressure, and the mixture is forced back into the cells of the wood, which then becomes insect and rot resistant.

Q: My pressure Treated decking is ‘cracked’ and doesn’t look nice. Does it need to be replaced?

A: The cracking is most likely what is called ‘checking’. It is the natural cells and grain of the wood opening up. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ruined, but could be rough on your bare feet and unsightly. Many people pressure wash and stain/seal their decks regularly. Unfortunately, sometimes that is your only choice, especially if the deck is subject to the extreme elements.

Q: I’m considering building a deck, or renovating my current one. What is a good choice for decking material?

A: It depends on your needs. If cost is your primary concern, then Pressure Treated Yellow pine is your best choice. If low maintenance and longevity is your priority, a composite (TimberTech) or PVC (Azek) is your best choice. If Extreme quality is important to you, then choose a hardwood such as Ipe.