Reinventing your kitchen? There are three primary decisions. . .

1. Cabinetry: This is the first thing to be considered. The client may choose from solid wood, plywood, stainless steel, melamine or other pressboards. Expense, aesthetics and health may be just some of the factors here. Melamine and pressboards are considerably less expensive than the first 3 types, but they contain more chemicals.



2. Flooring: Next it is vital that you check the condition of the existing flooring. If the flooring is to be replaced, the sub floor and joists beneath it must be checked for moisture and possible rotting. Once this has been done, the selection of the flooring can take place. Be aware that this decision is as important as the selection of the cabinets, and must also be based on several factors; does the floor need to be durable enough for pets, or is there a lot of traffic created by children? Do you require a more cushioned floor?
   
   For some clients, the choice of flooring will depend more on what compliments the design, rather than the function. You might also think about using a renewable product, such as bamboo, for the flooring. Products range from tile, concrete, hardwood, marmoleum and linoleum, through to bamboo, cork and many others.
   


3. Countertops: This step is usually the last, as there is the most choice in colour, making it easier to match the countertops to the cabinetry and flooring. Countertops vary from solid surfaces such as granite, marble, concrete, manmade stone (corona, siltstone, zodiac, and others), solid birch or maple butcher-block to various arborvitaes or similar materials.

Once you have faced the three basic considerations above, you can establish your budget and finalize your kitchen, including decisions about paint and lighting. Be sure to consider what your overall layout and space should be. Remember that a Kitchen should be friendly to operate. This means that the less bending and stretching you have to do, the longer you will be able to operate and cook in a healthy manner. Perhaps you should consider if you want a sociable island with barstools or a sitting area versus a dining room - or if you have the room, perhaps both.