With Spring right around the corner, you may be thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. Here are some ideas for you.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN IDEAS
What is a must for an outdoor kitchen?
The most popular item in most outdoor kitchens is the built in gas grill with access doors and a side burner. A compact refrigerator, sink and a trash bin are also a very good idea for your new outdoor kitchen. Pizza Ovens are very popular in an outdoor kitchen as well.
Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a concrete slab?
Yes, You need to make sure you have a secure and level foundation to construct your outdoor kitchen on top of. This foundation can be a concrete slab, arrangement of pavers, or even traditional decking.
4 Cons of adding an outdoor kitchen
Outdoor Kitchens Require Space.
You Will Need Some Weather Protection.
Outdoor Kitchens Need Security. Security can become an issue with outdoor kitchens
They Need to be Maintained.
Is it worth it to build an outdoor kitchen?
Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great way to get the most out of your backyard, but are they really worth the investment? According to recent studies, outdoor kitchens generate a 100 to 200 percent return on your investment. In other words, they’re worth the money and then some!
How much should an outdoor kitchen cost?
Outdoor kitchens can cost anywhere from $3,000 for one with a good-quality grill, a 6 ft. long counter and a patio to $15,000 and up for higher-end versions with an assortment of appliances. Although it’s tempting to compare outdoor kitchens to the one indoors, there are some key differences in materials. Think sun, rain, wind, etc. 😉
What is the cheapest way to build an outdoor kitchen?
One of the best ways to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget is to work with salvaged materials like recycled stone and brick. They’re less expensive than new materials and are better for the environment.
What should you choose? Let’s go over a little bit about each one so you can better decide which would suit you best.
QUARTZ
Quartz countertops are also known as Engineered stone countertops to differentiate them from natural stone countertops. Most are made from a high concentration of quartz crystals, a natural substance.
Quartz countertop manufacturers are continually adding new colors and patterns many of which are distinctly unique and very attractive. Quartz, and slab granite may look alike, at least at first glance.
Only when you get close to the material, feel it, and start to use it do you begin to learn the differences. Each countertop material has qualities that may work better or less well for your own situation.
Pros: Quartz has a wider variety of colors available than natural stone, since pigments can be added to the resin. It is hard and durable, and less prone to denting or chipping than quartzite. It also requires very little maintenance, if any.
Cons: Quartz can be scratched, and it melts under temperatures higher than 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which means a hot pad must be used.
GRANITE:
You probably already know that Granite is a natural stone countertop material which has been highly prized in the kitchen for many, many years.
Granite countertops are becoming more and more common thanks to their increased availability and affordability.
High-end granite colors will be more expensive but the average cost of installation for many common granite colors is about the same now as Corian.
Granite enjoys a greater “prestige” due to it’s natural uniqueness and is, therefore, typically perceived as having greater value in the minds of most homeowners and buyers.
Granite offers almost unlimited choice in colors and patterns.
Granite is heat, scratch, dent and chemical resistant. Almost impossible to damage in these ways.
Granite is also chemical resistant, but requires sealing for optimum stain-protection.
Granite will have visible seams on most countertops.
Granite can be expensive, depending on the size, color, thickness, pattern of the granite slab, and manufacturer/supplier. It is also labor-intensive because it is so heavy, which means that it may require additional structural support than what your counters already offer. It must be sealed roughly every 10 years or so to prevent staining, and it can crack if hit by a large, heavy object.
Pros: Because granite is highly sought after and considered beautiful, the countertops will add non-depreciating value to your home. It is non-porous and sanitary, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. It does not get scratched easily.
Cons:
Granite is very difficult to remove, and should be considered a “forever” upgrade, because you may have to rip out the entire counter if you get sick of it. It is expensive when compared to other common countertop materials.
SOLID SURFACE
Originally invented by DuPont in the 1960s and marketed under the brand name Corian, solid surface countertops are made from acrylic and polyester blends. They were originally intended to mimic the look of natural stone, while being stronger and non-porous.
When DuPont’s patent expired in the 1990s, a wave of different solid surface materials entered the market, including LG Hi-Macs, Staron, Hanex, Wilsonart, and Durat, amongst others. These brands mostly use the same recipe – DuPont’s original – but differ in the colors they offer.
Pros: Solid surface countertops offer a wider range of colors and looks than any other material, although none of them are particularly natural looking. They are very inexpensive compared to other countertop materials. They are also extremely low maintenance, not requiring sealants or special cleaning materials.
Cons:Solid surface countertops are not heat-resistant and can burn. They are also vulnerable to scratches and dents. However, they are repairable if damaged. Also, you cannot purchase solid surface countertops directly yourself, so no DIY here: you must go through a licensed dealer and have them professionally installed.
The best choice for you really comes down to what properties are most important to your family, home, and project.
A well-placed wet bar can elevate any space in your home. Whether it’s a basement, bedroom, or kitchen, there are numerous different ways to transform a space just by adding a wet bar. Have a man cave in the basement? A dark, rustic wet bar might be just what it needs. Have a bright, white kitchen? A light, simplistic wet bar may just do the job, or dark cabinetry to contrast. Want it to stand out? Flashy hardware and a colorful backsplash behind the wet bar will look amazing!
Wherever your home wet bar is, there are many ways to enhance it’s visual and functional appeal. Let’s check out some ideas to make your wet bar the social center of your home.
Basement Wet Bar
Many basements are referred to as a “man cave”, which usually entails a darker, more rustic design. Add some spice to the basement with a wet bar that will do the job and look great too!
For example, a wet bar that includes lots of seating room and plenty of counter space, beautiful cabinets, and hardware that brightens the cabinets without taking away from the feel.
If this look is too dark for you, a simple rug in front of the wet bar to contrast with the floors will quickly brighten up the space. These cabinets are perfect for achieving a warm feel and are sure to ‘wow’ any guests!
Dramatic Wet Bar
Looking for a wet bar that immediately catches everyone’s eye? A sleek cabinet mixed with gold or silver hardware might be the right look for you!
This wet bar creates some visual drama. It’s eye-catching, but in a simple way.
The dark tone of the cabinets is contrasted by silver hardware, and a beautiful grey countertop. Not only is this wet bar a functional space, it’s a work of art! This space would be a perfect contrast to a bright white kitchen. It’s the perfect mix between dark and light.
This dramatic wet bar idea would also work with lighter cabinets, such as light grey cabinetry, or even a dark espresso shaker cabinet.
Simple Wet Bar
Have an area in a room that serves no purpose? An awkward nook or tight space that you can’t seem to figure out what to place there? Try a wet bar! A wet bar can elevate a space while also serving a functional purpose.
Look at this simple, oak wet bar. This wet bar adds more style and functionality to the room.
This type of wet bar is perfect for those awkward spaces you can’t seem to fill. With simple oak shaker cabinets and traditional hardware it effortlessly continues the bright and clean theme of the room. The glass and oak upper cabinets are also a nice design touch, as they allow you to display any decorative dishware or bottles.
With a simple wet bar, you are adding functionality and style to a room without breaking the wallet, as well as potentially filling a space that was awkward prior to adding the bar.
Modern Farmhouse Wet Bar
Lots of white, lots of shiplap. If modern farmhouse is your go-to style, this type of wet bar is perfect for you! The farmhouse feel doesn’t have to be rustic; it can be clean, bright, and sleek while still following suit with the farmhouse-look.
This beautiful wet bar executes the modern farmhouse style perfectly. The shiplap brings the farmhouse feel, while the tones of the countertop, flooring and open shelving warms up the stark white of their surroundings.
This look can be easily achieved with a simple white cabinet, dark hardware, shiplap, and countertops that resemble concrete. Shiplap is a fantastic and simple way to elevate a wet bar’s look without making it look too busy. Even with the shiplap, a beautifully patterned backsplash would be a great way to also elevate this wet bar while also potentially adding more color. This farmhouse style wet bar is the perfect addition to any modern farmhouse!
Moody Wet Bar
Looking for something a bit more dramatic? Try going for a moodier style with darker tones and an eye-catching backsplash.
This wet bar would have a dark, alluring feel. The dark cabinetry mixed with dark hardware and a reflective backsplash are contrasted with a lighter wood countertop and natural wood shelving. This contrast of dark and light gives off a ‘moody’ feeling, which is accentuated by backlit shelving.
A moody wet bar can be achieved with any color of dark cabinetry. Dark navy blue, dark green, or black cabinets are all great options when paired with some dark hardware. A lighter countertop and shelving helps break up this darkness and give the wet bar more of a warm feeling. Also note how the backlighting can illuminate any bottles or glasses, creating an almost showcase-like effect. This light not only bounces off the glasses, but also the reflective backsplash, which gives the wet bar more texture and dimension.
Create Your Dream Wet Bar With S&W Cabinets
Rustic or modern, large or small, we’re here to help you create the wet bar of your dreams. We offer a wide selection of premium cabinetry, hardware, shelving and more to help you create a timeless wet bar that stands the test of time.
How To Maintain Your Kitchen’s Stainless Steel Appliances.
The appliances in your kitchen get a lot of use. From cooking family dinners and microwaving a quick bite to eat to cleaning off plates and silverware in the dishwasher… you rely on them to get through your daily routine. But let’s face it. All that use can leave your stainless steel appliances with unsightly fingerprints, smudges, and dirt that take away from their beautiful appearance.
Instead of getting frustrated every time a new mark pops up, use this kitchen cleaning guide that will help keep your kitchen’s stainless steel spotless.
Remove Knobs & Handles
In most cases, you probably give your stainless steel appliances a simple wipe down to keep them looking fresh. But did you know that dirt and grime can actually get caught behind your appliance’s knobs and handles? When possible, it’s recommended that you remove the knobs or handles from your oven, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances when cleaning them. This will allow you to remove any unsanitary buildup in those hard-to-clean crevices.
Use Microfiber Cloths
Stainless steel provides your kitchen with a luxurious look, but that look can go from fab to drab quickly if you aren’t using the proper materials to clean them. Whether you’re giving your appliances a quick wipe or doing a deep clean, you never want to use something that is abrasive. Using a scratchy or abrasive material may seem like it’ll provide a deeper clean, but it can create scratches and abrasions on the surface of the appliance. You may also be tempted to reach for a paper towel — but you should avoid this option as well. While a paper towel can leave some scratches, it is also likely to leave dust on the face of your appliances. Instead, opt for damp microfiber cloths that will provide a gentle, yet thorough cleaning that won’t cause any blemishes to crop up.
Fight Oxidization
Although it isn’t likely to happen right away, stainless steel is known to oxidize over time. This means that if left untreated, you may find yourself with discolored appliances in your kitchen. To help prevent oxidation of your stainless steel appliances, take a mixture of pumice powder and water and apply it to the appliance. Make sure you apply the paste in the same pattern as the grain of the stainless steel. Once applied, you can remove the mixture with warm water and a cotton cloth. You’ll notice how black the cloth is — that’s the oxidized layer coming off of your appliances!
Dry Your Appliances
Whether your appliances become wet from the cleaning materials you chose to use or they’re covered in moisture from condensation created by cooking, you should never forget to dry your stainless steel appliances. Leftover moisture or wetness on the kitchen appliance will cause a dark splotch or watermark to appear on the face of the appliance. To keep your stainless steel appliances looking as good as the day they were installed, wipe them down with a soft cotton cloth when exposed to moisture. By drying them off, your appliances will remain free of unsightly watermarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT USE ON STAINLESS STEEL?
When taking care of your stainless steel appliances, it’s important that you use the right materials to prevent causing unwanted damage or blemishes. Avoid using steel wool or steel brushes. Not only can these scratch the surface because of their abrasive texture, but they are also known for leaving particles behind that can rust and stain your appliances. Stainless steel is also more likely to rust once it has been scratched, which is why it is best to use soft cloths made of cotton or microfiber to keep them looking good as new.
HOW DO YOU MAKE STAINLESS STEEL LOOK NEW AGAIN?
Are your stainless steel appliances looking a bit dull lately? Restore them to their full glory by giving them a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth on a daily basis. Keep them dry to prevent watermarks, but when they do happen, use dish soap or vinegar to remove hard water stains from the stainless sleep appliances. On a regular basis, apply olive oil to a microfiber cloth and buff the appliance to give them sparkle and shine! You can also use stainless steel polish to create the same effect.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE STAINS FROM STAINLESS STEEL?
Because stainless steel is a porous material, it does absorb liquids and foods that can cause it to become stained. If you’re noticing stains regularly, it’s recommended that you have an eco-friendly cleaning option like vinegar on hand. Apply white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the stain and gently rub it into the surface with a microfiber or cotton cloth that will not scratch the appliance. If you don’t have vinegar at your disposal, you can also opt for baking soda, dish soap, or stainless steel cleaner.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE STUBBORN FINGERPRINTS FROM STAINLESS STEEL?
There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing the number of fingerprints built upon the outer surface of your stainless steel appliances. Luckily, there’s an easy and effective way to keep your appliances looking good as new. Create a mixture of dish detergent mixed with warm water and gently apply the solution with a cotton cloth to the surface, focusing primarily on the areas affected by fingerprints. Use the cloth to rub on the soapy water, rinse out the cloth, and continue the process. Make sure you thoroughly dry the stainless steel after you’ve removed the fingerprints so you aren’t left with any watermarks or dark blotches.
With 2021 quickly approaching, you may have some new ideas for the new year. Maybe even a new years resolution.
With the pandemic on the way out (hopefully) we may be able to begin traveling and taking vacations again. Visiting places that we’ve missed, or maybe visiting new and exciting places we’ve never been. Do you have a travel bucket list? We’ve heard skiing is great this time of the year 😉 You don’t even have to leave Missouri if you don’t want to. You can ski at Hidden Valley in St. Louis.
Or maybe you’d rather go somewhere warm and tropical, maybe even take a cruise.
And what about those new years resolutions? You know, the ones where you vow to lose weight and get healthier? It’s not a bad idea and I’m sure we can all agree that getting healthier is a good choice no matter what our scales say. Maybe it’s a good time to think about joining a gym as prices may be more reasonable now.
Another good new years resolution is kicking bad habits to the curb. Nothing like a new year for a fresh start.
Maybe your resolution is to do some home remodeling. Maybe new cabinets and/or countertops.
Maybe even a new bathroom vanity.
Whatever you’re thinking,
S&W can help.
We are ready to come to your home and prepare an estimate for you at any time.
The kitchen is one place where you spend most of your time, and almost every visitor enjoys taking a peek at it. These are reasons why you can’t ignore how your kitchen looks and what people perceive from it at a glance. But if you take on the job of giving it a makeover yourself, you will need tons of assistance to get through the process.
Kitchens are rooms where you should be more meticulous than you might think. There’s heat, steam, sharp knives, hard-to-remove colors, and a good load of stuff to arrange around it. All these things require you to make informed choices and make decisions that will make your life easier. And that is just the primary requirement of setting it up.
If you want the surroundings to be a little more elegant, then you need to go the extra mile and add nuances in designs to make it stand out. It doesn’t mean that you paint each wall with a different, overly-intense color and choose mismatched cabinets to blow things out of proportion. Instead, make subtle changes that are coherent yet impossible for people to ignore. Look into the designs of kitchens at S&W Cabinets to get a good idea of what you aim to achieve. They will help you distinguish your kitchen from others across the US.
If you are looking for some general advices to navigate you through the process, here are some useful tips on choosing kitchen cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and floors.
Set the tone
The first thing that you should keep in mind is that you are aiming for a synchronized environment. The cabinets shouldn’t disagree with your color theme, the counters with the backsplash, and the floor with everything.
A rule of thumb for most kitchens is to go a tone lighter with every selection, starting with your wall paint. If you choose a dominant grey, go for mild silver cabinets, light grey backsplash, and granite colored countertops. That way, you won’t have to worry about making individual choices with every section. Besides, most floor options would fit nicely with this idea, be it stone, tile, or wood.
Choose your material
Material is notably relevant when making all these choices, especially with the diverse set of options we have these days.
There’s stainless steel, melamine, and wooden cabinets, each of which is a great choice, but the most commonly used is wood, thanks to its aesthetic appeal. Countertops have similar options in the form of laminate, wood, concrete, and solid surfaces. One deciding factor may be how carefully you handle hot pans because a single mistake can prove quite costly.
As far as the floor is concerned, vinyl, stone, cork, wood, and tiles, everything is an option. The only requirement is which of these complements the interior of your kitchen the most.
Pay attention to patterns & designs
The trivial perks and features you add to these items breathe life into your choices, so pay close attention to designs and patterns.
Adding borders to your countertops or using round edges to break the monotony in designs is one way to go about this option. Going for a combination of glass and surfaced cabinet doors is another brilliant idea to put its contents on display while introducing a variety in design.
People also like the thought of interrupting the backsplash patterns with a design accent or a tile above the stove that stands out amongst the others. A more dominant alternative besides this is colored grout to line the tiles of the backsplash. So, the choice is yours to make.
Don’t neglect the finishing touches
A common blunder that most individuals make is that they think their job ends with these choices. But unfortunately, that isn’t the finish line. There are still some refinements that you need to add to this mix to make it extraordinary.
For cabinets, consider carefully picking the hardware like pulls and knobs to add a touch of style. There are so many to choose from.
Enjoy exploring the markets for these items. Or, contact an S&W Cabinet specialist to help you with your decisions.
Backyard Bash 2020 was a huge success! S&W Cabinets is proud to have been a sponsor.
The jam packed day began with the Backyard BBQ Competition at 9am. At around 10am the cars of local car clubs cruised in for a car show. The hot dog eating competition followed shortly afterward. At 4pm the whole hog BBQ and all the trimmings were served.
There was music and fun throughout the day with 9+ acts taking the stage during the day. Some of the entertainment included Diamond Farm, Jarod Yount, Dillon Kilburn, Shoe, and Logan Chapman.
All proceeds were donated to the Angel Food Box Program of St. Ambrose School and the Chaffee Senior Center
Each month, WPMA Wood Products Manufacturers Association features one of their members’ business.
We are proud to announce that this months spotlight is on our very own S&W Cabinets, located in Chaffee, MO
Below is the complete article published in their July 2020 issue
In 1945, two men by the names of Marcus Seyer and Gregory Westrich started a small millwork shop to meet the needs of various construction projects in the local area. As time went by, they became aware of a market niche for their custom cabinets. Because of their unique craftsmanship, impeccable quality of their product and their rapid increase in customer demand, the two founders decided to officially join their efforts.
In 1954, they began S&W Cabinets. As generations have passed, the achievements of S&W Cabinets continued to excel by carrying out the same creativity, quality, and personal attention to each and every client, as it was in the beginning.
By the mid 1970s, yet another generation of the Seyer Family entered into the business. With hard work and effort, the demand for quality custom cabinetry continued to grow. The Residential Division continued producing custom kitchens and eventually expanded to include pantries, bathrooms, laundry, and other beautiful spaces in your home.
In the 1990s, S&W Cabinets expanded to a second manufacturing facility. The Commercial Division began accommodating the demand for commercial cabinetry including spaces for hotels, schools, hospitals, and other settings.
In 2005, a third facility was opened to accommodate the manufactured line of cabinets. The Manufactured Division provides quality spaces for single family, apartment complexes, multi-family housing, and development projects.
What Time Is It? It’s Time For Gardening, Of Course!
Spring is the best time of the year for most. Trees turn green, beautiful flowers start popping up, and people begin planting their fruit and vegetable gardens.
Your garden can be any size or shape you decide to make it. You can make a raised bed garden, or even a container garden if your space is limited.
These work great on decks as well. Or, you may choose to go all out with a greenhouse.
Two of the biggest problems gardeners face are weed control and keeping your garden watered. As you can see in this photo, great care was taken to ensure no weeds grow and the plants are easily kept watered when rain is absent for several days. First, a weed barrier is laid and staked down, followed by irrigation pipes. Planting holes can be placed in any location desired. Grass has been planted between rows and is easily mowed. Both problems solved!
Like tomatoes? Be sure to plant plenty for those BLT’s!!! Cages can be built out of fencing and you’ll want them to be at least 6′ tall. Be sure to put a metal or wooden stake beside each plant and secure your stake to the fencing.
Then use metal “U” shaped stake to firmly secure your fencing to the ground. You can make ties out of an old sheet and use them to secure your plants to the stakes as well.
Ready for some Green Beans?
Whether you choose to plant pole beans or bush beans, you’re going to love the results. Especially if you enjoy canning. If you’re new to canning you can find a great “how to” videoHERE.
When it comes time to snap those beans, just round up the kids and put them to work. I loved helping do this as a child but I loved eating the green beans more.
Lettuce take a look at these leaves of goodness.
Lettuce comes in many different varieties and you can easily grown any or all of them in your garden. Varieties include, Romaine, Butter, Baby Leaf, Green Leaf, Endive, Iceberg, and many more. Lettuce is great for salads, wraps, sandwiches, Tacos and many other things. (Don’t forget about that BLT)
Other popular fruits/vegetables to grow in your garden include potatoes, onions, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, corn, radishes, zucchini, squash, broccoli, and even watermelon.
great care was taken to ensure no weeds grow and the plants are easily kept watered when rain is absent for several days. First, a weed barrier is laid and staked down, followed by irrigation pipes. Planting holes can be placed in any location desired. Grass has been planted between rows and is easily mowed. Both problems solved!
