KITCHEN MATERIALS GUIDE from The Laminex Group

For homeowners who are still not sure which kitchen countertop to choose from, Laminex Group provides a very comprehensive guide for Kitchen benchtops. The following information extracted from their website should help you in making the right decision.

" Laminate High Pressure Laminate (HPL) remains a popular choice for benchtops. Thanks to advances in printing technology, you can now have access to a myriad of stunning, stylish and contemporary looks in a cost-effective way compared with other benchtop surfaces. With hundreds of decors available, including solid colours, woodgrains, modern abstracts and real stone patterns, the potential to achieve your desired design style is easy. HPL is formed around a thick substrate to make a laminate benchtop, which can deliver profiles from bullnose to more contemporary slab-like stone looks. You can also enhance your look with a range of finishes from textured to high gloss.

Plus, a range of edging options including laminate, ABS and acrylic products offer the flexibility to create a colour matched square-edge without the traditional black line, to complete the look. 

Compact Laminates Compact Laminate is a thicker version of HPL. Typically around 13mm thick, it can be decorated on one or both faces. It’s thickness means that panels are strong, self-supporting, moisture resistant, and durable. When it comes to edging, compact laminate features a distinctive black core which also serves as a unique design feature particularly when a sleek modern industrial look is desired. 

Engineered Stone Engineered stone is a desirable material for many kitchen applications based on its durability, stain resistance, choice of modern colours and a variety of edge profiles. The product is a composite material made of small to medium pieces of stone bound together by resins. The main ingredient is generally natural quartz or marble that can vary depending on the brand and quality of engineered stone. It’s generally fabricated and installed by a stonemason. 

Natural Stone For a premium natural stone benchtop, there are a number of materials available including granite, marble, limestone and soapstone. You can also choose between several edge treatments including full or half bull-nosed, pencil edged or bevelled. A stonemason fabricates the benchtop with specialised cutting and finishing equipment.

Polished Concrete Concrete is a tailor-made material that’s practical and aesthetic at the same time. And the opportunities for creative expression are many. It starts as a formless, watery mixture, which you can transform into virtually any solid shape you desire. You can then grind, polish, stamp or stain it.

Acrylic Solid Surfaces Solid surfaces are manufactured from a coloured acrylic and, on occasion, polyester resin. An acrylic benchtop tradesperson fabricates the sheets, which can also be formed to create curves and organic shapes as part of the benchtop design. They can also be routered for 

functionality or design detailing. 

Solid Timber Solid timber benchtops are manufactured from blocks of natural timber and coated with several layers of clear high-gloss lacquer. You can choose from a variety of profi les including pencil round, bull-nose, and colonial. Overall the look offers a natural richness and depth with toning dependant on the timber species.

Stainless Steel Stainless steel doesn’t corrode, rust or stain like regular steel. An alloy combination of chromium and iron, it comes in various grades and types so when you’re looking to add stainless steel to your kitchen, it’s important to choose a grade that will suit the use it’s intended for.  

Glass Glass benchtops offer a unique look with a touch of class. Common glass types include crafted, tempered, etched and textured. Each can be finished with mirror gloss or frosted/sandblasted surfaces to stunning effect, but regular cleaning may be required to keep marks and fingerprints 
under control."

My Thoughts

Out of so many materials, I only have hands on experience for laminate top and acrylic solid surface.

With proper care, I realized that laminate top can last for many years. They will chip when subjected to hard knocks and and also mold if the environment is damp. As for acrylic solid surface, I would recommend using dark colored solid surfaces since light colored solid surfaces stain very easily. 

Nonetheless, for my next benchtop, I would like to try natural stones such as granite or marble.

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Air Purifier Buying Guide

 Image from homedepot.com

 

Many of you must be considering an air purifier for your home when you are seeking refuge from the onslaught of haze. So I have decided to compile a simple buying guide for air purifers today. However, before you rush out to get an air purifier, you must know what haze is made up of:

What is Haze made of:

The traditional practices of slash and burn agriculture practice in Indonesia has generated smoke and is made up almost entirely of very tiny suspended fine particles ( i.e. particulate matter 2.5 or 2.5 microns  or smaller).

 

Harmful effects of Haze:
Long-term exposure will cause cardiovascular effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, reduced lung development especially for young children and may lead to the development of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

 

Which air purifier is recommended?

In this case, air purifier should be equipped with the following types of filters to combat the ill effects of the Haze: 

 

•HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters:

HEPA filter removes at least 99.97% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns. Atomic Energy Commission  developed HEPA air purifiers to capture radioactive dust particles. Hence, only very small particles are able to pass through the HEPA air filters. In addition, they also trap allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores and tobacco smoke effectively but they are not recommended for trapping ultra-fine particles such as viruses or eliminating Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)(found in a wide variety of common household products: paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, glues and adhesives, and even new carpet and building supplies) or chemical fumes such as like benzene, chloride, formaldehyde, ethylene, and toluene.
 
Watch out for the following:
1. HEPA certified;
2. Square feet: the more square feet indicated for the HEPA filter, the more particulates it will be able to remove;
3. Price: HEPA filter is more expensive due the size, better quality, material, and construction of the actual filter media that contributes to the air purifier's better performance.

 

•Charged Media Filters:
Charged Media filters collect particles on fiber filters and are able to collect very small particles as fine as 0.1 microns. They are ideal for absorbing gases and odors, kitty litter, tobacco smoke, various toxins and gaseous pollutants like indoor pesticides or aerosols that are too small to be trapped by a HEPA filter.  However such filters need to be replaced even more frequent replacements than HEPA air purifier.

 

Watch out for the following:
1. Do not produe Ozone;better ones should not produce ozone; dangerous for people with asthma and other chronic lung diseases;
2. Square feet: the more square feet indicated for the Charged Media  filter, the more particulates it will be able to remove.
3. Price: Charged Media filter is more expensive due the size, better quality, material, and construction of the actual filter media that contributes to the air purifier's better performance
 

Other recommended air filters:

•Antibacterial and Germicidal Filters:
Such filters, as the names suggest, eliminate bacteria and germs and are often used in sterile places such as hospitals and labs.

•Activated Carbon Filters:
 Such filters adsorb odors, gases, chemicals and fumes which are too small to be trapped by a HEPA filte.

•Pre-Filters:
Pre-filters help to remove pet hair and other larger particles and are used in conjunction with the filters listed above. They are either made of foam or non-woven nylon. Do note that changing prefilters regularly will prolong the life span of the other filters.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier:

•Area Coverage:
Ensure the square footage listed minimally the same or greater than the square footage of the room where it is placed.

 

•Air Changes Per Hour (ACH):
Also known as the ACH rating, is the frequency of the air exchange in a given room. I.e. ACH rating of 6 means it can exchange the air in a room 6 times every hour.
 

•Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR):
 CADR tells us  how much air is purified and how well the air is purified. The higher the CADR rating the better.
 
•Filter Replacements:
 Filters are expensive consumables so check out the frequency and  the price of replacement.
 
•Noise Level:
Some air purifiers are extremely quiet while others are noisy. Consider the location where the air purifier will be placed.

 

•Replacement bulb:
For UV air purifiers which makes use of UV blub to reduce airborne germs from passing through the filter, these bulbs are expensive consumables so check out the frequency and  the price of replacement.

 

•Mobility:
If you want to move your air filter around the house a lot, you should consider a model with casters and handles which make it portable.

Happy Shopping and share this post if you find the guide useful! :)
 

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What to Look Out for When Buying a Washing Machine

 

 Here are some pointers to watch out for when buying a washing machine. :)


1) Capacity

The bigger the washing machine capacity, the more laundry you can load per wash. The capacity of a washing machine is measured in kilograms.

To summarize from appliancesonline, the washing machine capacity recommended for a family is as follows:
5kg - couples

7-8kg - small family of four

9-10kg onwards - bigger or extended family

2) Price and user friendliness
Top Loaders are generally cheaper and more user friendly since you do not need to squat down when using it. It is easier to operate too since it uses regular detergent.

Front Loaders are more expensive and not very user friendly since you need to squat down when using it. Thus not recommended for elderly. It is more expensive to use since you need to buy a special detergent known as the HE (High Efficiency) detergent. Otherwise, the clothes will not be clean. Using regular detergent will cause the front loader mechanical problems in the long run.


3) Noise and space

Top Loaders are generally noisier during operation and due to its design, cannot be stacked with dryers. Therefore, it takes up more space.

Front Loaders are quieter during operation and compact in design and thus, dryers can be stacked on top to save space.



4) Delicate clothes
Front Loaders are gentler on clothes and suitable for delicate clothing.


5) Water And Energy Efficient
Although Front Loaders is more expensive, it is more energy efficiency and on average use one-third to one-half times the amount of water used by a Top Loader.

The Water Efficiency Labeling Scheme (WELS) helps to reflect how water efficient an appliance is. The more ticks the label has, the more water-efficient the washing machine model is.


6) Material and built

Stainless-steel washing tub lasts the longest as compared to a porcelain-coated steel or high-grade plastic tub. A steel tub can withstand heavy duty usage and faster spinning power.

7) Product Reviews
Sites such as CNET provides honest product reviews from consumers and thus very useful in helping you to make your purchase.

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What to look out for when purchasing a Fridge

What to look out for when purchasing a Fridge

Here is simple guide on what to look out for when buying a refrigerator. :)

1) Storage Size

The size of your kitchen will affect the size of the refrigerator and cabinet sizes.If you have a big family and cooks a lot, you might want to consider cutting down the cabinet to make way for a bigger refrigerator. Your storage needs might need to be catered for somewhere else (like in a storeroom or dining area).

To summarise, the size of the fridge recommend for the families are as follows:

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Types of Sofa

Taken from http://www.homeinstitute.com

" There are several different ways to categorize sofas. One way is by the style. Here are some of the most frequently found styles of sofa:

• Chaise Lounge—a sofa that has a backrest at one end and no arms (also a reclining chair).
• Chesterfield—a sofa with padded arms and a back that are the same height and which curve outwards at the top.
• Chippendale—the style of sofa designed by Thomas Chippendale, an eighteenth century English furniture maker.
• Davenport—a large upholstered sofa.
• Divan—a long, low sofa with no back or arms, often set against a wall with a backing of pillows.
• Love Seat—a short sofa for only two people; it can also describe a sofa shaped like an S, so that two people sitting on it can face each other.
• Sectional Sofa—a set of sections of sofa that can be configured as the homeowner desires, most typically in an "L" shape.
• Sofa Bed—a multifunction sofa that folds out into a sleeping platform with a built-in mattress.

Another way to group sofas is by the number of people they are meant to seat.

• One person—chaise lounge, divan
• Two people—loveseat
• Three people—(usually) chesterfield, chippendale, davenport, sofa bed
• Many people—sectional sofa

Upholstery

Sofas can be upholstered in a wide variety of materials:

• Plant Fibers—cotton (including denim) and linen
• Animal Fibers—silk and wool
• Animal Hide—leather
• Synthetic Fiber—including acetates, acrylics, nylon, polyester, polypropylene (Olefin), and vinyl (Naugahyde).

Construction

A sofa is comprised of four basic parts: the frame (which gives it form and is often made of hardwood); the springs (which supply support); the padding, which creates a zone between the springs and the upholstery material; and the upholstery itself. A fifth element, cushions, may or may not be part of a couch, and is created from fill covered with upholstery. "

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Leather Sofa Care Tips

Leather sofa is very expensive. Therefore, you should take extra care of it! Here are the Dos and Don'ts:

Don'ts:
1. Avoid direct sunlight! Leather sofa will dry out and crack if they are exposed to long duration of direct sunlight and heat.

2. Avoid spillage (especially coffee/tea) as genuine leather can absorb some liquid and be stained.

3. Avoid dust and dirt to keep the leather's luster and sheen.

4. Avoid strong detergent as they can ruin your sofa.

Do:
5. Use Petroleum jelly to moisturize leather. Dab a small amount and wipe the leather surface with dry cloth.

6. Use leather creams to remove stains and improve the leather's durability.

7. Take extra care when using the leather sofa's reclining mechanism, to avoid giving your leather abrasion scars.

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Guide to buying a sofa

6 factors to consider before you buy a sofa!

1 Heavy Frame
A well-built sofa should be heavy as a good frame uses both hardwood for strength; softwood for flexibility.

2 How well is the sofa being sprung?
Cheap sofas are usually web-sprung with synthetic strips. Mid-range sofas are cross-sprung (usually more comfortable than web-sprung); The most expensive yet comfortable sofa is traditionally coil-sprung.

3 How firm do you want the sofa?
Foam-filled cushions are more supportive and lasting as they tend to keep their shape. Foam and fibre cushions are softer. Feather-filled cushions are the softest, but need regular plumping as they went of shape easily. Note that foam and feather is a better mix for sofa to be more lasting.

4 Loose or fitted covers?
If you have children or pets, loose covers are the safer option as you can take them off and have them washed or dry cleaned. Fitted covers aren't so easy to clean, but can be protected with a treatment such as Scotchguard.

5 What is your design theme?
A zen theme calls for a earth toned fabric/wood sofa and a victorian upholstered sofa will only suit a classically designed home. You should go furniture hunting first to see which sofa you like before informing your interior designer to settle for the theme. This is because its easier to change the theme than to go around hunting for a piece of furniture to suite the design.

6 What is the measurements?
Make sure you bring a measuring tape and your floor plan along. Also, do measure your doors and hallway. If access is a problem, you should pick a model that can be dismantled easily.

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Leather vs Fabric Sofa

If you are deliberating between a leather and the fabric sofa; here are some factors that you should consider before making your decision. :)

1. Lifestyle

Do you have a hectic lifestyle to upkeep that leaves you little time to care for your furniture? Unlike fabric sofa, you have to maintain your leather sofa well in order to keep its nature sheen and luster. Application of quality leather conditioning cream is a must. Here are some tips for cleaning your leather sofa.

In addition, do you intend to keep pets at home? Hairy companions like dogs and cats are usually left to roam about in the house. As they do shed their fur at certain season of the year, leather sofa would be a better choice as pet furs are easily stuck in the fabric sofa and hard to remove even with help of lint rollers. Leather sofa is also more stain resistance then fabric sofa.

2. Design

Leather brings an elegant touch to any design and because of the luxury feeling it give to a room, furniture made out of leather are becoming popular nowadays. Note that leather sofa do not go well with design theme such as resort, zen and they are more suitable for modern, classic and contemporary interior design themes. In addition, leather sofa are usually more limited in color and design.

Fabric sofa by contrast is available in all hues, colors and prints. They are more versatile with a huge range of designs to choose from.

3. Budget

Budget plays a great part of the decision making process. Authentic leather furniture are usually 2 to 3 times more expensive compared to fabric sofa. If budget is a constrain, you can consider a half leather compared to a full leather sofa.

4. Durability

Genuine leather is very durable, will last a lifetime and cost far more than Synthetic leather. Genuine leather have deep grooves (like your fingerprints) and will have a distinct scent even when dyed. Genuine leather isn't very pliable and can withstand constant torture and punishment.

Synthetic ( aka PU; Poly) is far less durable and cheaper. Synthetic leather is extremely pliable and will stretch kind of like a spandex material. It has a more shiny appearance and generally far less thick than real leather. Grooves are mechanically pressed into the material in order to pass it off as real leather. These grooves are far less defined. Photos of genuine vs synthetic leather.

Fabric sofa is not as lasting as it is prone to stains, spills and tears (especially if you have pets who like to craw their way around a lot).

5. Comfort
Generally, leather traps heat and thus you might find your skin getting stuck onto the surface after sitting on it for hours. Does this brother you? On the other hand, fabric is porous and thus your skin breathe more easily. :)

Hope you find these tips useful. :)

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