WhItby Free Prose, Weckýesday,-June 12, 1996, Page 15 ____ ____ ____A HOME DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT FEATURE For the do-Ît-yourseffer:v Deck stainîng îs FMMMPAGE 14 sweeping or vacuuming your deck completely betore applying the Application FP&or previously stained decks, ensure that- the former stain matches the stan -yen wish te apply in colour anid in type. For seui-transparent or transparent stains, the colour,,will fluctuate somewhat, as the previous stain bas been absorbed by the wood. eA test piece should be done te By Ttmothy McKe . The decisions have been made for your new kitchen, cabinets, colours, flooring and, cf course, the contractor. Now there is ouly one more difficult choice te make ..the countertop. How do you make the intelligent choice? What's best for you? Itfs not easy ifyou don't know what al the options are. Actuaily, flot many people are properly educated by their designer te niako the appropriate choice. .1Se wbat is there te choose from? Plastic laminate This time-old Itchen tradition !a best known by most people. With modern manufacturing' technology, the styles and coloura have vastly improved in- recent years. There are many difféent edges. and textures offered by the manufacturera, edges can b. wrapped or an apphied material such as oak. Most laminate tops now come wlth a light texture but you can select a heavior or lighter variety. Laminate tops are typically very easy te keep clean but abrasive cleaners can damiage the protective surfaces. Try te remember that with complex kitchon designs, laminate tops can b. somewhat difficult te adapt, se seaming may be a conceru. Granite and marbie The beauty ofsatone eau be yours if this le your choice. Although it la porous, many people elect to take advantage of granite's rich visual texture. The depth of the colours iu which granite is available can be incredible, giving the tep a virtual fourth dimension., If baking la your passion, the addition cf a marble or granite work surface in your prep area may be good choice. This cool, sinooth area la great for rolllng pastrie9W.' Joining two or determine the approximate colour of the finished work. Do this by taldng a-piece of scrap wood from the wood used to build the structure and apply some stain to it before proceeding to see if the desired colour or texture is acbieved. e In preparing the stan, intermix ail cans on the job te, ensure a consistent colour. *Remeniber te stir the contents using a paint paddle and do so regularly during use. e Neyer shake stains or clear ureth anos t as air bubbles wiil be more pioces cf granite ia neceaaary iu moat plans and moat joints will romain visible when completed. Croamic ile If your passion is the"Californian" look, thon tile is for yen. With such a vast array cf sizes and coleurs, yen can be assured cf a truly unique look. One particularly interosting look la achievod by using broken tilos that have the sharp edges sanded off. When positioning the piecos, they can ho random or applied in a mosaic pattern. When grouting a oera2mic counter, make sure that a polymodified grout le used te help prevent staining. Solid Surface When a long, maintenance-fre 1f. is what you want, this is the route to try te follow. Most solid surface tops are a larger investrnont thian tho other options. These customn fabricated tops allow your kitchen designer absolute flexribility wlth thoir inconspicuous seama and unliniited colours and patterns. The greatest benefit cf most solid surface products 18 maintenance and warranty. Due te their non-porous nature, they will net stain and scratches can be easily removed in most cases. Altheugh warrantios vary from manufacturer te manufacturer, 10Oyears, lu home, seerns te ho the-norm. One thing that yen should keep in mind le that the couutertep 18 the most usod part cf your new kitchen. By making the right choice, you will enjoy using your new kitchen for many years te come. Timothy McKee is a certified kitchen designer and co-owner of Whitby's By Desi.gn Kidien &Bath. RossiandlGarden Plaza 701 Rossland Rd. E. Unît #207, Whîtby " New Patients Welcome " Insurance Claims Processed " Days * Evenings - Saturdays *Adufts -Chidren * Seniors *Urgent Cais Accepted Elevator entrance near IDA Pharmacy VISAa left ln the finish. e Do not mix with linseed oil, water, clear finishes or other paint products. e With the surface dlean and smooth, yen are now readL to apply the stain. Using a g quahity soft natural bristie brush or a st.ain brush, apply the stain with the grain. Koep the leading edge wet but avoid overlapping since this could cause darker patchos and colour non-unifiormity probleuis. e Railings should be done flrst so that you can work from a clear and dry dock. Working in groups offour or six siats at a time, be sure te apply stain te ail sides before moving te, another grouping. * Steps or an other horizontal surfaces should be stained next. e To avoid slippery steps, sprrMe sand on the wot surface te provide an abrasive foot hold. e When applying -the product te, the floor of the dock, do only four te six boards at a time, extending oach work area te structural breaks such as corners and railing posts. e Remember te stir the product every ha]f-hour. This will prevent CORIAN Cfeated For Lac the pigments from settling. *When applying clear urethane, always sand in-between coats. Clean-up 0Oil-based stains or products can be cleaned bands and tools with alkyd from Whether it's the tradit ional eautiu or the unlLsuaL. you'llfind IMPAT ENS your best selection here. Hangng eBedding Plants Bags & Baskets e Planters & more! Many colours to choose frvm IMPATIENS $7"pe flat Eahe PSalvia Is ernims By Design ITCHEN & BATH A F F ORDA B LE E LE GA N CE l thininer or varsol. 9*After cleamng, always allow brushes te bang with bristies pnting cown when drying. Hang foa larg nail in a large empty juice can or similar container. Or use a brush spinner to dry your A 1916 Dundas St. K. Whitby 721-8892 (NE Corner of;Garrard & Dundas) 1-78892 Mon. - Wed. 10 - 6. Thurs. là - 8, Friday & Saturday 10 - 5. Wh i t by/0 s ha%-ja/C la ri n gton Uthe kitchen Counter intelligence Wh souls i 00*oos Only at By Design do you receive awritten H lifetime warranty* Only at By Design can you exp eence the latest kitchen & bath techniques and products OnIy at By Design can you w'ork w ith a design team anchored by a Certified Kitchen Designer! 325HopinsSt WhthyLlN 201 - 66-222 *686-18531 -SK BUTOR PCI' -