Canadian Home Workshop » Kitchen & Bath

Create your own tile counter

Canadian Home Workshop — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:00:46 +0000

Tub makeover

Gary Rudy — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:28:06 +0000

Fresh and easy kitchen upgrades

Gary Rudy — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:57:13 +0000

When the built-in stove unexpectedly gave up the ghost and needed to be replaced, the timing was right for a few other easy, economical upgrades for this modern (but aging) kitchen. Once the new built-in oven and microwave were installed, I moved on to adding wall panelling and decorative-post kits. These trim kits, supplied by Elite Mouldings, bring the look of custom woodwork within reach of most DIYers. New stainless-steel hardware, to replace the dated brass knobs, finished off the makeover.

Kitchen hardware upgrade

Gary Rudy — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:48:28 +0000

Add a decorative post

Gary Rudy — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:32:29 +0000

Add wall panelling to your home

Gary Rudy — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:54:27 +0000

Upgrade your microwave and oven

Gary Rudy — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:31:36 +0000

Protect floors and walls from moisture

Tara Nolan — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:01:50 +0000

Moisture is enemy No. 1 in kitchens and bathrooms, which is why the wallboard you choose for a reno is so important. All of these picks can be used behind tile installations and all are top performers in the international ASTM D3273 test method for mould resistance.

HardieBacker 500 Board
This cement board does not have a paper facing, which can disintegrate with continuous moisture exposure and thus encourage mould. Besides tiling over it, you can also paint, texture or wallpaper.
Price: $18 per 1/2″ x 3′ x 5′
For more information: jameshardie.com

DUROCK Next Gen Cement Board
This board claims not to swell, soften, decay, support mould growth, delaminate or disintegrate when it’s exposed to water. Non-combustible, it also can be used on exteriors.
Price: $37 per 1/2″ x 4′ x 8′
For more information: cgcinc.com

DensShield Tile Backer
According to the DensShield website, this is the first backer board with a built-in moisture barrier, which protects against moisture that seeps through the grout in tile installations.
Price: $33 for 1/2″ x 4′ x 8′
For more information: gp.com/build

Sleek faucet options for your kitchen

Canadian Home Workshop — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:01:25 +0000

What hands-free faucet is best?

Canadian Home Workshop — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:28:32 +0000

It’s a common kitchen conundrum: that weird contortionist dance of turning on the tap without getting it covered in raw chicken juice—or whatever else is on your hands. Both Delta and Moen offer hands-free taps, but with different approaches. Delta’s Pilar faucet uses an electrical grounding technology that allows you to turn on the tap by touching anywhere on the spout or the handle. Moen, on the other hand, employs sensors that detect when a hand is waved above the faucet or a cup is waiting for water below.

The Delta Pilar Kitchen Faucet

The Delta Pilar faucet activates with a tap of the wrist, forearm or elbow.

Price: $600
Technology: Touch2O
• Activated by touching anywhere on the spout or handle
• Side handle controls temperature and flow
• Battery pack under the sink
• Batteries last approximately 12 months
• LED light indicates when the faucet is on or off
• Manual bypass available by disconnecting the battery pack

The Moen Arbor Kitchen Faucet

With the Moen Arbor faucet, you move your hand past a sensor and then water flows.

Price: $360 to $460 (depending on finish)
Technology: MotionSense
• Activated by hand movement above the faucet or when something is placed beneath the spout
• Side handle controls temperature and flow
• Battery pack under the sink
• Batteries last approximately 12 months
• LED light indicates when the faucet is on or off
• Special valve design supports manual and digital modes; the faucet will still work if you run out of batteries

Installation tips:

• Read the instruction manual. Seriously. Do it. And check online for any instructional videos.
• Most new faucets come with a plastic extended socket to help you fasten nuts in tight spaces.
• If your hot and cold lines are outfitted with valve stops, you can simply shut off the water under the sink. But you really have to trust those stops. Turn off the water at the main shut-off, if you have any doubts.