Kitchen issue 1

Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 20112

Contents3

Special Publications Unit [SPU]

PRODUCERTRACEY [email protected]

HEAD OF DESIGNDENISE BAPTISTE

ASSOCIATE EDITORLISA JESSAMY

DESIGN & LAYOUTAADEL CHIN-ALBERTSEAN SIMON

WRITERSNYERERE HAYNESKAELANNE JORDANAKIELA HOPECHRISTINE DALKANNADALEEN SINGHLISA JESSAMY

SPECIAL PUBLICATIONSENQUIRES:[email protected]

SALES DEPT.SALES MANAGERSONJA ROMANY

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEBRYAN SAUNDERSTEL: 623-8870 EXT: 2702MOBILE: [email protected]

Italian KitchenEvery Kitchen’s Dream 4

Before you BeginCotton Hill Kitchen Remodel 6How to Budget for a Kitchen Renovation 6How to Hire a Contractor 8How to Design your Kitchen Layout 10

ElectricalHow To Choose Light Fixtures 11Types of Electrical Installation

for your Kitchen 12How to Install and Replace a Receptacle 12

PlumbingHow to Install a Kitchen Sink 13

CountertopsBeta Homes

Your Kitchen Wish Fulfilled 14How to Choose your Countertops 29

Innovation KitchensTrinidad Innovation USA Co. Ltd 16&17

COVER PHOTO[MAIN SHOT] COURTESYITALIAN KITCHEN

AppliancesKeeping your Stove Clean 20

The Essentials

Finishes

How to Choose Finishes 21Cabinets

How to Install Kitchen Cabinets 23

Sinks and FaucetsUpdate your Kitchen Sink and Faucet 24

TilesHow to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash 25

FloorsHow to Install Laminate Floors 26

IslandsHow to Build a Kitchen Island – Oasis Style 27

Buyer’s GuideItalian Kitchen 4Kitchen Concepts 28Resources/Directory 31

The Italian Kitchen CompanyOffice and Showroom165 Western Main RoadSt. JamesTel: [email protected]

RICHARD BRADFORDCEO/ founder of the

Italian Kitchen Company

EveryKitchen’sDream

Italian Kitchen4 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

It is often said that the kitchen isthe heart and soul of a home, thehub where family and friends gatherto share life, laughter and food.

Whether you’re hosting a dinnerparty, cooking a Sunday lunch or justfixing a quick snack, functionality andcomfort should be essential compo-nents in every kitchen. Creating theenvironment you want within a budg-et you can afford is key.Unfortunately this has not alwaysbeen accessible to residents of thetwin Islands.

Five years ago all that changedwhen Richard Bradford, returnedhome to Trinidad. Richard is an entre-preneur, a single father of two younggirls, an avid home chef and the CEO/founder of the Italian KitchenCompany in St James. He had troublefinding what he wanted for his ownkitchen. He felt there was a lack ofinspiration and style; he wanted qual-ity without paying the earth for it. So,he turned to his contacts in the UKand Italy where he had worked as aproperty developer for the past 20years and, from the corner of a roomin his home, he started up what isnow a thriving business. His philoso-phy when it comes to designingkitchens is simple – “We don’t re-invent the wheel, we just design awheel that will work for you.”

The home is usually the mostexpressive extension of who a personis. Richard and his design team head-ed up by Senior Designer MauriceSuperville, know that their clientsoften have their own ideas and plansand they actively encourage that. Thefirst stage of their design process isconsultation, so that they can under-stand exactly what their clients’ needfrom their kitchens. From preliminarydrawings to 3D high-resolution ren-derings, they focus on the details. Ifthe client has a small space – thedesigners consider functionality andaccessorise with space maximisingstorage solutions such as full heightlarder pull outs, or the fabulous ‘LeMans’ corner pull out. But if a cus-tomer has 10,000 square feet to playwith, they may opt for a pair of count-er depth fridge freezers and a granitetopped island, floating seamlessly inthe middle of the room. The optionsare endless and range from modernto classic and everything in-between.Whatever the inspiration, eachkitchen is an individual work of art.

That’s the service of the ItalianKitchen Company. They have a clearunderstanding of what’s out thereand can share it with the client. Thevision of the Company is to provide aDesign Build and Install service that isreliable with high quality unique prod-ucts. The Team doesn’t just designkitchens; they also provide vanities

and wardrobes.Working with mainly British and

Italian suppliers they offer good valuefor money and yet when it comes todesign, style and reliability they areunmatched.

As part of the Sub ContractorsAssociation of Trinidad and Tobago,Richard Bradford and his partner MarkLewis have the support of over 30 com-panies who have been specifically cho-sen to work together. As a network,they offer support and advice solutionson a wide array of different issues andaim to raise business and working stan-dards throughout the industry. An ethi-cal working practice is their mainframe.

Over the last five years the Companyhas designed over 4000 kitchens,wardrobes and vanities throughout theCaribbean, for not only single residentialhomes and developments but forhotels, offices and most surprisingly,HDC Government Housing Projects.Some of their more recent projectsinclude Tower 3 at One WoodbrookPlace, Ocean 2 in Barbados and RedSnapper Development in Grenada.

They have recently opened a state ofthe art showroom in St James in collab-oration with Parts World Limited,where you can see five full sized kitchendisplays, over 80 different door finishes,a wide range of the wow factor ‘pull-outand ‘pop-up’ accessories plus a wholehost of the latest appliances fro KitchenAid and Sub Zero/Wolf. It would there-fore be safe to say that the wheel justkeeps on turning.

July/August, 2011 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian 5

Images Courtesy:Nazeer Gopaul, Home OwnerPeter Sheppard, Home Owner/Design Consultant

Cotton HillKitchen RemodelBEFORE AND AFTER

Before You Begin6 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

Cotton Hill Kitchen - Creating thespace for the ITALIAN KITCHEN COM-PANY to begin installation

Cotton Hill Kitchen - Creating a natural light source witha long sleek/contemporary window for below cabinets

Kitchen installed by Italian Kitchen Company.Italian Kitchen Company installed ahead of schedule due tocareful planning by the Home Owner/Project Manager

COMPLETED KITCHEN: island includes two 6 bottle wine chillers, 5 burner GE Monogram Gas Range,Trash recyle bins (right side), Pull out spice rack (left Side) and in the center three pull out drawers.

How to Budget for a Kitchen RenovationNyerere Haynes

No one actually plans to fail, theyjust fail to plan. From the simplestexercise to the most difficult requiressome sort of planning. This approachapplies to any home renovation plan.Sure it would be easy to just headdown to the hardware and start buy-ing stuff but that doesn’t mean it’s thebest plan of action. What exactly areyou trying to accomplish? The answerto that question should lead you alonga path and hopefully to another ques-tion which might be ‘what will I needto accomplish this plan?’ Further to

this question will lead to the ultimateinquiry and indeed the very means toget the entire project off the groundwhich will be ‘How much money will Ineed? And do I have enough to see theproject through to completion?’

The first step to any home improve-ment project starts with your idea ofcourse and the help of a skilful contrac-tor. Besides executing the constructionprocess the contractor is supposed to beable to inform you if your vision wouldbe achievable given the existing condi-tions and most importantly give an esti-mate of the materials required and thetotal cost of the project.

It starts with an ideaThe project starts with either an idea or a need for the type of renovation or additions required.Maybe you read something in @Home magazine and you’ve decided to try it, maybe you sawsomething on TV that peaked your interest; do some research on the ideas that you’ve been jug-gling in your mind. So it all depends on your taste and direction.

What am I trying to accomplish? It’s easy to get a project started and realise midway through that a wrong turn was taken atsome point. Having a clear plan of action and sticking to it is paramount to the success of anyproject. Of course, room must be left for spurts of creativity but these impulses must be care-fully thought out and communicated vividly to the contractor.

Do I have enough money to see this project through?Ideas and clear project outlines remain only thoughts and sketches without the financing tobring it to life. A kitchen renovation is no fly-by-night affair. A savings plan designed for homerenovations with a bank or credit union is always a good plan of approach to getting it done andalso remaining debt free. Banks and credit unions also offer many loan plans designed to meetthe needs of borrowers with renovations in mind. Before utilising your savings or seeking a loanto get the project started, put things on paper before you begin.

See Kitchen Makeover Checklist on page 31

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How to hire a Contractor


Darrel Dookhoo Design Consultant

Inex ConsultantsYOUR DECORATING PROFESSIONALS

Elegance, Style & BeautyCONTACT DARREL DOOKOO 291-2326

0720031

Its unavoidable, at some point in your life hiring acontractor is a must. The same ground rules applyif you are remodelling your entire house, or just fixing a leaking pipe. Very often you hear of horrorstories where contractors collect money and nevershow up, some doing shoddy or incomplete work. Don’t let that happen to you!

• Find a reliable person: You can find Mr. Right in the yellow pages or in the newspaper, butthe most reliable source would be from someone he has worked for before. Go see the workhe has done. Your friend might be happy, but does this contractor meet your standards?

• Articulate your Vision: When calling the contractor find out if there is a site visit cost, askfor two references and a copy of his portfolio. Make sure on the initial meet, you articulateyour vision in detail. See that your contractor understands fully what you require.Sometimes what you are asking for is way more expensive than you thought and your con-tractor might be able to give you options of doing it differently, but ending in the sameresults. In the end go with whatever you're comfortable with financially and be sure that thisis what you really want.

• Make clear arrangements. Some key matters to be sorted beforehand should be: Downpayments and balances due. Duration of project. Commencement date. You should also setground rules, like no smoking in your compound. Bring your own lunch. Don’t ask for ice orcold water and clean up your work space daily. Once you have all these wrinkles ironed. Thenwrite up a simple contract. State in full the work schedule and ground rules. Payment termsetc. Let your contractor sign before collecting his downpayment.

• Prepare for the unforeseen. As with any project you might run into cost overruns anddelays. If the work being done is shoddy or is not as agreed don’t be alarmed. Call in yourcontractor, pull out your contract, and engage in dialogue, and find an amicable solution.Sometimes firing and rehiring a new contractor can be very costly. If you know that you arenot ready to do any work please do not call in a contractor and waste his and your time. Youmight find yourself being slapped with a very big site visit bill for wasting the contractor'stime.

• Don't ever say the project is too small to follow these ground rules, you might say these arethe seatbelts of construction.

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE GUIDELINES AND PROTECT YOURSELF


How to Design Your Kitchen Layout


Lisa Jessamy

The kitchen work triangleis an applied ergonomicprinciple used in planningkitchen layouts. The objec-tives of a kitchen work tri-angle are to place thethree most common worksites the most efficientdistance apart and to mini-mize traffic through thework zone.

In the traditional kitchen thethree main work sites are:

• Refrigerator - the coldstorage work site

• Sink - the cleaning/prepara-tion work site

• Stove - the cooking worksite

These represent the threepoints of the kitchen work tri-angle. If you place these toofar away from each other youwaste a lot of steps whilepreparing a meal. If they aretoo close to each other youhave a cramped kitchen without any place to work.

STANDARD DESIGNS AND LAYOUT

• Each leg of the triangleshould be between 4 and 9feet

• The total of all three legsshould be between 12 and26 feet

• No obstructions (cabinets,islands, etc.) should inter-sect a leg of the work tri-angle

• Household traffic shouldnot flow through the worktriangle

1. Island layoutAn effective island layout typically involves more space than is available in asmall kitchen. This plan which is more suited to medium sized kitchens maystill give you some ideas that you can incorporate into your final kitchendesign.

2. GalleyA galley kitchen is a single line ofcabinets. As the name suggests,a galley is normally long and nar-row. With careful planning andresourcefulness, however, thedesign can function as an effi-cient and streamlined kitchen.

It's best to separate the cookingand sink area with a run of worksurface. This layout still givesplenty of storage space and itcan suit busy cooks who likeeverything close to hand. Dining need not be compromised - ifspace allows don’t take the units all the way to the end of the room,put a small table and chairs there instead.

If possible, include either glazed wall units or open shelving to pre-vent the room from feeling hemmed in. It´ll create a sense of spaceand open up the design.

3. Double GalleyWith cabinets along two walls, a doublegalley kitchen offers more storage spaceand the opportunity to introduce moredesign features, such as staggereddepths and cabinet heights. This can pro-vide great options for a variety of cook-ing activities and storage, as well as pre-venting your kitchen from feeling like acorridor.

A tall, floor-to-ceiling larder holds a sur-prising amount of provisions and is bestlocated at the end of a run of base unitsso that when the door is opened it won'tobstruct or restrict movement aroundthe rest of the kitchen.

Lighting can make or break both the aes-thetics and functions of a double galleykitchen. Plinth lighting and illuminated,glazed wall cabinets will open up thescheme and create a spacious feel.

4. L-shaped kitchenA practical and popular layoutthat offers good storage andergonomics, and provides avery effective working trian-gle. It works efficiently insmall kitchens and in a largerroom allows space for a diningtable, so it´s good for familiesand entertaining.

5. U-shaped kitchenA layout that works well in arectangular-shaped room, withcabinets fitted along threesides to maximise the spaceavailable. Good for keen cookswho will find they have every-thing close to hand. Avoid theroom having a confined feel bylimiting wall units to just twosides or by using open shelv-ing.

Island layout

Double Galley

Galley

L-shaped kitchen

U-shaped kitchen

Kitchen WorkTriangle Basics

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Electrical 11Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

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How tochooseyour lightfixtures

Choose a fluorescent fixture with high-quality electronicballast for quick starts and quiet operation. Use a cool-white bulb.

If choosing low voltage, look for a fixture with a built-intransformer. Xenon fixtures use low voltage; a trans-former steps the voltage down from 120 to 12 or 20 volts.

Watts needed by regular incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) to produce the same amount oflight.

Standard Bulb CFL Bulb40w = 10w60w = 13w-15w75w = 20w100w = 26w-29w150w = 38w-42w250w-300w = 55w

TIPS

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Halogen and Xenon These bulbs can be costly,however they are known toburn more efficiently andreduce your electricity bill.While halogen may be thebrightest, xenon bulbs aremore efficient and burnscooler. If you are looking fora bright light that is cleanand illuminates your coun-tertops choosing from eitherhalogen or xenon bulbswould be a good choice.

FluorescentsFluorescent light bulbs(including compact fluores-cents) are considered to bemore energy-efficient andremain cooler than regularbulbs because their methodsof producing light are differ-ent. Fluorescent fixturesoperate at a regular line volt-age (120 volts).

There are threetypes of bulbsother than incandescentlighting used inthe kitchen: fluorescent,quartz-halogen,and xenon.

Types of ElectricalInstallation forYour Kitchen

Electrical12 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

When renovating your kitchen, it'simportant to replace all the wiring, espe-cially if your present wiring is not con-forming to specifications. Types of elec-trical jobs:

• Overhead lighting, which includesrecessed fixtures.

• Under cabinet lighting. • Wiring the dishwasher, either directly

or by plugging into a receptacle. • Wiring the garbage disposal, either

directly or by plugging into a recepta-cle.

• Either a 120-volt or 220-volt recepta-cle for the range / oven, depending onwhether it's gas or electric.

• Receptacle for the refrigerator. • Wiring for the range hood. • Receptacle for the microwave. • Counter top receptacles (hint: more is

always better). • Consider dimmer switches for some

or all of your lighting.

IMPORTANT: Each appliance, exceptmaybe the refrigerator and range hood,should have a dedicated circuit.

How to install a Receptacle:Things You'll Need

• Neon Tester• Lamp Or Radio• Wire Nuts• Electrician's Pliers• Screwdriver Screwdriver Set• Flat pry bar• Cable• Stud finder• 1/2-inch-diameter spade bit

Shut off power to the circuit• Locate the receptacle's circuit breaker

(or its fuse, on older systems).• If the panel doesn't have a circuit map,

identify the circuit by plugging a lampor radio into the receptacle and turn-ing off 15-A or 20-A breakers or fuses

one by one until the power at thereceptacle goes off.

• Remove the cover plate and the twoscrews that secure the receptacle tothe outlet box.

• Identify what type of receptacle andcabling you have. In most cases, onecable goes into the box and onecomes out. You'll find the receptacleat the end of the line if only one cablegoes into the box. Less often, twocables (each on a separate circuit)may power each half of a duplexreceptacle, and other cables may passthrough or terminate in the outlet box.A receptacle that's wired in series willnot work if the wiring at a receptaclebetween it and the service panel isdisconnected. Type NM (nonmetallic,plastic-sheathed) cable has at leasttwo conductors (insulated wires)--one black (hot) and one white (neu-tral)--and one bare copper groundingwire. Grounded receptacles shouldonly be used with grounded systems.

• Use a neon tester to verify that thereceptacle doesn't have any power byprobing a metal box or grounding wirewith one lead and touching each ter-minal with the other lead.

• If either two black wires or one blackand one red wire connect to the twobrass-screw terminals on one side ofthe receptacle, and the slotted metaltab between the top and bottombrassscrew terminals has beenremoved, two circuits are feeding thereceptacle. Make sure to shut off bothof these circuit breakers.

How to replace a receptacle• Carefully pull the receptacle out of the

box (see illustration) and note how itis wired or make a diagram.

• Loosen or remove the terminalscrews on the receptacle as needed todisconnect the wires.

• Attach the insulated wires to the newreceptacle as they were attached tothe old one. Connect any black or redwires (hot) under the brass-screw ter-minals; connect any white wires (neu-tral) under the silver-screw terminals.

• If you are using Type NM cable andonly one cable enters the box, connectits bare ground wire to the ground ter-minal on the receptacle, which usually

has a green terminal screw.• If you are using Type NM cable and

more than one cable is present, con-nect all grounding wires and a sepa-rate length of bare wire (called ajumper) by twisting the wire endstogether with electrician's pliers andtwisting on a wire nut. Secure theother end of the jumper under thereceptacle's ground-terminal screw.

• If you are using metal boxes and TypeNM cable, you must ground the recep-tacle to the box in one of two ways.You can install a jumper wire, called apigtail, under the ground-terminalscrew on the receptacle and under agrounding screw on the box. Or youcan use a special receptacle with aspring-type grounding strap, whichyou ground by screwing it into thebox.

• If you are using armor-clad cable, thecable grounds the box itself, but youneed to ground the receptacle to thebox via a terminal screw or by using areceptacle that has a spring-typegrounding strap. If the cable has a thinaluminum wire, you shouldn't connectit to anything.

• Bend the wires back into the box,then attach the receptacle and itscover plate. Restore power.

Plumbing 13Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

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How to install akitchen sink

The sink is a heavily utilised and vitalpart of the kitchen. Upgrading yourkitchen area with the addition of a newsink will give your kitchen a facelift.

Kitchen sinks are offered in a vast selec-tion of models, styles and colours.

Installation Type• Self-rimming (drop-in)• Undermount• Flush mount

Configuration / Size • Single/multi-bowl, bowl orientation,

square/round basins, curved/square cor-ners

Material • Stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, acrylic,

enameled steel, solid surface, composite,concrete, stone, copper/bronze

Install the strainerRemove the protective packaging where applica-ble. Apply a bead of plumber's putty (or siliconecaulk) around the hole in the sink. Lower the

strainer body into the sink opening from above andpress firmly. Scrape away any excess putty around thesink opening. From underneath the sink, slip the rubberand metal washers over the neck of the strainer andsecure the locknut or retainer and screws by hand, fol-lowed by an extra half turn with a pipe wrench. Repeatthese steps with the other sink when installing a doublesink. A strainer will not be required for a single sinkequipped with a garbage disposal unit.

Making an opening for the sinkWith the countertops solidly anchored tothe base cabinets, determine the locationwhere you will be installing the sink. Place

the template over the countertop and trace acutting line around it with a pencil. Remove thetemplate. Drill a hole inside the outline and usethe jigsaw to cut out the opening. Make sure theopening matches the size of the sink.

Tip: Make sure all corners are radiused to avoidstress cracking the countertop material.

What you’ll need:

TOOLS LIST• Caulking gun• Drill• Jigsaw• Pencil• Pipe wrench• Screwdriver

MATERIAL LIST• Drain fitting• P-trap• Plumber’s putty (or silicone caulk)• Sink• Template• Waste pipe

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Apply the silicone caulkUse a cloth to remove any dust around the open-ing for the sink. Place the sink upside-down on apiece of cardboard or a clean cloth to apply a bead

of plumber's putty or silicone caulk along the entire bot-tom edge of the upside-down sink.

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Fit the pipesUse the waste pipe and aP-trap to fit the strainerbody to the wall pipe.

Tip: Don't forget to add a tee-wye with a 1/2 in. threaded fit-ting if you are planning oninstalling a dishwasher at alater date.

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Fit the sink into the openingCarefully place the sinkover the opening and

press down firmly into position.Follow manufacturer's instruc-tions to install the faucet.

Tighten the retainerscrewsFrom under the sink, usean adjustable wrench to

tighten the retainer screws. Wipeoff any excess putty.

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Installing a kitchensink is a very simpledo-it-yourself project.If you have any ques-tions or for moredetailed informationplease contact yourlocal store for advice.

Tip: Since the brillianceof a stainless steelsink is hard to main-tain, it is recommend-ed to pick a matte fin-ish. One way to keep astainless steel sinklooking its best is toapply an automotivewax (such as carnaubawax) to it.

With information: www.thisoldhouse.com

Countertops14 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

The kitchen is the centre ofthe home. It has to work, just asmuch as you do – whether you’recooking, entertaining or wash-ing up. No part of your homehas to perform like your kitchen,so it’s important that it func-tions the way you want it to.

At BetaHomes, our mission isto enable our customers to createthe Kitchen they want at the pricethat they can afford. We offerthe Ambassador range of modu-lar Cabinets that can be config-ured in a myriad of ways. Onceyou’ve planned your layout, cometo us and we will advise you on allthe options available to makeyour dream a reality.

With BetaHomes it’s all aboutchoice, we offer and supply:

Cabinets designed with built-in features thatsuit our Caribbean environment. Units containadjustable shelves, that are extra thick for rigid-ity. For the sink area you can have your kitchencabinet constructed with our new floodWOODwhich is 100% waterproof, to withstand any‘wet’ accidents.

Cabinet Fronts constructed around a solidwood Face Frame for long term durability andoffered with a choice of door designs and tim-ber either in High Grade Teak or Select Pine.

TopStone countertops in Quartz or SolidSurface material, which are non porous andhighly resistant to stains. These can be con-structed in a seamless fashion to achieve a one-piece look for your surface area. Best of all, thistype of countertop offers unlimited design pos-sibilities, including custom inlays, routed drainboards, unique edge treatments and covedbacksplashes.

Post formed countertops for those cus-tomers who prefer a more economical option.These are prefab units formed as a single piecefrom the backsplash to the front edge. Theseseamless countertops do not allow dirt or grimeto collect and are easily maintained.

If you are starting with a ‘clean canvas’ besure to get your creative juices flowing atBetaHomes.

After choosing your style of cabinet andcounter top, take a look at all the practical andstylish details and accessories like extra deepdrawers for pots / pans, range hood andmicrowave wall units, oven and full height larderunits, heavy duty wire baskets, pull out slidingbins and more.

At BetaHomes we remove the hassle ofreplacing or upgrading your kitchen. There is noneed to build your cabinets from scratch, as ourcabinets are ready to install. We will refer youto a registered independent contractor or youmay prefer to use your own. Whichever youchoose, fulfilling your desire for a new kitchen ismuch easier than you think.

Your KitchenWish Fulfilled


Trinidad Innovation USA Co. Ltd is an evo-lutionary equipment company. Innovation isheadquartered in USA and Holland, withfranchises in North and South America andCaribbean. The company is the first of itskind in the Caribbean, and offers ultra premi-um domestic and commercial solutions thatcreate a more efficient and ergonomic space.

Innovation offers commercial and domestickitchen turnkey solutions for the best premi-um and ultra premium kitchen appliance/cabi-netry brands from Europe and the UnitedStates delivered to you without hassle, any-where in the Caribbean and Latin America. Thecompany offers domestic and commercialconsumers with numerous options to outfityour kitchen (Viking ranges, Marvel wine cel-lars, Gaggenau ovens, Liebherr refrigerators,Fagor full Kitchen packages, Italian CabinetryErnestomeda and Arrital) with both modernand classic styles as well as custom stainlesssteel fabricated Cabinetry from the UnitedStates, delivered and Installed to you withouthassle.

Trinidad Innovation has the expertise andresources to transform your space into anexceptional kitchen from beginning toend, with working spaces that respond to yourevery need, vision and cooking inspiration.

According to Sales and Marketing Director,Nigel Nanan, “We take care of our clients fromstart to finish.” The company partners withindustry experts, to provide turnkey solutions(complete design, project construction, interiorand exterior management) that create livingspaces that provide maximum enjoyment,function, exceptional craftsmanship and quali-ty.

The process begins with a personal consul-tation with Innovation kitchen designerswhere they interpret your unique interests,needs and lifestyle. A full architectural designand 3D renderings of your space are complet-ed for you to see before hand. Other servicesinclude full installation including electrical,plumbing and flooring, commissioning and 24-hour maintenance for commercial clients plusdirect manufacturer warranties.

16 Sunday Guardian www.guard

commercial do

Where yourkitchen dreamscome alive

17guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

An Innovation chef is availableto all customers to train userson how to use their new kitchenequipment efficiently. A person-al chef service is also availablefor special events.

Innovation turnkeysolutionprovides bothDomestic and Commercialclients with the following:1) Custom Designs for theproposed project area in autoCad and Studio 3D, 2) Supplyof the kitchen equipment andCabinetry with counter tops,3) full Project Installation andfinally Commissioning of allequipment. As an added ben-efit, an Innovation chef isavailable to demonstratehow to use your new kitchenefficiently.

Innovation turnkey solution

ABHAY NAIR, award winning Hyattchef shows the art of creating a flambe.Photo: Shirley Bahadur

Innovation’sChef Service

domestic

Trinidad Innovation USA Co. Ltd55 Dundonald Street, or Cor. Melville Lane and Dere StreetPort of Spain, Trinidad and TobagoWest IndiesOffice: + (868) 222-3922/290-0915Email: [email protected]

STEP 1 AutoCad Design

STEP 2 3D Rendering

STEP 3 Installation

STEP 4 Complete kitchen

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Trends 19Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

Kitchendesign trends

for 2011

Magic space savers

Modern brown tones of solid wood kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Trendy paint colours and white cabinets

Bold colour laminates

Images courtesy:Italian Kitchen

Image courtesy:Kitchen Concepts

HERE ARE 3 TIPS TO HELPYOU CLEAN YOUR OVEN

Basic Guide on how to carefor your major appliances

Appliances20 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

Use Oven CleanerThe oven cleaner is the painless method of clean-ing since it is designed for oven purposes. Removethe racks from the oven and spray the insides

with the cleaner and let sit for at least 6 to 8 hours. Scrubthe insides afterwards with a wet rag or sponge

Spray Baking Soda in the ovenBaking soda is another approach for cleaning youroven. It is the safest and one of the most econom-ical of all cleaning agents. Combine three table-

spoons of baking soda with one quart of water and put ina spray bottle. Shake contents and spray directly on theoven. Heat oven for 30 minutes to an hour and then wipeoff (after the oven is cooled).

Cleaning the RacksPlace the oven racks in a sink that’s three- quar-ters full of soapy water (soap and water) Soakthem for 20 to 30 minutes or longer until grime

and grease is dislodged and washed off. After you’vecleaned it, dry thoroughly.

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For some, thestove can bethe most discouragingcleaning taskin your house;however, itmust be done,consideringthe durabilityof the stoveand safe foodissues.

1

2

3

1. Remove the FoodToss any old or expired food into the trash. Removethe food that is still good to a cooler with ice tokeep it cold while you clean the refrigerator.

2. Remove Shelves and DrawersTake out all removable drawers and shelves andset them aside. Drawers and shelves that are madeof metal or plastic can be washed with hot waterand dish soap, but glass and ceramic pieces are tobe washed with hot water to prevent cracking andbreaking.

3. Wipe Refrigerator InteriorUse a clean cloth with hot water and a mild deter-gent. Work from top to bottom to prevent drippingon surfaces that are already clean. Rinse clothsthoroughly and/or use multiple cloths to ensurecleanliness. Pay special attention to the bottomcrevices and back of the refrigerator where spillstend to migrate. Wipe down the interior doors.

4. Clean Shelves and DrawersNow that your shelves and drawers are dry, youcan now clean and dry them thoroughly using aclean dry towel

5. Replace the FoodPut the food back into the refrigerator. Use cleancloths and wipe off any jars or containers of foodthat may be sticky. Dry them thoroughly as well.

7. Clean Out the FreezerDefrost freezer and check for and remove expiredfood.

8. Clean the OutsideStarting from the top, wipe down and clean theexterior of the refrigerator using hot/warm waterand a mild dish soap. For stainless steel refrigera-tor, use a soft non-scratching rag, and vinegar or awindow cleaner to keep the surface shiny.

Keeping your stove clean

Removeturntable or tray

Remove and wash turntableor tray in warm soapy water.To remove grime, safelyscrub it with warm waterand baking soda. Be carefulhandling the glass turntableor tray because they canbecome slippery in soapy

water.

Make yourcleaning mixtureFill a large glass bowl with 2to 3 cups of water. Add halflemon or 2 tablespoons oflemon juice or half an orangeor half cup of vinegar as analternative. Both ingredientshelp remove crusted foodfrom microwave and alsoaids in keeping it smelling

fresh

Boil cleaningmixture in microwavePlace your bowl of cleaningmixture into the microwaveand heat until mixture beginsto boil. When microwavestops, keep the door closedfor about 15 minutes givingthe moisture and steam theheated bowl generated tohave time to work.Remove bowl and take amoist, warm cloth to cleanthe inside of the microwave.The grunge should wipe off

easily.

Clean the outside of the microwaveUsing your damp sponge andwater- vinegar mixture towipe the entire outside ofthe microwave.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 2

STEP 2

Cleaning out therefrigeratorA clean refrigerator promises tokeep food fresher, so follow thesesteps to keep your fridge clean andyour food safe.

Microwavecleaning made easy

Finishes 21Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

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Creating a New LookVarnishOf all finishes, varnish is one of the toughest.Varnish is resistant to heat, abrasion, andwater. Over worn finishes, a topcoat of varnishcan bring a piece of furniture back to life. Aclean finish is provided on completion, howev-er the wood is slightly darkened. Available inhigh-gloss, semi-gloss and satin, and matteand flat surface finishes. It is up to you, thehomemaker, to make the final decision onwhich one to treat your furniture to.

The traditional varnish is made from resinand dissolved in mineral spirits, and used tocoat surfaces. The synthetic varnishes aremade from synthetic resins. Spar varnish (atype of synthetic varnish) should not be usedon furniture. Phenolic and alkyd varnishes arenot recommended for refinishing as these yel-low with age. Water-based varnish dries clearand are water and alcohol resistant – it doesnot yellow.

HOW TO: Apply varnish with a new natural-bristle brush.Use new varnish as old varnish may containlumps. With bare wood, properly sand and pre-pare surface. Finished wood – cleaned andlightly sanded. Apply varnish to wood withlong, smooth strokes. If the brush pulls ormisses spots, add more thinner. For syntheticvarnish, use a thinner recommended by themanufacturer.

Tip: Where brushing is impractical, use sprayvarnish.

PaintIn a case where you want to repaint yourkitchen cabinets or door, choose a semi-glosspaint. It is easily cleaned and provides a subtleshine. One can also go for high gloss paint forcabinets and furniture. This is for the dramatic

at heart and is used for a contemporary set-ting. Careful sanding and preparation is essen-tial.

If your kitchen has a lot of traffic, go for asatin finish. It has a velvety look, with somegloss and holds up well against cleaning andscrubbing.

HOW TO: Prepare your surfaces properly first, as a poor-ly prepared surface does not flatter under asemi-gloss. If your cabinets are stained, primethem first. Paint does not stick to varnish;eventually the varnish will bleed straightthrough the paint.

Tip: The glossier the paint, the better itstands up to cleaning. A semi-gloss paintsurvives both cleaning and steam.

LaminateLaminate gives you choice – of colours, tex-tures, patterns and gloss finishes. A laminatewith a high level of light reflection and a deeptexture is durable and suited to kitchen sur-faces. Laminates with a gloss and dark plaincolours are not recommended for heavy-dutysurfaces.

HOW TO: To achieve a professional finish with a brush,use thin coats. The most durable paint job isone made up of repeated thin layers of paint,not one thick one. Two coats should beenough, but use three coats for woods like oak(with a heavier grain).

Tip: Plane surfaces and dark colours do nothave the scratch resistance that texturedsurfaces and light colours do. Plane andlightly textured surfaces are easily cleaned.

Christine Dalkan

Finishes22 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

The DIY Guide for Kitchen Cabinets’ Finishes

METHOD

• Empty the cabinets.• Remove cabinet doors and

shelves: label them for reassem-bling.

• Clean cabinets. Grease on sur-faces interferes with refinishing.Use a degreaser. Lightly sandrough areas, peeling paint orvarnish. Wipe the surface withdamp cloth to remove dust andallow to dry.

• Clean cabinet hardware. Soakin soapy water for 30 minutes.Light scrubbing is advised, thenrinse, allow to dry and polish.

• Remove old finish (optional). If

you are reapplying clear varnish,all paint or old finish must bestripped, then the surface sand-ed. Use a gel stripper to min-imise dripping when used onvertical surfaces.

• Fill dents with wood putty.After the putty dries, sand itsmooth, then wipe the woodwith a damp cloth to removedust and let dry.

• Prime cabinet surfaces if youhave chosen paint refinish.

• Use a bonding agent.• Apply new paint or varnish or

water-resistant laminate coat-ing within the time limit specified.

TIPSAn easy way to ‘refinish’ yourkitchen cabinets is to simplychange the hardware. If thehardware is in good condition,just add new handles or knobs tocreate a new look.

Get a glass door for your kitchen,or just take out the center panelof your cabinet doors andreplace with glass. Your optionsare endless – glue chip, frosted,hammered, narrow reed, crossreed, aquatex, seeded (bubbleglass), and rain glass.

Tools Needed

• Hand tools: scrapers, screwdrivers, hammer, sand-ing blocks, paintbrushes

• Masking tape• Newspapers, drop cloth or material to

protect nearby surfaces • Paint stripper (if needed).• Paint brushes (for a paint finish)

Oil and water donot mix. Latexcannot be paint-ed over oil, elseit will peel.

Oil based paintsdon't leave brushstrokes like latexpaints do.

If your kitchencabinets aremade of wood,stone finish lami-nate is moresuitable, as awood grain finishwill clash.

To removeold cabinets You will need:

TOOLS LIST/MATERIAL LIST• Measuring tape• Level• Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers• Shims• Hammer• Stud sensor• Drill with drill bits and screwdriver

attachment• Hole saw• Decorative molding or valance• Trim• Finish nails• Chalk line• Utility knife• Safety glasses

Cabinets 23Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

How to install Kitchen Cabinets

If you are a homeowner with intermediate carpentry skills and don’t mind the work,mess, and time involvement, you might consider taking your old kitchen cabinets downand replacing them with new ones as a do-it-yourself project.

Wall CabinetsThe most difficult part of hanging wall cabinetsis lifting them to the appropriate height andholding them in place. This makes installing wallcabinets a 2-person job.

Remove old cabinets; repair any holes in thewalls.

Locate wall studs using the stud finder. Snapvertical chalk lines to indicate either stud cen-tres or edges.

Note: studs are spaced at regular intervals.Most common is 16-inches, although 24-inchintervals are sometimes used in newer hous-es. Once you locate one stud and determinethe distance to the next, measure to locateothers.

Measure 54-inches up from the floor at bothends of the wall; this is the standard height ofwall cabinets. Snap a horizontal chalk line.Start in the corner, at the highest floor point;nail up a 1X3 temporary straight so it is level. Itmay not match the vertical chalk line if the flooris not level.

Place either a corner or end cabinet on the tem-porary straight; make sure it is level. Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes through the top hanging stripinside the cabinet into wall studs. Drive 2 ½-inchroundhead screws into the pilot holes.

Position the next cabinet on the temporarystraight, snug against the first; make sure it islevel. Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes through the tophanging strip inside the cabinet into wall studs.Drive 2 ½-inch roundhead screws into the pilotholes.

Schedule enough time to complete the project. Once old base andwall cabinets have been removed, expect to spend 4 to 5 hours for astraight run of cabinets; more if corner cabinets are complicated.

Before installing cabinets, separate base cabinets from wall cabi-nets. Install wall cabinets first so you don’t have to lean over basecabinets.Remove cupboard doors before installing wall cabinets; they will belighter and easier to handle.

Use the type screws specified by the manufacturer; drive screwsthrough frames as opposed to the back or side panels, which arethinner and less sturdy.

The more cost-effective alternative to replacing old kitchen cabinetswith new one is this. If old cabinet construction is still sound andstrong, give them a “face lift.” Clean, sand, and refinish just thedoors, or all cabinetry – if needed; Replace handles, knobs, and anyother hardware desired, with new. This can save a considerableamount of money in renovation costs, while yielding great results.

TIPSHandy Tips for Project Success

12

34

Install Remaining Wall CabinetsClamp together face frames of adjacent cabi-nets; counter bore 2 ½-inch drywall screwsthrough the inside edge of one face frame tothe other.

Fit a filler strip into the remaining gap at thewall juncture. Attach the filler strip to the faceframe of the last cabinet with counter sunkscrews.

Remove the temporary straight; plumb cabinetfronts by shimming between the wall and bot-tom hanging strip of the cabinet at stud points.

Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes; attach bottom hangingstrip to shim and stud using 2 ½-inch roundheadscrews. Trim shims using a utility knife.

Apply trim using finish nails to cover gapsbetween the backs of cabinets and wall. Stain orpaint trim to match cabinets.

Fill the gap between cupboards over the sinkspace using decorative molding or a valance;stained or painted to match the cabinet. Securein place using counter bore screws through adja-cent face frames into the valance.

Base CabinetsRemove old cabinets; repair any holes in thewalls.

If you plan to install new vinyl flooring, do sobefore new cabinet installation.

If you plan to install marble, tile, or a wood floor,use a piece of plywood the same thickness thenew floor will be; lay the plywood under the cabi-nets to serve as a height reference.Mark the locations of wall studs using the studfinder.

TIP: Studs are spaced at regular intervals.Most common is 16-inches, although 24-inchintervals are sometimes used in newer houses.Once you locate one stud and determine thedistance to the next, measure to locate others.

Not all floors are perfectly level. You will want touse the high point as the reference for installingthe cabinets. Mark a level line at the height ofthe base cabinets at the highest point of theroom floor.

Set a cabinet in place; level it to the line by tap-ping wood shims under low points. Level cabinetfront to back, and from side to side.

Drill pilot holes into a stud; drive screws throughcabinet framing into the stud using the drillscrewdriver attachment.

Once cabinet is level and securely in place,remove any shims using a hammer and chisel. Clamp together face frames of adjacent cabi-nets. Counter bore screws into the inside edge ofone face frame, ¼-inch into the other.

Follow steps 5 to 8 for installation of remainingbottom cabinets.Before installing the sink cabinet, measure fromthe reference line to the top and bottom of thedrain and water supply pipes; measure from theside of the adjacent cabinet to both sides of thedrain.

Transfer measurements to the back of the sinkcabinet; drill appropriate holes using a hole saw.Complete the job by installing molding or fillerstrips to cover any gapes between the counterand the walls or floor.

TIP: If a thin shim is required between cabinetsto compensate for minor irregularities, makesure face edges butt tightly.

Akiela Hope

When building or remodeling kitchens, the sink and faucet is oneof the most important kitchen utensils a homeowner should have.

However choosing the right sink and faucet as well as knowing thelatest trends can seem problematic and a bit confusing and expertadvice may be needed.

To assist with these choices is Tresfab Holdings limited, traders ofBath and Kitchen Design Center, who has been in the business for overseven years.

Suppliers of plumbing materials and kitchen and bathroom fixtures &furniture throughout the Caribbean, Tresfab Holdings Limited showcasesome of their sinks and faucets below to make the deciding period lessconfusing.

Some of the more popular make of kitchen sinks are composites,stainless steel and enamel-coated cast iron and even though choosing astyle that matches one’s personality may be on the forefront of the list,attaining a sink that is long lasting should also be of the utmost priority.

MQ-505016Deluxe 16 Gauge Sink

• Under MountDouble BowlSquare Sink

• T-304 Stainlesssteel, 16 Guage

• 18/10Chrome/Nickel

• 32" x 19" x 10"• Offset Drain

Holes Position • Padded, Undercoated and Sound Proofed• ASME Standard A1 12.19.3-2000, CSA B45.4-2002

Mounting clips and cutout template supplied. All drain holes accept 3-1/2" US drain fittings.

Sinks and Faucets24 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

41 Mucurapo Road, St. JamesPhone: 622-1047 Fax: 628-1322

0724021

UpdateMG-3121-RGold Series 16 Gauge Sink

• Under MountDouble BowlKitchen Sink

• T-304Stainless steel,16 Gauge

• 18/10 Chrome-Nickel

• 31-1/2"x20-5/8"• -R: Small Bowl on Right, 7" deep and Large Bowl on Left, 9" deep• Offset Drain Hole Position• Padded, Undercoated and Sound.• ASME Standard A1 12.19.3-2000,• CSA B45.4-2002


MG-2318Gold Series 18 Gauge Sink

• Under Mount SingleBowl Kitchen Sink

• T-304 Stainless steel,18 Gauge

• 18/10 Chrome-Nickel• 23-1/4" x 17-3/4" x 9"• Drain hole in central

position.• Padded, Undercoated

and Sound Proofed.• ASME Standard A1 12.19.3-2000,• CSA B45.4-2002


The faucets, just as the sink can be chosen tosuit personalities and which will add that extrasparkle to the kitchen. Below are a few choices toaid in the purchasing process.

Bellera Pull-down Kitchen Faucet(zaa51090)

The Ballera pull-down kitchen faucet expandsthe traditional kitchen category by adding a single-handle integrated valve option for the kitchen. Thisfaucet offers a superior clearance below the spoutfor filling and cleaning large pots with improvedergonomics and a simpler operation even with wetor soapy hands.

• 1 or 3 holeinstallation(escutcheonincluded)

• High-archspout designprovides moreroom forpots/pans

• 360 degreerotation offerssuperior clear-ance for a vari-ety of sinkactivities

• Single forward facing lever handle is simpleto use and easier to temper water

• Compact three function sprayhead withspray, aerated flow and pause function

• Features MasterClean™ sprayface thatresists mineral buildup and is easy-to-clean

• ProMotion™ technology light, quiet nylonhose with ball joint configuration on the pull-down sprayhead provides superior ergonom-ic and easy-to-use functionality

• KOHLER finishes resist corrosion and tar-nishing, exceeding industry durability stan-dards over two times

• Flexible supply lines and KOHLER® installation ring simplifyinstallation

Elate™ pullout kitchen faucet (zaa19921)The Elate Kitchen faucet by KOHLER meets the growing demand for

pullout faucets with a sleek new design. Elate brings the sophisticatedlook of contemporary design at anaffordable price.

• Sophisticated design withergonomic functionality

• Allows the user to switch betweenpause, spray and stream options

• Resists buildup and is easy-to-clean

• 2.2 gpm• Elate faucet contains all necessary

parts for both single-hole andthree-hole installations

Carafe® filtered water faucet (cc21248)The Carafe filtered water kitchen faucet introduces a unique level of

functionality with contemporary European styling. Combining all thebenefits of a single lever kitchen faucet with integrated water filteringcapabilities to minimize clutter around the sink. The faucet is ideallyscaled for both prep and entertainmentsink applications.

• Clean European design• Single-lever handle for ease of opera-

tion• 360 degree swivel spout with 9"

clearance maximizes functional per-formance for prep sinks and islandinstallations

• Separate quarter turn controls fil-tered water delivery

• Flexible supply lines• KOHLER finishes resist corrosion and tarnishing, exceeding

industry durability standards over two times

Parq® deck-mount kitchen faucets with spray(faa222868)

Parq bridge faucets feature a fresh interpretation of the classic tra-ditional bridge configuration, incorporating lines that both reinforce theheritage of this aesthetic and yet are clean for ease of maintenance.Functional performance remains at the heart of the Parq design withgenerous spout clearances and with lever or tri handle options thatintroduce a level of uniqueness and charm to further personalize theusers experience. Parq is available in both deck- and wall-mount config-urations with the further option of a design coordinated sidespray forthe deck-mount configuration.

• Two-handled deck-mountedbridge kitchen sink faucetwith 8" centers and lever han-dles

• Traditional styling with cleanlines makes clean-up andmaintenance both simple andquick

• Spout rotates 360 degreeswith 8-1/2" clearance belowspout for use with large potsand pans

• Design coordinating sidespraywith one touch spray actuation and quick connect fitting

• Sidespray features ProMotion® technology with non-metallichose and ball joint for quiet, light and easy to use operation withMasterClean™ sprayface to reduce mineral buildup and makes itsimpler to clean and maintain

• ADA compliant lever handles provide a generous grip area forease of operation

• Supplied with flexible inlet connections for ease of installation• KOHLER finishes resist corrosion and tarnishing, exceeding

industry durability standards over two times• KOHLER ceramic disk valves exceed industry longevity stan-

dards by over two times, ensuring durable performance for life.

your kitchen sink and faucet

Tiles 25Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

How to tile a Kitchen BacksplashPlan your design. If the area currently consists ofpainted drywall, the tiles can be placed on top of

it. Simply sand the area to make it smooth. If there is currentlyanother tile backsplash, remove it. You will need to cut thebacker, which is often drywall, removing it and the attached tiles.Install the new backer directly on the studs that are nowexposed. You can use waterproof drywall, regular drywall, or a

cement backer.

Measure the length of the backsplash and thedistance from the countertop to the bottom of the kitchen cabi-net. This will provide you with the area that must be covered bytile. Determine the tile pattern by drawing a scaled outline onpaper. Subway tiles measuring 4×4, 6×6, or 3×4 are the mostcommon for kitchen backsplashes. However, there are manyother options, such as 1×1 tiles that are attached to a back mesh.

Purchase the desired tiles, making sure to buy theglazed variety. Anyone who knows how to tile a

backsplash will tell you that unglazed tile will get grease andmoisture stains. When making the purchase, add ten percent tothe dimensions to account for waste and cutting.

Remove the range hood, stove, and any otheritems that will be in the way. Shut off power to

area outlets and switches. Remove the switch and outlet coverplates.

Use galvanized drywall screws to install thebacker board. When installing this board, leave a

gap of 1/8-inch between the edges, covering this area with meshtape and some filler compound.

If the tile will be running over gaps, such as wherea range is located, insert a temporary ledger

board on the base of the tile line. This will help secure the tilesduring the installation process.

Identify the visual focal point or the area. Using alevel, draw a plumb start line through this point.

This line will be used to vertically align the tiles. Lay out the tileson the floor or counter to follow the pattern.

Begin in the center at the bottom row, applyingthinset mortar or tile mastic with a grooved trow-

el. Cover only a small section of wall and place the first tile edgeon the vertical line, with a 1/8-inch gap at the bottom. This gapprovides space for a caulk bead at a later time. Wiggle and pressthis first tile into place and then insert a 1/8-inch spacer vertical-ly.

Install subsequent tiles using the same method.Work away from the center line, wiggling each

tile into place and inserting spacers between each tile. Make surethat you follow the pattern outlined on the floor or counter.

When arriving at a spot where a tile must betrimmed or cut, do the cutting during installa-

tion. These areas will be under countertops, around electricaloutlets or light switches, or at the end of a row.

Use a scoring cutter to cut a tile. First, mark thearea on the tile where it must be cut. Then,

insert the tile into the tool and score a mark onto the tile surface.With a sharp movement of the tool’s handle, the tile will break onthe scored line. When cutting an opening for a light switch orelectrical outlet, two tiles may need to be cut. Tile nippers canthen be used to cut out the inside opening. The tiles can then beinstalled on each side of the switch or outlet.

Once all tiles have been installed, allow the mas-tic to set overnight. The next day, mix sandless

grout according to the directions on the product. Use a rubberfloat to apply the grout. Push the grout into the gaps betweenthe tiles. Hold the float at an angle of 45 degrees and remove allexcess grout.

Let the grout set for one hour. Clean the tiles toremove any hazy surface, using a wet sponge

rinsed frequently in clean water. Use a dry, clean cloth to buff thetiles, restoring them to their original appearance.

Prior to reattaching outlet cover plates, boxextenders may need to be installed.

Along the bottom seam between the counterand backsplash, apply a bead of tile and tub

caulk that matches the color of the grout.

If desired, seal the grout. Those who know howto tile a backsplash are aware that grout can

stain, particularly in an area like the kitchen. After the grout istotally cured, which takes about one week, apply a silicone mate-rial grout sealer. Please note that these instructions are specificto a kitchen backsplash but with a few alterations, they canapply to any room.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

STEP 9

STEP 10

STEP 11

STEP 12

STEP 13

STEP 14

STEP 15

STEP 16

Designs by Vanessa Dalla Costa

Floors26 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

674-623-652-0000 www.cwinteriors.com

El SocorroWoodbrookSan Fernando074 003623 055 005 005 0000674-

62365 00067462355252

“Visit Our Showrooms for the Widest & Finest Selection of Custom-Made Designer Window Fashions”

Bring Your Windows To Life...

The following install instructions focus on the most popular type of laminate flooring – board-style planks with tongue-and-groove construction.

How to install laminate floors

Basic Material• flooring• under layer• barrier sheeting• laminate glue• adhesive• polyethylene tape• quarter-round molding, baseboard or

wall base• end molding, threshold and other transi-

tions• stair nose, flush or over-the-top• plastic sheeting to cover furniture or

close off adjacent

• tapping block• pull bar• spacers• safety goggles• gloves• utility knife• hammer• pencil• tape measure• carpenter's square• router• drill• saws: table, miter, circular, hand, jigsaw• dividers• chalk line• laminate floor cleaner• white vinegar• pocket plane

PreparationBefore you begin the actual installation ofyour new laminate floor, you have to prepthe existing floor.

• Ensure a clean, flat surface to work.Remove all debris and other residue madeby adhesive or carpet installations.

• Remove trims and doors. If the drywalldoesn't meet the floor in any spots, createa solid wall surface with a 2- to 3-inch-wide (5 to 7 cm) facing strip of quarter-inch (6 mm) plywood at the stud.

• Install underlayer material. This willdepend upon what type of subfloor you'resetting the laminate on. Some laminateflooring products have the underlayerattached to the planks. Underlayer reducesnoise and cushions the floor.

• Measure the area you want to cover andadd 10 per cent for waste.

TIP: Avoid ending up with an unusuallynarrow board at the finish wall, measurethe distance between the starting andending walls. Divide by the width of theboard. To balance the room, add theamount left over to the plank width anddivide by two.

InstallationExperts advise that you should laminateflooring parallel to the longest wall in theroom.

• Start on the left side of the room andwork to the right. Place spacers along eachwall to set up the expansion zone. Set thefirst plank down, and add another piece ofthe flooring to the right, lining up the shortends and locking them into place.

• Cut the end of the plank when you havereached the end. Measure the distancebetween the last piece and the wall.Subtract a quarter-inch (6 mm) beforecutting.

• Use the leftover piece to start the nextrow, providing it isn't too short (less than

8 inches [20 cm]). Generally, end joints ofboards should be staggered at least 8inches (20cm).

• Angle the boards for the new row, liningup the short ends and locking them intoplace first. After this row is connected andthe last piece cut, the entire length needsto be angled and pushed forward to con-nect with the groove of the first row.

• Continue installing row by row, walking orpressing the boards into the sub-floor.

• The laminate flooring will probably need tobe cut lengthwise for the last row. Line upthe flooring pieces on top of the last rowof installed planks. Use a plank and a spac-er to trace the contour of the wall onto theboard that will be cut.

TIP: When cutting the laminate with ahandsaw or carbon-tipped blade powertool, the decorative side of the boardshould be facing up to minimize chipping.Use a pull bar to get the last piece of therow in and ensure the joints betweenplanks are tight. Don't forget to put thespacer between the wall and the lami-nate!

FinishFinally, install the trim track on the subfloorwhere needed. You can glue or nail this tothe subfloor, and it serves the purpose ofholding trim and transition elements inplace. Then, install trim pieces that will finishthe transitions to other rooms. T-molding isused to cover the space where two floorsmeet in a doorway. Manufacturers will alsooffer finishing pieces that are designed totransition the laminate flooring to anotherfloor, say tiled or carpeted floor. End moldingfinishes the laminate flooring at slidingdoors or other areas.

DID YOU KNOW?Laminate flooring isn’t limited to looking like a variety of wood. It can mimic otherflooring including ceramic tile, brick andeven slate.

Tools you'll need

Islands 27Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

• 2 pine boards 3/4" x 4" x 96" • 4 hemlock 36" table legs • 3 pairs of 20" Richelieu slides • 3 Richelieu knobs • 16 metal squares 1" x 1 3/4"

with fastening screws • 1 1/2" screws

This island is destined to becomethe centerpiece of your kitchen.Multipurpose and practical with alarge work surface and style to com-pliment all decors, here is some-thing that will simplify yourlife….beautifully!

Although the turned legs give it theappearance of a table, this is an island36" high or standard counterheight.An ideal lunch counter andgreat for preparing food, this islandcomes with three practical drawersand a work surface made of solid 11/2” pine wood.

Tools List• Sliding mitre saw • Driver drill • Router • Square • Pencil • Measuring tape

Material List• 1 pine wood counter 1 1/2" x 36" x 72" • 1 sheet of Ply 1/2" x 60" X 60" • 1 sheet of hardboard (or masonite)

1/8" x 24" x 60" • 1 pine board 3/4" x 6" x 96" • 3 pine boards 3/4" x 8" x 96"

ers. Two of these supports need toreceive the slides for each side, sothey should be offset to make it easi-er to screw them on.

• Install the slides on short supports ‘G’.They should be 7/8" from the frontedge of ‘G’ and 1 5/8" from the loweredge of ‘G’ for the two outer drawers(left and right), and 2 1/8" from thelower edge of ‘G’ for the center draw-er.

• Remember that the two center ‘G’supports need a slide on each side:one of the supports will have an outerdrawer slide on the left and a centerdrawer slide on the right, while thereverse will be true for the other ‘G’support, which will therefore have acenter drawer slide on the left and anouter drawer slide on the right (seethe illustration below).

• Screw the short ‘G’ supports to thelong supports ‘I’ and back ‘J’. The ‘G’supports with only one track shouldbe installed on the ends and thosewith two tracks installed on theinside. ‘G’ supports should be spacedat 20 11/32".

Drawers• Drawer bottoms should slide into the

grooves made in the side, front andback pieces of the drawers.

• Use a router to make grooves 1/4"

STEPS TO FOLLOW:Table

• The contours of the table aswell as the legs are fastenedexclusively with metal squares.

• Fasten legs ‘F’ under counter‘A’ using squares. Legs shouldbe 1" from the edge of thecounter.

• Fasten sides ‘H’ and back ‘J’ tocounter ‘A’ then to legs usingsquares. Sides and back shouldbe 1/4" in from legs.

Drawer module• Four supports ‘G’ should be

installed in order to screw inthe slides supporting the draw-

Pieces Quantity Material MeasurementsA - Counter 1 Pine 1 1/2" 35 3/4" x 72"B - Drawer fronts and backs 6 Ply 1/2" 3 1/2" x 18 5/16"C - Drawer sides 6 Ply 1/2" 3 1/2" x 20"D - Drawer bottoms 3 Hardboard 1/8" 18 13/16" x 19 1/2"E - Drawer facades 3 Pine 3/4" 4 1/4" x 20 1/2"F - Legs 4 Hemlock 3" x 36" G - Short drawer supports 4 Pine 3/4" 6" x 21"H - Long drawer supports 2 Pine 3/4" 3" x 64"I - Table sides 2 Pine 3/4" 6" x 28"J - Table back 2 Pine 3/4" 6" x 64"

Cutting listCarefully identify each piece with the corresponding letter.Sand surfaces if necessary.

How to build a kitchen island - Oasis styledeep x 1/8" wide and 1/4" in from theedges of the drawer sides ‘C’ andfronts/backs ‘B’.

• For each drawer, assemble sides ‘C’and fronts/backs ‘B’ around bottom‘D’, by inserting ‘D’ into the grooves.Screw ‘B’ to ‘C’.

• Screw facade ‘E’ to front ’B’, on theinside of the drawer.

• Mark the positioning of the knobscrews on the facade, predrill on themarkings then screw in the knob.

• Screw the tracks on to the drawers1/8" from the facade and 1 1/4" fromthe lower edge of the sides for theouter drawers and 1 3/4" for the cen-ter drawer.

Installation of drawer moduleTurn the table upside down and insert

the drawer module. Position the facade ofthe module 1/4" in from the edges of thelegs, as was done with the sides and backof the table. Screw it to the counter and tothe legs but not to the sides of the table.

Simply insert the drawers, paint thelegs and contours of the table and you’redone. Do not paint, varnish or stain thetop: leave the wood natural in order toeliminate the possibility of food contami-nation by finishing products.

Buyers Guide28 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

Kitchen Concepts opened itsdoors for the first time on June 9,2007. The guiding principle being“Making the kitchen the place tobe”. Our priority is customer satis-faction. We recognise that oursatisfied customers are ourbiggest asset.

Kitchen Concepts was borne outof a desire to provide the marketwith a high quality, durable, con-temporary and affordable kitchenbuilt to international standards.Prior to starting up considerableeffort went into researching a suit-able manufacturer of cabinetry tosatisfy these requirements. Thesearch covered international cabi-netry manufacturers. Visits weremade to manufacturing facilities toensure state of the art manufactur-ing systems, conforming to bestindustry practices in quality assur-ance and guided by ISO certifica-tions. After careful evaluation asuitable manufacturer with vastexperience was selected. All cabi-netry are industrially manufacturedusing state of the art automatedand computerised methods toexacting standards. Manufacturingprocesses pay stringent attentionto environmental conservation. Themanufacturing process creates aproduct that is termite resistantand moisture resistant so as to givemany years of beauty and service.

We strive to produce a contem-porary design to create feelings ofcalm and relaxation while maintain-ing a high quality value for homesof all tastes and lifestyles. KitchenConcepts is a company that suc-ceeds in satisfying customersdemands in terms of styling, func-tionality, safety and durability. Weare about flexibility and innovation.

We provide a meeting place of styleand modernity and we can evencombine classical taste with a mod-ern style. We believe that you canmake your kitchen the focus of yourhome, a masterpiece of which youcan be proud. Your kitchen musthave a sophisticated and elegantcharacter yet be contemporary innature. It must be a place that iseasy to work in and comfortable tolive in!

We provide a wide range of fittedkitchens with many styles andcolours to provide our customerswith a kitchen that will be in harmo-ny with their homes and lifestyles.

We can in some instances designand install a new kitchen in under aweek. Our computer aided designallows you the customer to sit withus and design what you want. Youare also part of our design team.Actual installation time for mostkitchens is under 5 days dependingon the size of the kitchen.

It is our dream that every homeshould have a kitchen; be it a man-sion for an emperor or a humblecottage. Kitchen Concepts there-fore also provide very functional yetelegant kitchens that are veryaffordable. Visit us; we are eagerlywaiting to warmly welcome you.You will be pleasantly surprised.

Buyers Guide 29Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

GABLE

VENTSMEDALLIONS GYPSUM

IMP.MAIL BOX

PUMPS

(WATER) LADDERS

LAMINATEFLOORING

LAUNDRY

TUBSWITH LEGS

LAWNMOWERS

DOORLOCKS

PRESSUREWASHER

WOOD W.MACHINES

GENERATORS TILESAWS

PLUMBING CONCRETEPRIMER

DOORS

MOULDINGS

FOUNTAINPUMPS

STUCCO

TAZMOOL HOSEIN & SONS

THE SPECIALIST HARDWARE

227/229 Union Road, Marabella 868-658-6896 / 658-3362

0724013

How to Chooseyour Countertops

Nadaleen Singh

From granite, to stone, to lami-nate, to concrete and the list goeson but which type of material doyou choose for your countertop?There are many factors to takeinto consideration when decidingwhat type of countertop to install.For instance, would you like tohave your family around you whenyou are in the kitchen? This wouldmean that you would require yourkitchen to send the message ofwarmth and togetherness. If youwant to put down your hot pot onthe bare countertop the type ofmaterial that the countertop ismade of, needs to be considered.You certainly would not want acountertop that cannot withstandliquid spills on it.

Laminate countertop If you are working with a budgetthe laminate countertop is the onefor you, there are a lot of colours tochoose from. However, if there arespills these types of countertopcan be more of a headache and aweight to the pocket. According towww.rempros.com if laminatedcountertops get wet it can result inswelling the cupboard.

“If the top layer of a countertopwill be damaged and water canpenetrate to the substrate, itmight cause a big problem.Countertop will swell; the edgeswill separate and lose its appear-ance. It is not recommended toinstall any type of under mountedsinks because it will increase a pos-sibility of water damage. It is veryhard or, let’s say, nearly impossibleto repair severely damaged coun-tertop unless the whole top layer isreplaced.”

Concrete countertopsWhile concrete countertops arenot damaged quite easily, there arethings which should be consideredbefore constructing and installinga concrete countertop. Accordingto www.rempros.com:

“Concrete countertops should beproperly sealed. They are porousand without proper sealing can beeasily damaged or stained.Concrete is a very heavy materialand unlike other types of counter-tops if installation is not done rightit might crack. Sometimes addi-tional supports for cabinets mightbe required. Also it is not cheap.”

A professional would be neededto install the countertop and thiscan be an extra cost.

Corian countertopsCorian countertops are man-madeand consist of acrylic polymer andalumina trihydrate. Like with theother types of material installing a

Corian countertop has its advan-tages and disadvantages.According to www.rempros.com :

“Corian countertop should not beused as a cutting surface as it canbe damaged with sharp objectssuch as a knife, but minor scratch-es can be sanded and eliminated. Itis a long-lasting and durable syn-thetic material; however it is notheat resistant and can be easilydamaged with a hot pan.”

Marble countertopsIf you choose a marble countertopit means that it would requireheavy maintenance and it wouldbe appropriate to a high trafficarea in the home.

“For the high traffic areas use ofa kitchen countertop, marblematerial can cause many problemsand require high maintenance. Youshouldn’t use any types of chemi-cals to wash the marble counter-tops. It is porous and can be veryeasily stained and destroyed evenwith reasonable use by any type ofheat, heavy use (cuts), acid (juice),wine or water. If you cut on themarble countertop, scratches canallow liquids or even oxidationfrom the air to leak under the sealcoating and staining the marble.”

QuartzAgain this type of material can bedamaged easily if not handled withcare. According towww.rempros.com

“Even though quartz is verytough it can be damaged underimpacts of sharp materials or byvery high temperature. It is recom-mended to use boards for cuttingfood and do not put hot pansdirectly on the surface of counter-top, but instead use trivets for pro-tection.”

Stainless steel countertopsThis type of countertop is mainlyused in restaurants, if scratches orsome damage is done to the topsome, not all damage, can beremoved.

“Even though, shallow scratchescan be sanded and eliminated,some deep impacts from sharpobjects are impossible to hide.That's why it is better to not cutfood directly on the counter. By itsnature, stainless steel is a shinymaterial and fingerprints mightstand out on its surface, but thereare products, offered by manufac-turers which help to eliminate thisdrawback. This type of countertopis inexpensive, but when profes-sionally installed it will definitelypay off in time.”

Now that you know the do’s anddon’ts take your pick depending onyour situation and your pocket.

Nyerere Haynes

A cluttered mind results in a chaotic life so too does a cluttered homeresult in disharmony and confusion. The home is a place of sanctuary wherewe retreat from hectic days and weeks to recuperate and resurface to facethe world renewed once again.

Going home to chaotic home negates this rejuvenation process as we arethen faced with complications at home that we so needed to escape. There isbliss is simplicity, calm in space and clarity in balance. Home arrangement canplay an enormous part in the way we face our daily responsibilities. It is actual-ly a reflection of our approach to life and inevitably our own success.

In this article @Home will look at creating a clutter free kitchen. In mosthouseholds the kitchen is the busiest room of the house. It is a meeting place forconversation and great food and also a place where if left unattended for toolong can become a muddle of cookbooks, mail, containers and stuff that manageto find a home on the kitchen counter.

Get rid of what you don’t needDecide what you need and what you can either throw out or find a suitable

storage space for. Start by going through drawers removing things that youdon’t need. Place items that are most used at the top of the kitchen drawers.

Likewise, the same process is followed for food, kitchen appliances and otheritems that have taken up residence in the kitchen. Sift through the freezer andremove packaged items that have expired. Transfer burnt sugar, colouringagents and any other items that have been in your refrigerator for a year to thetrash. Free up your kitchen counter by storing cookbooks and ole phonebooks ina storage room.

Organise pots, pans and other containersAre you faced with the problem of limited cupboard space? Invest in stack-

able cookware sets to save space and also to keep your pots and pans organised.Heavier pots and cutting boards should be stored close to the floor to avoid andaccidents. Keep all storage containers arranged according to size and tuckedaway in under-sink cupboards.

Decide what appliances are essentialWe all have appliances taking up space on our kitchen counters that are bare-

ly used. Instead of having a series of different appliances invest in multifunction-al kitchen appliances. Blenders are very handy as it can be used for punches, sea-soning and puree food.

How to choose your Appliances

Windows form an integral part increating a beautiful home or build-ing, both inside and outside.

ABEL Building Solutions (ABS) rec-ognizes the important role that thewindow plays in any structure andhas for over two decades been sup-plying the people of Trinidad andTobago and the wider Caribbeanbeautiful, elegant and durable win-dows through their Metpro Steel andAluminium and Astralite uPvCranges.

Long at the forefront of the localbuilding industry, ABEL has beenquick to adapt and innovate as themarket dictated. Originally, a manu-facturer of clay products, ABEL nowboasts the widest range of buildingproducts in Caricom, including steeland aluminum windows and doors(Metpro brand) and glass curtainwalls and aluminum cladding.

In June this year, as part of itsongoing strategy to meet the needsof the market, ABS launched twonew products – the MetproDecorative Burglar Proof Series andthe Spectra Steel Window.

The Metpro Decorative BurglarProof Series offers the discerningcustomer a choice of burglar proofpatterns. These patterns are incorpo-rated into the Metpro Steel windowwhich has stood the test of time. Thedecorative burglar proof patterns arestylish and elegant offer the homeowner the added benefit of security, aburning issue on the minds of most ofus.

The Spectra Steel windows areideal for the customer who is con-structing his home on a very tightbudget. These windows are afford-able and attractive and are availableeither plain or frenched. The choice ofeither plain or frenched will dependboth on the customers taste as wellas his budgetary requirements.

Both the Metpro and Spectra win-dows are available in a variety ofsizes, ranging from twelve inches inheight to five feet tall and are avail-able with either plain or tinted glass.The windows are “crabbed” into themasonry opening and then sealed inplaced with mortar. Installed, theyprotect a barrier against intruders.These windows can easily be joinedtogether to create any number ofdesigns the home owner desires.

For further information on theseproducts, you can contact ABELBuilding Solutions at 665-5221 or visitany of our ABS Building SolutionsCentres located in Port of Spain,Arouca, Mt. Hope, Chaguanas, SanFernando or Scarborough, Tobago.

The Essentials30 Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

ABEL buildingsolutions

introducesTHE METPRO

range ofdecorative burglarproofing and the

Spectra SteelWindow

White appliances are still the classic favourite, followed byblack. Stainless steel, with its professional look, continues to growin popularity. If you covet a simple Shaker-style space or a luxuri-ous Italian villa setting, however, you may want to hide the fridgeand dishwasher out of sight. To meet this need, savvy cabinetmanufacturers (as seen in this magazine) offer coordinated cabi-net fronts that adhere easily and provide a custom-designed look.

To further the traditional, low-tech look, you can opt for small-appliance depots in countertop-height cabinets. You can evenchoose a specially designed under-counter oven. In this article, wewill examine most kitchen appliances, including:

How to Choose an OvenOvens and ranges come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes,

and it's not always easy to figure which model would be right fitfor your kitchen. In this section, we will review all the oven andrange options available on the market, including gas versus elec-tric. We will also look at range hoods, a vital element of anykitchen where you plan to do a lot of cooking.

How to Choose a RefrigeratorBuying the right refrigerator is vitally important. Not only is

refrigerator responsible for preventing your food from spoiling, itis also one of the few appliances in your home that runs continu-ously all the time. On this page, we will show you how to find areliable refrigerator and how to find the perfect refrigerator foryour kitchen.

How to Choose a SinkWhen buying a sink for your kitchen there are many factors to

consider. Sinks do far more than just provide cold and hot water.You must also consider water purifiers, garbage disposals, andwhat material you want your sink made out of. On this page, wewill answer all of your sink-buying questions and related sinkmaterials.

How to Choose a DishwasherDishwashers can range from elegant high-end models to small,

counter-top units. Choosing the right dishwasher will depend onthe features you want and the look of your kitchen. In this section,we will help you pick the perfect dishwasher for you dreamkitchen. With information from howstuffworks.com

Creatingkitchen space

Resources/Directory 31Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt July/August, 2011

REMODEL CHECKLIST A typical kitchen remodel takes about six to eight weeks, depending on sizeand complexity. This checklist includes the most common elements of akitchen makeover. Think about these elements in advance, your designer and/or contractor will be able to design and quote your projectwithin your budget and give you a realistic timeframe for your project.

Kitchen Specs:Budget for project:Current square footage:Desired square footage:

Floor Plan/Design(a) Designer (b) contractor (c) architectFloor plans? NO YES Are there any walls to be moved? NO YESHave you applied for all the necessary permits? NO YES

ElectricalIs the need for sub panel? YES NO Phone, cable or cad wire? YES NO

OutletsHow many: Colour: Type:

SwitchesHow many: Colour:Any three-way?

LightingRecess Lighting? NO YES Light fixtures? NO YES

Make, Model_____________________ Units: __________________Finish: __________________________ Bulbs: __________________

Under cabinet lighting?Make, Model_____________________ Units: __________________Finish: __________________________ Bulbs: __________________

PlumbingDoes the plumbing need to be upgraded or relocated? NO YES

WallsWhat type of wall texture?___________________________________________

Paint:Brand: _____________ Colour: ______________ Finish:_____________

WindowsNew windows? NO YES

Total # of windows: ________ Size(s):________________________Make, model: ______________________________________

Mouldings? NO YES Type: ___________________________ Profile: _______________________________

DoorsNew Doors? NO YES

Total number of doors: ______________________ Size(s):___________________________Make, model: ______________________________________

Mouldings? NO YESType: ___________________________ Profile: _________________________________

TileDo you want to use tile? NO YESWhere? (check all that apply)Type: _____________________________ Pattern: _____________________________Grout colour: ________________________ Tile Size: ___________________________

Cabinets• Custom or Modular?:___________________________________

• Material, stain or colour:__________________________________

• Door & drawer type:____________________________________

• Custom cabinet accessories (knobs, etc.):____________________

• Material finish: satin or semi-gloss:_________________________

CountertopsMaterial type: __________________________________________Edge detail: ____________________________________________Backsplash material? Type?_______________________________

SinksMake, model: ______________________________________Finish: ____________________________ Colour:________________

Sink Faucet:Make, model: ______________________ Finish: _________________

FlooringMaterial type? _______________________ Make, model:________________________Square footage: ______________________ Baseboards:___________________

Appliances

Refrigerator NO YESMake, model: _________________________ Finish: _______________

Disposal NO YESMake, model: ______________________________________ Finish: _______________Horsepower: ______________________________________

Range/Oven: NO YESMake, model: ______________________________________ Finish: _______________Fuel Type: ________________________________________

Range Hood NO YESUpdraft? ________ Downdraft? ___________

Dishwasher NO YESMake, model: ______________________________________ Finish: _______________

Microwave NO YESMake, model: _________________________Finish:_______________

Hot Water Dispenser NO YESMake, model: _________________________Finish:_______________

AIR-CONDITIONING SUP-PLIES AND SERVICESClamens & Associates 2000LtdBldg. 20Fernandes Industrial Estate,Laventille868-626-006224 Belle Smythe StWoodbrook868-622-3585Dock Office868-623-4051

DESIGN CONSULTANTSInex Consultants - DarrelDookoo291- 2326

CUSTOM DESIGNS ANDFINISHESTrinidad Innovation USA Co.Ltd55 Dundonald Street, or Cor. Melville Lane and DereStreet290-0915

Italian Kitchen Company165-A Western Main RdST JAMES628-3045

Beta HomesOld Southern Main Road, Frederick Settlement, CARONI662-3708/3710663-6511

PCCL2 Endeavour Street, Chaguanas665-9663, 665-8159

FLOORING, BLINDS ANDWINDOW TREATMENTSCW InteriorsCor. Cornelio Street & Ariapita Avenue, WOODBROOKBoundary Road & ChurchillRoosevelt Highway, SAN JUAN623-0000, 674- 0000

CABINETS AND COUNTER-TOPSWood Time Manufacturing2 IDC Industrial EstateDIEGO MARTIN,

633-9663

FURNITURE, LARGE ANDSMALL APPLIANCESCourts (Unicomer TrinidadLtd)Don Miguel Rd & ChurchillRoosevelt Hwy San Juan675-7808

Parts World Ltd153-155 Eastern Main Road,BARATARIA 638 -2570, 638 -1277, 638-2116

Signature Selection Trincity640-3764

FINANCE AND INSURANCERepublic Bank 11-17 Park Street, Port ofSpain623-1056

TATIL11A, Maraval Road,

PORT-OF-SPAIN62-TATIL

SINK, FAUCETS ANDACCESSORIESBath & Kitchen Design Centre 41 Mucurapo Road, St James622-1047

Oscar Francois Ltd133-135 Duke St868-623-1145

Rods 'N Stuff 1st Ave, Chaguanas868-672-460963 Rosalino Street, Woodbrook868-628-6166

Tazmo Hosein227- 229 Union Road, Marabella658 5483

Ampstec Electrical185 Oilbird Dr. Malabar868-643-6114

HARDWARE TOOLS ANDPLUMBING

SNS Hardware-PlumbingFixtures and Supplies,101 Cipero Street,SAN FERNANDO657-1310

C P's Plumbing & HardwareLtd32 Duncan Village868-653-3410868-657-5469

RESOURCES/DIRECTORY


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