Interior full-home renovation in Vancouver by Coordinated Kitchen & Bath. Project Management by Mike Williams.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Dual Flush Toilets
Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath in North Vancouver we want to help you find the ideal toilet for your home. Below we have outlined the differences in water consumption between single-flush toilets and dual-flush high efficiency toilets.
There is a vast difference between the low-flush, high-efficiency toilets and their predecessors, which waste a phenomenal amount of water. Low efficiency toilets typically use 5 or 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf). When multiplied by the average number of uses in a home over a year a 5gpf single flush toilet consumes approximately 36,500 gallons per year, a 3.5gpf single flush toilet uses roughly 25,550 gallons per year. Modern high efficiency dual flush toilets typically use 1.6gpf. When converted to typical use over the course of a year, a 1.6gpf dual flush toilet uses roughly 7,000 gallons per year.
Single flush Toilet: A single-flush toilet uses the same amount of water per flush, no matter what the toilet is flushing. This leads a wasteful use of water.
Dual-Flush High-Efficiency Toilet: A dual-flush toilet has two options for flushing. There is a full flush option, which is designed for solid waste, and a low-output flush option, designed for liquid waste only. Dual flush toilets can be more expensive; however overall can cost a consumer less, as water usage is diminished.
There is a vast difference between the low-flush, high-efficiency toilets and their predecessors, which waste a phenomenal amount of water. Low efficiency toilets typically use 5 or 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf). When multiplied by the average number of uses in a home over a year a 5gpf single flush toilet consumes approximately 36,500 gallons per year, a 3.5gpf single flush toilet uses roughly 25,550 gallons per year. Modern high efficiency dual flush toilets typically use 1.6gpf. When converted to typical use over the course of a year, a 1.6gpf dual flush toilet uses roughly 7,000 gallons per year.
Single flush Toilet: A single-flush toilet uses the same amount of water per flush, no matter what the toilet is flushing. This leads a wasteful use of water.
Dual-Flush High-Efficiency Toilet: A dual-flush toilet has two options for flushing. There is a full flush option, which is designed for solid waste, and a low-output flush option, designed for liquid waste only. Dual flush toilets can be more expensive; however overall can cost a consumer less, as water usage is diminished.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Tile Rating Standards
As outlined in our previous post, there are two contradicting definitions of Porcelain and Ceramic, which can lead to confusion as you try to discern the overall quality of the tile you are looking to purchase and install. In this post, we here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath in North Vancouver will outline the testing and rating process for tile, hopefully providing you with a clear understanding of how tile quality is rated.
The rating standards attempt to discern how a tile functions. These standards are all performance standards, thereby, the tile gets rated as to how if performs regardless of the material that it is made from. Tile is subject to numerous tests, these include slipperyness, resistance to cold/heat, breaking strength, stain resistance, chemical damage, wear resistance, and water absorption.
This allows the consumer to make numerous critical decisions regarding a tile’s use. A tile that absorbs a great deal of water should not be used outside where it is likely to freeze and crack. A tile that wears easily is not suitable to use on the floor, but could be a reasonable choice as a backsplash.
The two tests that are used to test resistance to surface wear and resistance to water penetration are the rating method’s developed by the “Porcelain Enamel Institute” (PEI Scale) and the “American National Standards Institute” (ANSI) respectfully. Each has their respective rating system to discern what tile is appropriate in what conditions. The categories for both the PEI and ANSI are listed below.
PEI: Resistance to Surface Wear
Group I: Soft tile, suitable for walls and backsplash
Group II: Soft tile, good for use in residential areas with very little foot traffic, would not be suitable for a kitchen.
Group III: Good for all residential settings, would work in low density commercial settings.
Group IV: Good for any interior setting, can work as a heavy commercial tile.
Group V: The sturdiest tile. Good for use in high density, high traffic, commercial settings.
ANSI Rating: Resistance to Water
Non-vitreous: Tile for areas that are not exposed to any moisture. Typically used for walls and fireplace surround’s.
Semi-vitreous: Tile that works for areas that may be exposed to moisture once in a while.
Vitreous: Suitable for any indoor application, this includes shower walls, floors, and outdoor areas that do not freeze.
Impervious: Can be used in any outdoor or indoor application.
Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath we hope that this assists you as you look to purchase and install tile in your kitchen and/or bathroom renovation.
The rating standards attempt to discern how a tile functions. These standards are all performance standards, thereby, the tile gets rated as to how if performs regardless of the material that it is made from. Tile is subject to numerous tests, these include slipperyness, resistance to cold/heat, breaking strength, stain resistance, chemical damage, wear resistance, and water absorption.
This allows the consumer to make numerous critical decisions regarding a tile’s use. A tile that absorbs a great deal of water should not be used outside where it is likely to freeze and crack. A tile that wears easily is not suitable to use on the floor, but could be a reasonable choice as a backsplash.
The two tests that are used to test resistance to surface wear and resistance to water penetration are the rating method’s developed by the “Porcelain Enamel Institute” (PEI Scale) and the “American National Standards Institute” (ANSI) respectfully. Each has their respective rating system to discern what tile is appropriate in what conditions. The categories for both the PEI and ANSI are listed below.
PEI: Resistance to Surface Wear
Group I: Soft tile, suitable for walls and backsplash
Group II: Soft tile, good for use in residential areas with very little foot traffic, would not be suitable for a kitchen.
Group III: Good for all residential settings, would work in low density commercial settings.
Group IV: Good for any interior setting, can work as a heavy commercial tile.
Group V: The sturdiest tile. Good for use in high density, high traffic, commercial settings.
ANSI Rating: Resistance to Water
Non-vitreous: Tile for areas that are not exposed to any moisture. Typically used for walls and fireplace surround’s.
Semi-vitreous: Tile that works for areas that may be exposed to moisture once in a while.
Vitreous: Suitable for any indoor application, this includes shower walls, floors, and outdoor areas that do not freeze.
Impervious: Can be used in any outdoor or indoor application.
Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath we hope that this assists you as you look to purchase and install tile in your kitchen and/or bathroom renovation.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
One typical question that people have when it comes to buying tile is regarding the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile. People have a sense that porcelain is better quality than ceramic tile but are not really sure as to why. Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath we have created a quick historical synopsis porcelain and ceramic tile.
Porcelain and Ceramic are not different kinds of tile. They are both ceramic tile. Roughly speaking ceramic means “of fired clay”, porcelain is one of the many varieties of fired clay. Ceramic tile, including porcelain, is made out of clay, additives (depending on the tile) and water.
Tile clay contains a large percentage of a mineral called Kaolinite. Kaolin results from the decay of certain minerals. Pure kaolin is a bright white colour; these white deposits are hard to come by. Most deposits of Kaolin contain iron oxide which darkens the clay, the amount of iron oxide in the clay, the darker the colour of the clay.
Porcelain and Ceramic are not different kinds of tile. They are both ceramic tile. Roughly speaking ceramic means “of fired clay”, porcelain is one of the many varieties of fired clay. Ceramic tile, including porcelain, is made out of clay, additives (depending on the tile) and water.
Tile clay contains a large percentage of a mineral called Kaolinite. Kaolin results from the decay of certain minerals. Pure kaolin is a bright white colour; these white deposits are hard to come by. Most deposits of Kaolin contain iron oxide which darkens the clay, the amount of iron oxide in the clay, the darker the colour of the clay.
In the European tradition porcelain is the term that has historically been used to describe the light colour clay that contains only minor deposits of iron oxide. Ceramic is tile that which contains larger amounts of iron oxide and thereby is either a yellow, orange, red, or brown colour.
Historically it has been thought that clay that contains more Kaolin (and thereby is a brighter colour) makes for a more durable tile. However this is untrue, as it does not matter how much Kaolinite is in the clay, but rather how much of it is vitrified during the firing process.
Firing evaporates the water and hardens the clay. This happens as particles within the clay are turned into low-order glass, this glass fills up the spaces between clay particles. If every space between clay particles is filled, this will increase the durability and waterproofing of the tile. How much of the tile is vitrified (process by which something is turned into glass) depends on how long and how hot the tile is fired. The colour of the clay makes no difference to the firing process.
The American tradition has had a very different way of classifying porcelain and ceramic tile. Within the United States there are three distinct ceramic industries: sanitary ware, dishware/pottery, ceramic tile. There is very little overlap between these industries as they tend to stick to their respective niches, despite using a similar product. When the American tile fabrication industry was just getting started, American tile manufacturers typically did not make traditional porcelain tile. If someone wanted porcelain tile they would order it from Europe. However other clay industries within the United States began using European porcelain. They quickly developed a reputation for high quality fabrication no matter the colour or material of the tile.
In part due to the high quality of their tile, American manufacturers felt like they needed a word to describe their high-quality product. Given the history of the term porcelain, and that it was a term known to the buying public, American manufacturers came to adopt the term for their high-quality tile. The limitation of the word to white tile, or tile that contained high levels of Kaolin, no longer held authority, as porcelain was used to describe high quality tile, no matter the colour.
The issue central to this re-naming process is that it conflicts with the historical public definition of the term porcelain. Thereby, we are now left with two distinct definitions as to what porcelain means. It can be either that which refers to any light-coloured tile, no matter the quality of the tile, or, a high quality tile no matter the colour of the tile.
The American tradition has had a very different way of classifying porcelain and ceramic tile. Within the United States there are three distinct ceramic industries: sanitary ware, dishware/pottery, ceramic tile. There is very little overlap between these industries as they tend to stick to their respective niches, despite using a similar product. When the American tile fabrication industry was just getting started, American tile manufacturers typically did not make traditional porcelain tile. If someone wanted porcelain tile they would order it from Europe. However other clay industries within the United States began using European porcelain. They quickly developed a reputation for high quality fabrication no matter the colour or material of the tile.
In part due to the high quality of their tile, American manufacturers felt like they needed a word to describe their high-quality product. Given the history of the term porcelain, and that it was a term known to the buying public, American manufacturers came to adopt the term for their high-quality tile. The limitation of the word to white tile, or tile that contained high levels of Kaolin, no longer held authority, as porcelain was used to describe high quality tile, no matter the colour.
The issue central to this re-naming process is that it conflicts with the historical public definition of the term porcelain. Thereby, we are now left with two distinct definitions as to what porcelain means. It can be either that which refers to any light-coloured tile, no matter the quality of the tile, or, a high quality tile no matter the colour of the tile.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
LED lighting
Light- emitting diodes (LED) are the future of home lighting. As the incandescent light was surpassed by the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), so to the CFL is giving way to the LED.
LEDs themselves are nothing new, having been originally invented by the 20th century Russian scientist Oleg Vladimirovich Losev (1903 – 1942). LED lights have been on the market for decades; however they have largely been relegated to electronic equipment, as they only have been available in red, blue, and green. With developments to the white light capacities of the LED, they have become viable lighting options for home and office lighting.
The LED light is created by running electrons through a semiconductor, the result of this is a process known as electroluminescence – a process that is fundamentally different than incandescent.
The incandescent bulb has had tremendous longevity and is a cheap and versatile bulb. However, this design is power-hungry, inefficient, and typically short-lived. One of the primary benefits of incandescent bulbs is the quality of light they emit. Quality of light is typically measured as colour temperature, colour accuracy, and the utility of the light pattern. Incandescent lights typically rate high in all these categories; however, the inefficient use of energy continues to decrease their use in homes. Even modern incandescent bulbs can transform energy into 90% heat instead of light.
CFL bulbs solve some of the efficiency problems of the incandescent bulbs. However, each bulb contains small traces of mercury, which can cause issues with the disposal of the bulbs. CFL typically are long-lasting bulbs, ranging from 5,000 – 15,000 hours. However, they do not last nearly as long in rapid cycling circumstances. If the bulb is turned and left on when installed, you may exceed the length rating of the bulb. However, if the bulb is constantly being turned on and off, the bulb will burn out quite quickly. CFL bulbs captured a large portion of the market during the mid-2000’s, however its market share has declined significantly since then.
The most essential distinction between LED and incandescent / CFL bulbs is that LED bulbs are solid-state. Rather than creating light through gas-discharge or burning, LEDs use semiconductors. This allows the LED to be a longer-lasting and power efficient light. There has been progress in the colouration of LED lights, as the light they emit now resembles that of an incandescent bulb. This means that LED bulbs are a viable option for the home, as the white light they emit is neither too harsh nor too light. The next time you are purchasing a light, consider LED, while the cost may be high upfront, they are high performing bulbs that can save you a lot of money and hassle through their efficient use of energy. Come chat with us at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath and see how LED lights can fit into your kitchen or bathroom.
LEDs themselves are nothing new, having been originally invented by the 20th century Russian scientist Oleg Vladimirovich Losev (1903 – 1942). LED lights have been on the market for decades; however they have largely been relegated to electronic equipment, as they only have been available in red, blue, and green. With developments to the white light capacities of the LED, they have become viable lighting options for home and office lighting.
The LED light is created by running electrons through a semiconductor, the result of this is a process known as electroluminescence – a process that is fundamentally different than incandescent.
The incandescent bulb has had tremendous longevity and is a cheap and versatile bulb. However, this design is power-hungry, inefficient, and typically short-lived. One of the primary benefits of incandescent bulbs is the quality of light they emit. Quality of light is typically measured as colour temperature, colour accuracy, and the utility of the light pattern. Incandescent lights typically rate high in all these categories; however, the inefficient use of energy continues to decrease their use in homes. Even modern incandescent bulbs can transform energy into 90% heat instead of light.
CFL bulbs solve some of the efficiency problems of the incandescent bulbs. However, each bulb contains small traces of mercury, which can cause issues with the disposal of the bulbs. CFL typically are long-lasting bulbs, ranging from 5,000 – 15,000 hours. However, they do not last nearly as long in rapid cycling circumstances. If the bulb is turned and left on when installed, you may exceed the length rating of the bulb. However, if the bulb is constantly being turned on and off, the bulb will burn out quite quickly. CFL bulbs captured a large portion of the market during the mid-2000’s, however its market share has declined significantly since then.
The most essential distinction between LED and incandescent / CFL bulbs is that LED bulbs are solid-state. Rather than creating light through gas-discharge or burning, LEDs use semiconductors. This allows the LED to be a longer-lasting and power efficient light. There has been progress in the colouration of LED lights, as the light they emit now resembles that of an incandescent bulb. This means that LED bulbs are a viable option for the home, as the white light they emit is neither too harsh nor too light. The next time you are purchasing a light, consider LED, while the cost may be high upfront, they are high performing bulbs that can save you a lot of money and hassle through their efficient use of energy. Come chat with us at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath and see how LED lights can fit into your kitchen or bathroom.
Showroom and Kitchen & Bath Associate
Coordinated Kitchen and Bath, an established North Vancouver Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations company is seeking an individual with experience in retail sales to become its Showroom and Kitchen & Bath Associate.
This role requires managing the showroom and storeroom, managing mail, email, faxes, and ordering materials, parts, and displays for the showroom and construction projects.
Work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 4:30.
Essential Skills:
Retail sales experience, excellent organizational skills, and a desire to learn about the kitchen and bathroom design industry.
A high proficiency with computers and the Internet, as the position involves frequent use of the Internet and order management software.
Driver's licence required, as there will be some need for deliveries of fixtures and parts to jobs.
Comfortable lifting and moving heavy packaged items in the showroom.
A team player comfortable working with people in a fast paced environment.
Education:
Candidates must have some level of post secondary education.
Some knowledge of plumbing products and the kitchen and bathroom industry would be desirable.
Benefits:
The employer offers a benefits plan. Training will also be offered to allow the candidate to grow and develop within the organization and the industry.
Contact:
Please send your resume and cover letter explaining your qualifications for the role, and why you are interested in pursuing a career in the bathroom and kitchen industry.
Thank you for your interest, only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers
This role requires managing the showroom and storeroom, managing mail, email, faxes, and ordering materials, parts, and displays for the showroom and construction projects.
Work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 4:30.
Essential Skills:
Retail sales experience, excellent organizational skills, and a desire to learn about the kitchen and bathroom design industry.
A high proficiency with computers and the Internet, as the position involves frequent use of the Internet and order management software.
Driver's licence required, as there will be some need for deliveries of fixtures and parts to jobs.
Comfortable lifting and moving heavy packaged items in the showroom.
A team player comfortable working with people in a fast paced environment.
Education:
Candidates must have some level of post secondary education.
Some knowledge of plumbing products and the kitchen and bathroom industry would be desirable.
Benefits:
The employer offers a benefits plan. Training will also be offered to allow the candidate to grow and develop within the organization and the industry.
Contact:
Please send your resume and cover letter explaining your qualifications for the role, and why you are interested in pursuing a career in the bathroom and kitchen industry.
Thank you for your interest, only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Top Interior Design Websites
Coming up with ideas as to what you would like your freshly renovated kitchen or bathroom to look like can be stressful and overwhelming. Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath in North Vancouver we have created a list of some of our favorite interior design websites to help you work through what colours, materials, and designs you would like to incorporate into your space.
a.) Houzz.com – Houzz boasts the largest number of interior design and decorating ideas on the Internet. One of the best resources available to see what is being done in kitchens and bathrooms across the world. Invariably everyone’s niche aesthetic will be satisfied.
b.) Roomenvy.co.uk – More selective than Houzz in that only a few very strong ideas are presented at a time. Focused primarily on the interior of homes Roomenvy showcases some of the most creative design work on the web.
c.) Designshuffle.com – Typically showcase full houses. Some very unique approaches to design and architecture are to be found throughout the site. An excellent resource if you are looking to renovate your entire home or are simply trying to integrate your kitchen and bathroom into the overall aesthetic of your house.
d.) Emmas.blogg.se – If you enjoy contemporary Scandinavian design then welcome to paradise.A picture filled blog by Emma Fexeus with a fantastic layout.
To see a sample of Coordinated Kitchen & Bath’s design and renovation work you can head over to our website through the following link:
www.coordinatedkitchens.com/
a.) Houzz.com – Houzz boasts the largest number of interior design and decorating ideas on the Internet. One of the best resources available to see what is being done in kitchens and bathrooms across the world. Invariably everyone’s niche aesthetic will be satisfied.
b.) Roomenvy.co.uk – More selective than Houzz in that only a few very strong ideas are presented at a time. Focused primarily on the interior of homes Roomenvy showcases some of the most creative design work on the web.
c.) Designshuffle.com – Typically showcase full houses. Some very unique approaches to design and architecture are to be found throughout the site. An excellent resource if you are looking to renovate your entire home or are simply trying to integrate your kitchen and bathroom into the overall aesthetic of your house.
d.) Emmas.blogg.se – If you enjoy contemporary Scandinavian design then welcome to paradise.A picture filled blog by Emma Fexeus with a fantastic layout.
To see a sample of Coordinated Kitchen & Bath’s design and renovation work you can head over to our website through the following link:
www.coordinatedkitchens.com/
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Countertop Companies
Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath in North Vancouver we have access to, and use numerous counter-top brands to achieve the ideal look in your space. Each brand offers its own unique products in a wide variety of colours and finishes. The different brands we use are:
Artisan Stone Collection: Granite and marble countertop's available in a variety of unique colours.
Atlas Stone Products: Provide customers with a wide-selection of kitchen and bathroom countertop options.
Cambria: Family owned business that produces natural quartz surfaces.
Caesarstone: Craft a wide-range of durable and beautiful quartz surfaces in a plethora of colours and finishes.
DuPont: Corian is a solid surface material engineered to be both visually stunning and long-lasting.
EOS Solid Surface: Bridge the gap between seamless solid surfaces and high-end laminate. Offer unique surfaces that blend recycled glass.
LG Hausys: Offer high performance quartz and acrylic surfaces.
Margranite: Produce high quality granite slabs and tiles.
Quartzform: Design and produce quartz surfaces ideal for countertop's and interior design.
Silestone: One of the world’s leading producers of quartz surfaces, designed for high-quality kitchens and bathrooms.
Artisan Stone Collection: Granite and marble countertop's available in a variety of unique colours.
Atlas Stone Products: Provide customers with a wide-selection of kitchen and bathroom countertop options.
Cambria: Family owned business that produces natural quartz surfaces.
Caesarstone: Craft a wide-range of durable and beautiful quartz surfaces in a plethora of colours and finishes.
DuPont: Corian is a solid surface material engineered to be both visually stunning and long-lasting.
EOS Solid Surface: Bridge the gap between seamless solid surfaces and high-end laminate. Offer unique surfaces that blend recycled glass.
LG Hausys: Offer high performance quartz and acrylic surfaces.
Margranite: Produce high quality granite slabs and tiles.
Quartzform: Design and produce quartz surfaces ideal for countertop's and interior design.
Silestone: One of the world’s leading producers of quartz surfaces, designed for high-quality kitchens and bathrooms.
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