Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Options For Your Dream Kitchen
Whether you need corner kitchen cabinet options, or you are looking at budget-friendly custom kitchen cabinet options, it's time to see what RWC Windows, Doors & More has to offer. We can help you choose from the best kitchen cabinet drawer options, giving you a great looking kitchen at a price you can afford.
Choosing Stock Cabinets for Your Kitchen
The easiest way to save money on your kitchen cabinets is to choose cabinets that are standard and pre-made. While the construction may not be as good as with custom kitchen cabinet options, they can fit into a tight budget. Choose white and you are going with some of the most basic cabinets available. You can go with stock cabinets, and then change out the hardware to give your cabinets a more unique look.
Reface Your Existing Cabinets
If you already have solid cabinets in your kitchen, refacing the cabinets is a great way to save money and recycle what is already there. You can use the existing cabinets and put on new cabinet doors, or even sand down and stain the current doors to a new shade. Use new hardware, and you will have updated kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money. When the color of your existing cabinets is already the right choice, you can simply change out the handles and give your cabinets a fresh look.
Customizing Your Kitchen Cabinets
When you have a tight corner where you want to have a cabinet, you can get a customized kitchen cabinet for that area that matches the rest of your stock cabinets. If you prefer customized kitchen cabinets for your kitchen and you are on a tight budget, you are going to have to cut from other aspects of your kitchen design to meet your cabinet goals. Work on your kitchen design with your contractor, and you will be able to find the right kitchen cabinets that meet your budget and design goals.
Ready to Assemble, Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets come in four ways, ready to assemble, stock, semi-custom, and custom. With stock cabinets, you have limited choices when it comes to the color and style of the kitchen cabinets available to you. If you choose to go with semi-custom kitchen cabinets, you'll have more choices as to the style of your kitchen cabinets, the colors, and the materials used in the construction. With custom kitchen cabinets, you'll spend the most money, but you will also get exactly what you want for your dream kitchen without having to make any compromises. If you are looking for the most budget friendly option, ready to assemble cabinets are generally the answer.
Standard cabinets are affordable, but come in limited designs and colors
- Reface your existing cabinets or simply change the hardware
- Custom cabinets are more expensive, but you may be able to save money in other areas
- Ready to assemble cabinets need to be put together, but can give you more choices when it comes to designing your kitchen on a budget.
To learn more about the best kitchen cabinet brands to renovate your kitchen, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 and talk to one of our kitchen renovation specialists. We provide services to homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area.
How Often Should You Renovate Your Bathroom?
If you are wondering how often should a bathroom be renovated, the real question to consider is how long does a bathroom last. Deciding when to renovate your bathroom can be as simple as you don't like the look of it anymore. If you are looking to sell your home, you may be asking yourself should I update my bathroom before selling. There are a number of reasons to remodel your bathroom, and it's time to begin your new bathroom design.
Choosing to Remodel Kitchen or Bathroom First
If you are looking to complete a renovation on your home in preparation of selling it, both a kitchen and bathroom renovation can have a big impact. When you want to increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers, a new kitchen and a new bathroom are both beneficial. It may depend on your budget or how much time you have before you want to list your home for sale, which one you choose first. If you choose a bathroom renovation first, you can make big changes quickly to your bathroom.
When Your Bathroom Is Falling Apart
A great reason to renovate your bathroom is when you have problems with the plumbing, tiles are loose, or you have issues with the appliances. In a bathroom with mold issues, you probably need a good renovation to clean out the mold completely. Bathrooms should be a comfortable place where you can escape and unwind in a comfortable bath. If your view is of water stains on the ceiling and you are looking at mold you can't scrub out of your tile grout, it's time to renovate your bathroom.
If You Don't Like Your Bathroom
There may come a time when your bathroom no longer fits your style. If you are tired of pink tile surrounding your tub, or you just want a change, it's time for a renovation. You don't have to make huge changes to your bathroom to have a renovation that improves the look and feel of your bathroom. Update your fixtures, consider a new tub surround and invest in new flooring to give your bathroom an updated look.
The Bathroom Layout Doesn't Work
Your bathroom may have a layout that is awkward and doesn't flow for you. You may need a new bathroom renovation if you now use an assistive device to move around and it doesn't fit in your current scheme. You can have your bathroom renovated to change the layout and make it more accommodating for you.
Bathroom Odors are Present
If you clean your bathroom thoroughly and there are still odors, it's probably time for a renovation. The seal on your toilet may need replacement and new ventilation may be required. There might also be some unlying mold issues that can be causing an odor. Take care of bathroom odors that are difficult to manage by updating your existing bathroom.
You should invest in a bathroom renovation when:
- You want to improve the value of your home
- You are tired of your existing bathroom
- There is damage to your bathroom throughout the space
- The layout no longer works for you
- You have odors
Contact Us Today For Your Bathroom Renovation
To learn more about bathroom ideas and renovating your bathroom, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 for an initial consultation. We have been in the kitchen and bathroom renovation business for more than 25 years, serving homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding towns.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Exterior Door?
Your home's exterior door could use an upgrade, but you have a set budget to spend and really don't know a lot about how to pick the best door. You could give your door a makeover or a fresh coat of paint, but there are few things that bring a new personality to a home like a nice exterior door. The average cost to install an exterior door can be anywhere from $1,500-$8,000, but there are numerous factors that can help determine the end cost.
The Type of Door You Choose
The type of door you choose is naturally going to make a drastic difference in how much you spend. Doors can be made out of metal, fiberglass, or wood, and all of them have different price points. Wooden doors can sometimes be a little more costly than something like steel, but wooden doors can also have higher long-term maintenance costs. Steel tends to be the least expensive of all the door types, but many homeowners prefer the decorative look of wood over steel, especially for a front entry door. Fiberglass exterior doors fall in the mid-range somewhere, but they can be less resilient than steel.
Pre-Hung or Not Pre-Hung
A pre-hung door is a door that is already affixed to a frame. These doors tend to be more expensive because they have the components and hardware attached already. If you go with a slab door that is not pre-hung, your costs can be substantially lower, but the installation costs can be more. Therefore, it can be more affordable to go ahead and invest in a pre-hung door to save money.
Whether Glass Panels or Windows Are Implemented
Having windows or sections of glass added to an exterior door will bring up the cost between $300 and 1,200. Glass panels and windows are valuable if you want more natural light in your home, so the extra cost can be well worth it.
The Door Frame Size
Naturally, the size of the door you need is going to make a difference in the price. Standard door sizes are going to be the most affordable. Doors that are larger or smaller than usual or have to be custom-made to suit certain size specifications are going to be more expensive. Standard door measurements are widths of 30, 32, and 36 inches, and the standard door height of 80 inches. Anything smaller or larger, or thicker than the typical 1 3/4-inch thickness, is probably going to be higher.
What's Included in the Cost of a New Exterior Door Installation
When you are given an estimate for an exterior door installation, you will get a breakdown of the labor cost to install exterior door and the materials. Most pros will include removal of the old door, installation of the new door, and installation of the new knobs, locks, and hardware in the price. The cost to install exterior door in wall where no door existed will naturally be higher, so that is another factor to keep in mind.
Takeaways to Remember About Exterior Door Installation Cost
- Some doors cost less initially but require more upkeep expenses for the long term
- Standard-size doors are the most affordable and off sizes are more expensive
- Picking doors with windows or glass panels means a higher cost
- It can be financially logical to have the door you buy professionally installed
- Pre-hung exterior doors have more components and can be more expensive
Choosing the exterior door that fits your home's style and functionality the best can take some doing when you have a specific budget in mind. Reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More for professional guidance finding the perfect door for your price range.
What to Consider Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving
From hanging and floating shelves over the main food prep area to freestanding shelves situated on the wall in place of cabinetry, open shelving in kitchen design has truly come alive in the last few years. Once implemented into kitchens as the bare beginnings of kitchen storage solutions, open shelving is more tied to farmhouse-style kitchens and minimalist design ideas these days. As attractive as these modern open-storage solutions may be, they are not a good fit for every kitchen or every kitchen user. Here are a few things to consider about open kitchen shelving and whether or not they are the best kitchen shelving option for you!
Closed Cabinetry Does Have Its Perks
Things evolved from crude shelving to closed cabinetry over the years for good reasons. With closed cabinets, you can tuck away all the clutter and keep the kitchen looking tidy. For the most part, regular cabinets are a logical shelving concept. Before you start thinking about how to style open kitchen shelves in your kitchen layout, it's best to consider if you really want to eliminate all your cabinets or just a few.
Open Shelves Require a Bit of Forethought
You know how you currently unload the dishwasher quickly and slap everything in the cabinets? If you are going to be using open shelves for something like storing dishes, some old habits will have to change. Everything that you place on your open shelves will have to be carefully considered and organized. Otherwise, your kitchen wall shelving could end up with a mess of clutter that makes your entire kitchen look messy. Some people like the idea of using open shelves to display things like pasta and ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and spices. This can look nice, but, again, you'll have to be careful with what you choose to have on open display.
Open Shelving Must Be Properly Installed
This is a huge thing to consider. If you have picked up a DIY kit and are wondering how to install open shelving in kitchen areas, you may want to reach out to a professional to get the job done right. There are all kinds of ways shelving can be installed, but the shelving has to be completely stable, anchored securely, and capable of holding heavy weight. Consider just how many pounds a shelf full of glasses would weigh and now think about how easy it will be for such weight to strip a good screw right out of the wall. With this in mind, installing shelves is better left to the experts.
You Must Pick the Best Location
Houzz provides a good list of open shelving kitchen idea locations, but the real good options are going to change according to your kitchen layout or design. For example, open shelving over the sink may be nice for some homes, but a lot of kitchens have a window over the sink, so this placement might not work.
Takeaways to Remember Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving
- Closed cabinetry will always have its perks; a collaboration of open & closed shelving is always a good mix.
- Open shelving installation is usually not a DIY task.
- Picking the best location will make all the difference in how happy you are with the end result.
- Once installed, your open shelving becomes a design element of the space, along with everything on the shelf.
Open Shelving Installation in NJ
Many people are perfectly happy with the unique open shelves they have installed in their kitchen, but this is a major change to make and should be carefully considered. For more help with how to pick open shelving or cabinetry for your kitchen remodel, reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More.
Window Cleaning Tips
When you consider all the ways your windows can collect grime and dirt, you may realize that even windows that may look fairly clean - are not! Dirty or damaged commercial or residential windows stick out like a sore thumb. The collection of environmental, airborne pollution on exterior surfaces and the accumulation of grease, dust, and fingerprints inside will require window cleaning techniques that will deep clean glass surfaces. According to the EPA, your home furnishings that are manufactured with man-made materials are a source of poor indoor air quality and can also leave an invisible film or oily fog on windows.
Tips on Window Cleaning
Good window cleaning removes built up grime without leaving dirt or water streaks. The best window cleaner is made at home using 50% white vinegar and 50% tap water. Mix this solution in a spray bottle and add just a 1/2 teaspoon of dish detergent like Dawn. The acid in vinegar will cut through the greasy, filmy residue while the soap will collect the dirt to be washed away.
If you don't have vinegar handy, some good substitute combinations with include distilled water and Vodka, cornstarch and ammonia, warm water and lemon juice, or dish soap and rubbing alcohol. You can find the recipes here.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Windows
Most double hung window sashes will tilt in for easy exterior cleaning. If your windows are single pane windows or sliding windows, a soft bristle brush on an extension pole (or a microfiber cloth wrapper around a Swiffer mop) can be used to reach upper window sections.
For second level windows, you don't really need a ladder if you have a garden hose. Purchase a spray bottle that can be attached to a hose (similar to the liquid fertilizer bottles). Add your solution and begin spraying upper level windows with a strong force of cleaning solution. Follow by using the water hose to rinse windows with clear water, before the solution dries completely.
Interior Window Washing Tips and Tricks
When cleaning interior windows you may want to lay a large bath towel on the floor for protection. Begin your project by cleaning the window tracks where dirt and mud can accumulate. Clean window tracks with a butter knife wrapped in a microfiber cleaning cloth and dipped in a baking soda and vinegar solution will speed up the process.
Spray windows and allow the solution to sit for a minute. You can use a sponge, microfiber cloth, or newspaper to wipe the windows from the top to the bottom. Use a separate cloth for a final, streak-free wipe down.
Your grandparents may have used newspaper to wipe clean interior windows. This is still an excellent way to get smear-free windows, as long as the newspaper ink is not petroleum based which causes the ink to transfer and smear. Not to worry, 90% of all newspapers use the cheaper, soy-based ink which does not smear.
Use the bristles of a small brush (like a toothbrush) to get into joints and hardware to remove built up grime. This also a useful tool for cleaning the lower portion of your window screen.
Frame and Window Sill Cleaning Tips
The last steps in cleaning the interior windows is to clean the frame and window sill which will have gathered much of the dirt you've washed away from the glass pane.
You may want to scrub your metal window frame with a toothbrush and your window cleaning solution. If window frames are really grimy, sprinkle baking soda on the frames first (getting into the grooves and corners). Follow that by spraying with your vinegar and water solution, then scrubbing with a toothbrush. Wipe your window frames clean and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Finally, wipe down your window trim and sills with clean soapy water, followed by wiping with a damp cloth, then drying with a clean cloth. Avoid allowing the water to sit on the wooden sills for too long.
Take-Aways
- A 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water will leave your windows clean and streak-free
- When cleaning windows, also clean the window tracks, frame, and window sill
- Allow cleaning solution to sit a minute - but do not allow to dry
If your window frames are rusty or damaged and your windows panes discolored or show signs of mold growth, consider replacement windows installed by RWC Windows, Doors, and More. RWC also provides bathroom and kitchen remodeling, along with door installation and window replacement to homeowners in northern New Jersey.
How To Use Subway Tiles In Your Home [Infographic]
Subway tiles were first used in the early 1900s when the New York City Subway was being built. These clean and bright ceramic tiles were ideal for reflecting light within the subterranean transit system and creating a welcoming space for the city’s commuters. Today, subway tiles are used everywhere from chic hotel restrooms to the modern family kitchen. This classic style is a favorite of designers and homeowners because it offers a crisp and simple feel. And while many choose to go with the traditional white subway tiles for their kitchen or bathroom, they can now be found in a variety of materials, sizes, and colors.
Subway Tiles And Your Space
Choose your space wisely, but don’t stress too much -- subway tiles work great in kitchens, bathrooms, and every other room. Because subway tiles are durable, they can also be used as a backdrop design in just about any room - including bedrooms and living rooms. Most modern subway tiles still come in relatively small sizes, so they are great for putting in around built-in cabinets in bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms.
It’s acceptable to play with different colors and sizes when choosing subway tiles in your bathroom or kitchen. The original subway tiles created by designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge in 1904 were 3-by-6-inch rectangles. But since then, times have changed, and homeowners can choose from a wide variety of different sized subway tiles. The most popular sizes for modern subway tiles include 3x6, 4x12, and 4x16. Some popular color options include classic white, modern black, green beveled, yellow, blue, and purple.
Great Grout!
Standard-edge and beveled-edge subway tiles always look great with traditional white grouting, allowing for clean lines and a uniform design. Another option for updating the look of your subway tiles while still keeping the clean design that they offer is to change up the grout color. A classic white subway tile can instantly look more modern and chic with the addition of grey grout work. Subway tiles in a bathroom can really pop when used with different grout colors. Playing with different grout options is one way to emphasize the design of your subway tiles and make your tiled wall pop!
Alternating tiles or developing a unique pattern using different tile colors is a simple way to create contrast in any space. A good tip? Try laying your favorite tiles down on the floor or countertop and try using a different color or contrasting tile every 5 to 10 tiles to come up with a pattern you’ll love.
Mix It Up With Pattern and Color
Subway tiles make it easy to create many different patterns. So, if alternating tiles aren’t your favorite, you could also try laying them down in a chevron pattern, off-center, vertical, stacked, or in a herringbone pattern to create more dimension. Subway tiles for a kitchen can be used in backsplashes, walls or counters.
Tired of traditional ceramic? Try these alternative ideas to spice up subway tiles:
- While many homeowners choose to use traditional ceramic subway tiles, there are a variety of different material options available on the market today. Some alternatives to ceramic subway tiles include porcelain, glass, and metal.
- Additional pattern options include diagonal, basketweave, vertical basketweave, corridor horizontal, corridor offset horizontal, and brickwork vertical.
In Summation
- Subway tile is good everywhere in your home - bathroom, kitchens, backsplashes and more.
- Change up your grout color to make subway tile different in every room in your home.
- You have almost unlimited pattern and material options! Check out some design ideas for your home here to draw inspiration.
Whether you’re interested in creating a fabulous design for an entirely redesigned modern subway tile bathroom or you’re limiting the home renovation to a classic subway tile shower, the possibilities are endless when you go with such a classic material. And with so many styles, colors and pattern options, you can really have some fun with the design process. No matter the size or style of the subway tiles that you choose, your final home renovation project will certainly have lasting appeal and help to transform your kitchen or bathroom into a welcoming and timeless space in your home. For more subway tile options and installation information, call (973) 435-4230 or visit the team at RWC Windows and Doors online today to request a quote.
3 Ways Vertical Storage Can Help Reduce Clutter In Your Home
Reduce Clutter In Your Home
Whether you live in a small apartment or a home that is a bit short on storage space, clutter can be a major issue. From all the small appliances you use daily in the kitchen to the tons of accessories and supplies you keep in the closet, all those everyday extras need a place to go. If your closets are overflowing, your cabinetry is stuffed, and you're running out of places to stick all that extra stuff, it's time to start looking at storage from a different angle—a vertical one. Check out these cool vertical storage ideas to help you find out how to reduce clutter in a new way.
Implement Vertical Kitchen Storage Racks
People struggle to have ample storage in their kitchen perhaps more than any other room in the house. Vertical kitchen storage racks are a good solution, and these can be found in a range of styles and sizes. These racks can reach all the way to the ceiling and give you multiple tiers for stowing away your excess items, but they can also function as a designer element. You can pick up storage cabinets or create your own out of an old wardrobe and make the new storage an attractive part of your overall kitchen design.
Take Advantage of Vertical Plastic Storage Containers
Storage containers are not at all hard to find, and there are tons out there which are designed to be stackable and stable even if several are stacked on top of one another. You could use something like these stackable storage cube shelves from Home Depot and create new storage possibilities on empty walls in your bedroom, utility room, or kitchen. Even small and inexpensive plastic storage containers can be stacked, and even though these aren't the most attractive, they can be concealed in a closet or behind a decorative wall.
Utilize Vertical Storage for Small Space in a Creative Way
Even if you have a small space with an empty wall, there are ways you can implement vertical storage. For instance, a narrow pegboard can be installed in a small closet or bathroom to create a space where you can hang everything from tools to kitchen utensils. For instance, if you have a small pantry in your kitchen with a free wall, covering this wall with a pegboard would give you a spot to hang small baskets to house single-serve pouches of food, spare utensils, or even pots and pans. You could also pick up some of these creative knobs from IKEA to add a few ways to hang items in a vertical space. In a closet, for example, a series of knobs could be used to hang up coats, ties, belts, and purses.
Takeaways to Remember About Vertical Storage to Reduce Clutter
- Implementing vertical storage can be done without a big budget
- Blank walls give ample opportunities for storage all over the house
- Vertical storage can be integrated into closets where there is a wall available
- Creating storage that reaches from the floor to the ceiling is perfectly doable
- Pegboards, stackable cube storage, and vertical shelves are excellent storage solutions
Living in a clutter-free home helps make you feel more comfortable and confident. No matter how small your space is, vertical storage may be a logical solution if you feel overwhelmed by clutter. Reach out to RWC Windows, Doors, and More to talk about how we can help you with having more space.
Best Times of The Year to Renovate Certain Parts of The Home [Infographic]
Renovations...they can be fun or they can be cumbersome. When you choose the right time of year to do your renovations, however, you'll find that things go a lot smoother. Did you know home improvement seasonality can save (or cost) you lots of money? If you want to get the best bang for your buck, here are some things to think about when you're doing your next remodeling project:
January through Early March: Additions to your home
- The best month for house renovation projects that are going to add square footage to your home is actually February or early March when the ground is still frozen. This sounds counter-intuitive, but the frozen ground and dry air actually makes it easier for contractors to pour concrete.
- Builders tend to be less busy during the winter months, so you may score discounts. At a minimum, it'll be easier to schedule your project.
- Less chance for mixups or inaccurate orders when builders aren't overwhelmed with work
April through June: Outdoor projects like decks, patios, and paved walkways
If you've ever asked yourself, "When do people remodel their house?", it's often not during springtime unless they have a lot of extra cash to spend.
- Builders and craftsmen are busiest during spring, so they can charge a premium for their prices
- This is a great time to do the DIY projects you've put on the back burner
- Consider painting your home, building a deck, or cleaning out your garage while contractor fees are at their highest. When everything is cleaned up and prices come down, it'll be easier to afford a contractor for your renovation needs
July through September: Bathroom Remodeling
Since you'll be spending much of your time outdoors or away from home during the vacation months, it makes the most sense to renovate your bathroom during the end of summer. You can have someone check in on your place while you're away, but you'll avoid the unpleasantness of being without a bathroom or two, which would be a serious inconvenience if you were home during the remodel.
- Schedule your bathroom remodels while you'll be away
- Ask for references and referrals to be sure you hire a reputable contractor you can trust
- Make sure you understand all the paperwork before you leave
- Have a friend or neighbor check in on the progress once every day or two
- Hire a landscaper to take care of the lawn and make your curb aesthetics stunning so you can come back home to a beautiful lawn before you even see your new bathroom
October through December
The cheapest time of the year to remodel kitchen areas is usually the end of the year just before the holidays approach. Contractors' workflows slow down significantly, which means they may be more available than they would be in the spring or summer. Additionally, materials may be more affordable, as there's less demand.
- Schedule your kitchen remodel on a year when you won't be entertaining guests for the holidays.
- Allow plenty of leeway for delays in delivery, as inclement weather can push the dates back more than initially expected.
- Put supply and demand to work for you by working with contractors who aren't in their busy season when you want your biggest renovations done. It'll save you a lot of money and time in the long run, and you're more likely to have dedicated customer service if you have questions or concerns.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we help people remodel their homes the right way. Contact us for an initial consultation, and let our experienced pros guide you through the process!
Tips To Get a Jump Start on Fall Home Maintenance
With the summer coming to a close, it's time to take a closer look at your fall home maintenance schedule. Your home is going to be more energy efficient and less maintenance issues when you inspect your property every season and make any small repairs necessary. To get a jump start on your fall home maintenance, it's time to inspect your home and get to work on your maintenance list.
Inspect Your Property Carefully
When it comes to getting a jump start on fall home maintenance, it's important to inspect your property. Look for damage to your roof, windows, trim and make a list of any problems that you find. If the exterior needs to be painted, get this done before the winter weather hits. Consider your landscaping, and check on the health of the trees and shrubs around your home. Look at the gutters, and get ready to clean them out once all the leaves have fallen.
Come Up with a Maintenance List
The easiest way to get started on your maintenance is to create a list of tasks. Good preparation will help you stay focused when you have limited time on the weekends to get your maintenance done. For any tasks where you need help, schedule service to come and do the work for you before the season gets busy. Get the work done early so that you are ready for the cooler weather that you know is coming.
Focus On Fall Prevention
If you expect icy cold weather within a few months, a focus on preventing falls should be part of your home maintenance each autumn. Look at your walkways and make sure there aren't any loose bricks or other hazards. Check the railings to see if they are secure. Once the ice and snow pile up, you want to be sure that it is easy to keep your walkways free from ice so that no one falls.
Get Your Heating System Serviced
Your heating system should be checked before you need to turn it on every day in order to prevent problems. The efficiency of your furnace should be tested, and your furnace cleaned for the upcoming season. Your air filters should be changed and any fuel supply topped off. If any repairs are needed on your heating system, they should be done before the weather turns cold.
Get Your Gutters Cleaned
Gutters should be cleaned twice a year, and not until after all the leaves have fallen this fall. Your downspouts should be cleaned out and ready to move water from your roof and away from your home. If you can't get up to the gutters, get them professionally cleaned before the cold weather hits to protect your home.
To get a jump start on your home maintenance this fall:
- do a careful inspection both inside and out to identify areas that need to be addressed.
- take care of basic maintenance like gutter cleaning and furnace servicing.
- make a list and schedule time to do each task.
- contract for any help that you need early on to avoid problems with scheduling.
If you are trying to complete your home maintenance tips for fall and you need help, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More in West Caldwell, NJ at 973-435-4230. We provide home maintenance tips and tricks so you can complete your fall checklist and be ready for the cold weather to come.
Everything You Need To Know About Painting Your Front Door
Wondering how to paint a front door correctly? Painting your home's front door is one of the more common do-it-yourself summer home improvement projects. But, before you pick up that paintbrush, there are many things to consider. This includes: trending paint colors, the type of paint to use for the door material, and what products can improve the paint's performance and make the paint job last longer.
Creative Ideas for Painting Your Front Door
Today's front door colors are bolder and brighter than ever before. A colorful front door is not only pretty, but can also create a unique focal point for the entire property. When choosing a paint color, first decide if you desire a cool color (blues, browns, greens) or a warm color (reds, yellows, gray). Within each of these major groups you will find many hues and shades to choose from. Some new trendy exterior door ideas include Aqua, Mint Green, Lilac, Mustard Yellow, Coral, and Peach.
Whichever front door paint color you choose, be sure it blends with the overall exterior of the home, and makes a strong statement that reflects your family's personality. Choose a few paint chips or purchase small paint samples to see how the color looks during different times of the day.
What Kind of Paint to Use on a Front Door?
The best paint for a front door is one that’s specifically designated for exterior surfaces. Glossy or semi-gloss paints are typically used for front doors, but an eggshell or flat finish are also available. When considering flat paint, remember that it is harder to clean and will show scrapes and nicks better than a glossy paint. A high gloss front door paint will make your door stand out and will exaggerate the architectural features of the door.
Next, you want to consider if an oil-based paint, water-based, or latex paint is best. Whichever you choose, make sure your primer is of the same formula. Latex paints are certainly easier to apply, easier to clean up, and will dry faster. But, oil-based paints last longer and stand up to harsh weather best. Expect a long dry time with oil-based paints and you will need turpentine or paint thinner to clean up any spills.
How to Paint a Metal Front Door
From one of the most handy of handymen, Bob Vila makes these suggestions for painting a metal exterior door:
- If possible, remove the door from its hinges then clean with a degreaser and lightly sand
- Next, you will apply the first coat of primer. Allow it to dry then apply another coat if necessary
- Finally, you will paint the door with two coats of satin or semi-gloss paint and allow to fully dry
- Re-hang the door, replace hardware, and remove any painter's tape around the frame
Important Tips for Painting Your Front Door
Always consider the time of year when you decide to paint your front door and always check the weather forecast. The best conditions when painting a front door for your home are a clear and sunny day without extreme temperatures. While warm days are preferred over cold days, if it is too hot the binding properties of the paint can be affected. This means a paint job that may peel or crack sooner than you expect.
Also, consider the drying process. A warm and overcast day is optimum - but more importantly, you want to choose a day when the humidity levels are low and between 40%-50%. High humidity slows down the drying process. The best time of day for this project is in the early morning, after the overnight dew has evaporated, and there is a gentle breeze to help speed along the drying process. If you’re doubting the best way to paint your door, don’t do it! Leave it to a professional to ensure the best, long lasting results.
Final Exterior Door Painting Ideas & Tips
- Choose a fresh color for your front door, but stay within your personality and comfort levels
- The best type of exterior door paint is a latex paint with a semi-gloss finish
- Avoid painting on days that are very hot, rainy, or a high humidity
- When in doubt, leave your paint job to the professionals
For all your home improvement needs, including exterior front door replacement when a new custom painting simply won’t correct issues with front door that is rusted, swollen, has dings, has hardware issues, is drafty, or shows signs of water or insect damage, contact RWC!
Visit the showroom of RWC Windows, Doors, and More for plenty of front door design ideas from modern, double entry doors to traditional wood doors to recreate your home's architectural detail.