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Septic System Maintenance & Septic System Repair in NJ

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Septic systems are an efficient, self-contained wastewater treatment option for properties in New Jersey that do not have access to a nearby city sewer main. In rural and semi-rural areas with large lots and houses spaced relatively far apart, on-site septic systems are often more economical than using a centralized public sewer and wastewater processing system. With proper care and maintenance, a properly installed septic system can last for up to 30 years before being replaced.

As a homeowner or the owner of a commercial property with a septic system, it’s your responsibility to maintain it adequately. Good septic system maintenance can save you thousands of dollars on costly septic tank repairs, as well as helping you maximize the service life of your septic system and delaying the need for septic system replacement.

If you do need septic system repair, or your septic tank is due to be replaced, call us any time at A1 Sewer & Drain Services for fast, friendly septic and sewer services from experienced Bergen County contractors, at 201-645-0888.

Maintaining Your Septic System

Proper septic system maintenance doesn’t just prevent problems and help your septic system last as long as possible: it’s also important for your local environment. Failing septic systems can be a significant source of groundwater pollution, which can in turn pollute nearby streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. The excess nutrients contained in sewage effluent are damaging for aquatic ecosystems, causing algal blooms that kill off other organisms in the water. The pollution can also expose humans to hazardous bacteria that cause diseases like dysentary, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever.

Maintaning you septic system also saves you money in the long run. A failing septic system can be quite costly to replace, and preventative maintenance is far less expensive than extensive septic tank repair or septic tank replacement.

How to Maintain Your Septic System: Tips from NJ Plumbers

To maintain your septic system, it’s highly recommended that you get annual septic tank inspections from experienced local sewer service plumbers. During the inspection, contractors will ensure that the system is working properly, and determine whether it needs to be pumped. They will also check for cracked pipes, damage or corrosion in the septic tank, and other problems that might require septic tank repair. Professional septic tank inspections include the following steps:

 

  1. Locating the system. The septic tank and its adjacent pipes are buried underground, which can make it difficult to locate if the homeowners aren’t sure where it is. One way to find it reliably is to determine the direction that the sewer pipe extends from the basement wall. Outside, an insulated probe inserted into the soil can pinpoint the buried pipe, which can be followed to the septic tank.
  2. Uncovering the manhole and inspection ports. Contractors may need to dig to access the ports and manhole.
  3. Checking the connections. Flushing toilets or running faucets can help verify that the plumbing is working correctly.
  4. Measuring the layers of scum and sludge inside the tank. Inside the septic tank, there is a layer of sludge, or heavy solids, at the bottom. On top of that, there is a layer of lighter liquid scum, made from grease and light solids. If the sludge takes up a third or more of the depth of the tank, the tank needs to be pumped soon. The frequency at which you’ll need your septic tank pumped depends on the size of the tank and the number of people in your household, and can vary significantly. A 500-gallon tank serving a family of six needs to be pumped several times a year, while a 2500 gallon tank serving only one person won’t need to be pumped for thirty years.
  5. Checking the septic tank and drainfield. The tank will be checked for cracks and leakage, and the drainfield is checked for any signs of failure. If necessary, your tank will also be pumped.

Local Contractors for Septic Tank Maintenance & Repair in NJ

To schedule your annual septic tank inspection and maintenance, or for same-day service for septic tank repair in NJ, call us today at A1 Sewer & Drain Services, at 201-645-0888.

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6 Ecofriendly Countertops for Sustainable Kitchen Design

For unique, sustainable kitchen design in NJ or NYC.

When you’re planning for kitchen renovation in New Jersey or NYC, choosing sustainable building materials is a great way to do your part to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid contributing to industries that cause environmental problems. Choosing kitchen countertops is a major kitchen design consideration, providing a key focal point as well as a crucial workspace. There are many types of materials to choose from, from recycled materials to quarried natural marble.

At All Kitchen, we work with homeowners in New Jersey and New York to find sustainable kitchen design solutions. These kitchen countertop materials are a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to more problematic traditional materials, helping you create a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing beautiful design.

6 Sustainable Kitchen Countertop Materials

These kitchen countertop materials provide chic, appealing alternatives to options like natural stone, which may involve environmentally damaging mining practices, or synthetic materials, whose manufacture may emit pollution. Choosing an ecofriendly material for your kitchen counters is a great way to create sustainable kitchen design that’s as beautiful as it is environmentally responsible.

1. Salvaged Wood

Reclaimed wood countertops bring a rich personality and history to your kitchen. Kitchen design provides ample opportunity to make use of reclaimed wood, from countertops to kitchen cabinet installation. Unlike brand new wood, the aging process in reclaimed wood creates a rich patina. In some cases, the woods themselves may no longer be available new. For example, American Chestnut was a popular wood for cabinetry and furniture, until chestnut blight nearly eradicated the entire North American population of these trees. However, some homeowners have managed to find reclaimed American Chestnut wood.

2. Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops provide an interesting opportunity to incorporate salvaged and recycled wood into your kitchen design. Because butcher block is made from many smaller pieces of wood, it can be created from reclaimed or repurposed materials, like old shipping pallets or demolished buildings.

3. Bamboo Countertops

Bamboo is an unusual but highly versatile sustainable alternative to wood for countertops, cabinets, and other kitchen essentials. Bamboo isn’t wood at all– it’s actually a grass. Maturing in only five to seven years, bamboo is incredibly renewable compared to pine or hardwood trees, which take decades to mature completely. Bamboo stalks are sliced into thin strips, then pressed together into a durable wood-like material that comes in both horizontal and vertical grains. Bamboo is even stronger than many hardwoods, and will not swell or contract due to moisture.

4. Recycled Paper

Believe it or not, recycled paper can be fashioned into durable, attractive kitchen countertops. Made from a combination of post-consumer recycled paper and environmentally friendly petroleum-free resins, and pigments. The texture of the product is quite similar to soapstone, and it’s stain resistance makes it easy to maintain. Over time, they develop a warm patina. One drawback to recycled paper countertops is that they’re not particularly heat resistant, and could be damaged by temperatures over 350 degree Fahrenheit.

5. Recycled Glass

Recycled glass countertops are a durable, sustainable alternative to natural stone like marble or granite. Made from numerous tiny pieces of recycled glass held together with cement or resin polymer, their mosaic look is truly unique. Available in many color schemes, recycled glass kitchen counters have a distinctive “wow” factor that complements many colorful modern kitchen designs.

6. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a perennial favorite for sleek, contemporary kitchen designs. They can be made with up to 60% recycled materials, making stainless steel a surprisingly sustainable option. With top-notch durability and easy cleaning, stainless steel is suitable for even the most demanding commercial kitchen environments.

Sustainable Kitchen Design Solutions from Local Contractors

At All Kitchen, we work with homeowners in north New Jersey and NYC to bring their design visions to life. We’ve created many beautiful, unique, sustainable kitchens using renewable materials, energy-conserving room design and appliances, and other features that can help you minimize your household’s carbon footprint. From bamboo countertops and cabinets, to dazzling counters made from sparkling fragments of 100% recycled glass, we’ll help you find design solutions that perfectly blend sustainability, beauty, and functionality.

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Pension Meeting Ends in Cliffhanger

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It was supposed to be another staid meeting of the board that oversees New Jersey’s $71 billion public-employee pension system. It ended with a dramatic deadlocked vote on a key policy issue — how heavily pension assets should be invested in hedge funds — and an equally dramatic threat from one veteran board member to immediately tender his resignation. John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotligh Read more

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Low Water Pressure? You May Need Water Main Line Repair in NJ

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Get NJ’s Best Prices for Water Main Line Repair! 

Call Us Today at A1 Sewer Water Main & Drain Services:

201-645-0888

Does your home have unusually low water pressure, affecting more than one room? If you’ve ruled out a faulty water pressure reducing valve or faulty indoor plumbing pipes as the cause of the problem, it’s possible that you could have a leaking water main line.

Your home’s water main carries potable water from the city mains at the street into your plumbing system.

If it’s cracked or leaking, the pressure inside the line is reduced, which can cause low water pressure throughout your home.

At A1 Sewer water main services, we’re always available for same-day service for residential and commercial water line repair in NJ. To get your water line fixed today, with certified local plumbers arriving in as little as 45 minutes from your call, call us any time at 201-645-0888.

Leaking Water Main Line Services in NJ

Like drain pipes and sewer laterals, your main water line can crack, corrode, or sustain other damage that causes water to leak out. Unlike sewer and drain pipes, the water inside the water main is pressurized. If it’s cracked or leaking, the pressure inside is reduced. This can lower the water pressure throughout your home.

Leaking water mains can be difficult to detect since they’re buried underground and aren’t readily visible without camera inspection from a plumber. However, there are noticeable signs that can indicate that your water line is cracked and leaking.

Some of the most common signs of a leak in the water main line include:

  • Low water pressure. Sudden low water pressure throughout your home, which does not affect your neighbors, could be caused by a crack in your water line.
  • A sudden spike in water usage. A water line leak often creates a sudden spike in water usage, which is visible on your water meter and reflected in your monthly water bill. Carefully monitoring your family’s water usage can clue you in to a water leak. This is a good way to spot small leaks early; small leaks in the water main can go unnoticed until they grow larger, at which point they may be difficult or impossible to repair.
  • Visible water in your yard. If your water main is leaking, you may be able to see water pooling up in your yard, near where the water line is buried. If you notice puddles that don’t go away, it’s a good idea to call a plumber for water main line repair.

Hiring a Plumber for Water Line Repair

You’ll need an experienced contractor for water line repair. If the pipe cannot be fixed easily, we may recommend water line replacement instead. The feasibility of fixing the pipe can depend on the age of the pipe, the material it’s made from, and whether the pipe has had any previous repairs.

Trenchless Pipe Water Line Repair

Like sewer pipes, water lines can often be repaired using trenchless techniques that avoid the need for disruptive excavation. Epoxy pipe relining is well suited to patching holes and cracks in a water pipe. This process can be carried out with only minimal digging, and the corrosion-resistant liners can last up to 50 years after installation.

Water Main Line Replacement in NJ

If your water line is severely damaged from corrosion and other age-related processes, or has burst due to winter freezing, it might be best to have it replaced completely. If your water main was built prior to the 1980s and is made from galvanized steel, it may be at the end of its expected service life.

Copper pipes last anywhere from 50-70 years, as long as they aren’t in a particularly corrosive soil environment. The service life of plastic pipe is still unknown, as this material is fairly new, and few PVC and PE water lines have failed so far. Plastic pipe may very well last up to 100 years.

Need main water line repair or replacement? Call us today at A1 Sewer & Water Drain Services

At A1 Sewer & Drain Services, we provide a full range of sewer, drain, water main, and general sewer services in NJ. You can call us any time for same-day water main repair service, including 24-hour emergency repairs for burst water main, at 201-645-0888.

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Lead Drain Pipe Replacement in NJ

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Need a certified contractor for lead drain pipe replacement in NJ?

Call now for same-day service and a FREE cost estimate: 201-645-0888.

Some older homes in New Jersey may still contain outdated lead plumbing pipes or lead drain pipes, which can lead to water contamination and create a serious health risk. Lead accumulates in the body over time, meaning that even low level exposure can build up gradually and cause serious nervous system and kidney problems. Lead pipes have fallen out of use since the 1970s and 1980s, but outdated pipes may still lurk on a few older properties. If your home has lead drain lines or lead plumbing pipes, or even copper pipe with lead solder dating to before the 1980s, you’ll need lead pipe replacement as soon as possible with newer, safer, EPA-approved materials that meet New Jersey plumbing codes.

Lead Pipe Replacement with Safe Drain Line Materials

Lead was the material of choice for plumbing pipes of all kinds, from ancient Rome up until the 20th century. In recent decades, when scientific investigation showed that lead pipes lead to unsafe lead exposure over time, it was superceded by safer materials like cast iron, copper, PVC, and PEX.

Because lead accumulates inside the body, where lead ions take the place of calcium ions, even low dose exposure can be dangerous over time. Regardless of whether the pipes have been damaged by corrosion, you’ll need to replace them to remain up to code. The cost and time for completion for drain pipe replacement can vary, depending on how easily accessible the pipes are, whether they’re buried underground, and how many pipes will need to be replaced. If there’s a lot of lead in your plumbing system, this can be a considerable undertaking. If you’re purchasing an older home that hasn’t been renovated in quite some time, we recommend plumbing inspection from a certified local plumbing company prior to moving in.

Replacing Other Metal Drain Pipes

Lead isn’t the only reason to replace old metal drain pipes. Even if the pipes are made from safe, nontoxic metals like copper or cast iron, their service life is ultimately limited. Even high quality drain pipes will eventually succumb to corrosion, scale, or other problems that can’t easily be repaired. You may need drain pipe replacement for very old metal pipes, to prevent water leaks and other problems.

When to Replace Your Copper or Cast Iron Drain Pipes

Copper pipes have a typical service life of around 50 years, while cast iron can last even longer. There are still working cast iron plumbing pipes in service that may be over a century old. However, age takes its toll on metal when it’s constantly exposed to running water, and especially in certain local water conditions, they’ll eventually need to be replaced.

  • Corrosion is practically inevitable with metal drains, although PVC and other modern thermoplastics are highly resistant to most forms of electrochemical corrosion. Corrosion rates are affected by local water pH, water oxygenation, dissolved mineral ions, and other factors. In sewer lines, bacteria that break down sewage can speed corrosion by emitting hydrogen sulfide gas that is converted into corrosive sulfuric acid. Corrosion leads to cracks and holes that leak water, potentially damaging surrounding structures or weakening the soil that surrounds underground drainage pipes.
  • Scale is particularly common in areas with hard water. These mineral deposits build up inside a pipe over years of use, constricting water flow and making the drain line more likely to clog. Severely scale-afflicted pipes will need drain pipe replacement, as scale cannot be easily removed.

Once installed, new copper drain lines will last for decades, and corrosion-resistant PVC is predicted to last for up to a century when installed in underground or indoor locations sheltered from UV light.

Plumbers in NJ for Lead Drain Replacement

Lead drainage pipes aren’t up to code, and can pose a risk to your health and to the environment. At A1 Sewer & Drain Services, we provide professional drain line replacement service with newer, safer materials. Call us any time for same-day service, including a free consultation and cost estimate, at 201-645-0888. We’re also available for 24/7 emergency drain pipe repair for burst, frozen, or collapsed pipes in NJ.

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Representatives Garrett and Frelinghuysen Lead the Charge for New Veterans Outpatient Clinic Opening in Newton

Scott Garrett

May 17, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,Newton will be the home of a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient health care clinic to serve veterans in the nearby area. Reps. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) and Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) helped lead the charge for a new facility by demonstrating to VA officials how veterans in Sussex and Warren Counties were underserved by a lack of a nearby facility. This clinic will improve the lives of local veterans by allowing them to receive the vital health care services they need closer to home.

“I’m very happy that veterans in Sussex and Warren Counties will soon have a VA outpatient clinic nearby to serve their needs,” said Garrett. “For too long, our heroes in this part of the state had to travel long distances to receive the treatment they’ve earned—sometimes foregoing the process altogether—but that will change with the opening of this facility.”

The process to open the Sussex County-based outpatient clinic is well underway with a site being finalized, equipment needs being assessed, and staff recruitment beginning. The facility is expected to open in July or August 2016.

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Going Green with Bamboo Kitchen Cabinet Installation in NYC

Bamboo Kitchen Cabinet

Looking for sustainable solutions for kitchen cabinet installation in NYC?

Kitchen for a FREE consultation and cost estimate.

For many homeowners in New Jersey and NYC, choosing new kitchen cabinets isn’t just a matter of aesthetic preferences and budget considerations. Sustainability is also a concern. Many cabinets are mass-produced in factories, from woods and other materials whose ecological impact might not be positive.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, installing kitchen cabinets made from bamboo can be a great way to “go green” without sacrificing quality or appealing design. Bamboo cabinets have a unique visual appeal that catches the eye, and it’s one of the most renewable cabinet materials out there.;

Interested in bamboo kitchen cabinet installation in NJ or NYC? we offer free cost estimates and consultations, helping you find perfect cabinetry solutions that blend functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Call us any time to find out more about your options for sustainable, eco-friendly kitchen cabinets.

Bamboo for Kitchen Cabinets: Sustainable Design

Kitchen cabinets came into fashion during the first half of the 20th century, and ever since then, they’ve been an indispensable part of any modern kitchen. Cabinets are traditionally constructed from many kinds of wood, including birch, maple, pine, oak, hickory, cherry, and even mahogany. But when most people think about installing kitchen cabinets made from natural wood, they don’t think of bamboo.

Bamboo isn’t really wood. Botanically speaking, it’s actually a grass– but don’t let that fool you into underestimating it. Bamboo is strong, sturdy, and well suited to building furniture. Like “true wood,” bamboo is a composite material with a high strength-to-weight ratio. In fact, its compressive strength and tensile strength exceed that of other woods. Like wood, it can be stained, and comes in different grains. In Asia and the South Pacific, bamboo has been used for centuries as a versatile building material.

Most importantly, bamboo is renewable, making it a great choice for custom kitchen cabinet installation. Hardwood trees like oak and maple take decades to reach maturity, but bamboo grows and matures in only five to seven years. Bamboo can be replenished much faster than a forest of hardwood trees. Bamboo plants also remain intact after harvesting, allowing it to regenerate for future harvests.

Incorporating Bamboo Cabinets into Kitchen Design

Bamboo is more aesthetically versatile than you might think, and comes in different grains. This is partially due to how bamboo “wood” is made. As you probably know, bamboo is a tall, narrow grass. How can it be made into cabinet wood?

Bamboo can’t be milled into planks in the same way that pine or hardwood can. Instead, bamboo stalks are sliced into very thin strips, then laminated together into planks. The orientation of the individual strips determines the grain orientation.

  • Vertical grain bamboo uses the outer edges of the strips to form the outer surface of the wood. This results in a finer, narrower grain.
  • Horizontal grain bamboo is laminated together at the edges, using the wider faces as the front.

Vertical grain tends to look a bit more like traditional wood, while horizontal grain has a distinctive surface.

Choosing Bamboo Kitchen Cabinets

Some common considerations surrounding bamboo kitchen cabinet installation include:

  • Quality construction. Bamboo cabinets can range from budget RTA cabinets to high-end custom cabinetry.
  • Adhesives and finishes. You want bamboo cabinets that are made with low VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes and low-formaldehyde materials. This helps prevent problems with indoor air quality in your home.
  • Dimensional stability. Bamboo doesn’t swell or contract as much as wood, which can help prevent stuck drawers or warped surfaces in moist areas.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation

Interested in installing kitchen cabinets in NYC made from durable, sustainable bamboo? we specialize in kitchen design and kitchen cabinet installation. We’ve worked with many homeowners in New Jersey and NYC to create sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that don’t sacrifice good design and quality construction.

To find out more about your options for bamboo kitchen cabinets, or to learn more about our other kitchen renovation and kitchen design services.

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Gluten-free diet could damage health of people without coeliac disease, expert claims

Gluten-free vodka

Sarah Knapton, science editor

13 MAY 2016 • 2:25PM

Gluten-free diets could be damaging to the health of people who do not have coeliac disease, raising the risk of obesity, diabetes and malnutrition, an expert has warned.

The diet, which excludes all food containing grains like wheat, barley and rye, such as bread and pasta, have been popularised by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow who claims cutting out gluten boosts health and aids weight loss.

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, said it helped propel him to World No 1. while Victoria Beckham claims it is how she keeps her trim figure.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/05/13/gluten-free-diet-could-damage-health-of-people-without-coeliac-d/

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Google’s “knowledge panels” materialize at random, as unsourced and absolute as if handed down by God:

google-dr-evil-and-mini-me_theridgewoodblog

Betty White is 94 years old.

The Honda Civic is 2016’s best car.

Taipei is the capital of — ahem — the “small island nation” of Taiwan.

If you’ve ever Googled a person, place or thing — which, survey suggests, you almost definitely have — then you’ve encountered these aggressive, bold-faced modules, one of Google’s many bids for your fleeting attention. Since their quiet, casual introduction in 2012, knowledge panels and other sorts of “rich answers” have mushroomed across Google, appearing atop the results on roughly one-third of its 100 billion monthly searches, not only in response to simple, numerical queries like “Betty White age,” but also to more complex, nuanced questions like “capital of Israel” or “D.C.’s best restaurant.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/05/11/you-probably-havent-even-noticed-googles-sketchy-quest-to-control-the-worlds-knowledge/

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Replace or Reface? Kitchen Cabinet Replacement in NJ

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If you’re planning to make some changes to your kitchen, you may have considered replacing your cabinetry. New cabinets can make a big visual difference for the room as a whole, as well as providing an opportunity to increase your storage space or get rid of aging cabinets that are falling apart.

experienced local contractors specialize in kitchen design, kitchen renovations, and kitchen cabinet replacement in NJ.

You can call us any time for a free consultation and a free cost estimate. Not sure whether kitchen cabinet replacement is the right decision? We can help you make the most economical and satisfying choice, whether it’s refinishing your existing cabinets or installing brand new ones.

When Will You Need Kitchen Cabinet Replacement?

Kitchen cabinets can be a long-term investment. Not only do high-quality semi-custom or custom cabinet installations add value to your home, but they help create a space where you’ll want to spend your time. Cabinetry can last quite a while, but eventually, even the nicest kitchen cabinets will give into age-related wear and tear.

High-end cabinets made from quality wood can last up to 50 years, making them one of the longest-lasting elements in any kitchen. The only thing that lasts longer are natural granite countertops. With that said, an older home may eventually need kitchen cabinet replacement.

Some of the signs that you may want to consider replacing your cabinets in the near future include:

  • Water damage. Water exposure can cause wood kitchen cabinets to swell up, preventing the doors from closing correctly. The wood can begin to bubble and warp, as the outside delaminates. Ongoing water damage can also lead to mold growth. If you notice water affecting your cabinets, you may want to dry the cabinet out. If it’s been damaged significantly, you’ll want to hire a contractor for kitchen cabinet repair or cabinet replacement.
  • Functional problems. The existing cabinets in your home just might not work well for you. Doors might knock into each other, or the cabinets might be frustratingly difficult to access. These problems are a viable reason to consider kitchen cabinet replacement as part of your kitchen remodel.
  • Worn-out cabinet boxes. The cabinet boxes themselves can simply wear out over time. The structure may not be sound enough to simply replace hinges or doors.

These problems can often be a sign that it’s time to invest in kitchen cabinet replacement. If you’re going to replace your cabinetry, it’s important to find high quality cabinets that you genuinely like. Although homeowners on a budget may need to select from mass-produced stock cabinets, custom cabinets are worth the money for their quality, craftsmanship, and customizability.

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Create Beautiful Kitchen This Summer

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If you go to a big box store, do you wonder who’s designing your kitchen? our designers do one thing: create beautiful kitchens. Cook up something special in your kitchen with All located right here in New Jersey.

visit our website Call today for your free cost estimate for your brand new custom cabinets from NJ’s finest kitchen installers in NJ.

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Installing Kitchen Cabinets for Your Historic Home

Installing Kitchen Cabinets for Your Historic Home

Installing kitchen cabinets is a great way to revamp your kitchen. Aging cabinets eventually wear out, even the highest quality custom cabinetry. In historic homes in New Jersey and New York, this is especially problematic. When you live in a historic home with old cabinets, you may eventually need kitchen cabinet replacement service from an experienced kitchen renovation contractor.

At we’ve worked with many homeowners to find and install kitchen cabinets that perfectly balance personal taste with historical accuracy. If you’re looking for kitchen cabinet replacement in NJ for a historic home with a distinct period design style, call us any time for a free consultation and cost estimate.

Kitchen Renovation & Cabinetry for Historic Homes

New Jersey has a long history, and you’ll find homes that were built throughout many different periods of American history. From classic Colonial architecture and Queen Anne Victorians, to 1920s farmhouses, to retrofuturistic midcentury modern construction, each period has a distinctive look and feel. In many historic neighborhoods, homeowners may be required or strongly encouraged to meet certain standards for historic preservation.

Naturally, kitchens have evolved quite a bit over the last two or three centuries. Even in the oldest historic home, a kitchen still must incorporate a full range of modern amenities. Modern sinks, dishwashers, stovetops, and ovens are essential.

When it comes to kitchen renovation and kitchen cabinet installation in NJ for historic homes, your choice will be influenced by both the time period and the architectural style. One period of time can contain different building styles. For example, ornate “gingerbread” Victorian houses share the same vintage with the elegant simplicity and clean lines of Craftsman architecture. Each home is unique, and when you’re planning on installing kitchen cabinets, it’s important to consider both design and function.

Before the 1920s, Modern Kitchen Cabinets Didn’t Exist

It makes sense to find cabinetry that feels “natural” to your home. The wood, finish, and other aspects of design needn’t always be perfectly accurate, as long as they capture an aesthetic that suits your unique historic home. In many cases, it won’t be 100% accurate. Even having cabinets isn’t technically accurate to the time period, especially if your home predates the 1920s.

Today’s kitchens feature two key elements: cabinets and countertops. Together, they provide a continuous workspace, with ample storage underneath. Modern kitchen cabinets didn’t really take off until the 1920s, an era which saw a lot of change in the design and functionality of American kitchens.

In the 19th century, when many historic New Jersey homes were originally built, kitchens were large and open. Instead of modular cabinetry, storage was more likely to take the form of individual hutches, sometimes with glass in the front. Instead of countertops, a central work table providing space for food preparation. Obviously, modern refrigerators and even modern ovens weren’t yet a fixture of kitchen construction.

By the 1920s, kitchen cabinet installation in NJ was quickly becoming the norm for middle- and upper-class households. If you look at pictures of kitchens from the ‘20s and ‘30s, you’ll notice that they look quite a bit like a respectable modern kitchen.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Cabinets for a 19th Century Home

Going without cabinets and countertops simply isn’t an option for any modern homeowner. When you’re considering kitchen cabinet replacement, it’s a good idea to choose a style that, like your old cabinets, complements your home’s architectural style and time period. This can influence the wood, finish, and other elements that you choose.

Custom cabinetry is a great choice for finding cabinets you love for your historic home. These high-end cabinets are designed especially to your specifications, rather than being mass-produced in factory like stock cabinets. Custom kitchen cabinet installation allows you to choose from a nearly endless range of different woods, paints, varnishes, finishes, styles, and sizes.

Kitchen Installation Contractors in NJ

Installing new cabinets for your historic home? At All 1 Kitchen, we can help you find and install the perfect set of cabinets to meet the functional demands of modern cooking, while still fitting your home’s unique historical character. For a free consultation and cost estimate.

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Refacing Existing Kitchen Cabinets

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If your cabinets haven’t sustained serious structural damage from age or water leakage, you can consider refacing them instead. Refacing is a type of kitchen cabinet repair that involves updating or replacing doors, repainting or refinishing the exterior, and placing veneer. This kind of cabinet remodeling can make a big aesthetic difference and help refresh your kitchen design, while avoiding the expense of brand new cabinets.

If you like the size, layout, and overall functionality of your cabinets, but would like to change their color or appearance, refacing them can be a better option than cabinet replacement. It’s also a cost saver. For a kitchen renovation project, high quality kitchen cabinet installation can take up as much as 50% of the total budget. While this investment can be worthwhile, refinishing old cabinets can save a good deal of money.

To make the best decision between cabinet refacing and kitchen cabinet replacement, you should consider factors that go beyond simple aesthetics. Your kitchen’s overall look and design can be changed by a coat of paint or a different veneer on the cabinets, but refinishing them won’t solve a bad kitchen layout, water damaged wood, or poor quality cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Contractors in NJ

Interested in refacing or replacing your existing kitchen cabinets? we provide high end custom kitchen cabinet installation in New Jersey, as well as nearby areas in the state of New York. You can call us any time to arrange a consultation with an experienced contractor, along with a free cost estimate.

Custom Kitchen Cabinet Installation in NJ

When you’re installing kitchen cabinets as part of a kitchen remodel, you’ll notice that there are quite a few options. Cabinets come in a wide range of different woods, paint colors, stains, door styles, and other options. Cabinets are also classified into “grades,” ranging from low-end ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets to artisanally crafted custom cabinetry. Of these, custom kitchen cabinets are the most expensive, but the cost affords a level of superior quality that you won’t find with anything mass-produced. For many homeowners, this can make custom cabinets a worthwhile investment.

At All 1 Kitchen, we provide high quality custom kitchen cabinet installation in New Jersey, as well as in nearby regions of southern New York state. We’re always available for free consultations and cost estimates for homeowners interested in finding the best custom-crafted cabinetry from skilled local carpenters. To start planning for your new cabinets today.

Your Cabinet Installation Options: From Ready-Made to Truly Unique

Types of cabinets are classified based on their degree of customization. The more unique and customized they are, the more the will cost– however, the quality will also be significantly better, and the cabinets can be expected to last much longer.

  • Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are at the lowest end of the cabinetry spectrum. Designed and marketed for homeowners on a limited budget, they’re prefabricated and made for do-it-yourself assembly and installation. They can look relatively nice, and they serve their intended function. However, the quality of the materials and construction is relatively low– not to mention the problems that can come when inexperienced DIYers attempt kitchen cabinet installation. With RTA cabinets, you’re trading quality for affordability.
  • Stock cabinets are a step above RTA cabinetry. Available at many big-box stores, stock cabinets are mass produced. They can be quite affordable, but your material and design options will always be limited. They also come in a very limited size selection. They’re always the standard 36” deep, which can be a problem in small kitchens or kitchens with unusual layouts.
  • Semi-custom cabinets make up the majority of the market, combining affordability and convenience with a greater degree of customization.
  • Custom cabinets are built specifically for you, according to your particular specifications. This category offers the widest range of options for sizing, materials, and design styles. Unlike stock or semi-custom cabinetry, custom kitchen cabinets can incorporated curved doors, unusual angles, unusual dimensions, and colors that aren’t common enough to be used in mass-produced stock cabinets. Because they’re made to order, often by master craftsmen, they’re pricier than other types of cabinet options. However, the quality difference is often worth the investment. High quality custom kitchen cabinet installation can provide you with cabinets that will last for half a century, adding value to your home.

Custom cabinets aren’t for everyone, but the high quality and customizability makes them the best choice for many homeowners in New Jersey.

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Why Install Custom Kitchen Cabinets

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There are several good reasons to opt for custom kitchen cabinet installation, rather than stock or semi-custom varieties.

  • More design flexibility. When you have a specific vision in mind for your ideal kitchen design style, it can be frustrating when you just can’t find any stock or semi-custom cabinets that would work for you. With custom cabinet installation, you’re not limited to what manufacturers decide to mass-produce. Instead, your cabinets can be tailored to your exact specifications.
  • They’re available in unusual dimensions. Custom cabinet installation allows you to order specially made cabinets that don’t meet the industry-standard dimensions. They can be taller, shorter, shallower, or deeper than typical stock cabinets. In a small kitchen, cabinets with slightly less depth can help increase the available floor space. For kitchens with unusual layouts, you can request cabinets with unusual angles or shapes.
  • They’re built to last. Custom cabinets are constructed with quality in mind, and over time, it shows. They’re nearly always made with higher-quality materials than stock cabinetry, using higher quality plywood for the boxes instead of cheap particleboard. They’re also put together more carefully, using dovetail and dowel connections instead of nails or glue.
  • They support local artisans and use sustainable materials. For many homeowners, aesthetics and function aren’t the only factors in choosing new cabinets for kitchen cabinet installation. There are also broader concerns about sustainability, economics, and even ethics. Stock cabinets may not be made from sustainably harvested woods, and there’s little way of knowing what the working conditions are like in the overseas factories where they’re often manufactured. In contrast, custom cabinets are often made locally by master craftsmen, supporting your local economy. They can also be made from wood that you know is sourced sustainably, helping you do your part to help the environment.

Custom Kitchen Cabinet Installation from Local NJ – NYC Contractors

We provide high-end custom kitchen cabinet installation in New Jersey and New York. We work with homeowners to design and order the finest cabinets available, made from high quality woods and assembled with care by experienced carpenters.

You can contact us any time to find out more about your options for custom cabinetry in NJ.