<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>DirectBuy Kitchen Remodeling Blog &#187; Kitchen Counter Tops</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/tag/kitchen-counter-tops/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:19:59 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Built-In Cutting Boards for Your Kitchen</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-accessories/built-in-cutting-boards/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-accessories/built-in-cutting-boards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:15:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Accessories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Built-In Cutting Boards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cutting Boards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=1435</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Who needs just one more thing to store in the kitchen?  Stop worrying about where to put the cutting board in your kitchen by remodeling to include a built-in cutting board.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1439" title="Cutting Board" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Cutting-Board1.jpg" alt="Cutting Board" width="349" height="231" />Who needs just one more thing to store in the kitchen?  Stop worrying about where to put the cutting board in your kitchen by remodeling to include a built-in cutting board.</p>
<h3>Cutting Boards of Durable Materials</h3>
<p>Install a built-in cutting board in an island or new kitchen countertop.  These types of cutting boards are placed flush with the top of the surface.  These cutting boards are normally surrounded by a frame such as stainless steel to protect your surrounding <a title="countertop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertop</a>.</p>
<p>Bamboo, wood, and glass are just a few of the durable materials used to construct cutting boards.  Stop looking for a place to store your cutting board and have one built in to your countertop as you remodel your kitchen.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> is ready to help you with your <a title="kitchen remodel" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodel</a> on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, your ideas for <a title="home improvement" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/kitchen-remodeling.aspx" target="_blank">home improvement</a> may be more feasible than you think.</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-accessories%2Fbuilt-in-cutting-boards%2F&amp;title=Built-In+Cutting+Boards+for+Your+Kitchen', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-accessories/built-in-cutting-boards/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Remodeling Your Kitchen</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/five-questions-for-kitchen-remodeling/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/five-questions-for-kitchen-remodeling/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:01:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Appliances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flooring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Flooring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen REmodeling Planning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=1393</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Those of us who live in an older home or have lived in our homes for many years often long to redo, remodel, makeover various areas of the home to provide more convenience for today’s lifestyle. Kitchens are often at the top of this list. Kitchen Remodeling is an expensive investment, so we should make sure we are making the right decision before jumping in with feet first. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1404" title="kitchen remodeling" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/kitchen-remodeling.jpg" alt="kitchen remodeling" width="349" height="231" />Those of us who live in an older home or have lived in our homes for many years often long to redo, remodel, makeover various areas of the home to provide more convenience for today’s lifestyle. Kitchens are often at the top of this list.</p>
<p><a title="Kitchen Remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Remodeling</a> is an expensive investment, so we should make sure we are making the right decision before jumping in with feet first. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself:</p>
<ol>
<li>Can I afford to remodel?</li>
<li>What is the ultimate goal of my remodeling plan?</li>
<li>Do I really have a logical plan in place?</li>
<li>Will it be worth the investment?</li>
<li>If I go forward with remodeling, do I know where to begin?</li>
</ol>
<p>Taking some time to answer these simple questions is a great starting point for making the decision to remodel or to live with your situation a little longer.</p>
<p>One thing to remember is that life is short and if you can afford to make your surroundings more convenient, then you can surely figure out how to answer the other questions with a little research and organized planning.</p>
<p>When it’s time for kitchen remodeling, <a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> can not only provide you with a great selection of <a title="appliances" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/appliances.aspx" target="_blank">appliances</a>, <a title="furnishings" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/furniture.aspx" target="_blank">furnishings</a>, <a title="countertops" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertops</a>, and <a title="flooring" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/flooring.aspx" target="_blank">flooring</a>, you will find savings of up to 50% off retail on brand-name products from leading manufacturers.</p>
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" />
<input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" />
<input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" />
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-remodeling%2Ffive-questions-for-kitchen-remodeling%2F&amp;title=Five+Questions+to+Ask+Yourself+Before+Remodeling+Your+Kitchen', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/five-questions-for-kitchen-remodeling/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Durable Kitchen Countertops on the Horizontal</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/durable-kitchen-countertops-on-the-horizontal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/durable-kitchen-countertops-on-the-horizontal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Direct Buy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=1370</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing the material used for your kitchen countertop can be an intimidating task.  Some remodeling projects are done in phases and as with most things, changes in thought occur along the way.  Many believe the countertop in the kitchen is the item tying together all other elements. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1372" title="installing laminate countertops" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/installing-laminate-countertops.jpg" alt="installing laminate countertops" width="249" height="332" />Choosing the material used for your kitchen countertop can be an intimidating task.  Some remodeling projects are done in phases and as with most things, changes in thought occur along the way.  Many believe the countertop in the kitchen is the item tying together all other elements.</p>
<h3>Resurfacing Your Countertop with Heavy Laminates Is a Viable Choice</h3>
<p>If you are looking for an alternative to spending major bucks on your <a title="countertops" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertops</a> , consider resurfacing the top with horizontal grade laminate.  Horizontal is the heaviest and most durable grade of laminate and is ideal for kitchen countertops under heavy use and impact.  New technology has vastly improved laminates and allow for updated designs and stylish colors.</p>
<h3>Laminate Counter Tops Are Easier on the Budget</h3>
<p>Laminate can brighten up your kitchen without the capital outlay of some other materials such as granite.  You can even purchase laminate which has the appearance of wood, granite, or engineered stone.  Many forms of laminate also come with a coordinating backsplash furthering its added value.</p>
<p>If you don’t want to make a lifelong <a title="countertop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertop</a> decision at the moment but rather focus on purchasing cabinets first; you can change the look of your countertop at a fraction of the cost with heavy laminate.  Who knows, you might love your new laminate countertop so much, it will be your permanent choice for countertop material.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> is ready to help you with your <a title="kitchen remodel" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodel</a> on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, your ideas for <a title="home improvement" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/kitchen-remodeling.aspx" target="_blank">home improvement</a> may be more feasible than you think.</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-countertops%2Fdurable-kitchen-countertops-on-the-horizontal%2F&amp;title=Durable+Kitchen+Countertops+on+the+Horizontal', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/durable-kitchen-countertops-on-the-horizontal/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kitchen Remodeling Out of the Box</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/kitchen-remodeling-out-of-the-box/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/kitchen-remodeling-out-of-the-box/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabinets Appliances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Islands]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=1265</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A kitchen tends to have harder lines than most other rooms of the house due to cabinets  and appliances  normally having to be placed along the walls.  Get out of the boxy feeling with a semi-circular or full circle kitchen island .]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A kitchen tends to have harder lines than most other rooms of the house due to <a title="cabinets" href="http://www.directkitchencabinets.com/" target="_blank">cabinets</a> and <a title="appliances" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/appliances.aspx" target="_blank">appliances</a> normally having to be placed along the walls.  Get out of the boxy feeling with a semi-circular or full circle <a title="kitchen island" href="http://www.directkitchencabinets.com/Kitchen.aspx" target="_blank">kitchen island</a> .</p>
<p>A more rounded island can bring some softness and asymmetrical lines to your new kitchen.  Dependent on the size, a rounded shape can also take up less room than a regular square or rectangular kitchen island.</p>
<h3>Plenty of Cabinet Space In a Circular Kitchen Island</h3>
<p>A circular island can still have plenty of <a title="counter top" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">counter top</a> and cabinet space or additional room for cooktops, sinks, etc.  These are often a better fit for smaller kitchens.  When drawing up your plans, consider the option of using a circular kitchen island.  It will get you outside of the box and create a truly unique look in your new kitchen.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> has most everything you need to <a title="remodel your kitchen" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">remodel your kitchen</a> for ultimate style and functionality. You will find brand-name products at manufacturer-direct prices that can save up to 50% off retail prices.</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-remodeling%2Fkitchen-remodeling-out-of-the-box%2F&amp;title=Kitchen+Remodeling+Out+of+the+Box', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/kitchen-remodeling-out-of-the-box/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Revitalize Your Kitchen with New Countertops</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/revitalize-with-countertops/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/revitalize-with-countertops/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:19:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Certamic Tile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineered Stone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marble]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=935</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Replacing your existing kitchen countertop is a great starting place for a remodeling project.  Select any of the beautiful stones at your disposal to revitalize your kitchen today. The important thing is to select a countertop material of high quality to ensure it will last for years to come.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-942" style="margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px;" title="countertop-group-1" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/countertop-group-1-300x191.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="191" />Refreshing and <a title="revitalizing your kitchen" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">revitalizing your kitchen</a> doesn’t mean you have to gut the entire room and start from scratch.  Certain elements in the kitchen can be remodeled to give you an entirely new look and feel.  One of the more noticeable parts of the kitchen is the <a title="countertop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertop</a> and you can install a new top for a fresh new look.</p>
<p><strong>Popular Kitchen Counter Top Materials Include:</strong></p>
<p>1.    <strong>Granite</strong>- long the industry standard for kitchen counter tops, granite gives a sense of elegance to your kitchen.  Granite is heat and stain resistant and comes in thousands of colors.  The more exotic the granite, the higher the price tag but there are many beautiful types of granite available to fit any budget.</p>
<p>2.  <strong> Engineered Stone</strong> – the primary component is quartz which is very durable.  This type of material is available in a wide range of components and is heat and scratch resistant.</p>
<p>3.  <strong> Ceramic Tile</strong> – very easy to clean and available in hundreds of colors and designs.  One item to note when using ceramic tile pieces for your countertop is the addition of grout joints.  Make sure they are sealed as well to minimize staining.</p>
<p>4.    <strong>Marble</strong> – exotic and classic, marble can make a stunning design element in your kitchen.  It is softer than other stones so you should make sure it is sealed appropriately to prevent staining.  If you are apprehensive in using marble for you main countertop, consider using it as the top for your kitchen island.</p>
<p><strong>Choose High Quality Counter Tops</strong></p>
<p>Replacing your existing <a title="kitchen countertop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">kitchen countertop</a> is a great starting place for a remodeling project.  Select any of the beautiful stones at your disposal to revitalize your kitchen today. The important thing is to select a countertop material of high quality to ensure it will last for years to come.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> offers a wide range of kitchen counter tops and other <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a> products at savings up to 50% off retail. With savings like this,  you can choose top quality to create the kitchen you&#8217;ve always wanted.</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-countertops%2Frevitalize-with-countertops%2F&amp;title=Revitalize+Your+Kitchen+with+New+Countertops', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/revitalize-with-countertops/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kitchen Counter Tops &#8211; Granite or Quartz?</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/granite-or-quartz/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/granite-or-quartz/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 20:04:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=599</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Two great options for counter tops are granite and quartz. Of course, most people are familiar with granite counter tops which have grown in popularity tremendously over the years, but quartz has also become a very popular choice.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-601" style="margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px;" title="counter-top-6" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/counter-top-6.jpg" alt="" width="207" height="135" />Need new kitchen countertops to give your kitchen real style? Two great options are granite and quartz. Of course, most people are familiar with granite counter tops which have grown in popularity tremendously over the years.</p>
<p>With granite you have many, many options in color and pattern to fit into whatever color scheme you have in mind for your kitchen design. Granite is a very durable, beautiful choice for counter tops.</p>
<p>Quartz is not quite as well-known as granite, but it is surely gaining its place among favored counter top material, and rightly so. It too is a beautiful material and is just as durable and easy to maintain as granite. You’ll find many options when choosing quartz counter tops too.</p>
<p>Whatever your choice for new counter tops, you’ll find a great selection of various types of countertops at <a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a>. You can save up to 50% on <a title="counter tops" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">counter tops</a> and most everything else you need for <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a>.</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-countertops%2Fgranite-or-quartz%2F&amp;title=Kitchen+Counter+Tops+%26%238211%3B+Granite+or+Quartz%3F', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/granite-or-quartz/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kitchen Remodeling &#8211; How To Save</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/kitchen-remodeling-how-to-save/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/kitchen-remodeling-how-to-save/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:08:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Flooring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wholesale Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=258</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you're remodeling your kitchen, or thinking about it, give your kitchen a good, hard look and decide just where your money should be spent. You can have a great looking kitchen without spending an absolute fortune.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Get Floored by High Prices</strong><br />
Kitchen flooring is indeed one area that can be expensive to re-do. For example, a wood floor, although attractive, can be very expensive. Instead, you could go for a cheaper alternative, such as Vinyl flooring. Vinyl not only has different price tags to suit your budget, but also comes in a variety of colors, textures and designs, many of which can match your kitchen décor.<br />
<strong><br />
Counter Costly Countertop Prices</strong><br />
Countertops also needn’t be of the costly variety, such as marble or granite. Just look for cheaper materials, such as simple stone-work or tiles. These can be just as eye pleasing and durable, and won’t require too much cleaning. Many options today are ideal for hiding spills and stains, as well as being long lasting.</p>
<p><strong>Own an Island in Your Kitchen</strong><br />
Installing a kitchen island can be great way to increase your work space, that’s if your kitchen is large enough, because an island needs adequate space around it to cope with kitchen traffic. By placing the sink or stove in it, you’ll have more storage and work space around the rest of your kitchen. You can place bar stools around the island, (if space permits this), and turn it into a mini eating station. It could also be used to store your daily-use, crockery and cutlery, or even your recipe books for quick reference and convenience.</p>
<p>When you&#8217;re ready for <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a>, think <a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a>. You&#8217;ll find everything you need &#8211; great savings, great service and great selection &#8211; all at prices up to 50% off retail. Why not get what you want and save?</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-remodeling%2Fkitchen-remodeling-how-to-save%2F&amp;title=Kitchen+Remodeling+%26%238211%3B+How+To+Save', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling/kitchen-remodeling-how-to-save/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tips For Choosing New Kitchen Countertops</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/tips-for-kitchen-countertops/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/tips-for-kitchen-countertops/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:33:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wholesale Countertops]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=80</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Installing new kitchen countertops is one of the smartest ways to give your kitchen a whole new look. If you're ready to start remodling your kitchen, start with your countertops.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-91" style="margin-left: 7px; margin-right: 7px;" title="countertops" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/countertops.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="185" />One of the greatest kitchen updates you can do is to install new <a title="kitchen counter tops" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">kitchen counter tops</a>. So many options are available today to make your kitchen take on a whole new look.</p>
<p>A few considerations to help you make a good choice for your kitchen include the following:</p>
<p>Materials – Popular choices for today’s kitchen are granite and quartz. There are many other choices available also if these are not for you. Your budget and lifestyle will help you determine the best choice.</p>
<p>Styles – Rely on your personal taste to help you choose the style you want. Make sure it fits into the décor of your home and choose the style that works best for your needs.</p>
<p>Colors – Once you choose the material you wish to use, you’ll find a wide array of color choices that will look great in your own kitchen.</p>
<p>Before you go shopping, do some measuring and take notes to carry with you. Once your choices are made, your installer ore supplier can help you make sure you are ordering the correct amount of materials to get the job done right.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy " href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/home-remodeling.aspx" target="_blank">DirectBuy </a>offers a wide selection of <a title="kitchen remodeling supplies" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling supplies</a>, including countertops, cabinetry, flooring, tile for backsplashes and much more. You’ll find what you need at manufacturer-direct prices to help you stay within your budget.</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-countertops%2Ftips-for-kitchen-countertops%2F&amp;title=Tips+For+Choosing+New+Kitchen+Countertops', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/tips-for-kitchen-countertops/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
