For homeowners in Louisiana, including New Orleans, updating kitchens with shaker cabinets offers a blend of classic style and modern functionality. The state's subtropical climate, with its hot, humid summers and mild winters, means indoor remodeling can occur year-round. However, planning for projects during drier periods can simplify any work that may extend to exterior access points or require outdoor material staging.
Louisiana's housing stock, especially in areas like New Orleans, often features unique architectural details that can be complemented by the clean lines of shaker cabinets. When choosing materials, consider their resistance to humidity and ease of cleaning, which are practical considerations for the local climate. Our process is designed for efficiency, starting with a detailed assessment of your kitchen to ensure the shaker cabinets we provide are perfectly suited to your home and lifestyle.
To create an expensive look, consider deep, sophisticated colors or classic, bright neutrals for your shaker cabinets. Rich shades like charcoal grey, deep navy, or forest green can add a sense of luxury. Alternatively, crisp white or a soft, warm off-white provides a clean, timeless, and high-end appearance. The chosen color should complement your countertops and backsplash.
The term 'fake granite' often refers to engineered quartz countertops. This material is created by combining natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments. It offers a consistent appearance, mimicking natural stone like granite or marble, while providing enhanced durability and a non-porous surface.
Quartz is an engineered, non-porous material highly resistant to stains and requiring no sealing, making it low maintenance. Granite is a natural stone with unique patterns but is porous and needs periodic sealing to prevent stains. Both are excellent for Louisiana kitchens. The choice often depends on your preference for natural variation versus consistent pattern and your maintenance tolerance.
Granite countertops are porous and can absorb liquids if not properly sealed, potentially leading to stains. They require periodic resealing, typically annually, to maintain their protective qualities. While very durable, granite can chip or crack if subjected to significant impact, though this is relatively rare in typical kitchen use.
The cost of a 10 ft piece of granite countertop is influenced by the specific granite type, its origin, and the complexity of the edge profile. Exotic or rare granites will cost more than common varieties. Installation labor, fabrication, and any necessary cutouts for sinks or cooktops also factor into the overall price.
In New Orleans, permits are generally required for kitchen remodels that involve alterations to electrical, plumbing, or gas lines, or any structural changes. If you are only replacing cabinets and countertops without modifying these systems, a permit may not be necessary. It is always best to confirm with the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits.
Useful reference: ENERGY STAR appliances — appliance efficiency.