Washington DC Faucets

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, one of the first things you probably want to replace is your kitchen faucet. If your Washington DC area home is old, your kitchen faucet is probably the standard boring design. Even if you have a more modern style faucet, changing it can give your kitchen remodeling project a whole new look and that makes it an ideal place to start when redoing your kitchen. Today, there are many new styles available which makes looking for kitchen faucet ideas easy and fun. Read more

Bay Area Plumbing Fixtures

From faucets to countertops to vanities, Albany Cabinets & Design provides Bay Area plumbing fixtures fro any bathroom or kitchen design project.

At Albany Cabinets & Design, you will enjoy a very professional and efficient shopping experience. Their bathroom design team will assist you with design ideas, product selection, and walk you step by step through installation. Our team of experienced, licensed contractors will take care of all your needs.

AREAS THEY SERVICE IN THE BAY AREA

Contra Costa County – Pinole, CA | Hercules, CA | El Sobrante, CA | Tara Hills, CA | Rodeo, CA | Crockett, CA | El Cerrito, CA | San Pablo, CA | Kensingtion, CA | Richmond, CA | Orinda, CA | Point Richmond, CA | Lafayette, CA | Martinez, CA | Pleasant Hill, CA
Alameda County- Oakland, CA | Berkeley, CA | Emeryville, CA | Albany, CA | Hayward, CA | San Leandro, CA | Emeryville, CA

CONTACT ALBANY CABINETS & DESIGN
920 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Phone – 510.526.2288
Fax – 510.526.2289
Berkley Kitchen Design Profile

American Standard Faucets

If you are in the market for faucets, try out the American standard faucets. They are the perfect choice for those interested in sleek and sophisticated pieces for their home.

Whether you want a replacement for your old style faucets or just buy an additional one, American standard faucets offer the perfect options. Before purchasing any one though, learn a few things about the types that are available. There can be the ball type, disc type, compression type and the cartridge type. With some knowledge of the make of these, you will be better able to judge the type that is best for you.

American standard faucets come in all types. The compression type is the basic one, which is found in most houses and is washer based. The other types are washer less as they do not use any rubber or neoprene washer. The ball type has a single handle and is used in kitchen sinks. This type has much more leaks than the other types though its advantage is the ease of use. The disc type has a single lever over the body. The big advantage of this latest type is that it rarely leaks.

Another type of faucet is the cartridge faucet, which works with up and down motion in order to control the flow and left and right in order to manage the temperature of water. The compression type is the oldest and rather uncomfortable to use.

American standard faucets offer every variety and with some information about each, it will be easier to select the right one. All faucets, including the most sleek and well-polished ones, are available in great styles. You can also repair your faucets with the help of a more detailed guide.

Bathroom Remodels – The Details

On average, a bathroom remodel costs $15,789 and a kitchen remodel costs $55,503 according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value report. But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a fresh look in your home. Focus on the items that get used the most, like the faucet.

“The faucet is really a focal point in the bathroom and kitchen,” says Andy Martin of Fontaine Faucets. “It’s the item that gets used the most, and therefore, it always gets noticed. A new faucet is like an instant facelift that can provide upgraded style, functionality, or both! And it’s one of the more easily accomplished DIY projects.”

The faucet has come a long way from years past when it was simply a means of delivering water inside the home. It has become a centerpiece of style. Now, taking that evolutionary step beyond just beautiful designs and great finishes, technology is starting to play a role in the world of water delivery. Helping to combat the spread of germs, conserve water, and help our environment, technology in the form of hands-free operation is making its mark in our homes.

Touch-free faucets are now available for residential use and are becoming increasingly popular in homes around the country. These new faucets offer homeowners a myriad of advantages:

* Increased hygiene
Using a faucet that doesn’t require touch is effective in reducing the spread of germs. Airports and other high-traffic public places have used the technology for years. Touch free provides better hygiene and keeps areas looking cleaner for longer.

* Residential styles with commercial functionality
Chances are you’ve used a touch-free faucet at your local mall or restaurant bathroom. These faucets were created for the commercial environment. As the technology was being developed to focus on home design, the faucets expanded beyond the simple, sterile metal look that you are used to. Now touch-free faucets are available in a variety of finishes and styles that embrace design elements that you’ll find in some of today’s most popular home decor magazines.

* Superior sensors
If you’ve ever stood in front of an infrared-sensing faucet waving your hands in an effort to elicit a stream of water, you know why the technology hasn’t made its way into homes. Fontaine Faucets’ Sensa Field technology senses a user from any angle using an invisible field. This technology has advanced so that these faucets have the ability to function automatically whenever your hands are anywhere near it. The sensing zone surrounds the entire spout, ensuring activation every time a user’s hands approach.

* Increased water conservation
The technology enhances conservation efforts by doing away with unnecessary and unattended water flow. The faucet simply isn’t running unless it is currently being used. This can save homeowners on water consumption, not only helping the environment, but their bank account as well.

* The wow factor
Because this is such a new concept, guests in a home are sure to notice the new technology and are bound to be impressed. It’s something that you won’t usually find at your neighbor’s house.

“Homeowners looking to update their kitchen or bathroom should simply take hints from new trends,” adds Martin. “A new faucet and a fresh coat of paint in a modern color might be just the trick to revitalize your room without a hefty price tag.”

To learn more about Fontaine Faucets’ Sensa Field technology, visit www.fontainebrands.com.

How To Choose Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures

Whether building a new home or remodeling, you’ll find there are many plumbing fixtures and accessories available. The choices can seem overwhelming, and you’ll want to make sure the items you choose are both durable and decorative. Using the guide below, choose bathroom plumbing fixtures that will fit well with your decor plans while providing adequate use for the long term.

Fixtures for the bathroom should be practical and durable. They should be tough enough to withstand years of usage without wearing easily, rusting, or molding. Consider your entire decor including the colors of your floors and walls and the style used on other items in the room.

Choosing a Bathtub

When choosing a bathtub, there are four basic bathtub styles. The old-type enamel cast-iron bathtub with the China-glazing finish is popular with new constructions. It is extremely heavy and offers quietness while being filled with water. This tub usually comes as a basic five-foot tub with few styles to choose from. The average price is about $250.

Next, there’s the molded plastic bathtub, which resembles the cast-iron tubs but is usually thicker. This tub is more lightweight and great for remodeling – especially when tile is already on the floor. This type of bathtub can come in several styles and colors, including a full shower/tub combination with built-in walls. It ranges in price from $250 upward.

The enameled steel tub comes in white or a variety of colors and is finished with a ceramic-glazed material. This tub is priced at around $250. Next is the fiberglass tub, which can be installed on a platform or in the floor. It comes in different shapes and sizes. Some have spa features as well. This type of tub is high-priced, some even costing in the thousands of dollars.

Shower stalls come in several styles such as a pre-built shower base, fabricated shower stall, and the fiberglass enclosed shower stall. Pricing varies according to size, style, and brand name.

Choosing a Toilet

The toilet should be comfortable and practical. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but sometimes paying more means getting better quality. There are now toilets with higher gallons/flush capabilities – up to the government’s standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. If you want to save on your water bill, opt for an efficiency toilet that flushes 1.3 gallons per flush. There are also dual-flush toilets that offer two flush buttons – one for liquid waste removal and one for solid waste removal. The liquid waste button, of course, uses less water per flush.

Bathroom Sink Options

The bathroom sink is important and has many uses – from brushing your teeth to shaving to facial cleansings each night! A popular bathroom sink is the V-shaped vessel sink bowl, which is made of glass, copper or stainless steel. There are also bathroom vanities with the sink already built-in for easy installation. Types of sinks include pedestal sinks, which provide no storage underneath, under-counter sinks, and above-counter sinks.

Faucets and Other Bathroom Items

Choose durable faucets made of materials that are rust-free and provide an even flow of water. With small children, you’ll want to be sure the faucets have temperature settings built in to prevent scalding. For decor purposes, choose matching faucets for the bathtub and sink. Also, be sure the faucet will last for many years without dripping. Faucets come in many shapes and styles – some are plain and some are fancy. They are priced from $40. Some popular finishes for faucets include brass, brushed nickel, oiled bronze, and the popular chrome plate.

Accessorize your bathroom with other fixtures and accessories to complete your decor. You can go online to find great products in almost any style you need. Also, you can find other home accessories online such as ironing centers, door hardware, cabinet hardware, towel warmers, and more.
Choose your bathroom plumbing fixtures wisely for a pleasant and long-lasting bathroom.