Eco-friendly advice

If you have a kitchen installed by Springmill, we will remove and discard your existing units free of charge, as part of our service.

But why not make your new kitchen decision eco-friendly by selling or passing on your old one! It could be an opportunity to make some extra cash, or score a few eco points - we recycle practically everything else in our lives, so why not our old kitchen.

Ways and Means

• Always ensure when advertising the kitchen that you include specific dates of when it will be available for removal/collection.
• If your units are of sound quality, undamaged and still 'on trend', style wise - Try to sell it on line via ebay. It helps to mention who the cabinets and doors were supplied by.
• If the kitchen is serviceable but with little in the way of value, offer it free if collected on your favoured supermarket noticeboard, or take out an ad in your local paper.
• If you are selling on line, take digital photos at flattering angles, so you can display it on your auction page.
• Make a list of all the units and their individual measurements, and details of interior fittings. Number the cupboards and or/appliances and tally them with a plan of the old kitchen layout.
• Do not throw away the worktops, even if they are damaged or worn - They can still be used as templates if the kitchen is re-installed in the same layout.
• If the kitchen is still current and available from the manufacturer, give the details of the door name, colour and range to the person you sell to, as they may want to add additional units.
• Provide as much information as you can to the buyer, as this will make the sale easier for both parties.

Flooring choices indepth Ceramic and porcelain tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are hardwearing, lightweight, relatively easy to lay and are often cost effective for larger areas or for those on a tighter budget. They come in many different colours, textures and shapes - creating a large choice.

The tiles themselves are easy to maintain as they don't require sealing and are stain resistant. Making them naturally appealing to busy kitchens with young families and pets. No regular maintenence is required with this flooring type. Simply sweep and mop, making sure to avoid the use of abrasive or bleech based solutions, as this can affect grout.

Natural stone and slate

Stone and slate tiles are hardwearing and come in a variety of colours, textures and sizes. Some are porous, but sealants are available, and once applied the floor will be easy to maintain.
When the sealant is applied it can change the colour of the stone - So ask to see a sealed sample, before making your final choice.

For ultra modern and contemporary kitchens, choose larger size tiles with a smooth matt surface. In traditional kitchens, opt for textured finishes in smaller sizes. Maintenance: Reseal this product as recommend by the supplier. Vacuum and then mop with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. If a stain occurs, treat it with a specialist product which you can obtain from the manufacturer.

Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is hardwearing and easy to look after. It is stain resistant and doesn't fade, but be aware that it can scratch. It comes in a variety of colours, grains and designs - including wood, stone and tile. When moving furniture or wearing heeled shoes, take care - as marks and scratches cannot be sanded out. Mop up spills promptly to avoid warping, and use a laminate floor cleaner regularly.

Vinyl

This product is exceptionally hard wearing, and an excellent choice for anyone who is working on a tight budget. It comes in a wide range of colours, designs and textures and can replicate the
look of: slate, wood, limestone and glass.

Vinyl is available in sheet and tile form, and being lightweight, its relatively easy to lay yourself - becoming even more cost effective. It is very easy to maintain, and suitable to use with under floor heating.

Be aware that thin vinyl can tear and dimple. So, use a good underlay and take care with sharp objects or when moving furniture. Its simple to clean too - sweep and mop through with a mild detergent.

written by Jenny Parfitt

Recently we met back up with a customer who sold a kitchen we installed over 23 years ago!