13 Kitchens and Baths Flashcards
1
Q
Why are kitchens and bathrooms renovated more often than other rooms?
A
Because we’ve changed the way we live, making these spaces more central to daily activities.
2
Q
What are some modern uses of kitchens during social gatherings?
A
Kitchens are now places where guests hang out, have coffee, read the paper, and socialize.
3
Q
What should you consider when planning your kitchen?
A
Your personal tastes, lifestyle, physical characteristics, and specific activities in the kitchen.
4
Q
What is the standard height for kitchen countertops?
A
36 inches above the finish floor.
5
Q
What is the recommended distance for wall cabinets above standard countertops?
A
18 inches above the countertop.
6
Q
What is the ideal minimum clearance for a work area that doubles as a corridor?
A
60 inches.
7
Q
What is the minimum recommended width for sink counters on each side of the sink?
A
24 inches, though 36 inches is better.
8
Q
What is the purpose of the work triangle in kitchen design?
A
To keep the distance traveled between the refrigerator, stove, and sink within 12 ft. to 22 ft.
9
Q
What layout is considered the most practical for kitchens?
A
U-shaped kitchens.
10
Q
What is the recommended width for a galley kitchen?
A
At least 4 ft. wide.
11
Q
What type of lighting is recommended for kitchens?
A
A combination of natural light, general lighting, and task lighting.
12
Q
What is the recommended wattage for general lighting in an average-sized kitchen?
A
About 200 watts incandescent or 80 watts fluorescent.
13
Q
What should task lighting over sinks and cooktops consist of?
A
At least two 75-watt incandescent bulbs or two 30-watt fluorescent bulbs.
14
Q
What is the ideal counter space for an island in a multiple-use kitchen?
A
At least 10 to 12 sq. ft. of open counter space.
15
Q
What is the general height of base cabinets?
A
34.5 inches tall.
16
Q
What are the three types of stock cabinets?
A
- Base cabinets
- Wall cabinets
- Specialty cabinets
17
Q
What materials are commonly used in the construction of cabinets?
A
Plywood, particleboard, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
18
Q
What is the standard depth for base cabinets?
A
24 inches.
19
Q
What is the minimum space needed in front of a base cabinet?
A
36 inches.
20
Q
Fill in the blank: Kitchen counters 12 in. wide or wider must have at least one _______.
A
electrical receptacle.
21
Q
What should be done when cabinets arrive before unwrapping them?
A
Inspect the packaging for signs of abuse or breakage.
22
Q
What is the role of task lighting in the kitchen?
A
To illuminate specific work areas effectively.
23
Q
What is the minimum kitchen work-space clearance between facing appliances?
A
48 inches.
24
Q
True or False: The sink should ideally be placed away from a window.
A
False.
25
What is the common issue with galley kitchens if there is through traffic?
They can become hectic.
26
What should the distance be between a refrigerator and a stove in a kitchen?
They should not be placed directly side by side.
27
What is one way to maximize counter space in a small kitchen?
Use compact, space-saver appliances.
28
What are the typical materials used for cabinet construction?
Plywood, particleboard, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
## Footnote
These materials are glued and screwed together to form the cabinet structure.
29
What is the standard thickness of side panels, bottoms, and partitions in cabinets?
5⁄8 in. thick
## Footnote
Back panels are usually 1⁄4 in. thick.
30
What are the two main types of cabinet faces?
* Frameless
* Face-frame
## Footnote
Frameless cabinets have a simpler design, while face-frame cabinets offer more visual variety.
31
What is a kickspace in cabinet design?
The indentation at the bottom of a base cabinet that provides room for toes
## Footnote
It allows users to comfortably approach the cabinet while working.
32
What is the purpose of scribe pieces in cabinet assemblies?
To fill gaps between cabinets or between a cabinet and a wall
## Footnote
Scribe pieces usually have a rabbeted back for easy adjustment.
33
How should the heights of cabinets be indicated on walls during installation?
Using light pencil lines
## Footnote
Chalklines are not recommended due to their fuzziness and potential to bleed through paint.
34
What is the recommended method for finding stud centers in walls?
* Electronic stud finder
* Knocking on walls
* Driving small finish nails
## Footnote
Marking stud centers is important for securing cabinets.
35
What is the common depth range for wall cabinets?
12 in. to 15 in. deep
## Footnote
12 in. is the most common depth.
36
True or False: Base cabinets typically range from 36 in. to 84 in. wide.
True
## Footnote
Base sink cabinets range from 36 in. wide (no drawers) to 84 in., typically in 6-in. increments.
37
When installing cabinets, what is the key to a successful installation?
Leveling the base and wall cabinets and securing them to wall studs and the floor
## Footnote
Accurate measurements and assessments should be done before and after cabinets arrive.
38
What is the recommended height above the finish countertop for wall cabinets?
18 in.
## Footnote
This height allows for adequate workspace and accessibility.
39
What type of kickspace is often built into custom-made cabinets?
Rough toekick
## Footnote
This is often assembled on site.
40
What is the typical width range for base cabinets?
15 in. to 24 in. wide
## Footnote
Tray units are generally 9 in. to 12 in. wide.
41
What should be done if floors are seriously out of level during cabinet installation?
Construct several ell supports
## Footnote
This method helps stabilize the cabinets and ensure proper leveling.
42
What material is recommended for constructing rough toekicks?
3⁄4-in. plywood
## Footnote
Plywood is more durable and water-resistant compared to particleboard.
43
What is the initial step when installing base cabinets?
Setting rough toekicks
## Footnote
This should start at the highest point on the floor.
44
Fill in the blank: The bottom of wall cabinets should be ______ above the base cabinet layout line.
191⁄2 in.
## Footnote
This ensures proper spacing for the countertop.
45
What is the purpose of shimming cabinets during installation?
To level cabinets and ensure they are secure
## Footnote
Shimming helps adjust for any irregularities in the floor or walls.
46
What should you do before setting cabinets with integral toekicks?
Review the preceding section on rough toekicks.
47
How do you shim cabinets with integral toekicks?
Shim each cabinet under its sidewalls, front, and back.
48
What is the first step when installing a single run of cabinets?
It doesn't matter where you start.
49
Where should you start if there’s a sink cabinet centered under a window?
Start with the sink cabinet.
50
When installing L- or U-shaped cabinets, where should you start?
Start in a corner.
51
What is crucial to ensure when installing the first corner cabinet?
It must be perfectly level.
52
What type of screws should be used to secure toekicks?
Square-drive screws.
53
What should you do after leveling the corner cabinet?
Screw it to the toekick and to the studs.
54
What is a common method for aligning cabinet edges?
Using quick-release clamps with padded jaws.
55
What should you do with screws to ensure they are flush?
Drill pilot holes first with a countersink bit.
56
What is the recommended screw length for joining 3/4 in. thick cabinet panels?
1 1/4 in. screws.
57
What type of screws should not be used for cabinet installation?
Drywall screws.
58
What method should be used to level a unit if a floor is badly out of level?
Use plywood ell supports.
59
What additional step is needed when installing sink bases?
Bore or cut through the back panel for pipe stub-outs.
60
How can you transfer the locations of utilities to the back of the sink cabinet?
Use a spirit level and mark the positions.
61
What should you do after leveling the toekicks along a wall?
Start setting the base cabinets on top.
62
How should you secure adjacent cabinets after leveling?
Align their front edges and use padded clamps.
63
What should you do if the cabinet sits above the base-cabinet layout line?
Scribe and trim its bottom to reduce its height.
64
What tool can be used to scribe a base cabinet?
A pencil compass.
65
What is the purpose of ell supports in kitchen islands?
To level rough toekicks or integral toekicks.
66
What should be done to secure wall cabinets?
Transfer stud centers and predrill screw holes.
67
What is the simplest support for holding wall cabinets in place while mounting?
A temporary support strip.
68
What should you do if a wall cabinet is too narrow to reach two studs?
Mortise a piece of 1x blocking into at least two studs.
69
What is the benefit of tying cabinets together during installation?
It lends additional support and spreads the load.
70
What should you do with holes left by the support-strip screws?
Patch holes or cover them with trim.
71
What type of hinges are commonly used in modern cabinets?
European-style door hinges.
72
How are European-style door hinges attached to cabinet boxes?
They clip onto baseplates.
73
What is a recommended way to improve storage space in cabinets?
Convert existing shelves into sliding shelves.
74
What type of drawer slides are recommended for sliding shelves?
Side-mounted, ball-bearing drawer slides rated for 75-lb. or 100-lb. loads.
75
What is a common feature of cabinet organizers?
They enable easier access to items.
76
What type of trim can be used as a support strip?
A piece of trim with the same finish as the cabinets.
77
What should be done with mounting screws after installation?
Cover them with wood plugs or stick-on screw covers.
78
What is one of the largest sellers of assemble-it-yourself cabinets?
IKEA.
79
What is the purpose of adjustment screws in cabinet installation?
To raise the hinges up or down, in or out, until the reveals between the doors are equal and the doors lie flat.
80
What is IKEA known for in the context of home improvement?
One of the largest sellers of assemble-it-yourself cabinets in the world.
81
What is the cost of IKEA's kitchen design service?
$150.
82
What does IKEA's kitchen design service include?
* Measuring the kitchen
* Recommending cabinet configurations
* Generating a materials list and estimate.
83
What is the first step before installing IKEA cabinets?
Survey walls and floors.
84
True or False: IKEA will install cabinets only if they also assemble them.
True.
85
What should you do if there are low spots in the floor when installing cabinets?
Shim those low spots.
86
How should wall cabinets be hung?
From a leveled metal suspension rail.
87
What tool is recommended for drawing adjacent cabinets together?
Quick-release clamps.
88
Fill in the blank: IKEA wall cabinets hang from a leveled _______.
metal suspension rail.
89
What is the recommended method for checking if all parts are included in an IKEA shipment?
Scrutinize the master shipping list against the contents.
90
What is a good practice for organizing IKEA assembly hardware?
Assemble all like parts in labeled plastic zip-top freezer bags.
91
What is the recommended way to handle IKEA assembly instructions?
Study them carefully and avoid forcing parts.
92
What can happen if you apply too much muscle to a screw in IKEA cabinets?
The particleboard can strip.
93
What type of countertops typically require special training for installation?
Solid-surface and stone-polymer countertops.
94
What is the most common type of countertop material used in residential installations?
Plastic laminate.
95
What is a disadvantage of plastic laminate countertops?
Seams can degrade and admit water.
96
What are postformed plastic laminate tops?
Countertops where a single, continuous sheet of laminate is adhered and wrapped to a particleboard substrate.
97
What is a key advantage of solid-surface countertops?
They are water- and stain-resistant and have seamless backsplashes.
98
What is the composition of quartz composites?
Roughly 93% quartz and 7% polymers and pigments.
99
What are the properties of quartz composites?
* Scratch-resistant
* Heat-resistant
* Stain-resistant
* Nonporous.
100
What is a benefit of using templates in countertop installation?
They help transfer accurate measurements to any sheet material.
101
What are the characteristics of ceramic tile as a countertop material?
* Beautiful
* Durable
* Resistant to heat, water, and stains.
102
What is Caesarstone known for in the quartz surfacing industry?
First quartz surfacing company to receive ISO 14001 certification
## Footnote
ISO 14001 is a global standard for environmental protection.
103
What are the benefits of ceramic tile as a countertop material?
Beautiful, durable, variety of colors, shapes, sizes, resistant to heat, water, stains, scratches
## Footnote
Grout joints can be fragile and require maintenance.
104
Name some types of natural stone slabs used for countertops.
* Granite
* Marble
* Soapstone
* Limestone
* Slate
105
What is a common thickness for granite slabs?
3/4 in. and 1 1/4 in.
106
What is a characteristic of granite's installation due to its weight?
Usually installed in sections 6 ft. long or less.
107
How are seams between granite sections typically treated?
Filled with color-matched caulk.
108
What is a common sealing method for stone countertops?
Penetrating sealants such as Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® and Miracle Sealants® 511 Porous Plus®.
109
True or False: Most installers offer a warranty on stone installations.
False
## Footnote
Known as a 'taillight warranty'; it expires once the installer leaves.
110
What are some advantages of concrete as a countertop material?
Tough, customizable shapes, can mimic exotic stone
## Footnote
Needs to be reinforced to prevent cracking.
111
What is the recommended thickness for a concrete countertop slab?
1 1/2 in.
112
What does Berylex do for concrete slabs?
Strengthens and waterproofs slabs, and helps with stainproofing.
113
What is a sentimental reason people choose wood countertops?
Warmth and beauty.
114
What type of oil is recommended for maintaining wood countertops?
Food-safe oil recommended by the manufacturer.
115
What should you do before getting bids for countertops?
Develop detailed floor plans and put everything in writing.
116
What is the ideal way to select a countertop supplier?
Visit showrooms, discuss options, and assess supplier willingness to answer questions.
117
What should the measure date allow for in terms of input?
Last chance to give input on details such as underlayment, color, edge treatment.
118
What must be done to cabinets before measuring for countertops?
Cabinets must be screwed together and level.
119
What is the most common size for a two-bowl kitchen sink?
22 in. by 33 in.
120
What is the optimal depth for a large single-bowl sink?
10 in. deep.
121
What is an important consideration when installing a range hood?
Should vent exhaust gases outdoors with the shortest duct run possible.
122
What is the average noise level for midsize range hoods measured in sones?
3 to 3.5 sones.
123
True or False: Larger range hoods are always better for kitchen ventilation.
False
## Footnote
Larger hoods can be noisier and create backdrafting.
124
What is the recommended installation height for a range hood above a range?
30 in. above the range.
125
What should be checked on the measure date regarding sinks and appliances?
Must be on site to ensure compatibility and avoid installation delays.
126
What are the standard dimensions for sink cabinets?
24 in. deep by 36 in. long
127
What is the optimal depth for a large single-bowl sink?
10 in. deep
128
What is a common feature found in most sinks?
One to four holes for spouts and faucet handles
129
What type of sink is best for washing pots and pans?
A large single-bowl sink
130
True or False: Three-bowl sinks are ideal for most home kitchens.
False
131
What materials are commonly used for sink manufacturing?
* Stainless steel
* Enameled cast iron
* Enameled steel
* Solid-surface materials
* Acrylic
132
What is the most popular sink material, representing about three-quarters of installations?
Stainless steel
133
What is the difference in gauge between thicker and thinner stainless steel sinks?
Thicker gauges (16 to 18 ga.) are harder to flex and dent, while thinner gauges (20 to 22 ga.) are less expensive and less durable
134
What is the typical cost range for a 22-ga. single-bowl sink?
$40
135
What are two disadvantages of enameled cast-iron sinks?
* Enamel can chip
* Very heavy and difficult to drill
136
What is a key feature of solid-surface sinks?
Seamless, leakproof joint that won’t catch food scraps
137
What are the advantages of acrylic sinks?
* Lightweight
* Nonporous
* Easy to clean
* Stain- and crack-resistant
138
Fill in the blank: Self-rimming sinks are easy to install because the sink rim sits on the _______.
countertop
139
What is the primary benefit of undermount sinks?
Easy to keep clean as there’s no rim to block food scraps
140
What mounting style creates a seamless joint by bonding the sink to the counter of the same material?
Integral sinks
141
How should you prepare to cut a sink opening in a countertop?
Mark the sink cutout on the counter or plywood substrate using a template
142
What type of caulk is recommended for sealing the rim of a sink?
Silicone caulk
143
What should you do to avoid damaging a stone countertop while installing a sink?
Avoid using plumber’s putty, as the oil may stain the stone
144
What is the minimum wattage recommended for general lighting in bathrooms?
3 to 4 watts of incandescent or 1.5 to 2 watts of fluorescent lighting per sq. ft.
145
What is a good strategy for maximizing floor space in a bathroom?
Use alcoves and half-walls to place fixtures
146
What should be done to suppress sound in a bathroom?
Insulate walls and install a tight-fitting door
147
Fill in the blank: For adequate lighting around mirrors, install fixtures on the _______.
walls
148
What is one way to ensure privacy in shared bathrooms?
Put private fixtures far from the door
149
What type of fixtures should be installed to illuminate bathroom mirrors?
Light fixtures on the walls: one over the mirror and one on each side.
150
What should be considered when choosing cabinet heights for a bathroom?
Counter heights should be comfortable for the family.
151
What are the recommended dimensions for a shower stall?
36 in. by 36 in.
152
What materials are recommended for bathroom fixtures to ensure durability?
Nickel- or chrome-plated finishes.
153
What type of flooring is recommended for bathrooms?
Resilient flooring and tile.
154
True or False: Wood is a suitable material for bathroom flooring.
False.
155
What is the purpose of an exhaust fan in a bathroom?
To ventilate and control moisture.
156
What protection must all electrical outlets in bathrooms have?
GFCI protection.
157
Fill in the blank: Countertops with integral bowls are easier to keep clean because there’s no seam for ______ to collect in.
crud
158
What are the main types of lavatories available?
* Pedestal sinks
* Wall-hung units
* Cabinet-mounted lavatories
* Vanity top (vessel) basins
159
What are the characteristics of the most durable lavatories?
Enameled cast iron.
160
What is the standard base length for toilets?
12 in.
161
What are the three common types of toilets sold?
* Traditional two-piece units
* One-piece toilets
* Wall-hung toilets
162
What type of toilets are typically quieter and less likely to clog?
Siphon-jet or siphon-vortex toilets.
163
What materials are commonly used for bathtubs?
* Enameled steel
* Enameled cast iron
* Acrylic
* Fiberglass
164
What should be considered when choosing a lavatory faucet?
Compatibility with lavatory, faucet bodies, finishes, handle configurations, and spout lengths.
165
What is the most popular finish for faucets?
Polished chrome.
166
What valve types are recommended for faucets due to their durability?
* Ceramic-disk valves
* Brass ball valves
167
What are the minimum required clearances for a toilet?
30 in. to wall.
168
What are the recommended dimensions for a standard bathtub?
2 ft. 6 in. to 3 ft. wide; lengths are 4 ft. 6 in. to 5 ft.
169
Fill in the blank: A well-made faucet has some ______ to it.
heft
170
What type of lavatories are made from soda lime glass?
Spun-glass lavatories.
171
What finish should brass-finish faucets have to protect them from oxidation?
Clear epoxy coating.
172
What should be ensured for lavs and lav faucets?
They are compatible.
173
True or False: Undermounted lavatories may have no faucet holes at all.
True.
174
What is a notable feature of wall-hung lavatories?
Pipes are exposed and there's no storage underneath.
175
What are the benefits of using nonporous baseboards or backsplashes in a bathroom?
Easier to clean and swab corners without worrying about damage.
176
What is the benefit of choosing a compact tub or replacing a tub with a shower stall?
Saves space in tight areas.
