Category Archives: Products

Mondays with Mike…8-8-2022 Edition 26

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‘A Kind of Blue’ is/was a classic album released in 1959 by legendary trumpeter and jazz icon, Miles Davis. The uniquely colored kitchen cabinets in front of us, could absolutely be described as featuring ‘a kind of blue’ motif. I’m not trying to equate Miles’ musical ethos to be in harmony with this particular kitchen design, but then again: Why not?

Creative freedom in the arts as well as the design world are imperative to self-expression, so why not just go for those designs that you’re dreaming of. What I’m suggesting is simply: Embrace the Bold!

Now there was a time within the last dozen years or so where I had a very navy blue kitchen . But I’ve since moved on from that to a more grayish feel. Although focused at the moment on the big, bright blue kitchen cabinets, the utensils and cookware that we rely on daily generally don’t sit on top of the counters as something to simply look at. That’s what the cabinets are for and as we see here, Base Cabinet Fillers can (and should) be a part of the storage and organizational mindset when we’re designing a kitchen. Also note the muted appeal of the stark black cabinet hardware against the plain birch cabinets. This allows the fantastic blue color to pop!

And this one makes no excuses for being bold and cartoonish in its approach…and I, for one, love it! If you are in this category as well, then head on over to check out these great Base Cabinet Fillers from Rev-A-Shelf and other great manufacturers at: www.WoodworkerExpress.com.

Harkening back to the beginning of this column, please feel free to investigate ‘A Kind of Blue’, which is considered by many to be one of THE greatest jazz records ever recorded. “Not everything has to be shiny and new, so be sure to treasure the niceties in life, some of which already exist.“

Bold blue cabinets create a big design statement, but the organizers tell the real story
Photo Courtesy of Houzz

Mondays with Mike…8-1-2022 Edition 25

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There’s Gold in That Thar Kitchen !

Ah, yes… the early stages of the search to find that elusive kitchen accessory that just doesn’t have a real home. This young chef-in-training it seems is finding out the hard way that organization is the key to nearly everything in life going smoothly…well, in the kitchen anyway. As we see here, she’s searching shoulder deep within these drawers, which we can deduce are clearly in need of some organizational inserts. For if they were equipped already, there would likely be no search, let alone a shoulder deep one. Speaking of search, www.WoodworkerExpress.com is the answer to where we find these goods, and as such, would be option 1, 2 and 3 for satisfying our kitchen design needs! Like these floating shelves, for example: responsible entirely for supporting the spice offerings available to all who enter and eat.

I’ve mentioned it before, not only because it’s rad, but because it’s bold and who doesn’t like bold from time to time…if not all the time? I’m talking about the intentional gold hardware choices on display here. Those opulent gold pulls could quite likely be causing our junior chef to have to shield her eyes from the sheen. I’ve also got a need to mention this gold-trimmed king-sized range hood that looks aesthetically like it could’ve been in service on the Titanic! It’s surely an amazing hood and yet another item that we can help you spec. out when the time comes for you to purchase your own.

There’s gold in that ‘thar kitchen!

Technically, it’s true…just look at the gold pull near the sink, the gold knob under the country sink, the golden door hinges…and for Pete’ sake: even the floor grate is golden! These folks have brought forth the bold and as a result, this kitchen area is fabulous. The inquisitive eye will find more to like in this small photo and realize that it can likely be found in spades at: www.WoodworkerExpress.com.

Kitchen with bold gold accents

Mondays with Mike…7-18-2022 Edition 23

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Everything Old is “New” Again

If it’s a period look they’re going for…then ‘Ding’ is the sound we’ll all hear from the award tower as they chime the winning bell, I suppose. This is undoubtedly the most unique bit of ‘décor-ing’, I’ve witnessed. As I normally act when cleaning up a skillet or pan and equipped with a stainless steel sink, I‘m inclined to go for more of a ‘gentle’ mode, but that all gets thrown out the window when I’m doing my normal countertop work. As a matter of fact, I may actually consider skipping the traditional countertop wipe-downp and instead go for a light-grit sanding to remove some of those scrub-ready stains. In all seriousness, this could be a real contender for folks with small children and/or a care-free spouse/lifestyle. The use of old barn wood, iron fixtures and antiques says everything old can indeed be new again. It just needs repurposing.

Admire, if you will the fantastic incorporation of the ultra-modern floating shelves, which we see regularly in kitchen design. Don’t miss the hardware latches from a bygone era and their accompanying bin pulls. WAY back in the day, kids! Can someone please advise what I’m guessing might be a melon-squisher is exactly being used for? I thought they only used those things in the workshop, not the kitchen…and for hammering/bending/blacksmithing?!

Regardless, if rugged is your thing, we have the components on hand to get you closer to your inner John Wayne ‘sharpen your knife on the countertop’ mindset. Just look us up at: www.WoodworkerExpress.com. And remember, don’t throw anything away just yet because it could all come back into vogue at any time!

Rustic kitchen using old barn wood and iron hardware
Image courtesy of homebnc.com

Mondays with Mike…7-11-2022 Edition 22

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Organize for Success

We’ve certainly got a nice closet here to look at today. For starters, I’m a pretty big fan of the gray color scheme. It’s to me, perhaps the most tranquil color to start and end with. I love its passiveness and ability to work with so many other colors. The other standout in the images is how the closet is organized. An organized closet helps you more easily find exactly what you are looking for from a sport coat to your favorite sneakers. Organizing for success saves you time, space and peace of mind knowing you can easily lay your hands on any item you are looking for.

Speaking of organization, look how the combination of both open, hanging and drawer storage works here. The open storage areas allow for the addition of cloth baskets. These make great portable storage or maybe even seasonal storage that could easily be moved elsewhere. And with some side mount slides, you can create custom drawers fit to the exact width of your closet space. And of course, every closet needs closet rods. We have a great selection of styles, lengths and finishes available.

Taking a look at the main center cabinet, I’d be curious if there might be a microwave oven parked behind the two doors? It could perhaps be a convenient addition for the hungry go-getter in a hurry? Think about it, there’s likely a TV and faucet nearby. So it’s not out of the question that this en suite might just be made ‘a bit more complete’ by having a microwave in the mix.

Finally, maybe you want to take the ultimate organizational step and hide the whole closet away! With the additional of barn doors and some large appliance pulls you have created the mac daddy of successful organized closets!

Whether it’s your kitchen, mudroom, garage, or your closet, give www.WoodworkerExpress.com a thought; we can likely help you with whatever it is you need, except for maybe cowboy boots and blue sneakers.

Grey closet with organizers
Photo courtesy of The Closet Factory Los Angeles

How to Select the Right Broom for Your Needs

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When selecting the right broom for your shop or home use, it’s important to understand what applications you plan use it for and then select the right broom for the job based on those requirements.

It’s good to know upfront that all brooms are not created equal.

Different broom heads and hand held sweeper broom
Brooms from Fine to Course bristles….broom heads and hand sweepers

There are several factors that go into selecting the right broom:

  • Bristle stiffness
  • Flagged vs Unflagged
  • Type of bristles


Bristle Stiffness

Bristle stiffness is one of the main attributes of a broom you need to understand to select the right broom for your needs.

  • Fine or soft bristles tend to be longer and thinner which make them good for sweeping small, fine particles such as flour or dust.
  • Medium bristles – Used for sweeping larger particles such as wood shavings. Used in wet and dry applications.
  • Coarse or stiff bristles are short and thicker which gives them more strength for sweeping away large particles or for scrubbing. Use them wet with a cleaning agent to scrub the most difficult dirt away.

Flagged Bristles vs. Unflagged

  • Flagged bristles – frayed at the ends which help the bristles collect small particles more easily.
  • Unflagged bristles – straight and stiff which help with collecting larger particles and debris and also for your scrubbing applications.

Types of Bristles

There are many different types of bristles available but we’ll be focusing this article on just three:

  • Tampico – Made from the stem of the Mexican agave plant and have a medium texture and are ideal for dry sweeping on semi-smooth surfaces. They are also resistant to heat, alkali, and acids.
  • Horsehair – As the name implies, these bristles come from the manes and tails of horses. They are softer and more gentle on floors yet durable for long-lasting use. The material used in most Fine bristle brooms is Horsehair but Horsehair is also combined with other types of bristle material to make combination bristles for other applications.
  • Synthetic – Very durable man-made bristles that are highly resistant to acids and oils. These bristles are flexible and won’t scratch floor surfaces and are used in wet or dry applications.

With a good understanding of how you will be using a broom combined with the the knowledge of what are the different types of broom materials, bristle types, and whether you need flagged or unflagged, you can select the right broom for your needs.

See the selection of brooms available at WoodworkerExpress.com in our Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies section.

Piano Hinges – Good for more than just a piano….

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A piano hinge is a continues hinge of various lengths and widths. It can be brass, zinc, stainless steel and more. Many people also refer to it as a continuous hinge. Although called a piano hinge, it is actually a very versatile hinge that can be used for many purposes.

What is a Piano Hinge?

Also known as a continuous hinge, it consists of two rectangular shaped pieces of metal joined in the middle with what is called a knuckle. A pin is inserted into the knuckle which holds all the pieces together.

Parts of a piano hinge
Piano Hinge Components

Piano hinges are designed to run the whole length of the object they are used on. For example, 12″ objects such as a lid and box would use a 12″ piano hinge to join them.

What Can Piano Hinges Be Used For?

While piano hinges are often used on pianos (makes perfect sense!), they are often found in other applications. Piano hinges can be used in a number of door applications such as sheds. A piano hinge door application will be much stronger as the hinge will run the full length of the door preventing sagging over time.

Shed door installation
Shed door with piano hinge

Piano hinges can also be used in any application needing a fold down door such as a desk or storage box. They can also be used on cabinet doors. Because piano hinges come in many lengths, widths and materials they can also be used in heavy duty applications such as commercial lighting storage cases.

commercial lighting cases with piano hinges
Piano Hinges used on heavy duty commercial lighting cases

What Are The Benefits of Using Piano Hinges?

Piano hinges are easy to install and maintain

Every 6 months or so you can wipe them with mild soap and water to remove any dust that has collected around the bearings. Hinges can also be lubricated as needed with a “dry” lubricant such as graphite, silicon or Teflon.

Hinges can be easily cut to length during installation with a hacksaw. Piano hinges do not require mortising and are easily aligned by inserting enough screws to hold the hinge in position on one side of whatever object you are joining. Then simply align the other object and continue inserting your screws. Piano hinges allow for even weight distribution of the load. Unlike shorter hinges, the weight of the joined objects will not act against the hinge as it runs the entire length.

In short, although piano hinges can be used for pianos, they also have many other uses. The projects are limited only by your imagination. See the entire selection of piano hinges at WoodworkerExpress.com and let us know how we can help you in creating something with these versatile hinges.

Mondays with Mike…June 13th 2022 Edition Twenty

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Add sophistication to a neutral kitchen with mixed finish cabinet hardware.

Today we’ve got a neutral kitchen corner on display with accessories that you can find at: www.WoodworkerExpress.com. This kitchen designer has chosen a great new trend in cabinet hardware, mixed finish knobs and pulls. These contemporary shapes feature a dual finish in this case black nickel. When we’re talking about choosing matching knobs and pulls mixed finish hardware can add that class and sophistication you seek but can’t always easily find. The collection featured here is the Mulino Collection by Amerock.

An already effective blend comes alive even further when you combine this clean looking apron front sink with a “touchless” faucet finished in black nickel. Like any white car owner can tell you, a bright color/aesthetic will leave you no choice but to keep things clean…but that’s not a bad thing, is it? There’s a few things for sale in this photo that you likely can’t even see like finish-specific caulk to seal it all up and keep sloppy faucet users from ruining it for the rest of us. Confession- While doing dishes at home, if I drip/spill/submerge water onto the under sink cabinets, the Mrs. will cringe and ‘remind’ me I’m just about to destroy the cabinets. So…I’m sloppy!

And while we’re at it, notice (or not) the nearly camouflaged floating shelf on the back wall whose function is to support, but not be seen….or whatever that military credo is. Lastly, the cutting board here can’t be overlooked. It’s a great piece to add for decorative charm along with the contrast it provides against the white background…but perhaps even more importantly; the fact that it’s designed to hold cheese.

Apron Front Sinks, Mulino Collection cabinet Hardware, cutting Boards, floating shelves
Photo Courtesy of Amerock Hardware

Mondays with Mike…6-6-2022 Edition Nineteen

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Barn Doors Make an Unexpected Design Element in Your Kitchen.

If ever there was a designer kitchen for me, then this one might be it. But first, a quick upfront reveal for me: My favorite part of this kitchen is easily the pantry’s barn door entry. It’s just not something you see every day and creates a wonderful unexpected design element in any room. Without a doubt, this here is the sweet spot. I don’t know, maybe it’s just the farmer in me, but I love the slide of those barn doors although admittedly I’ve never even been on a farm…except as a youth on an overnight camping trip.

It looks like they took the time to plan this out spectacularly, even down to matching the brands/series of kitchen appliances. Aside from the payment part, picking out new appliances is always a bit of fun. Maybe it’s the fact that if all goes well, you won’t be buying them again for another 20 years or so.

The perfectly aligned knobs from the Amerock Wells Collection here are a real visual treat to take in, especially alongside their complimentarily chosen handles When you live in a world of immense hardware choices, it’s always great to witness the results of a well-thought out pairing.

Additionally, I’m a bit taken here with the nice solid surface island that houses this great Karran sink and faucet combo outfitted with a (unseen) bottom grid to protect against scratches while also helping to ensure a long-lasting luster.

If you (like me) like the things you see here, then know that www.WoodworkerExpress.com is where nearly everything shown here can be found for purchase. We’ve got sinks, faucets, door hardware, knobs, pulls, range hoods, fasteners, accessories, etc. If not just for you, how about a friend, too?

Thanks, and sleep well…

Barn Door Hardware, Wells collection knobs and pulls, stainless steel sinks, pull-down faucets
Photo Courtesy of Amerock Hardware

Mondays with Mike…5-30-2022 Edition Eighteen

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Making the most of a small space with smart design choices.

Let’s direct our attention to this charming tucked-into a cubbyhole powder room. It’s clear to see that the designer has made the most of a small space with smart design choices. Wall bath hardware also helps by using vertical space rather than floor space. I can appreciate this challenge from a design perspective, as the room is small from but by choosing the perfectly shaped sink bowl and faucet into the design they’ve come up with a sure fire winner of a powder room.

To further compliment the work done here, let’s not ignore the fact that they matched the cabinet hardware and bath ware accents so beautifully to the faucet. Believe it or not, that’s a detail that often gets overlooked. Hardware, faucets and sinks are all considered royalty here at www.WoodworkerExpress.com with loads of them currently in-stock and ready for immediate shipment!

So, regarding the aforementioned times and places, as much as I love this powder room, there’s quite a few large revealing windows, and as such, I think the toilet here is perhaps a bit out of place and could(should) be swapped out for a rocking chair. After all, the toilet paper has completely run out and removing the toilet just might make for less awkward interactions with your neighbors and passersby going forward…just please don’t install a glass shower in its place.

Regardless, love your castle, fly your flag and do what it is that you do.

Although small, this powder room is packed with style. The vessel sink and mat
Photo courtesy of Houzz and Homesmith Construction, Inc.

Mondays with Mike…5-23-2022 Edition Seventeen

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A man cave for todays family

This week we’re looking at not a kitchen, but rather a sports-themed party room, ostensibly sometimes referred to as a finished basement or the ULTIMATE man cave. So batten down the hatches, Matey’s while we walk the underground plank during this somehow decidedly pirate-tinged version of ‘Mondays with Mike’.

Really, this is a ‘Family Cave’ if ever there was. Check out the far right ‘table for two’. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this particular table might get ‘waited on’ by staff. It reminds me of one of those cocktail tables where folks (read: couples) who have things they need to get of their chests sit, regardless of the ‘sporting event of the century’ currently being broadcast mere feet away.

If you look closely, you can surely connect the dots to figure out the team-centric theme they chose here. Sports fan or not, this is one rock and roll-ready bar. topped with fabulous red laminate. Just look at those intelligently placed overhead right and left speakers. You might’ve thought you were in a home theater here….look a bit closer towards the TV, you kind of are!

Dimmable LED puck lighting utilized here contributes greatly to setting the mood and is tunable for that subdued or festive lighting hue. Hardware-wise, the 2 varieties of pulls chosen for these cabinets speak of a modern design aesthetic combined with a heavy duty industrial feel, leaving a bit more surface area for those sweet finishes to be seen…and grasped! I’ve said it before, but if you could see behind these cabinet doors and drawers, you’d witness an unbelievable assortment of specialized organizers from Rev-A-Shelf + other top-shelf manufacturers (you see what I did there?). These products are available in endless variations, materials, finishes, etc. at www.WoodworkerExpress.com.

Once again this week, I sincerely appreciate your time and attention, but it’s indeed time to skedaddle…as you well know, those buccaneers give no quarter.

A red themed "Family" man cave designed to appeal to both adults and children
Photo courtesy of Rev-A-Shelf