Welcome to Kitchens by Ciggies

Can’t wait to renovate your kitchen? We suggest keeping a journal to record how your kitchen is used, that way we can create a design that best suits your needs.

Of course, while understanding your needs is important, there may be some things you just want. Some you may already know about and others may not be as obvious. That’s why looking through magazines, watching home design shows and talking with friends about their remodels are all good starting points.

Our designers can help you the entire way. From cabinetry choice to paint and backsplashes, we are there to help.

If you have already gone through the planning process and are looking for a quote, you can send us your existing kitchen design by fax or email and one of our kitchen designers will review the plans and call you with questions, suggestions or an estimate.

• Floor Plans
• Any wood you desire
• Any Stain you desire
• Countertop Selection
• Tile/Backsplach
• Lighting Plans
• Paint Color/Stain Selection
• Pullouts
• Hardware Selection
• Cabinet Door Selection
• Accessorizing

When choosing a countertop, there are several things to keep in mind. Besides the cabinets, the counter-top is often the largest and most used surface in your kitchen. There are many options available for counter-tops and some factors in choosing a particular one are cost, appearance, maintenance and functionality. This page will go over the strengths and weaknesses of some of the most popular choices.

Its very important that you do your own homework when it comes to countertops section.

Laminate

If you are working with a limited budget when remodeling your kitchen, laminate is a great option because it is the most cost effective choice for countertops. High pressure laminate is most commonly used on countertop surfaces. It is made up of three kinds of paper pressed together at between 1,000-2,000 pounds per square inch and at temperatures over 280 degrees for approximately one hour. The laminate is typically applied to a particle board substrate but sometimes certain codes may require a plywood substrate to be used. I am not a fan of plywood substrates in this application as plywood is still know to expands and contracts witch could break the bond between the laminate and the substrate.. My preferred choice for a substrate is (MDF) Medium density fiberboard. Because the laminate is applied to a substrate, if a chip occurs, it's not repairable.

The laminate manufacturers have done a wonderful job replicating granite and stone in their color palates. There are different textures available offering a wide array of choices. Keep in mind undermount sinks are not avaible in this countertop option. We prefer to use MDF as our substrate. When posiable we will offset the seems between the substrate and the laminate. When we can do this there won’t be any lifting of the seams on the 45 degree miter cuts. Be sure at ask more about this process when contacting me.

Solid Surface

Commonly known as, Corian made by Duepont paved the way in making solid surface a commonly used countertop in kitchens and bathrooms. Today there are many manufacturers of solid surface all offering a variety of color choices with a varying price range. Solid surface is a manufactured material consisting of 62%-65% natural mineral, 30%-35% acrylic binder, and 2% pigment. The color runs through the entire material, which makes it repairable. Stains can be removed with an abrasive pad and cleanser. Deeper scratches can be removed with 320 to 400 grit sandpaper or steel wool. It is versatile with limitless design possibilities. Solid surface typically comes in ½” and ¾” thicknesses. Other thicknesses are available and vary by manufacturers. Unlike granite and quartz, the backsplash on a solid surface countertop can be a great option as the seams are inconspicuous. Another appealing feature of solid surface is that the acrylic integrated sinks are molded in with the counter-top. The availability of this type of sink may vary by company. Solid surface can be sanded to a matte finish or can be buffed or polished to a high gloss. It is not recommended to have a high gloss finish on dark colors or in heavy use areas. Solid surface is nonporous and easy to clean but is less able to withstand heat than granite. Also we can under mount Stainless steel sinks on soild surface countertops.

At Ciggies we also build custom showers with solid surface material, this is a great option for a modern looking shower and never need to clear dirty gout lines again The product is 100% waterproof and won’t harbour bacteria like other products used for showers.

Quartz (Engineered Stone)

Quartz is stronger than granite. Approximately 93% of this material consists of mined quartz. Acrylic or epoxy binders make up the remaining portion. These added resins provide flexibility to the quartz, which prevents chipping. The patterns are controlled and the colors are more uniform than granite. This saves homeowners from having to carefully choose slabs to assure they match. Manufacturers claim it is more stain-resistant than solid surface. Quartz is nonporous and does not require sealing. The slabs are 3/8” to 1 1/8” thick and 10 feet long. There are many manufacturers of Quartz and so there are a wide array color options available. We don’t make quartz countertops in house at Ciggies but we use the best in business and can arrange or set up a quote from our suppliers.

Ciggies Custom Woodworking is owned by Steve Ciglen. In his 25 years of woodworking Steve has always valued quality construction and functional designs that retain a sense of comfort and serenity. Steve is a graduate of the Conestoga College woodworking technician program. Steve started training as a woodworker at the young age of 14, and only a year later opened his first small custom woodworking business. His passion for woodworking is obvious in his designs and construction.

Steve's woodworking shop is located just off of Highway 522 in the community of Trout Creek in the Municipality of Powassan in Northern Ontario, Canada.

There, using traditional woodworking methods with his dedicated team, Steve produces custom works for contemporary and modern kitchen designs that are truly “a cut above the rest”. We pride ourselves on being true craftsmen. We don't use CNC equipment to build our custom pieces; they are all hand-made.

Ciggies Custom Woodworking is proud to be able to take the time to design and build the kitchen of your dreams. The design is based on your input and integrated into the overall concept and design.. Together Ciggies Custom Woodworking offers all clients custom design-built and installed residential and commercial kitchens, bathrooms, office furniture, islands and closet storage solutions.

For further information refer to our service section or call us today for a free quote.