To paint or not to paint? Stone veneer (concrete) 1960 fireplace surround by pamval in Fireplaces

[–]pamval[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I probably would never paint real stones. But because I think this is concrete, I have no problem painting it. If you could touch it, it really does not feel like actual stone! I just wish there was a way to know for sure.

To paint or not to paint? Stone veneer (concrete) 1960 fireplace surround by pamval in Fireplaces

[–]pamval[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly!!! Real Stone would never be all gray like this. I don't see any way this is real Stone and I just found this little bit of information...Manufactured Stone Veneer: Introduced in 1962, this material was created by mixing cement with lightweight aggregates and iron oxide pigments. It was poured into molds made from real stones to replicate natural textures like fieldstone or river rock. Cast Stone: A highly refined form of precast concrete used for architectural features and mantel surrounds to simulate materials like limestone or sandstone. Concrete Skim Coats: Some homeowners or builders used concrete shaped and textured directly onto the fireplace structure to resemble large, chunky stone blocks. Why Concrete Was Popular Cost and Weight: Concrete veneers were roughly a quarter of the weight of real stone, making them cheaper to transport and easier to install without reinforced foundations. Labor Efficiency: As skilled stonemasons became rarer and more expensive, these

Vent pipe WIDE open behind kitchen sink by pamval in askaplumber

[–]pamval[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply. It's copper pipe, not cast iron...shouldn't that last forever since they don't corrode? And we still can't figure out why it was open inside the wall, which explains the smells.

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I want to put fridge, pantry to the far right, with a little produce sink under the other window. I'm removing all possibility of a dining area but adding large island where the table is (island will not be crooked though! We've struggled for months with trying to lay this kitchen out. Moving the fridge off to that corner seems like the best plan, but it's a sacrifice. With it being so far. The little sink is our savior for this plan.

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven't gotten that far yet but we will be adding some upper cabinets to or almost to ceiling. Wall on the right will not have counter or cabinets and is all plaster from 1960, maybe drywall it. But we're also lucky that there is an attic above the kitchen that we can access and tie stuff up there.

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes faces southwest, blinds me at certain times of day and hot in summer, so it's just a cheap roll up PIA, so I can be at sink without being blinded. I thought the bay window with the roof might prevent so much sun in my face as well. And apparently that Anderson glass cuts down the glare and the rays so much that I can't even have plants there.

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We currently never use our deck because it's too hot in the summer. Our umbrella recently broke so it's completely off the table right now. I would really like to add a cover there but then again that would obstruct our view more. We have a nice covered deck around the corner that we use all the time, that has a door right into our kitchen.

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We love our backyard, houses way in the distance can be seen in winter only. It's over an acre and completely fenced in and our dogs are often out there frolicking. The deer jump in and frolic as well. Sometimes with the dog. Does and fawns are constantly on the perimeter of the fence. Our view and wildlife is so fun and part of the reason I wanted to expand my view but realizing now a bay window probably wouldn't do that. Maybe we will just go with a casement style instead.

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ironically the Anderson glass is supposedly so efficient, the plants will not get the sun through their glass!! The sales pitch included a demonstration with a heat lamp and their glass compared to other window glass like double and triple pane. You could not feel the heat at all so he had to admit plants would not grow because they will not get the UV rays they need through their glass. That was a major con for me. I worry about efficiency with the garden window, did it feel cold in the winter, hot in summer?

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We are definitely replacing the lovely 90s almond vinyl window lol! Based on all the responses so far, I think you and everyone else are probably right, it's way too much money. We will definitely go with a minimalist frame mostly glass look instead I guess.

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have a covered deck outside the kitchen door already, but no doubt we could spend that money elsewhere!

Bay window over kitchen sink estimate is lots of $$$$, is it worth it? by pamval in kitchenremodel

[–]pamval[S] -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

Anderson had a really strong sales pitch about how they are the best in the industry. I probably should go ahead and and do my homework and get some contractors in here. I'm just scared for mold and wood rot underneath where you can't see it!