Kelowna Kitchen Renovations

Kelowna Kitchen Renovations

repurposed wood backsplash

Kelowna kitchen renovations these days are becoming more and more common place. Homeowners are realizing that they can stay in their home and have that dream kitchen they have always wanted.

If you stay with the same layout for plumbing and electrical a kitchen renovation can be quick and painless. Keeping the same layout also allows you to spend money on nicer cabinets rather than paying for expensive plumbing, venting, or electrical work.


Green kitchen renovations are a real possibility these days with many products readily available. Let’s divide the work roughly in two,

one half being the new cabinets and counter tops, the second half being the disposal of existing cabinets, and any modifications to wiring or plumbing, drywall etc. (Please note that new plumbing and electrical work requires a permit. Not getting one could render you liable should a problem occur. )

Bamboo Cabinets

First the cabinets. There are woods available that are considered to be environmentally friendly -- these would be used for doors and facings. Examples could be pine beetle wood, Wenge, (looks like ebony) or woods from as common as birch, alder, walnut and cherry from sustainable forestry operations. The big “green wood” gaining popularity now is bamboo. There are coatings for the wood that are also green. These coatings may contain no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), or be clear without additives and tints.

Second, inside the cabinets. Some manufactures offer products that are made with bamboo or other renewable resources. Finally, the counter tops. These can also be green. Some options include:

Wenge wood natural beauty

● Recycled glass (looks like ceaser stone)

● Composite compressed paper (sounds strange, but looks amazing)

● Recycled aluminum

● Reclaimed wood



The Renovation

Looking at the work around the cabinets, have your contractor make sure that all wire or copper plumbing pipe, drywall, and wood scraps are separated and recycled. The old cabinets can be reused for storage in garages, workshops etc. Place a free ad in Castanet or a local classified service and watch them walk out the door. Remember a great way to be green is to reuse and avoid the energy required to recycle. Reusing and renewing should be your first choice.

This might all seem a bit daunting, so hire a contractor that cares about our planet. At Greenwave Construction we will guide you through the process of green kitchen renovations in a friendly helpful manner. We are the only smart choice for your project.