Installing kitchen accessories such as pot racks can be accomplished successfully if done correctly. Following the manufacturer’s directions should give you the desired results-a stylish and well organized kitchen.
It is Saturday morning and you are looking forward to a trip to the lake. Then, you remember the “honey do” list you wrote for yourself yesterday. The top item is HANG UP POT RACK! It had been a week since your order had arrived from Pot Rack Place, and you had excitedly torn open the packing materials toreveal the shiny bronze ceiling mounted French scroll rack.
“Now,” you exclaimed, “I can get this kitchen organized!” After a week of cursing at the box, which seemed to migrate around the floor of the living room of its own accord, HANG UP POT RACK had catapulted to the top of the list. But, how would you successfully attack this project? Successfully was the key word, as the steps you took brought you to this nice hospital and constitutute
“The Top Ten Ways NOT to Hang a Pot Rack”.
1) Let me take a quick look around the kitchen to decide where I want to hang the rack. I guess it could go just about anywhere and, let’s see, this spot looks nice over the sink.
No, no, no, no! Before you even purchase a rack, measure the distance between the ceiling joists where you want it to hang. All pot racks, ceiling fans, and chandeliers must be secured to joists. Knowing this distance will help you choose to correct size pot rack.
If you have new construction, this can easily be planned before the ceiling is installed. If you already have a ceiling surface, such as sheetrock, find the wood and joists by using a stud finder or experiment by tapping small nails in the area of the ceiling where your ceiling hooks will be installed. If the ceiling joists are not where you decide to hang the rack, and you have access to the attic above the ceiling area, you can nail additional 2 x 4 brace supports between your ceiling joists, where needed, so that the hooks are fixed to wood in all locations. If you decide on a place without wood ceiling joists, you will need to use dry wall toggles and screws.
2) This is really a one person project and I can do it myself before lunch!
No, no, no, no! Installing a brand new pot rack will occupy about half a day, for someone who is reasonably handy or experienced. If that is not you, get help from a friend or contractor. By yourself, this project could be a disaster and take all day, or longer.
3) There are hardly any parts. I certainly don’t need directions. In fact, I think I threw them out when I opened the box.
No, no, no, no! Pot rack distributors provide their customers with easy to read directions that include both technical and safety instructions. But even with all of the instructions, an extra pair of hands and eyes is very useful. Important details like, how to correctly install chain or the maximum weight capacity of the rack, could make a difference between success and disaster.
4) I know I have a tape measure, screwdriver and a hammer. That should do it!
No, no, no, no! Those directions mentioned in number three list all the materials you will need for the job. This usually includes: screwdriver, drill, tape measure, pencil, eye screws, wood glue, long wood screws, and other items like extra 2 x 4s, nails, hammer, sheet rock toggles and stud finder. Oh yes, the extra person, too.
Directions may vary according to the company. If you do not follow these instructions, and if your pot rack falls due to negligence, the manufacturer may not be liable in the event of injury or damage to you or your home.
5) It looks like I have everything I need to put up this little rack. If I’m missing anything I’m sure I have some extra parts in the garage.
No, no, no, no! You have to make sure you have the parts that are listed on those directions. The company supplies the hooks and chains that you need to work with the pot rack you purchased. Some pot racks use a supplied ceiling mounting plate, metal or wood, which is sized properly to be centered over the area from which you wish to hang the rack. This must be secured to ceiling joists properly in order to safely attach the chains from which your pot rack will hang. If you do not have these correct parts, your rack will not hang properly or safely.
6) My ceiling is higher than I thought. I guess I’ll just stand on this chair to reach over my head.
No, no, no, no! The chair might be safe enough to reach the height if you are installing a wall mounted pot rack, but when you are reaching over your head to attach something to a ceiling, you would be safer using a stable step ladder. And that friend you should have with you can hang on to the ladder while you climb.
7) Let’s see, I think I’ll actually hang the pot rack over the stove instead of the sink. Then, I can hang pots low enough to easily grab one while cooking.
Most likely no, no, no, no! Hanging a pot rack over the stove is a great idea, if the pots are high enough that they are not constantly spattered and don’t get so much heat that they are too hot to handle if you want one while you are cooking.
8) Changed my mind. I think I’ll hang it next to the stove, that way anybody can walk right up to the rack and grab what they need for cooking.
Most likely no, no, no, no! Make sure the pot rack his hung so that the hanging pots will not hit your head as you walk around the kitchen.
9) I plan on hanging all of my pots and pans, and those three big cast iron skillets on this rack.
a. No, no, no, no! There is a limit to how much you can hang on a pot rack. It depends on the size of the rack, how you hung it from the ceiling and the weight capacity, according to the directions.
10) I am ready to go! Let me just drill a little hole here in the ceiling with my new electric drill. And it’s a good thing this light is hanging right next to where I want to drill…
Noooooooo, don’t drill so close to the light!
Installing kitchen accessories such as hanging fans and pot racks can be accomplished successfully if done correctly. Following the manufacturer’s directions and using the proper equipment, as well as following safety tips should give you the desired results-a stylish and well organized kitchen.
How Pot Racks Can Fit In Small Kitchens
If you have a space that is 24 inches by 30 inches, you can have a pot rack in your kitchen! Don’t deprive yourself of this convenient and attractive kitchen accessory just because you have a small house. If you also have too many pots and pans and utensils, cramming them in the bottom or back of a cabinet does not have to be the answer.
How to Make a Lakeside Cottage Handicapped Friendly
In order to make a house or cottage accessible, and easier to enjoy, for physically disabled people, some renovations will need to be made. Imagine yourself with a walker or wheelchair and you will start to see what you may need to do to permit a handicapped person to enjoy life more fully.
Tricks for Cleaning Copper Pots
Copper is a beautiful metal used for many purposes including pots and pans. Unfortunately, it often gets black and tarnished, especially on the bottom of the pots. Instead of avoiding copper, choose a cleaner that works for you.
