Granite Tile

 

When you lay tile your first need to plan out your design first. We figured out where we wanted each tile and then began to do the cutting. You do need to have a wet tile saw. We started cutting and laid out all the tile for the kitchen. After we were please with the layout we took the tile off so that we could start spreading the mortar around. After each placement we needed to use the level to check for accuracy.

           

After the tile had set for at least 24 hours we could begin grouting. The grout has a similar consistency to peanut butter. We spread it all over and wiped it off. It then, needed to set for 24 hours before we could seal it.

Mike and I had struggled finding a backsplash we liked and wasn’t too expensive. We had no luck at tile stores. We were a bit discouraged but then realized we had enough tile left to create a 6 inch tall backsplash design. Mike cut the leftover pieces into 1, 2, or 3 inch tall pieces. The length varied… and it looks great!

To finish off the counters we did a trim border around everything. This was cheaper than purchasing bullnose granite pieces and easier.

We also purchased a new sink! it is awesome and deep! I can actually fit my pots and pans in the sink with room to spare!

Counters

We did not by any stretch of the imagination love these counters:

They were white, nasty, old, tile counters. The grout was disgusting! When we moved in I bleached it several times. As we were debating what to do to replace the counters we obviously looked at our budget at the price of a granite slab. We quickly came to the conclusion they were out of our price range.

We went back to the idea of tile but this time the tile would be granite tile, and 18 x 18 inch rather than 4x4 inches. A granite slab can be anywhere from $40 per square foot and higher. Our granite tile was $8 per square foot!

We began by taking out the old counters and plywood. We replaced the plywood and screwed hardi backer onto it. After that we could lay the tile.

Good-bye white tile counter!

See ya later sink I don’t like!

     

New plywood base for the counters:

  

My new sink hole. And of course one must ALWAYS be making sure to use a level.

The Hardi backer – this ensures strength of the base (I think).

 

Kitchen # 3

The kitchen continued to make progress paint stroke by paint stroke and weekend by weekend.

   

 

Next up… installing new counters!

Kitchen Update 2

Moving on from yesterday’s update, which I realized I had done a similar post in June. Oh well, its been awhile!

 

The upper cabinets required primer, paint, paint, and more paint. It felt like I did coat upon coat of paint. Really, I only did 2 or 3 coats. It just felt unending. It was my summer project and each morning before it became to hot I would paint for a couple hours. I listened to many a book on tape or is it book on mp3 player?

 

     

Trim time! Amazing how a simple piece of trim can add such a finished look!

The new arrangement works so much better! Love having the fridge in the middle!

            The base cabinets are getting there!

October Already?

Well, I have not posted in almost three months! Whoops! The last bit of summer was busy and the beginning of the school year has been incredibly busy but enjoyable.

To update you we have been recently working on our kitchen. I will post some of the doings today and hopefully more this week.

The first set of pictures is our “old” kitchen. We had nasty, rickety cupboards from the 80’s. Rather than replace them we decided to make them stronger and give them a fresh coat of paint. We also purchased bronze hardware which we love. Mike is busy building new drawers and replacing the runners – no more sawdust in my cupboards!

This first step of the kitchen remodel took place in July… I'm a bit behind!

     

  This picture shows where some pantry cupboards used to be. We are re-arranging the order of the fridge and cupboards so the room flows a bit better. Also, we were sick of the freezer door not opening all the way because it was too close to the wall. Now it is conveniently located where both doors open all the way!