<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Level Up House</title> <atom:link href="/category/home-improvement/kitchen/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link></link> <description>Home is the best place on earth</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 15 Feb 2014 05:33:30 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5</generator> <item> <title>DIY Kitchen Backsplash (Part 5): Grouting Backsplash Tiles</title> <link>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/</link> <comments>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:00:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category> <category><![CDATA[grout]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tiles]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=2404</guid> <description><![CDATA[Here are are in Part 5 of our DIY kitchen backsplash – the homestretch! In this detailed post, I’ll show you all the steps to grouting your backsplash tiles. Catch up on our DIY kitchen backsplash series through these links: Part 1 – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash Part 2 – Choosing the Right Tiles for your […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_Tiled_Backsplash_Grouting.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3053 aligncenter" alt="DIY Tiled Kitchen Backsplash: Part 5. How to grout your DIY kitchen backsplash. It's like spreading frosting over little glass tiles!" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_Tiled_Backsplash_Grouting.jpg" width="400" height="400" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_Tiled_Backsplash_Grouting.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_Tiled_Backsplash_Grouting-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_Tiled_Backsplash_Grouting-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_Tiled_Backsplash_Grouting-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Here are are in <strong>Part 5</strong> of our <strong>DIY kitchen backsplash </strong>– the homestretch! In this detailed post, I’ll show you all the steps to grouting your backsplash tiles.</p> <p><em>Catch up on our DIY kitchen backsplash series through these links: </em></p> <ul> <li><a href="/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/"><strong>Part 1</strong> – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 2</strong> – Choosing the Right Tiles for your DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/"><strong>Part 3</strong> – DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 4</strong> – Installing Backsplash Tiles</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 5</strong> – Grouting Backsplash Tiles</a> (You are here)</li> </ul> <p>The tiles have been mortared to the wall, and after 20 hours of dry time we’re ready to fill the gaps between the tiles with a non-sanded grout.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_before_after.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3054 aligncenter" alt="grout_before_after" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_before_after.jpg" width="500" height="500" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_before_after.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_before_after-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_before_after-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_before_after-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></p> <p>Let’s get started!</p> <h1>Mixing Grout</h1> <p>Just like making mortar, making grout involves a box of grout powder from the local hardware store, water, and a bucket. We cut the box’s formula in half, figuring that our 8 sq feet of tile didn’t need 20 sq feet worth of grout. (We still had plenty left over.)</p> <blockquote><p><strong>Tip:</strong> Don’t start this step unless you have the next 4+ hours available.</p></blockquote> <p><strong>Water + non-sanded grout powder + bucket = grout.</strong> We followed the box’s instructions and mixed it up with a metal scraper. (See the <a href="/2013/11/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/">Supply List</a> for a detailed list of everything we used.)</p> <div id="attachment_2407" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_bucket.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2407" class="size-full wp-image-2407 " alt="DIY Kitchen Backsplash: Mixing grout. If you can make brownies from a mix, you can make your own grout." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_bucket.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_bucket.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_bucket-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_bucket-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2407" class="wp-caption-text">A bucket ‘o grout</p></div> <p>It’s like a thick frosting, except not delicious.</p> <h1>Applying Grout</h1> <p>Get a nice big glob of grout onto the float trowel and smear it on! <strong>Grouting is messy, tiresome business:</strong> apply it with a firm, strong arm so it <strong>squishes into the gaps between the tiles</strong>. Continue around the entire backsplash. Use your fingers to get grout into corners or places the trowel won’t fit.</p> <p>Our 8 square foot backsplash took the two of us well over an hour to get grout into every crack.</p> <blockquote><p><strong>Tip:</strong> Remember, you’re working against time here because the grout is slowly drying and hardening as you work. A sheet of plastic wrap over the grout bucket can help slow the drying. If you have a very large area to grout, consider working in phases or getting more helpers.</p></blockquote> <div id="attachment_2408" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spread_grout_2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2408" class="size-full wp-image-2408 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: spreading wet grout over tiles." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spread_grout_2.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spread_grout_2.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spread_grout_2-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spread_grout_2-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2408" class="wp-caption-text">It began with a glob of grout.</p></div> <p>I used my fingers to stuff grout into the corner where the tiles meet..</p> <div id="attachment_2429" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouting_corner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2429" class="size-full wp-image-2429 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: grouting the corner where the tiles meet." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouting_corner.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouting_corner.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouting_corner-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouting_corner-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2429" class="wp-caption-text">Fingers are useful for getting grout into tight areas, such as corners.</p></div> <p>…as well as into the tight area behind the faucet:</p> <div id="attachment_2430" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fingers_grout_gaps.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2430" class="size-full wp-image-2430 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: spreading grout into tiny cracks using my own fingers." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fingers_grout_gaps.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fingers_grout_gaps.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fingers_grout_gaps-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fingers_grout_gaps-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2430" class="wp-caption-text">Fingers: the other home improvement tool</p></div> <h1>Cleaning Grout off Tile Faces</h1> <p>When about 75% of the cracks were filled, my helper switched to using a moist sponge to wipe grout off tile faces as I continued applying grout to un-grouted areas.</p> <blockquote><p><strong>Tip:</strong> Go slowly and use a moist, not a wet sponge. Remove grout in layers. If the grout in the cracks starts to flow out of the cracks when it gets wet, wait 10 minutes before trying this step again.</p></blockquote> <div id="attachment_2410" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sponge_haze.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2410" class="size-full wp-image-2410 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: wipe grout off tile faces using a moist sponge." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sponge_haze.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sponge_haze.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sponge_haze-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sponge_haze-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2410" class="wp-caption-text">Using a moist sponge to slough grout off tile faces</p></div> <p>Once the bulk of the grout was removed from the tile faces, I switched to using moistened paper towels to remove the final thin layers of grout from the tile faces, paying extra attention to the corners. This was tedious, careful work, but it left the tiles looking crisp.</p> <div id="attachment_2412" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_towel.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2412" class="size-full wp-image-2412 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: remove haze from tiles using a moist paper towel." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_towel.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_towel.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_towel-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grout_towel-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2412" class="wp-caption-text">Using a paper towel to remove haze and excess grout from tile faces.</p></div> <p> </p> <div id="attachment_2432" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/polish-tiles.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2432" class="size-full wp-image-2432 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: polish grout off the tile corners so they look nice and crisp." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/polish-tiles.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/polish-tiles.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/polish-tiles-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/polish-tiles-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2432" class="wp-caption-text">Grout is drying as I polish the corners.</p></div> <p style="text-align: left;">Polish, polish, polish – this step is super tedious but 100% worth it. Get those corners sharp, it makes a difference!</p> <h1>Grout Drying</h1> <p>We let the grout dry for just over an hour before returning to wipe any remaining haze off the tile fronts. The grout now has to dry for three days before applying a coat of sealer.</p> <div id="attachment_2433" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kitchen_mess.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2433" class="size-full wp-image-2433 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: another home improvement project, another mess! (Good thing we have Cheez-It!)" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kitchen_mess.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kitchen_mess.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kitchen_mess-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kitchen_mess-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2433" class="wp-caption-text">Grouting’s done, but there’s still an hour of clean up work to do.</p></div> <div id="attachment_2427" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouted.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2427" class="size-full wp-image-2427 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: Our 6" backsplash, freshly grouted and looking sharp." src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouted.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouted.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouted-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/grouted-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2427" class="wp-caption-text">Here’s how one of the backsplash edges turned out .</p></div> <div id="attachment_2428" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/diy_grout_kitchen.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2428" class="size-full wp-image-2428 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: complete! " src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/diy_grout_kitchen.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/diy_grout_kitchen.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/diy_grout_kitchen-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/diy_grout_kitchen-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2428" class="wp-caption-text">Kitchen cleaned up and looking sharp as the grout dries!</p></div> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>DIY Kitchen Backsplash (Part 4): Installing Backsplash Tiles</title> <link>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/</link> <comments>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2013 14:00:26 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=2326</guid> <description><![CDATA[A DIY kitchen backsplash is one of those projects where most of the work is in the planning and preparation. The actual process of sticking the tiles to the wall took less than two hours. Installing backsplash tiles can get tense – Will the tiles fit? Do we have enough of them? Hurry, the mortar is […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_the_backsplash.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3058 aligncenter" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: In part 4 of our "how to install your own tiled backsplash" series, we glue tiles to the wall using a bucket of mortar. Installing your own backsplash is easy - follow along!" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_the_backsplash.jpg" width="400" height="400" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_the_backsplash.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_the_backsplash-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_the_backsplash-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_the_backsplash-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;">A DIY kitchen backsplash is one of those projects where most of the work is in the planning and preparation. The actual process of sticking the tiles to the wall <strong>took less than two hours</strong>. Installing backsplash tiles can get tense – <em>Will the tiles fit? Do we have enough of them? Hurry, the mortar is drying! </em>But thanks to our (<em>my</em>) careful (<em>OCD level</em>) planning, sticking tiles onto the wall was a success!</p> <p><em>Catch up on our DIY kitchen backsplash series through these links: </em></p> <ul> <li><a href="/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/"><strong>Part 1</strong> – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 2</strong> – Choosing the Right Tiles for your DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/"><strong>Part 3</strong> – DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 4</strong> – Installing Backsplash Tiles</a> (You are here)</li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 5</strong> – Grouting Backsplash Tiles</a></li> </ul> <h1>Drywall Surface Preparation</h1> <p>We degreased the painted drywall we’d be tiling over with a spray bottle of <a href="http://www.wmbarr.com/bix/default.aspx">Bix TSP</a> and a towel. Just spray it on and wipe – super simple.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bix_tsp1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2383" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: prepare your walls with a bit of BIX TSP and a rag." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bix_tsp1.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bix_tsp1.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bix_tsp1-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bix_tsp1-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <h1>Cutting the Tile Sheets</h1> <p><strong>Note to self (and everyone else):</strong> cut your sheets to size and <em>trim the excess along the edge</em> before you mix your mortar.</p> <h1><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2356 aligncenter" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: cut tile sheets to the appropriate height. In our case, that height is 6"." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets1.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets1.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets1-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></h1> <h1>Testing the Arrangement</h1> <p>A few days before our mortar party I cut up and laid out all the tiles on the living room floor (our hardly-furnished room comes in handy sometimes!).</p> <div id="attachment_2382" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_layout.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2382" class="size-full wp-image-2382" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: test the tile layout before you mix up the mortar to be 100% sure you have enough tile." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_layout.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_layout.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_layout-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_layout-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2382" class="wp-caption-text">Testing the tile layout on the living room floor.</p></div> <p>Testing the arrangement was good for <strong>seeing and fixing unwanted patterns</strong> and <strong>ensuring there was enough tile </strong>(for the third time).</p> <h1>Masking Off the Work Area</h1> <p>If you thought you were ready to get to work, think again! Next up is masking off your work area with painter’s tape. This was a good idea, don’t skip this step. Keeping your mortar contained to a nice little mortar playpen will save you a ton of tedious scraping and repainting later.</p> <div id="attachment_2384" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/masking.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2384" class="size-full wp-image-2384" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: masking off the work area with painter's tape and printer paper." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/masking.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/masking.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/masking-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/masking-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2384" class="wp-caption-text">Before you spread any mortar, mask off the work area with painter’s tape. This will make cleaning up your walls a lot easier.</p></div> <h1>Mixing the Mortar</h1> <p>Finally, a step that makes it look like we might actually put tiles on this wall!</p> <p>The box of mortar promised 20 sq feet, so we guessed that we would need half of its contents for our 8 sq feet project. We used our kitchen scale to weigh out 2.1 lbs of the mortar and halved the liquid measurement. Everything went into our 2-gallon bucket for hand mixing with a metal scraper (the paint stick pictured was useless for stirring).</p> <p>Mixing mortar got tiring, so I was glad to take turns with Jim.</p> <div id="attachment_2357" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/glass_tile_mortar.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2357" class="size-full wp-image-2357" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: follow the instructions on the box to mix your mortar." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/glass_tile_mortar.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/glass_tile_mortar.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/glass_tile_mortar-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2357" class="wp-caption-text">Mixing mortar with a metal scraper in a big plastic bucket. (The paint stick was uselessly weak for this task.)</p></div> <p>We let our tile batter sit 5-10 minutes as per the box’s instructions and then mixed it again. Done!</p> <p>The sheer amount of steps pictured on the box had me worried at first, but mixing mortar was butt simple, probably the easiest part of this whole project. <strong>If you can make a brownies from a box mix, you can make mortar. </strong>Tasy, tasty mortar.</p> <div id="attachment_2358" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2358" class="size-full wp-image-2358" alt="installing backsplash tiles bucket of tile mortar mixed" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar1.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar1.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar1-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2358" class="wp-caption-text">Big bucket ‘o mortar, made as per the box’s instructions (just add water!)</p></div> <h1>Applying Mortar to Wall</h1> <p>Grab a glob and put it on the wall. Repeat x 100. Use the v-notched trowel to carve lines (and if you have time, dirty words or pictures) into your mortar. Keep the mortar layer thick enough to fully cover the wall, but no thicker than that.</p> <div id="attachment_2359" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mortar_wall.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2359" class="size-full wp-image-2359" alt="installing backsplash tiles spreading mortar on wall v notch trowel" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mortar_wall.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mortar_wall.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mortar_wall-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2359" class="wp-caption-text">Spreading mortar with a metal trowel.</p></div> <p>The grooves will help the tiles adhere without a ton of excess oozing out when you press tiles into the mortar.</p> <div id="attachment_2385" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grooves.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2385" class="size-full wp-image-2385" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: this is how mortar should look when applied to the wall. Quickly stick your tiles to it before it dries." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grooves.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grooves.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grooves-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grooves-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2385" class="wp-caption-text">Mortar on the wall, waiting for sheets of tiles to get pressed onto it.</p></div> <h1>Where to Start Tiling?</h1> <p>The corner seemed like a good place to start because the interior corner is inherently trickier than anywhere else we’ll be tiling. We wanted both sheets to touch in the corner but not overlap. We had measured each wall independently, not realizing we were expecting both sets of tiles to go all the way to the edge – oops.</p> <div id="attachment_2351" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2351" class="size-full wp-image-2351" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash in progress. Figuring out how to meet the tiles in the corner was a brief challenge, and we decided not to overlap them." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter.jpg" width="512" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2351" class="wp-caption-text">Our first few tile sections complete!</p></div> <p style="text-align: left;">Here’s how the tiles fit together in the corner:</p> <div id="attachment_2386" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_corner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2386" class="size-full wp-image-2386" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: tiles meeting in the corner. We decided not to overlap them and plugged the gap with grout in the next step." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_corner.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_corner.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_corner-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_corner-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2386" class="wp-caption-text">We decided not to overlap the tiles and plugged the gap with grout in the next step.</p></div> <h1>Tiling</h1> <p>Putting sheets on the wall was straightforward and quick from here. We used the level to check our work as we went. It’s ironic that <strong>the part of this project that most looks like actually tiling a backsplash was probably 10% of the total time spent</strong>.</p> <p>Most of the time went into filling the little holes with “one off” tiles.</p> <h1>Filling Gaps</h1> <p>To fill the gaps that inevitably occured, we used the 1×1 squares and the 2×1 rectangles. The gap-patching process was simple:</p> <ol> <li>Cut the “one off” tile free from the mesh and trim excess mesh around edge</li> <li>Butter the backside of a tile with a thin layer of mortar</li> <li>Plug the tile into the gap</li> <li>Mush it around until it’s level and evenly spaced from tiles around it</li> </ol> <div id="attachment_2390" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/spare_square.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2390" class="size-full wp-image-2390" alt="installing kitchen backsplash spare tiles for gaps" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/spare_square.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/spare_square.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/spare_square-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/spare_square-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2390" class="wp-caption-text">Our backsplash had a number of “holes” in it from too-long pieces having to be removed in order to fit to wall edges, corners, and the window ledge. 1×1 and 1×2 pieces were used to fill those gaps.</p></div> <h1>Tiling Behind the Range Oven</h1> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/gecafe.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright" alt="gecafe" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/gecafe-150x150.png" width="150" height="150" /></a>Our current range oven has a big built-in backsplash (with control panel), but we’d like to upgrade our range to a gas model with controls in front (the GE Cafe is our favorite pick right now).</p> <p>The “controls in front” type of range typically lacks a built-in backsplash, so we continued our tiled backsplash behind our existing range, even though it won’t be seen until we upgrade. We even tiled a couple inches below the top of the range to keep it looking seamless behind the appliance.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/gecafe.png"> </a></p> <div id="attachment_2387" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_below_range.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2387" class="size-full wp-image-2387" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: tiling behind the range in anticipation of a future range upgrade." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_below_range.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_below_range.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_below_range-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tile_below_range-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2387" class="wp-caption-text">You should probably tile behind your range.</p></div> <h1>Letting it Dry</h1> <p>The easiest step of all.</p> <div id="attachment_2361" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dry_24_hours.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2361" class="size-full wp-image-2361" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash: the easiest step of all is letting it dry." src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dry_24_hours.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dry_24_hours.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dry_24_hours-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2361" class="wp-caption-text">With all the tiles mortared to the wall, all we had to do was wait 24 hours before the grouting could begin.</p></div> <p>We’ll be back in a day to grout and finish ‘er off!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>DIY Kitchen Backsplash (Part 3): DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List</title> <link>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/</link> <comments>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:00:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=2331</guid> <description><![CDATA[In Part 3 of our DIY kitchen backsplash series I’ll show you all the stuff I bought to make this project possible. Catch up on our DIY kitchen backsplash series through these links: Part 1 – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash Part 2 – Choosing the Right Tiles for your DIY Kitchen Backsplash Part 3 – DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List (You are […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In <strong>Part 3</strong> of our <strong>DIY kitchen backsplash series </strong>I’ll show you all the stuff I bought to make this project possible.</p> <p><em>Catch up on our DIY kitchen backsplash series through these links: </em></p> <ul> <li><a href="/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/"><strong>Part 1</strong> – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 2</strong> – Choosing the Right Tiles for your DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/"><strong>Part 3</strong> – DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List</a> (You are here)</li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 4</strong> – Installing Backsplash Tiles</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 5</strong> – Grouting Backsplash Tiles</a></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diy_kitchen_backsplash_supply_list1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2373" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash supply list" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diy_kitchen_backsplash_supply_list1-300x300.jpg" width="300" height="300" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diy_kitchen_backsplash_supply_list1-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diy_kitchen_backsplash_supply_list1-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diy_kitchen_backsplash_supply_list1-185x185.jpg 185w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diy_kitchen_backsplash_supply_list1-120x120.jpg 120w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diy_kitchen_backsplash_supply_list1.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p> <p><a href="/2013/11/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/">With tiles in-hand</a>, all that was left was to accessorize our them with stuff for the actual installation. Turns out, buying the tiles was just the first 10% of the battle. :D We needed so much more than just tiles. To save you a bunch of separate trips to the store, here’s our all-inclusive <strong>DIY kitchen backsplash supply list: </strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002X2GQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00002X2GQ&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Tape measure</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067F5M0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00067F5M0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Level</a></li> <li>Backsplash Tiles</li> <li>Glass Tile Thin-Set Mortar</li> <li>Grout</li> <li>Scissors</li> <li>White paper</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z4CP/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004Z4CP&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Painter’s tape</a></li> <li>Terrycloth and paper towels</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J9LT1O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002J9LT1O&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">2 gallon plastic bucket</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J9LT1O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002J9LT1O&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Metal scraper</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DQA726/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DQA726&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">V-notch Trowel</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goldblatt-G02368-6-Inch-Margin-Pro-Grip/dp/B0061Z1EFS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1383539986&sr=8-3&keywords=float+trowel">Float trowel</a>(s)</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ULVF5Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004ULVF5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Grout sponge</a></li> <li>Sealer</li> <li>Eye protection & breathing mask</li> </ul> <h2><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002X2GQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00002X2GQ&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Tape Measure</a></h2> <p>Essential for <a href="/2013/10/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/">planning your DIY kitchen backsplash</a>… and picking a tile that will actually fit under your windowsill, and confirming that yes, you do indeed have enough tile…</p> <div id="attachment_2347" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002X2GQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00002X2GQ&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2347" class="size-full wp-image-2347 " alt="diy kitchen backsplash supply list tape measure" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/stanley_tape_measure.jpg" width="250" height="193" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2347" class="wp-caption-text">This tape measure is indestructible.</p></div> <h2><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067F5M0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00067F5M0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Level</a></h2> <p>A level is essential for determining if the gap you just bridged over your range area is actually level, and for checking your tile work as you go. Uneven tiles are immediately noticeable, so check your work as you go with a small level.</p> <div id="attachment_2346" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067F5M0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00067F5M0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2346" class="size-medium wp-image-2346 " alt="diy kitchen backsplash supply list level" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/small_level-300x129.jpg" width="300" height="129" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/small_level-300x129.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/small_level.jpg 385w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2346" class="wp-caption-text">I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067F5M0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00067F5M0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">small level like this one</a> for tile work.</p></div> <h2>Backsplash Tiles</h2> <p><strong></strong><a href="/2013/11/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/">Read more about choosing the right tiles for your budget and kitchen.</a></p> <div id="attachment_2287" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2287" class="size-medium wp-image-2287 " alt="diy kitchen backsplash supply list tiles" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2287" class="wp-caption-text">Without tiles, your backsplash is going to be pretty shitty. :P</p></div> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Glass Tile Thin-Set Mortar</strong></h2> <p>We used CustomLite Technology’s Glass Tile Thin-Set Mortar product (in white) which we purchased at The Home Depot. We cut the mix formula in half (the box holds 4.2lbs, we used 2.1 lbs) and used every last drop for our 8 sq ft backsplash.</p> <p>If you aren’t sure what kind of mortar you need for your tiles, ask Google or your friendly local tile store. (FYI: Mortar is sometimes called “mastic”.)</p> <div id="attachment_2332" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thin_set_mortar.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2332" class=" wp-image-2332 " alt="diy kitchen backsplash supply list thin set mortar" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thin_set_mortar.jpg" width="307" height="307" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thin_set_mortar.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thin_set_mortar-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thin_set_mortar-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thin_set_mortar-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2332" class="wp-caption-text">Glass tile mortar for our glass tiles. Your mortar may vary.</p></div> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Grout<strong></strong></h2> <p>Grout is the goop that goes in between your tiles to fill in the gaps. For our glass tiles, we chose non-sanded grout. (The little bits of sand would likely scratch the tile faces.)</p> <div id="attachment_2350" style="width: 240px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HE9SKC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000HE9SKC&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2350" class=" wp-image-2350 " alt="DIY kitchen backsplash non sanded grout polyblend" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/poly_blend_grout.jpg" width="230" height="307" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2350" class="wp-caption-text">There are about as many grout color choices as there are people on the planet, but I always say you can’t go wrong with white.</p></div> <h2>Scissors</h2> <p>For cutting tile sheets in half and trimming excess mesh off the edges)</p> <div id="attachment_2348" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2348" class="size-medium wp-image-2348" alt="diy kitchen backsplash supply list scissors" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cutting_tile_sheets.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2348" class="wp-caption-text">Scissors were necessary for cutting sheets in half, trimming mesh edges, and filling gaps with one-off tiles.</p></div> <h2><strong>White paper</strong></h2> <p>We used it to protect the countertop underneath the tile edges</p> <div id="attachment_2351" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2351" class="size-medium wp-image-2351" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash paper to protect countertop" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter-300x300.jpg" width="300" height="300" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter-120x120.jpg 120w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/paper_protect_counter.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2351" class="wp-caption-text">Paper used to protect the few inches of counter top adjacent to our work area.</p></div> <h2><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z4CP/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004Z4CP&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><strong>Painter’s tape</strong></a></h2> <p>We used Scotch blue painter’s tape to secure protective sheets of paper between the tile and the countertop. We also used the tape to mask off the top of the mortar area to protect the painted wall above the backsplash.</p> <div id="attachment_2335" style="width: 368px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z4CP/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004Z4CP&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2335" class=" wp-image-2335 " alt="diy kitchen backsplash supply list painter's tape" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/scotch_blue.jpg" width="358" height="155" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/scotch_blue.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/scotch_blue-300x130.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2335" class="wp-caption-text">This stuff is completely worth it.</p></div> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Terrycloth and Paper Towels</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Used throughout the installation to wipe our fingers and clean up smudges.</p> <h2><strong>Two Gallon Bucket</strong></h2> <p>Used to mix our mortar. Our 8 square feet worth of mortar hardly began to fill the bucket:</p> <div id="attachment_2339" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2339" class="size-medium wp-image-2339" alt="Don't use your prom bucket for mixing mortar, it's going to get messy and scratched. " src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bucket_mortar.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2339" class="wp-caption-text">Don’t use your prom bucket for mixing mortar, it’s going to get messy and scratched.</p></div> <p> </p> <h2><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J9LT1O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002J9LT1O&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Metal Scraper</a></h2> <p>Our all-purpose metal scraper was used to mix the mortar in the bucket (it gets pretty stiff, a paint stick won’t cut it) and spread the mortar onto the wall.</p> <div id="attachment_2336" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J9LT1O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002J9LT1O&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2336" class="size-medium wp-image-2336" alt="metal_scraper" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/metal_scraper-300x111.jpg" width="300" height="111" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/metal_scraper-300x111.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/metal_scraper.jpg 385w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2336" class="wp-caption-text">Get a tough one, you’ll use it in every other DIY project you do.</p></div> <h2><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DQA726/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DQA726&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">V-Notch Trowel</a></strong></h2> <p>The v-notch trowel was essential for carving thin lines into the mortar once we’d applied the mortar to the wall. The lines help the tiles squish onto the wall and adhere using a thin, even layer of mortar.</p> <div id="attachment_2334" style="width: 241px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DQA726/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DQA726&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2334" class=" wp-image-2334" alt="v notch edge trowel for DIY kitchen backsplash installers" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/trowel1.jpg" width="231" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/trowel1.jpg 385w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/trowel1-300x194.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2334" class="wp-caption-text">Don’t skip this tool like I almost did, the little notches of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DQA726/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DQA726&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">v-notch trowel</a> make a HUGE difference in how nicely your tiles squish onto the wall.</p></div> <p> </p> <h2><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goldblatt-G02368-6-Inch-Margin-Pro-Grip/dp/B0061Z1EFS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1383539986&sr=8-3&keywords=float+trowel">Float Trowel</a></h2> <p>Your float trowel is for spreading grout over the delicate tile surfaces. A float trowel is smooth and soft to protect your tiles from scratches. We had two: a wide one and a narrow one (for fitting the short area under the window ledge).</p> <div id="attachment_2341" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goldblatt-G02368-6-Inch-Margin-Pro-Grip/dp/B0061Z1EFS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1383539986&sr=8-3&keywords=float+trowel"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2341" class="size-medium wp-image-2341" alt="float_trowel" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/float_trowel-300x212.jpg" width="300" height="212" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/float_trowel-300x212.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/float_trowel-1024x724.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/float_trowel.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2341" class="wp-caption-text">Not to be confused with the metal scraper (which might scratch your tiles) or your v-notch trowel (which will definitely scratch your tiles).</p></div> <h2><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ULVF5Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004ULVF5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Grout Sponge</a></h2> <p><strong>Question:</strong> What’s the difference between a normal sponge and a grout sponge?<br /> <strong>Answer:</strong> About $6.</p> <p>Your grout sponge is for gently wiping grout off the face of your tiles as it cures. These cost somewhere between a buck and ten dollars. We used one that cost somewhere in the middle of that range and everything went fine.</p> <div id="attachment_2342" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ULVF5Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004ULVF5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2342" class="size-medium wp-image-2342" alt="cheap grout sponge" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sponge-300x134.jpg" width="300" height="134" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sponge-300x134.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sponge.jpg 385w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2342" class="wp-caption-text">Amazon’s cheapest grout sponge – $2 for this bad boy</p></div> <div id="attachment_2343" style="width: 219px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003B5Q7S0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003B5Q7S0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2343" class="size-medium wp-image-2343" alt="pro_plus_grout_sponge" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pro_plus_grout_sponge-209x300.jpg" width="209" height="300" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pro_plus_grout_sponge-209x300.jpg 209w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pro_plus_grout_sponge.jpg 357w" sizes="(max-width: 209px) 100vw, 209px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2343" class="wp-caption-text">A fancier grout sponge with built-in haze buffer.</p></div> <p>Whether you splash out on a Cadillac sponge or get one from the dollar store, <strong>use a clean, new sponge</strong>. You don’t want particles from your last sponge project getting into your nice grout or marring your pretty tiles.</p> <h2>Sealer</h2> <p>For sealing your tiles against stains and other unpleasantness. Match the sealer type to your type of tiles. Our tiles are some kind of stone (quartz, maybe?) and glass.</p> <div id="attachment_2367" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_and_tile_Sealer.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2367" class="size-medium wp-image-2367" alt="grout_and_tile_Sealer" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_and_tile_Sealer-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_and_tile_Sealer-225x300.jpg 225w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grout_and_tile_Sealer.jpg 384w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2367" class="wp-caption-text">We used a spray bottle of grout and tile sealer from Home Depot</p></div> <h1>Eye Protection & Breathing Mask</h1> <p>Mixing the mortar is dusty but unless you’re mixing a ton of it, it probably won’t be a problem. <strong>Protection is up to you</strong> – I wore science class goggles and a cloth breathing mask, but my two helpers went without and everyone was pleased with their choices.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> <em>To help you find the right products quickly, links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. As always, LevelUpHouse and I encourage you to shop around, shop local, and shop wherever you like. If you decide to shop at Amazon, your purchase through any of these links helps support LevelUpHouse! </em></p> <p> </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>8</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>DIY Kitchen Backsplash (Part 2): How to Choose Kitchen Backsplash Tiles</title> <link>/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/</link> <comments>/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2013 13:00:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tiles]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=2283</guid> <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Part 2 of our completely modest, totally DIY kitchen backsplash project! In this post, I’ll tell you what to think about when picking out tiles and how to choose kitchen backsplash tiles for your DIY kitchen remodel. Catch up on our DIY kitchen backsplash series through these links: Part 1 – Planning a DIY […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p dir="ltr">Welcome to Part 2 of our <strong>completely modest</strong>, <strong>totally DIY kitchen backsplash project!</strong> In this post, I’ll tell you what to think about when picking out tiles and how to choose kitchen backsplash tiles for your DIY kitchen remodel.</p> <p><em>Catch up on our DIY kitchen backsplash series through these links: </em></p> <ul> <li><a href="/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/"><strong>Part 1</strong> – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 2</strong> – Choosing the Right Tiles for your DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a> (You are here)</li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/"><strong>Part 3</strong> – DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 4</strong> – Installing Backsplash Tiles</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 5</strong> – Grouting Backsplash Tiles</a></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">When I was researching kitchen backsplash ideas, I found that most of what I was reading assumed I had a sky-high budget and a kitchen straight out of Better Homes & Gardens.</p> <div id="attachment_2284" style="width: 608px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dreamkitchen.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2284" class=" wp-image-2284 " alt="high end kitchen" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dreamkitchen.jpg" width="598" height="450" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dreamkitchen.jpg 997w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dreamkitchen-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2284" class="wp-caption-text">Gasp-inducing kitchen is lovely but so not in my budget! Photo credit: <a href="http://suturi.com/?p=8890">suturi.com</a></p></div> <p dir="ltr">My kitchen’s from 1977, and it’s about what you’d expect from a single family standalone home built 30+ years ago.</p> <div id="attachment_2285" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dec12_kitchen.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2285" class="size-full wp-image-2285" alt="level up house kitchen solid surface countertop mint color" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dec12_kitchen.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dec12_kitchen.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dec12_kitchen-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2285" class="wp-caption-text">My actual kitchen!</p></div> <p dir="ltr">Contractors we discussed possibilities with wanted to tear out walls and completely change the layout of our downstairs to “modernize” it, but I can’t afford that. So we’re facelifting this kitchen instead of gutting it, spreading the costs out, and doing as much as we can ourselves.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>This DIY kitchen backsplash project’s goals are:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Simple design – like Legos!</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Easy DIY installation</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">No tile cutting</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">No tools we don’t already own</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Under $400 for the whole shebang (most of the cost is in the tiles themselves)</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">I don’t want (and can’t afford) those crazy counter-to-ceiling tiled walls with glittery tiles cut from slabs found in the enchanted quarry. :)</p> <p dir="ltr">If yours is too, then read on for Part 2 of our DIY Kitchen Backsplash series: choosing the right backsplash tile!</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Your Tile Budget</h1> <div id="attachment_2393" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1mil_sq_meter.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2393" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2393" alt="expensive tile" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1mil_sq_meter-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1mil_sq_meter-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1mil_sq_meter-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2393" class="wp-caption-text">This <a href="http://www.luxuo.com/most-expensive/diamond-floor-wall-or-ceiling-tile.html">diamond tile</a> will set you back just $1 million per square meter</p></div> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Your tiles will be the single largest expense of your DIY kitchen backsplash. </strong>Tile is usually priced by the square foot, and most prices we found were<strong> between</strong> <strong>$18/sq foot </strong>and<strong> $90+ sq/foot</strong> (<em>omg</em>).</p> <p dir="ltr">If you haven’t yet, take a minute to <a href="/2013/10/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/">estimate how much square footage of tile you actually need</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Next, figure out how much you’re willing to spend. The cheapest you’ll probably get away with is $250-$500 (USD) for a modest, short backsplash.</p> <p dir="ltr">Divide your budget by how many square feet you’ll need. <strong>If your budget is $300 and you need 15 square feet, your sheets should cost about $20/each. </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/budgetformula.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2394" alt="budgetformula" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/budgetformula-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/budgetformula.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/budgetformula-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">Figuring this out before you step into a tile store will save you a ton of time: you can just look at the price first, and if it’s too much, keep looking. You won’t waste time on tile you can’t afford.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Where to Shop for Tiles</h1> <p dir="ltr">We’re in the Pacific Northwest, and our favorite places for tile are <strong>The Home Depot</strong> (which is where we got our bathroom tiles from) and <strong><a href="http://www.tileforlessnw.com/">Tile for Less</a></strong> (which is where we shopped for this project). If Home Depot is the McDonalds of tiles, then Tile for Less is the Olive Garden. Neither are particularly expensive, and both have enough variety for just about anyone, but it’s a lot easier to “splash out” and spend a fortune at Tile for Less.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are two more reasons to visit Tile for Less.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Reason #1 –</strong> This awesome Tile for Less mosaic sign:</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2286" alt="Tile for Less sign mosaic tiled" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Reason #2 –</strong> This faux dinosaur fossil mosaic I pay homage to every time I visit Tile for Less:</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less_dinosaur.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2290" alt="tile_for_less_dinosaur" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less_dinosaur.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less_dinosaur.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tile_for_less_dinosaur-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">There are also tons of online tile stores. I didn’t shop for tiles online; I just wanted to see the tiles in person and find something locally, but I would have ended up online if Tile for Less couldn’t deliver the goods.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">What Kind of Tiles To Buy</h1> <p dir="ltr">There are about as many choices in tiles as there are people buying tiles, so a lot of this is up to personal preference.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>This is my advice to anyone trying to choose tiles:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Neutral colors</strong> (white and grey in our case) because I hate experimenting with expensive things that get glued to the wall. <em> Bland colors for things that are permanent,</em> that’s my motto. :)</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Under $30/sq foot</strong>. Just a simple budget preference. Some sheets we liked were $70+ per sq. ft which I think is just insane for a bunch of rocks you glue to a wall. Your mileage will vary here.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Must fit under our window sill</strong> which is 3 ¾” because I don’t want to turn a countertop project into a window project as well</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Must include 1” tiles for filling in gaps</strong> because I don’t want to cut tiles if I can avoid it</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Flat surfaces</strong> because I don’t want to scrub grime out of wavy tiles or sculpted designs</p> </li> <li dir="ltr">It’s hard to go wrong with <strong>subway tiles</strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">So, with all that in mind, you’d probably be surprised to know those criteria didn’t severely limit our choices.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Our Tile Choice (and Runners-Up)</h1> <p dir="ltr"><strong>This is the tile I liked as soon as I stepped into the store. </strong><a href="http://www.bellavitatile.com/products/categoryList.aspx?catID=928">Bellavita Boulder Series</a> in “Snow” checks all our boxes. I love it.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2287" alt="bellavita_stone" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bellavita_stone-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>But just to be sure, we wasted another 2 hours</strong> <strong>looking at more tiles</strong> to make sure it was <em>The One</em> (it was).</p> <p dir="ltr">In the interest of sharing our decision-making process, here are some runners-up that didn’t make the cut. The one on the left was nice, and the 1″ tiles were perfect, but it was way more expensive. The one in the middle was ultimtely too dark and also too many fiddly bits to deal with individually for the edges/corners.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/runners_up.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2288" alt="runners_up" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/runners_up.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/runners_up.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/runners_up-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">I super loved the look of this <a href="http://www.modenus.com/catalog/c/tile-stone/t/glass-tile/m/stone-pewter-accents/p/gendai-meier-silk">Meier tile</a> but I didn’t super love its price, which if I recall was like $60 a square foot or something crazy. But I did seriously consider it for a few minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/meir_tile.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2289" alt="meir_tile" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/meir_tile.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/meir_tile.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/meir_tile-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">We also brought a sample home to look at it there, because I like to be super-duper sure <strong>before I spend $300 on a nonrefundable box of rocks</strong>. Finally, we bought our 9 sheets and left satisfied with our decision. Our grand total for 9 sheets+tax came to $320.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since these tiles are stone, we’ll have to seal them as well. (We’ll talk more about sealing when we get to the supply-buying and installation steps.)</p> <h1 dir="ltr">The Tiles Arrive!</h1> <p dir="ltr">Tile for Less had our tile order ready for pickup in like, four days, so they arrived weeks ahead of our planned November installation. The tiles came in a square box and none of the sheets were broken or chipped.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Our box of rocks is home!</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Stay tuned for Part 3,<a href="/2013/11/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/"> where we stick our box of rocks to the wall</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>7</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>DIY Kitchen Backsplash (Part 1): Planning a Kitchen Backsplash</title> <link>/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/</link> <comments>/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:00:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tiling]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=2260</guid> <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Part 1 of our DIY tiled kitchen backsplash project! This first post is about planning a kitchen backsplash. See the entire DIY kitchen backsplash series: Part 1 – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash (You are here) Part 2 – Choosing the Right Tiles for your DIY Kitchen Backsplash Part 3 – DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List Part 4 – Installing […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/diy_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_project1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2883 aligncenter" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash tiling project" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/diy_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_project1.jpg" width="500" height="500" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/diy_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_project1.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/diy_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_project1-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/diy_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_project1-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/diy_kitchen_backsplash_tiling_project1-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">Welcome to Part 1 of our <strong>DIY tiled kitchen backsplash project!</strong> This first post is about <strong>planning</strong> a kitchen backsplash.</p> <p><em>See the entire DIY kitchen backsplash series:</em></p> <ul> <li><a href="/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/"><strong>Part 1</strong> – Planning a DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a> (You are here)</li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 2</strong> – Choosing the Right Tiles for your DIY Kitchen Backsplash</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-supply-list/"><strong>Part 3</strong> – DIY Kitchen Backsplash Supply List</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-4-installing-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 4</strong> – Installing Backsplash Tiles</a></li> <li><a href="/2013/diy-kitchen-backsplash-part-5-grouting-backsplash-tiles/"><strong>Part 5</strong> – Grouting Backsplash Tiles</a></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">A year ago we replaced our kitchen’s old with a super nice <a href="/2012/04/countertop-awesomeness/">Staron solid surface countertop</a> from Home d’Pot and planned to tile our own backsplash. <strong>Now it’s time to finish the backsplash!</strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/new_backsplash.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2275" alt="DIY kitchen backsplash planning a kitchen backsplash" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/new_backsplash.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/new_backsplash.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/new_backsplash-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">To be frank, the idea of permanently gluing little bits of ceramic and glass to our kitchen walls is <em>super intimidating</em>. We’ve only tiled one thing before (a stripe down our bathroom wall) and that was a messy and intense experience. You just don’t get much room for messing up when you’re working with tile (but everything went fine in our bathroom tiling project).</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/previous_tiling_experience.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2276" alt="our previous tiling experience in a bathroom" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/previous_tiling_experience.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/previous_tiling_experience.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/previous_tiling_experience-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">It took us some time (and a bunch of YouTube videos) to get the confidence that we could tile our own kitchen backsplash.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Kitchen Ambition</h1> <p dir="ltr">The best place to begin is to determine <strong>how ambitious</strong> (translation: <em>expensive</em>) the project will be. This is true of virtually any kind of project you might plan, but it’s especially true when working with expensive materials that the store won’t let you return.</p> <p dir="ltr">We decided to keep our kitchen backsplash project very modest. Our backsplash will be 6” tall with varying width tiles, which should allow us flexibility to fill in gaps and avoid cutting tiles. Hopefully, simplicity will pay off in the end.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Why not tile the whole wall?</strong> Well, for one, it’s a trend I just don’t like that much. I think a wall of tile is overwhelming, and it doesn’t let you repaint the kitchen walls (which is something I like doing :D).</p> <p dir="ltr">Two, it’s expensive. To tile our entire wall would require 66 square feet of materials, which <strong>would cost over $2000 in materials alone</strong>. Our 6” backsplash materials came in around <strong>$320</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_entire_wall.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2278" alt="cost to tile entire kitchen wall is too expensive" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_entire_wall.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_entire_wall.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_entire_wall-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">Three, we probably couldn’t do a fully tiled wall ourselves. We would have to remove and re-install the range hood over the tile, and cut the tiles to accommodate the electrical outlets.</p> <p dir="ltr">So I’ll leave the fully-tiled-wall look to the pros and I’ll stick with what I can actually do myself.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_6_inch_backsplash.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2279" alt="6 inch backsplash is much more affordable " src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_6_inch_backsplash.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_6_inch_backsplash.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cost_to_till_6_inch_backsplash-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Figuring these things out before you begin is super important.</strong> Knowing the scope of your project lets you estimate costs, which is usually why we DIY these things in the first place. We got two professional quotes for the kitchen backsplash, and both came at around $650 and $800. Yeah, thanks, but we’ll pass on that. Doing it ourselves should come in under $400, for a savings of at least $250. (I don’t know about you, but I think that stuff adds up. That’s like, a quarter of the way to another trip to Disneyland!)</p> <p dir="ltr">I also highly recommend figuring out what you want in terms of color and style before you go to a tile store where you’ll get overwhelmed by the possibilities. Spend an hour on Google figuring out what you like and what you hate. Virtually everything looks nice in the tile store, so make sure you know what looks right in <em>your kitchen</em> before you go there.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Determine Your Backsplash’s Height</h1> <p dir="ltr"><strong>This part’s easy:</strong> how high do you want your backsplash to be? Some go halfway up the wall, some go to the ceiling, and some are a little more modest and stop about where we’re stopping ours.</p> <p dir="ltr">We chose 6” because it would let us cut our 12”x12” tile sheets evenly in half and because 6” is slightly lower than our electrical outlets. Not having to cut tiles to fit around outlets sounds like a good time to me.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/6_inch_tall_kitchen_backsplash.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2277" alt="6 inch tall backsplash avoids electrical outlets" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/6_inch_tall_kitchen_backsplash.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/6_inch_tall_kitchen_backsplash.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/6_inch_tall_kitchen_backsplash-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <h1 dir="ltr">Determine Your Backsplash’s Width</h1> <p dir="ltr"><strong>This part’s easy, too:</strong> measure the width of the area you’ll be tiling. In our case, the window wall is 113″ wide and the oven’s wall is 82″ wide.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Calculate the area</h1> <p dir="ltr">Multiply your width by your intended backsplash height to get the square inches you’ll need to fill with tile (in inches). Divide it by 12 to convert the square inches into feet, and then divide by 12 again to convert into square feet. (Unless you’re using metric, in which case you can probably do the math in your head…)</p> <p dir="ltr">I bought one full extra sheet to be safe, so <strong>10 sheets total</strong>. (At $30 a sheet, I didn’t want to go crazy buying extra sheets.)</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/backsplash_math.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2262" alt="planning a kitchen backsplash" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/backsplash_math.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/backsplash_math.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/backsplash_math-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <h1 dir="ltr">Figure out what you want over the stove</h1> <p dir="ltr">We left the area above the stove empty – it will just be the painted wall it already is. We chose this to save money (less tile to buy) and because I’m not convinced it needs a backsplash. We’re daily cooks and I haven’t felt the need for an elaborate backsplash behind the stove yet, so we’ll leave that to the magazines.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you do want something over your stove (something taller than the rest of your backsplash, perhaps), be sure to calculate its dimensions as well. If you want it to use a variety of tiles (say, a border or a special design), also calculate the area of those special features.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Any special cases?</h1> <p dir="ltr">Our “special case” is the space between the counter and the window ledge. The space is just a TEENY TINY BIT less than 4″, so we’re gonna try to make it work with 1″ tiles.</p> <h1 dir="ltr">Ready to Shop for Tiles!</h1> <p dir="ltr">With our quantity and budget determined, we’re ready to go to the tile store and see what they’ve got! I know we’ll be looking for tiles that can fit under the window ledge and match our countertop.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What to bring with to the tile store:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Measuring tape</strong></p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong></strong><strong>Counter sample</strong>, if you have one, for comparisons (a painted sample of your wall color and a cabinet door wouldn’t hurt, either)</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Kitchen measurements</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Once the backsplash was planned, the next step was <a href="/home-improvement/kitchen/diy-how-to-choose-kitchen-backsplash-tiles/">visiting a tile store and choosing tiles</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2013/planning-a-kitchen-backsplash-part-1/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>11</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel Progress: July</title> <link>/2012/budget-diy-kitchen-remodel-progress-july/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 01:45:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[budget]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category> <category><![CDATA[remodel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=555</guid> <description><![CDATA[I don’t think I’ve written an update on our budget DIY kitchen remodel in a while. Here’s what we’ve been up to these last couple months. February: I started refinishing the cabinets and tearing out cabinets to make room for the range hood March: Purchased and installed range hood April: Spent this month tearing up the […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I don’t think I’ve written an update on our budget DIY kitchen remodel in a while. Here’s what we’ve been up to these last couple months.</p> <p><strong>February:</strong> I started refinishing the cabinets and <a href="http://wp.me/p3DTBN-5L">tearing out cabinets</a> to make room for the range hood<br /> <strong>March: </strong>Purchased and<strong> </strong><a href="http://wp.me/p3DTBN-6H">installed range hood</a><br /> <strong>April</strong>: Spent this month <a href="http://wp.me/p3DTBN-6N">tearing up the many floor layers</a><br /> <strong>May:</strong> <a href="http://wp.me/p3DTBN-7H">Popcorn ceiling removed</a>, <a href="http://wp.me/p3DTBN-6a">countertop</a> installed, laminate flooring installed</p> <p>Unfortunately, I have a crappy tradition of getting sick at the start of summer. Being sick and recovering knocked the motivation out of me for about five weeks. During this time I didn’t do jack on the house, but now we’re back at it.</p> <p><strong>July:</strong> Installed the cabinet pulls and reattached most of the doors to the frames.</p> <p><strong>Here’s a snapshot I took today:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Kitchen.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-557" title="Kitchen" alt="budget diy kitchen remodel progress" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Kitchen.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Kitchen.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Kitchen-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p><strong>To Do: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Paint the interior of the ceiling lighting recess (Dad and Jim installed two LED can lights into here, they’re awesome)</li> <li>Hide the cord from the range hood</li> <li>Hide the range hood’s duct</li> <li>Install wall shelving to the left of the range hood</li> <li>Tile a backsplash around the kitchen</li> </ul> <p>By spreading the work out over a long period of time we’re preserving our sanity (kitchen has experienced nearly 100% uptime through all this work) and putting months between major expenses. I don’t know how people spend 50-100 grand on a kitchen. Those fortunate people live in a different world than I do.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Kitchen Update, Part 4: Solid Surface Countertop & New Sink</title> <link>/2012/solid-surface-countertop-new-sink/</link> <comments>/2012/solid-surface-countertop-new-sink/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:56:28 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[countertop]]></category> <category><![CDATA[solid surface]]></category> <category><![CDATA[staron]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/2012/04/countertop-awesomeness/</guid> <description><![CDATA[OMG, I super love it!! I didn’t know I could feel this way about a counter top. Our new counter top by Samsung, under their “Staron” brand. 2013 update: I think Samsung stopped making it. The Staron website is dead and Home Depot doesn’t carry samples for it anymore. Wtf, why? My solid surface countertop […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>OMG, I <strong>super love it</strong>!! I didn’t know I could feel this way about a counter top. Our new counter top by Samsung, under their “Staron” brand.</p> <p><em><strong>2013 update:</strong> I think Samsung stopped making it. The Staron website is dead and Home Depot doesn’t carry samples for it anymore. Wtf, why? My solid surface countertop is AMAZING.</em></p> <h1><strong>Countertop Before</strong></h1> <p>Old pinkish laminate counter top which was miraculously undamaged, despite our best efforts to “test it”. Also: crappy two-bowl sink that always looks dirty and is too small for anything.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/countertop_before.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-492" title="countertop_before" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/countertop_before.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/countertop_before.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/04/countertop_before-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <h1><strong>Countertop After</strong></h1> <p>Our new <a href="http://www.capitolgranite.net/products/solid-surface/staron/">Samsung Staron counter top</a> is a BEAUTY! Perfect little white flakes give the surface an almost shimmery snow-like quality. I especially love the lack of grey flecks. Most of the “white with flecks” counter top options looked too much like cookies ‘n cream to me. This one is like gazing into a gorgeous blizzard.</p> <p>Quick, look now before we crap it up with appliances and dirty dishes:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/20120424-1755081.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full aligncenter" alt="20120424-175508.jpg" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/20120424-1755081.jpg" width="512" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Way to diversify your biz, Samsung. TVs, phones, and countertops? Why the hell not…</p> <h1>Solid Surface Countertop Seam</h1> <p>The seam is practically invisible. I can only find it because I know where it is, but even then it takes me a moment to spot it sometimes. The “seam-baking” step of the countertop installation was my favorite.</p> <p>The installers glued little blocks (small Staron samples?) to the countertop then put these strong clips on while the seam “baked”. Dad and I both were looking at these when one suddenly EXPLODED off and freaked us both out!! We didn’t go near it again after that. At this point I thought the seam was huge and hideous, but it cleaned up so nice the seam has really all but vanished.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/countertop.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" title="countertop" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/countertop.jpg" width="512" height="384" /></a></p> <h1>New Kraus Sink</h1> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/20120424-175808.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full aligncenter" alt="20120424-175808.jpg" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/20120424-175808.jpg" width="512" height="384" /></a></p> <p><strong>LOOK AT THIS HUGE SINK, OMG!!! </strong>It’s a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U26QZS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U26QZS&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Kraus 31 1/2″ undermount single bowl 16 gauge stainless steel sink </a>and it is<strong> AWESOME. </strong>That water bottle holds 20 oz.<strong> Every pan I own can fit into this sink. </strong></p> <p>I ordered the sink from Amazon, mostly due to not being able to find anything like it locally but also because it was only $370, way less than I expected to pay for such a gigantic sink. The sink is very light weight and all I had to do was hand it off to the guy who came to measure our countertop.</p> <p>All in all, this new countertop is a huge raging success. The solid surface is beautiful, the gigantic sink is amazing.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2012/solid-surface-countertop-new-sink/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel: Choosing a Kitchen Sink</title> <link>/2012/diy-kitchen-remodel-choosing-a-kitchen-sink/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:35:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[undermount sink]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=428</guid> <description><![CDATA[With the countertop chosen and a measure scheduled with our installers (The Home Depot), the next order of business in our DIY kitchen remodel was to choose a sink and have it available for the measuring appointment. Somewhat surprisingly, none of the sinks at the d’Pot really fit our requirements: single bowl huge size under-mount […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With the countertop chosen and a measure scheduled with our installers (The Home Depot), the next order of business in our DIY kitchen remodel was to choose a sink and have it available for the measuring appointment. Somewhat surprisingly, none of the sinks at the d’Pot really fit our requirements:</p> <ul> <li>single bowl</li> <li>huge size</li> <li>under-mount</li> <li>stainless steel</li> </ul> <p><strong>TO THE INTERNET!</strong></p> <p>On Amazon we found this beauty: a <a href=""http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U26QZS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U26QZS&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Kraus brand single bowl stainless steel under-mount sink</a>. 70+ reviews and 5 stars? Yeah, I’m there.</p> <p>The Kraus sink checks all our boxes (including price – at $300, it left budget for a classier faucet) and it’ll arrive with plenty of time to spare before the measure in two weeks.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U26QZS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U26QZS&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2421" alt="choosing a kitchen sink kraus stainless steel" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kraus_sink-300x168.jpg" width="300" height="168" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kraus_sink-300x168.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kraus_sink-185x103.jpg 185w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kraus_sink.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We also checked Home Depot’s website, which boasts of its 4000+ sink inventory, but none of those 4000 sinks met our needs, either. I don’t know how that’s possible.</p> <p>Some of the things we grappled with while choosing a kitchen sink:</p> <h1>Single Bowl vs. Double Bowl</h1> <p>This was an easy decision:<strong> I want a huge sink</strong>.</p> <p>Like, the biggest sink that will fit in this kitchen, because I am done fighting with runt sinks designed for washing nothing larger than a drinking cup!</p> <p>I have always been unhappy with double bowl setups in previous homes, and I can’t think of a single positive thing to say about them. I don’t do a lot of dishes by hand, but when I do it’s because I’m washing a couple one-off items like cookie sheets… and I don’t want soapy cookie sheets hanging halfway out the sink, dripping water and soap everywhere.</p> <p>I really didn’t know what I’d do with a narrow bowl or a corner bowl or any of the other oddities I saw on display in the sink aisle.</p> <h1>Sink Size</h1> <p>I got the biggest sink that would fit, and it was completely worth it. Go big, there’s no disadvantage to a large sink. Just make sure of two things:</p> <ul> <li>You’ve left enough space for a faucet</li> <li>The bottom of your new sink won’t be lower than the drain pipe underneath your current sink</li> </ul> <h1>Under-Mount</h1> <p>Under-mount has changed my life. An under-mount sink eliminates any “bump” between countertop and sink, so wiping crumbs off the countertop and into the sink is effortless. Just wipe and in they go. Future buyers will love you for your under-mount sink choice.</p> <p>Also: no caulk rim around the sink edge to get dirty (or moldy).</p> <h1>Stainless Steel</h1> <p>Stainless just looks and functions better. I’ve lived with two beige colored sinks that must’ve been painted or coated with something to give them that look, and they both looked nasty all the time no matter how much I scrubbed.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel: Professional Range Hood Installation</title> <link>/2012/range-hood-installation/</link> <comments>/2012/range-hood-installation/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:34:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[budget]]></category> <category><![CDATA[range hood]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=415</guid> <description><![CDATA[Welcome to our Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel project. Links to each step of the project can be found on our Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel home page. Hello, it’s the crazy couple again, still knee-deep in our kitchen renovation! It’s March, and we’ve since removed the last of the cabinets from this wall. The giant gaping hole […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>Welcome to our Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel project. Links to each step of the project can be found on our <a href="/2012/budget-diy-kitchen-remodel-start/">Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel home page</a>.</p></blockquote> <p>Hello, it’s the crazy couple again, still knee-deep in our kitchen renovation!</p> <p>It’s March, and we’ve since removed the last of the cabinets from this wall. The giant gaping hole in the wall above the range has been patched, and I primed the whole wall just to give it some extra oomph. This is the wall “before” the range hood went in. We let a pro handle this one.</p> <p><strong>Before:</strong></p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_before.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-416" title="rangehood_before" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_before.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_before.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_before-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p><strong>After: </strong></p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_installed.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-418" title="rangehood_installed" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_installed.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_installed.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rangehood_installed-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p>Ta-da! I always dreamed of an awesome range hood, and this Zephyr-brand range hood is pretty deluxe. We bought it from Bothell Home Appliance (in Bothell, WA) and the two dudes they sent had it installed in about an hour – if you live in the Puget Sound area, say wut up to them for me, they’re my favorite place for appliances.</p> <p><strong>But what’s with that cord?</strong> Hooking up the electrical to anything other than an outlet is outside the scope of their services, so alas, we have a long dangling cord for now. Also, the ventilation duct remains exposed because the stainless steel covered provided by the manufacturer is about a foot or so too tall for the space. I get why they provided a super long cover, but I hope they offer some sort of cutting service because this is incomplete until we figure out a solution.</p> <p>In the meantime, though, the appliance itself works GREAT! Super quiet and super effective ventilation for our twice-daily cooking. Hooray!!</p> <p>Any guesses as to what we will work on in March? If you guessed <a href="/2012/floor-destruction/">“the backbreaking labor of tearing up our own floors”, you’re correct</a>!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2012/range-hood-installation/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Budget DIY Kitchen Remodel: Why We Chose a Solid Surface Countertop</title> <link>/2012/choosing-a-countertop/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:46:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[budget]]></category> <category><![CDATA[countertop]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category> <category><![CDATA[remodel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[solid surface]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=382</guid> <description><![CDATA[We’ve scheduled a contractor to come out on March 15th and give us an estimate for all of the following: new countertops new sink + new faucet laminate flooring in dining room, kitchen, drop zone, and hallway lighting changes – just something that isn’t three ugly fluorescent bulbs That means we have until March 14th […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We’ve scheduled a contractor to come out on March 15th and give us an estimate for all of the following:</p> <ul> <li><strong>new countertops</strong></li> <li><strong>new sink + new faucet</strong></li> <li><strong>laminate flooring in dining room, kitchen, drop zone, and hallway</strong></li> <li><strong>lighting changes</strong> – just something that isn’t three ugly fluorescent bulbs</li> </ul> <p>That means we <del>have until March 14th to procrastinate on choosing colors </del> need to make a decision on this counter top!</p> <p>Our new <strong>counter top must-haves:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Undermount sink!</li> <li>No bizarre cleaning regimens (I don’t want to seal / buff / oil <em>anything</em>)</li> <li>Reasonably durable, though neither of us is particularly destructive nor do we intend to chop food or put hot pans on the counter</li> <li>Must be cleanable with normal cleaning solutions, like Lysol kitchen spray</li> <li>Affordability – our budget for this kitchen update is around $5000</li> <li>Stain resistant – we can be messy</li> </ul> <p>This kitchen’s a work zone. We both cook twice daily. I don’t know where some of these counter top manufacturers get off making counter tops that aren’t rugged or stain proof but I suppose if you don’t actually use the counter top for cooking, it’s fine if it’s made of paper mache.</p> <p>Corian solid surface counter top quickly became a front-runner. Young House Love first drew my attention <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/12/merry-countermas-to-us/">by choosing it for their kitchen</a>. (I swear I am not stalking them. Okay, maybe a little.)</p> <p>We eventually decided on Corian for all of the following reasons:</p> <ul> <li>Non-porous (stain resistant!) and solid all the way through, so if terrible things happen they can be sanded/buffed out</li> <li>Highly rated by Consumer Reports</li> <li>Works with undermount sink, wooo</li> <li>I just like the <em>feel </em>of Corian. As in, I <em>REEEEEALLY</em> like the <em> FEEEEEEL</em> of it. It’s so <em>soft</em> and <em>smooth</em>. (Actually, forget I said that, that was creepy.)</li> </ul> <p>The next challenge was figuring out what color to go with. I hate agonizing over colors, I really do, but with the counter top making up about half our kitchen update budget, I couldn’t afford to just choose on whim.</p> <p>Here are our samples, chillin’ on the pantry’s painted shelves.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-383" title="CorianSamples_1" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_1.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_1.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_1-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>There’s a slight “warm” tone to the less-speckled white Corian sample which clashes just a tad with the cabinet paint color. (But seriously, that observation can safely be filed under “shit only Mandi would notice”.)</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-384" title="CorianSamples_2" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_2.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_2.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CorianSamples_2-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p>Ehh? I feel like no matter which one I pick, it’s going to be WAY better than the aging off-pink laminate with scuffed up wood border that we have now. I think the speckly grey/white one is my favorite. The ‘Pot had a sample similar to it with tiny black flecks, but it looked way too much like Oreo crumbs in milk. Not that I don’t love Oreos or milk or the combination thereof, I just worry about the world’s Oreo supply should I crave Oreos every time I go through my kitchen. Ultimately, we chose a bright speckled white (and it was perfect).</p> <p>When we went to make the purchase at Home Depot, we discovered Samsung had a promotion on <em>their</em> version of Corian that brought the price of a Samsung Staron counter top several hundred under the cost of the same counter top in Corian. There we were, presented with another option we hadn’t even considered after hours of ruling out other choices. A quick look at online reviews revealed Staron is just as well reviewed as Corian and chemically quite similar, so we said what the hell and went with it.</p> <p>Our <a href="/2012/04/countertop-awesomeness/">gorgeous Staron counter top was installed a few weeks later</a>!</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>