Tiling...finally!

Made some progress this weekend. I finally started tiling the bath/shower surround after a lot of planning and measuring. Anticipating all the surface transitions takes some thought (for me anyway).

I selected a 12"x18" tile. I like the look of large tiles plus it's less grout to maintain. Placing large tiles is actually  more difficult than smaller tiles. Maintaining flatness (preventing lippage) is a challenge because it is very difficult to press the tiles into the thinset due to the amount of tile surface area. This makes the progress seem slow. Anyway, I am pleased with the look and am looking forward to completing this step. I anticipate late nights this week since I will be in "The Big Easy" all next week.


Just getting started tiling the bath/shower walls.

I decided to purchase a used tile saw rather than rent so I can take my time tiling. When I have rented them in the past I feel rushed because the clock is ticking so to speak. I found a decent one on CL. What I didn't realize is that this type of saw cannot accommodate cutting large tiles lengthwise. I had to make a larger bed attachment. I had plenty of scrap wood left over and it seems to work well so far thought I have to flip the tiles to get all the way through.

 

Tile cutting station with custom bed attachment

I anticipate allot more tiling and cutting this week. It will be interesting when I have to go around the plumbing openings. I suppose I'll figure that out as I go. I'll post more later this week. Thanks for stopping by.

Quick update.

So, I am going to try a new strategy; more frequent short posts. Hopefully this will prevent one year passing between entries. For the past several days, I have been working on finishing the walls and the tub surround. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just need a bit more sanding and one more coat of Redgard. Next step is to prime, paint, and then tile.



Tub surround with Redgard waterproof coating painted on.



Westerly view showing new door entry and the toilet area.

 I ordered the vanity faucet yesterday. It was a tough choice between these two designs. There is something about faucet/fixture designs that I find intriguing. Maybe it's the design nerd in me, but I think a nice faucet provides a makes a statement; smilar to how fine jewelry completes an outfit.   

Option A

Option B

I stumbled on another great blog of 'old home fans' documenting their home reno. Impressive work with fantastic results. The whole house is amazing and the kitchen is superb. Enjoy.

https://madisonsquare.wordpress.com/ 


Oh, I went with Option B.

Unbelievable. Has it been over a year since I posted? This year has gone by incredibly fast. Probably had something to do with work, home projects and lots of travelling in there, too.

I bought a new laptop earlier this year and still need to install my photo editing software so I will be light on photos until I can get that situated. I'll post what I can.

As far as home projects, it's been a busy year. I painted the remaining bedrooms late last winter and at the beginning of September I started a complete bathroom remodel. So that is still in progress and taking up my evenings and weekends. I hope to have it complete by Christmas. It is the last room to be remodelled and I will very happy to be finished with this project.
I almost don't remember what it looked like. These are some "before" shots. Terrible plastic wall tile, ugly shower tile, some weird wall covering, and lots of doors. Just bad all over. 

I think someone did a minor remodel in the 50's. I found a date on the pedestal sink from 1952, the floor tile is not original, and some of the plumbing, but not all, has been updated to copper.



I hate the shower. I'm tall. The shower head is way too low and soffit creates a clausterphobia inducing box.



Separate doors for the main bath and "water closet". There is also a connecting door inside.

After demo, new framing for the entry and linen closet. The old cast iron tub is in the background. Took three guys to get it down and loaded in my junk truck. It weighed over 350lbs. They certainly don't make them like that anymore.

A view of the throne.

I made a lot of progress in the last month or so. Dad, again came over to help out for a few days.  I definitely would not be this far if it weren't for him.


Today. Notice the height of the shower head spout.

Now that the walls are closed it is starting to take shape. I am putting bamboo flooring on the lower portion of the walls. I need a good surface to secure it to so that is what the plywood substrait is for.
All the new ceiling lighting is in. It is much improved. The old bathroom only had two wall sconces by the sink.



View of the new entry with just one door!



 My objective for the rest of this week is to finish installing the cement board around the tub, and finish the second and third coats of drywall mud. I want to start tiling the tub next week. I'll post more photos and progress next week. Hopefully, I will have some more progress to show. Thanks for tuning in.