Monday, December 14, 2009

Tiling the Wall in the Guest Bathroom

Thanks to the folks at True Value, I was able to get everything I needed to begin tiling the wall in the vanity area today. I spent about $25 of our True Value gift card on tile adhesive, grout, a rubber sponge float and a small, plastic trowel. This is the first time I've ever attempted to tile anything, but the directions on the back of the tub o' tile adhesive were very easy to follow...



I used my small, notched trowel to spread some of the adhesive on the back of the tile...





And then I used it to spread some more on the wall...



Then I just "smushed" the tile into place...



The directions said to let the adhesive dry for at least 24 hours, so I'll start the grouting process tomorrow. I hope it goes as smoothly as the adhesive process!



So what started out like this earlier today...



Quickly looked like this...



Then this...



And finally this!



Our mirror will cover the wall space in the middle of the tile. After I get it back into place, I've got one last piece of trim to add to the wall above the top row of tile. Then I'll be able to get back to work on the farm table vanity. I can't wait to get the new vessel sink into place once and for all! Washing your hands in the top of a drain pipe sticking up from the floor is no fun. :-)

Kevin

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33 comments:

  1. CherylDecember 15, 2009 at 12:00 AM

    Pretty tile. Nice backdrop for the mirror.

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  2. MarielleDecember 15, 2009 at 12:20 AM

    Love the tile! Your guest bath is really coming together. Choosing tiles can be frustrating, but when you get it right...

    http://whenlifesendsyoulemons.blogspot.com/2009/09/tiling.html

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  3. JacciDecember 15, 2009 at 12:22 AM

    Lookin' good, Kevin! I'm so glad y'all decided to do this now, because we're going to be going down this same road in a few months. We're loving watching you totally remake this bathroom!

    Jacci

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  4. AuraDecember 15, 2009 at 12:39 AM

    This is the first time I can really tell how this is all going to come together, and it looks beautiful! I can't wait to see it done!

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  5. UnknownDecember 15, 2009 at 1:14 AM

    I love your tile work and I can't wait to see the farm table installed. My husband and I were working on a project this weekend, replacing pocket doors and moulding, and I thought of the two of you. We having been doing projects together just a few decades longer and we still love to work together. We keep telling ourselves that we need to learn how to play but then we end up a HOme Depot picking up things for our next project. We may work slower than we did 20 years ago but it is just as much fun and there is nothing I would rather do on a Saturday afternoon. Keep up the good work and enjoy your time together.

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  6. EricDecember 15, 2009 at 6:00 AM

    Looks good! Did you have to do any special prep work on the wall?

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  7. Hopeful HousewifeDecember 15, 2009 at 6:02 AM

    Kevin, Great job! The tile looks awesome! Glad you stuck to an "safe" project! :) I don't know how you and Layla find the energy but don't loose it!! Seeing a new post from you guys is like Christmas morning....I can't imagine how excited I would be if it were my own home! Can't wait to see the finished project!

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  8. jDecember 15, 2009 at 6:13 AM

    Kevin you are awesome! You and Layla are so fun to watch. What a nice journey you guys are on.
    All the best!
    J~

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  9. UnknownDecember 15, 2009 at 6:39 AM

    Wow - for a back splash you can apply tile directly to sheetrock and skip using Durock cement board! That's great to know. I noticed Layla has already started decorating her new cabinets. Can't wait for the final reveal.

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  10. AnonymousDecember 15, 2009 at 7:46 AM

    Go Kevin! You've given me the courage to try a kitchen backsplash over the Christmas break. Yours looks great!

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  11. -Meleah-December 15, 2009 at 7:49 AM

    "so I'll start the grouting process tomorrow. I hope it goes as smoothly as the adhesive process!" - ROFL @ this. I had the same hi hopes before. I'll just say that I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :)

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  12. AnneDecember 15, 2009 at 8:13 AM

    You just made that look so freaking easy! I'm going to go tile my entire living room now. :)

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  13. Wendy December 15, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    The tile looks great...seriously can't wait to see the finished project!

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  14. SaraDecember 15, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    Wow, that is so cute! I love it! Getting so excited to see the finished product :)

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  15. AnonymousDecember 15, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    Love the color of the tiles and how it compliments your love for the sea.
    Some words of advice about grouting - sponge! sponge!! sponge!!!

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  16. ElissaDecember 15, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    You make it look so easy. I can't wait to see what the finished result is!

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  17. AnonymousDecember 15, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    It's looking fantastic! You two really know how to pull a room together. I would love it if you could give us a cost break-down on this room when you are finished. I know you are working on a tight budget, and us do-it-yourselvers would be so inspired to see the totals!

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  18. RemodelaholicDecember 15, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    I love the tile! The bathroom is going to be stunning!

    ps I hope your hand is healing quickly! and I loved the room reveal from the other day!

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  19. geriDecember 15, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    Thanks Kevin.
    Or maybe NOT!
    You made it look so easy and did such a professional and great job I am ready to start tiling everything in site.
    HMMMM...wonder if the Christmas tree would hold tiles too? hehe
    Enjoy your day. geri.

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  20. AnNicole@Our Suburban CottageDecember 15, 2009 at 10:47 AM

    Ooh la la. Great job! I saw somebody else with a tub of that stuff but I couldn't tell what it was. Thanks for the post!

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  21. Ashley SchottDecember 15, 2009 at 11:27 AM

    I love that tile. It's so beautiful and the colors are just calm and perfect for a beautiful bathroom:) You make it sound totally easy too!

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  22. s as in tsetDecember 15, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  23. callieharperDecember 15, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    I can't wait to see the finished bathroom! You've inspired me to get cracking on the backsplash project in my kitchen. Then all I have to do is pick the paint (5 years isn't too long to make a decision, is it?)

    Many thanks for all the good ideas :-)

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  24. MollyDecember 15, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    So pretty! I love the tile!

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  25. mkelton24December 15, 2009 at 1:19 PM

    JUST beautiful guys! I love the serene feeling of this guest bath-only problem is, your guests may never want to leave!

    I am having a little give-a-way at the Keltons cozy Cottage. It ends this evening and only 4 are entered to win-send a few of your many followers over my way to make my first give-a-way ever super sucessful!

    http://thekeltonscozycottage.blogspot.com/

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  26. AmandaDecember 15, 2009 at 1:31 PM

    that tile? 'love' is an understatement.

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  27. nina@themissadventuresofninaDecember 15, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    I love that tile! Great job so far, I'm loving it.

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  28. AnonymousDecember 15, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    Like the tile, however I have a personal aversion to vessel sinks, especially in an older home. does not belong!

    Your house is beautiful.

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  29. SusanDecember 15, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    The tile is beautiful!! You've inspired me to consider trying that out in the future myself.

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  30. RoeshelDecember 15, 2009 at 6:27 PM

    I love the tile. Beautiful colors and texture. If my husband can grout, you can do it...trust me. lol

    I love vessel sinks too and the best part of designing and decorating for yourselves in your own home is that you can do what you love. ;)

    Looking forward to seeing more!
    Roeshel

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  31. sweetnikaDecember 15, 2009 at 8:39 PM

    so exciting!!!!!!!! I think it will look super! It is so fun to remodel... and to watch others do it! glad you are blogging this :)

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  32. Jessica @ Lavender and LiliesDecember 15, 2009 at 8:43 PM

    Great job! I love the tile.

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  33. UnknownDecember 16, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    I love the colors in this tile! Nice pick!

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