9/04/2006

You're Laborers, You're Supposed to be Laboring*

You may recall the great bathroom demolition project undertaken during blogathon...well, this morning was the first opportunity I've had to get back to do more work on it. Thankfully I have an understanding sister and brother-in-law (though he's begun to whine about having to go upstairs to use the bathroom of late, so it's good that work has begun.) The delay is not all my fault - we needed a plumber to come and assess the toilet flange and that took a little to arrange. So, once he came and gave suggestions, my sister and I were off to Lowe's and today we put down the concrete backer board:


And then began the tile laying process. (This always reminds me of my 8th grade English teacher - she was going through lay, laid, etc. and said, "I lay down for a nap after I laid tiles." and then the class clown/bad-boy piped up, "Who's Kyle?" Maybe you had to be there, maybe you need to know she had a bit of a southern accent, either way, it was amusing at the time - put your 8th grade humor hat on, maybe?)

Keeping in mind that I don't do this for a living and thus have to do it the slightly harder than normal way in order to make sure that the grout lines all look good from the correct sight lines, this process is going to have to be done in two parts. The first part ended up like this:


Notice that essentially I had to tile myself into a corner. This must now set up for at least 24 hours before it can be walked on (and thusly before I can go back in there and finish that little corner.) Then that will have to set up for 24 hours and then I can grout. Then that can set up for 24 hours and then the plumber can come set the new toilet after fixing the flange. I think I can finish the tiling part the weekend after next. But this little renovation has taken a tad longer than either of us expected. Though I think such is the nature of home improvements.

Regardless, I'm pleased with how it's looking thus far. And my sister is saying that she's probably going to have to repaint cause she's tired of the yellow and doesn't think it looks as good with the tile as a powder blue would. My brother-in-law just rolled his eyes, but I have to say...I think she's right.

*Bonus cool points if you can name the movie.

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:51 PM

    Great going on the tile job! That's one of many things on our To Do list. First, I want dh to build me built-in bookcases.

    Do you see me drooling? :)

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  2. ...such is the nature of home improvements

    Indeed. It took us nearly 4 years to re-tile our master shower, and that was only one wall! Most of the hold up took place while I busily worked on a mosaic seascape which I ultimately tore down and replaced with basic white tiles.

    I agree...I think powder blue would look nicer with those tiles. You're doing a great job! Very straight grout lines!!

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  3. Michelle - Built-ins! Oh the joy at the thought. :) I'd be drooling too.

    Gwynne - The mosaic sounds fun, but I'm more than likely with you on the plain ol' white - too much work to do more than basic tiling. :)

    Eric, thanks.

    I'll let her know the blue is a resounding yes.

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  4. "You're laborers, you're supposed to be laboring. That's what you get for not having an education." - Dr. Hathaway, Real Genius

    My favorite movie.

    Good luck on the tile job. My husband once retiled our shower/tub enclosure. We had one bathroom in the house. It was completed in a little over a year. It had tile around the window in the shower, edging tiles, tiles with flowers on them interspersed here and there. Beautiful. He was able to put up plastic sheeting around the walls so that we could use the shower. It was only completely out of commission for like three or four months, still not good. But it was beautiful and well worth it when completed.

    Looks like you are doing a great job. Keep up the good work!

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  5. Jessnbekah's mom - spot on! :) It's one of my favorite movies as well - it's a classic.

    Yikes on your remodel process! Though sounds like he made it bearable, which is good. :) Hopefully I can finish this up before too much more time passes.

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  6. IT does look really good Beth! Keep up the good work! I also agree with all the rest that the blue would look awesome!

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