Projects/Home Improvement Thread

[RDU Irish]

Those glass tiles will drive you nuts with the chipping when you try to cut them, and you can see both sides since they are glass. Tile saw and masking tape over both sides being cut. Be ready to cut out a few that suck and hand place some extras. Also look out for air bubbles under the glass since that will show - one if the glass is not backed. For those reasons alone, I only use glass for accent pieces and stick to other tile for the bulk of a back splash. Also think regular tiles are less likely to look outdated in 5-10 years as a more traditional look.

 

[koonja]

Thanks for all of the advice. You are all great people. If anyone has a cutter they had success with feel free to post.

 

[Irish#1]

Thanks for all of the advice. You are all great people. If anyone has a cutter they had success with feel free to post.

Koon, spend the money on the cheap saw. I guarantee you won't regret it. The cheap one will do the trick just fine as long as the blade isn't dull and you take your time. I bought mine over ten years ago and between me, my wife and my sons it's paid for itself many times over.

 

[Irish Insanity]

They did, I'll just cut the 10" wall short obviously. Also sounds like it can be cut with a glass nippper which is ~ $25.

I'll post some before and after pics.

I glass tiled around my fireplace with what I assume are similar to the ones you're looking at. I believe my glass pieces we just under 2" tall and random widths in the pattern. It was simple to take a razor knife and cut the mesh to remove 2" at a time from the height. I also used the snippets for the tiles width. Word of advice, pay the few dollars extra for the name brand nicer ones. They cut much better.

 

[RDU Irish]

Thinking of tackling a complete bathroom renovation. At least with the demo portion I see value in taking it down to see what can be done before committing to a particular design or layout. Converting from a tub/shower to a walk in shower, moving shower drain and plumbing to a different area as well as the toilet. Full access below in crawl space (about 5' clearance), probably cut out wood floors and replace with tile.

Would be under construction forever with me doing in my spare time but cost is really not that much versus big bucks bringing in a contractor. Worst case I give up and GC the work. When I break down the steps it is not intimidating at all and more palatable than coordinating with contractors during working hours.

 

[Wild Bill]

Those glass tiles will drive you nuts with the chipping when you try to cut them, and you can see both sides since they are glass. Tile saw and masking tape over both sides being cut. Be ready to cut out a few that suck and hand place some extras. Also look out for air bubbles under the glass since that will show - one if the glass is not backed. For those reasons alone, I only use glass for accent pieces and stick to other tile for the bulk of a back splash. Also think regular tiles are less likely to look outdated in 5-10 years as a more traditional look.

They're a complete bitch to cut. Masking tape really doesn't work to prevent chips. I just re-tiled my bathroom and used them. If you look at the pic below, you can see the chips on the top row (even with the grout in place). I have a great saw and used a brand new blade. It is what it is. It's nitpicky but if you're spending $20 per square foot on tile, you should be nitpicky. Save yourself a headache and use porcelain with glass mosaic detail like RDU suggests.

http://s30.postimg.org/xhhujqif5/bathroom.png"]http://s30.postimg.org/xhhujqif5/bathroom.png[/URL]

 

[woolybug25]

Thinking of tackling a complete bathroom renovation. At least with the demo portion I see value in taking it down to see what can be done before committing to a particular design or layout. Converting from a tub/shower to a walk in shower, moving shower drain and plumbing to a different area as well as the toilet. Full access below in crawl space (about 5' clearance), probably cut out wood floors and replace with tile.

Would be under construction forever with me doing in my spare time but cost is really not that much versus big bucks bringing in a contractor. Worst case I give up and GC the work. When I break down the steps it is not intimidating at all and more palatable than coordinating with contractors during working hours.

Just started demo on one of mine. Would never pay someone to do a bathroom. I'm doing new floor, new counter/sink, new toilet, reglazing the tub, new lights/fan/fixtures, painting and making a weathered wood accent wall above the sink. Will cost me less than $1500 and I'll have in done in a few weeks of doing it in my spare time.

 

[koonja]

Koon, spend the money on the cheap saw. I guarantee you won't regret it. The cheap one will do the trick just fine as long as the blade isn't dull and you take your time. I bought mine over ten years ago and between me, my wife and my sons it's paid for itself many times over.

I will but idk what kind of saw you're talking about exactly. I've seen hand clippers (which you're not talking about), a table like saw that is suggested per google, and a wet saw.

Laugh all you guys want but I'm 2 hours from my nearest family member and none of my friends in msp have done this before, and everything I've done so far is for first time
That's why I'm trying to survive on dumb questions, which is why I asked if anyone had one they prefered to post it.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Thinking of tackling a complete bathroom renovation. At least with the demo portion I see value in taking it down to see what can be done before committing to a particular design or layout. Converting from a tub/shower to a walk in shower, moving shower drain and plumbing to a different area as well as the toilet. Full access below in crawl space (about 5' clearance), probably cut out wood floors and replace with tile.

Would be under construction forever with me doing in my spare time but cost is really not that much versus big bucks bringing in a contractor. Worst case I give up and GC the work. When I break down the steps it is not intimidating at all and more palatable than coordinating with contractors during working hours.

At least someone in this thread with a crawl space has balls.

I will but idk what kind of saw you're talking about exactly. I've seen hand clippers (which you're not talking about), a table like saw that is suggested per google, and a wet saw.

Laugh all you guys want but I'm 2 hours from my nearest family member and none of my friends in msp have done this before, and everything I've done so far is for first time
That's why I'm trying to survive on dumb questions, which is why I asked if anyone had one they prefered to post it.

A saw may be the way to go. I didn't on my fireplace because the mantle on the outside and trim on the inside covered almost every edge. How many cuts will you actually have to make. I believe you said 3 walls. So that's only 6 edges to cut. And if all the walls connect that's only 2 edges that will be bare and 4 that will be in the corner. You should be able to cut 2 bare edges successfully with a scribe and a mallet. Then the other question, are your glass tiles all square together at the end of the sheets or do they alternate for an interlocking application.

 

[Wild Bill]

Just started demo on one of mine. Would never pay someone to do a bathroom. I'm doing new floor, new counter/sink, new toilet, reglazing the tub, new lights/fan/fixtures, painting and making a weathered wood accent wall above the sink. Will cost me less than $1500 and I'll have in done in a few weeks of doing it in my spare time.

Agreed. I had the same plan but the old lady doesn't do well with budgets.

I will but idk what kind of saw you're talking about exactly. I've seen hand clippers (which you're not talking about), a table like saw that is suggested per google, and a wet saw.

A good wet saw will cost you a few hundred bucks and it's not worth it for a one time job. I prefer using an angle grinder with a diamond blade. It's relatively cheap, about $70 for both, and you can make great cuts if you have a steady hand.

 

[Irish#1]

I will but idk what kind of saw you're talking about exactly. I've seen hand clippers (which you're not talking about), a table like saw that is suggested per google, and a wet saw.

Laugh all you guys want but I'm 2 hours from my nearest family member and none of my friends in msp have done this before, and everything I've done so far is for first time
That's why I'm trying to survive on dumb questions, which is why I asked if anyone had one they prefered to post it.

A good wet saw will cost you a few hundred bucks and it's not worth it for a one time job.

Koon, we're talking about a wet saw. They keep them with the tile and not the tool department.

A good wet saw will cost close to $300, but Lowes, Home Depot and Menards carry a cheap wet saw for about $75. It works well. The only draw back is it has a small reservoir for the water so you have to fill it up more often then the expensive ones that has a connection for a water line.

 

[Irish#1]

Thinking of tackling a complete bathroom renovation. At least with the demo portion I see value in taking it down to see what can be done before committing to a particular design or layout. Converting from a tub/shower to a walk in shower, moving shower drain and plumbing to a different area as well as the toilet. Full access below in crawl space (about 5' clearance), probably cut out wood floors and replace with tile.

Would be under construction forever with me doing in my spare time but cost is really not that much versus big bucks bringing in a contractor. Worst case I give up and GC the work. When I break down the steps it is not intimidating at all and more palatable than coordinating with contractors during working hours.

Just started demo on one of mine. Would never pay someone to do a bathroom. I'm doing new floor, new counter/sink, new toilet, reglazing the tub, new lights/fan/fixtures, painting and making a weathered wood accent wall above the sink. Will cost me less than $1500 and I'll have in done in a few weeks of doing it in my spare time.

I've done two bathrooms all the way down to the floor joists and studs. Relocating plumbing isn't hard with a decent crawlspace. Weathered wood is the new "in" style. Looks pretty sharp with the right accents.

Wooly, are you weathering your own wood or buying it? My wife found a recipe for weathering wood. Took a bunch of my scrap lumber and weathered it for my sons house. He used it throughout.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Koon, most of your big box stores have lone a tool programs. I know Menard does. You can rent a saw for one day use for pretty cheap.

 

[koonja]

Koon, most of your bug box saws have lone a tool programs. I know Menard does. You can rent a saw for one day use for pretty cheap.

Good idea. I found a friend that said I can borrow his. If his isn't up to par I'm going to do this.

 

[woolybug25]

Wooly, are you weathering your own wood or buying it? My wife found a recipe for weathering wood. Took a bunch of my scrap lumber and weathered it for my sons house. He used it throughout.

I'm weathering it myself. I'm actually cutting up a bunch of pallets and using the slats for that "salvaged wood" look. Like so:

Mind sharing the recipe?

 

[Cackalacky]

Rent a wet saw.

 

[RDU Irish]

That wood look is pretty sweet, I can see how it adds a lot of character for not a lot of cost. Wouldn't jive in our house, maybe when we do the attic we could give it a loft of the barn feel and make the walls more durable for play room.

I have kicked around rough wood from a portable saw mill for flooring up there, get it now and let it dry in the basement for a couple years. Two inch thick planks would make it super solid for kids bouncing around up there and probably ends up less expensive than manufactured floors - stuff would last forever and could be refinished 100 times with thickness to spare.

We have three baths so putting one out of commission for a while won't hurt too bad. Biggest issue will be exposing the entire floor to the basement when I cut out the floor to rebuild for tile and re-route stuff. I can see that getting old quick with three kids in the house. Putting about $2k instead of $10k into it is pretty damn appealing - plus I like having time to adjust the plan as needed for contingencies.

 

[Irish#1]

I'm weathering it myself. I'm actually cutting up a bunch of pallets and using the slats for that "salvaged wood" look. Like so:

Mind sharing the recipe?

Looks nice. Just ripped up a couple of pallets for her the other day. Currently working on a head board for a bed.

White vinegar, tea or coffee grounds and steel wool.

Put the tea (or coffee) and steel wool in the white vinegar and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Coffee will make it darker than tea will. If you use tea she said to put a little coffee in to activate the process faster. You can use a paint brush or rag to apply.

 

[koonja]

Exhaust fan/light/heater update -

Had a hell of a time finding one that fit my dimensions (14x10x5) at home depot and menards that was the triple combo.

Ended up having to order one online that is 14x8.2x5. Any suggestions for how to compensate for the 2 inches on the sides? In away it's good that it's short because it'll allow me more room to funk with the wires, but still need to fasten it somehow.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Exhaust fan/light/heater update -

Had a hell of a time finding one that fit my dimensions (14x10x5) at home depot and menards that was the triple combo.

Ended up having to order one online that is 14x8.2x5. Any suggestions for how to compensate for the 2 inches on the sides? In away it's good that it's short because it'll allow me more room to funk with the wires, but still need to fasten it somehow.

Always a few inches short.....

How is this fan combo mounted? To a ceiling/floor joist directly, or does it have the telescoping mounts that slide from each side to attach it?

You should be able to attach the wires before you put it up in to the ceiling. The extra 2" shouldn't matter. You may however, have to fill the gap in with drywall after you're done.

 

[koonja]

Always a few inches short.....

How is this fan combo mounted? To a ceiling/floor joist directly, or does it have the telescoping mounts that slide from each side to attach it?

You should be able to attach the wires before you put it up in to the ceiling. The extra 2" shouldn't matter. You may however, have to fill the gap in with drywall after you're done.

This is the one I bought.

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-BreezRadiance-RAD80L-Exhaust-Heater/dp/B00HPZUR42

 

[Wild Bill]

Exhaust fan/light/heater update -

Had a hell of a time finding one that fit my dimensions (14x10x5) at home depot and menards that was the triple combo.

Ended up having to order one online that is 14x8.2x5. Any suggestions for how to compensate for the 2 inches on the sides? In away it's good that it's short because it'll allow me more room to funk with the wires, but still need to fasten it somehow.

It would be easier if the housing was a bit bigger. You can just cut out the excess drywall.

 

[Irish Insanity]

It would be easier if the housing was a bit bigger. You can just cut out the excess drywall.

This.

As long as it fits between the joists in the ceiling that's all that matters. It would be easier to cut the hole larger than to fill the drywall in.

 

[koonja]

This.

As long as it fits between the joists in the ceiling that's all that matters. It would be easier to cut the hole larger than to fill the drywall in.

Ugh, ok. Thanks guys. Trying to cancel the amazon purchase now.

 

[Irish#1]

Ugh, ok. Thanks guys. Trying to cancel the amazon purchase now.

If you can't you can always cut a small piece of wood to take up the space. Put a little adhesive on it then a couple of screws to hold it. Just leave enough depth for the small piece of drywall. If you don't have any drywall at home, go to HD or Menards and ask the guy that works in building materials for a small scrap piece. I'm sure he'll be glad to give you one.

 

[koonja]

About to finish the laying of the glass tile back splash, have one more of 7 outlets to go around, which has been a B. Then have to clean up and figure out how to grout this. Have the grout, just haven't done it before so reading up on it. It's taken be about 6 hours so far to cover about 27 square feet. Total job cost me $315.

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Haven't touched the exhaust fan yet. Waiting for a helping hand because it's impossible to hold it in place and try to secure it above your head alone.

 

[woolybug25]

It took you six hours to that?

This isn't even a google thing, Koon. Read the freaking directions on the bag. Grouting is on the level of changing a lightbulb.

On this pace, maybe you'll finish your bathroom before you die of old age.

 

[koonja]

It took you six hours to that?

This isn't even a google thing, Koon. Read the freaking directions on the bag. Grouting is on the level of changing a lightbulb.

On this pace, maybe you'll finish your bathroom before you die of old age.

Who said it was? And I will. I'm here to share my progress, not ask how to grout. Why must you always be a dick.

 

[woolybug25]

Who said it was? And I will. Why must you always be a dick.

What I meant, was that this isn't even a case where we're annoyed that you are asking simple questions that a google search would tell you. This is a situation where the directions on the bag are so easy, so clear that it's ridiculous that you would even talk about it.

I'm not being a dick... i'm being a person annoyed that every time I open a thread about something I enjoy, I have to read your posts about how to change lightbulbs, use grout, etc. One of the things that gets under my skin with home improvement is when someone literally refuses to try anything themselves. This last post is a perfect example. Just try it first and then ask us when trouble arises. Maybe then people will be more receptive to you. There are some really good craftsmen on this site and we really haven't heard from most of them. Probably because they don't want to follow the "Hold Koon's Hand While He Fumbles Through Home Improvement Thread"...

 

[koonja]

What I meant, was that this isn't even a case where we're annoyed that you are asking simple questions that a google search would tell you. This is a situation where the directions on the bag are so easy, so clear that it's ridiculous that you would even talk about it.

I'm not being a dick... i'm being a person annoyed that every time I open a thread about something I enjoy, I have to read your posts about how to change lightbulbs, use grout, etc. One of the things that gets under my skin with home improvement is when someone literally refuses to try anything themselves. This last post is a perfect example. Just try it first and then ask us when trouble arises. Maybe then people will be more receptive to you. There are some really good craftsmen on this site and we really haven't heard from most of them. Probably because they don't want to follow the "Hold Koon's Hand While He Fumbles Through Home Improvement Thread"...

Read better. I never asked a question about how to grout. I said it's the only thing left to do.

Block me.