We got the tile back splash done today, it just needs to be sealed after the grout dries in a couple of days. I think it looks awesome. It’s travertine 4″ tile with glass tile (both 1″ and 2″) border and 2″ steel inserts. All purchased on sale at very low prices. $280 for materials, all in. I’m cheap that way. This has been sort of a slow motion remodel, mostly because we tried not to incur debt. When you have lots of time you can look around, study the best way to do each step and get the best prices for materials.
Mostly it has been done a bit at a time as we had the money to buy materials, with most of the work done by us, some friends and family. It’s been going on 3 years now, but for about less that a 3rd of the cost quoted by contractors. The end is in sight.
Here’s the remaining work list:
- Relocate the microwave.
- Hang and finish one sheet of drywall.
- Miscellaneous drywall finishing where damaged by removing Formica back splash.
- Apply some texture coat.
- Tile over the new living room/old kitchen floor.
- Add crown molding to the kitchen cabinets.
- Select and install the kitchen lighting.
Thanks to Donny for the help with the tile:
A somewhat larger, better lit shot of one of the mosaics:
