It all started with this uncoupling membrane called Schluter-DITRA. This was adhered to the plywood subfloor with thinset and provides several functions including providing a layer that can shift without cracking the adhesive or floor tiles. It’s a fairly straightforward and simple install that provides a lot of real value to the finished floor.
After the membrane, the floor tile can be immediately installed even before the uncoupling layer has fully set. I’m using 12″ x 12″ tiles with a 1/8″ space and “leave in” spacers so I can grout without pulling out the spacers.
In a larger room, the first full tile should be in the middle of the room. However, I chose to start in a corner because this way nearly all the cut tiles will be under appliances or furniture, or behind the door. There will be a bench in the lower left corner of this photo when we finish the renovation.
The (semi-)finished product after most of the grout work was completed. After this photo, I did the grout at the door frame to finish off the visible work and some minor touch up will be needed next week.
It is normally advised to do flooring after the drywall is installed, but I opted to do this first so the washer/dryer only needs to be moved within the room to finish other work. Therefore, I’ve caulked the gaps around the perimeter for waterproofing and the drywall will ultimately cover those gaps, so they will not be visible.
Now on to the gas connection and appliance install next week!
]]>I did manage to complete 3 of 4 exterior sides, so I’m pretty happy with the final effort. That said, I was thwarted by bad weather twice in October/November and basically lost about five days of effort. I could have easily completed that last side in 2-3 days, so this is a minor disppointment.
Here’s the visual summary of the progress. First, let’s look at the before and after from a single view:
And here are just a few different shots of the exterior now. Some of the trim paint isn’t complete or has the wrong color – this was done just to get a coat of paint on as much exposed wood as possible and when I do the second coat in the spring I’ll be more attentive to the final detail.
See you again in the spring!
]]>The painting project is a slow one for a number of reasons. First and foremost, T-111 siding is rough and dry, so getting a good coat on it takes extra time and effort. Then there’s all the cutting in around windows and doors. Not to mention that I don’t have the stamina to go for more than about 3-hours at a time.
Nevertheless, the front of the house if complete now, and here is the before and after (going all the way back to the original house layout):
I’m darn happy with the new look! And my goal right now is to get a coat of paint on the entire house before winter. This first coat won’t be perfect, but I’d like the house to be ready to weather the winter so I can do the second coat and detail work in the spring.
The painting is likely the only remaining project I’ll work on this year, so probably no notable updates till the spring. See you then!
