So, what else is new

It’s been a while since the last post. First floor renovation is almost over. In the past several months, we have completed a few small subprojects that included a backsplash, blinds, fireplace mantel, painting, and a window seat.

Backsplash in the kitchen

Initially, I wanted to install one piece quartz backsplash. I really like that idea because it creates an easy to clean surface. I was opposed to the idea of tiles and white grout because in my mind it equaled to ingrained stains from cooking and hard to clean surface.

Unfortunately, the plan did not work because we did not have enough space for a one-piece backsplash. If you want to install a one -piece backsplash, you need to factor an additional 2.5” of countertop depth. Our kitchen is small and that simply would not work. So, we had to abandon that idea and think of a tile. Designer to the rescue!

I like Delft tile. It reminds me of my city of St. Petersburg.  I’ve found a dealer who carries a large selection of the Dutch tiles, but the cost of using it for the backsplash was a bit prohibitive for us. Though we did not use Delft tiles for the backsplash Polina came up with an idea and a place for my new mini collection of Delft tiles!  I only have two tiles now but have plenty of space for more!  

So, after we realized that Delft tiles would not work, we decided to find a tile with a rustic look. After a quick search, we found a nice Spanish tile that we liked and our designer approved.

Back in May we asked our contractor for a quote to install the tile. He wanted to charge us $3,000 for labor + tile, grout, sealant. It takes 2-3 days (approx. 24hrs) to install a small backsplash. That was a very obvious rip off, so we decided to look for a tile specialist ourselves. Through our friends we quickly found a contractor who could install the backsplash as the half of the price we were given. He did a great job. Tile installation was his specialty.

Because of the pandemic and issues with supply chain, we had to wait for the tile for 3 months. By mid-August, the kitchen was finally complete!

 Unfortunately, the backsplash highlighted mistakes made by our general contractor. Now we can see that they did not level the ceiling properly.   

Make sure that your contractor level the ceiling, walls and floors properly. Re-measure yourself.