Welcome, friends, to Week 5 of the One Room Challenge! As a guest participant, I have now completed (along with some help) nearly all the work for the powder room renovation. Here is the latest news for all the projects:
https://www.oneroomchallenge.com/blog/fall2018week5
Here are links to my previous posts in case you want to catch up: week 1 | week 2 | week 3 | week 4.
THE PROCESS
My mosaic tile came as 12"x12" mesh-backed sheets, so in order to have a 4" high backsplash, I first had to cut it to size using a utility knife and a cutting mat. Once that was finished, I marked the wall with pencil so I would know approximately how high to spread the mortar when it was time to get that tile on the wall!
First, using a trowel, I spread the mortar on the wallboard. Since the backsplash is not in a wet area (like a shower), I could apply the mortar and tile directly to the wallboard. You can consider a wall prepared for tile as long as the wall is even and smooth and if the the paint has been lightly sanded to rough it up a bit.
Next, I used the notched side of a trowel to even out the mortar. I then placed the tile in the mortar, inspecting and ensuring that it was straight. After I was satisfied with the placement, I pressed the tile firmly using a wood float.
In order to edge my mosaic tile, which had a scalloped edge due to the oval shape, I used an 8" wide by 1/4" high jolly edge piece (sounds so happy, huh?).
Once everything was in place, I allowed the mortar to dry before filling the crevasses with grout. I think the mortar was dry the following day, but I ended up waiting a couple of days. If you are tiling yourself, always be sure to always read all manufacturers instructions before you begin. Different types of grout can have different curing time.
My least favorite part of the job is spreading the grout, so luckily my trusty assistant came to the rescue! I owe a big thanks to my husband for finishing that part of the project for me!!
THE FINAL RESULT
WHAT'S LEFT TO DO
A bit of good news, my framed art arrived today! Hooray! I have everything I need to finish the project
I still have a few things to check off my to-do list:
caulk the gap between tile and countertop
clean the wood floor to get rid of dust and construction debris
fill the nail-holes in the trim with wood filler
sand and paint the wood filler on the trim
style/add accessories to powder room
photograph space in anticipation of final reveal
There you have it, the progress on my powder room. It is looking good, guys! I can't wait to show you the final reveal next week!
I'd love it if you would check out my photo feed on Instagram. I post images there a couple times a week. If you haven't already, you can sign up for my blog posts here.
You can always ask me questions or comment on the blog page or feel free to send them directly to my email: valerie@hillandvalleydesign.com.
I hope you have a fabulous week!
