Home-owners...What are your current projects? (2 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

pretty sure no.

 

[matttyl]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

I'm in a similar situation. Maybe 20% of my boards should be replaced - but they will look new while the rest will still look very worn. I think I'm going to do the railings and steps this year, and maybe do the entire deck at once next year.

 

[Fat Nick]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

I'd highly recommend doing ALL the boards if you're replacing some unless your deck is HUGE. If you replace just a few, you'll have to replace a few more in a few years. Just do it all at once. PT isn't that expensive, and it'll all match better.

I considered just re-doing my decking using the same joists/beams until I saw the state they were in (BAD), so I figured I'd just start from scratch. I guess it all depends on how well your old deck was built.

 

[SeveredHorseHeads]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

 

[The Commish]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

I did a marble back splash last year in my kitchen. Lay out the tile so that minimum cuts are required. If it's a major concern to you, you can get snips and go at it little piece by little piece. I think you'd be fine.

 

[lumpy19]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

I did kitchen backsplash last summer for the first time and it wasn't that bad. It's not perfect but the imperfections were easily filled with grout and we used a busy enough pattern that you can't tell unless you really look close. Just do it, one of the easier diy things I've done.

 

[SeveredHorseHeads]

Thanks, guys.

 

[Nugget]

Looking to install can lights in the front room. Currently there is no overhead lights. I have the popcorn ceiling scraped and it seems like I should add these now before I mud the ceiling. Only previous experience with electrical is new chandelier/outside lighting. Never ran wire before. 50/50 chance my wife calls 911 at some point.

6 can lights are beautifully illuminating the front room now. Added a light switch and ran wire without setting any electrical fires. My wife is so happy she says I need to install hardwood floors next.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Gonna have to replace the main sewer line

Fun. I'd do 95% of that myself, specifically the excavation.

 

[Franknbeans]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

I'd highly recommend doing ALL the boards if you're replacing some unless your deck is HUGE. If you replace just a few, you'll have to replace a few more in a few years. Just do it all at once. PT isn't that expensive, and it'll all match better.

I considered just re-doing my decking using the same joists/beams until I saw the state they were in (BAD), so I figured I'd just start from scratch. I guess it all depends on how well your old deck was built.

It's pretty solid (I think) but the deck is fairly big. 24" by 20" or thereabouts. I definitely will do the railings this year but the floor boards are a much bigger deal.

 

[Fat Nick]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

I'd highly recommend doing ALL the boards if you're replacing some unless your deck is HUGE. If you replace just a few, you'll have to replace a few more in a few years. Just do it all at once. PT isn't that expensive, and it'll all match better.

I considered just re-doing my decking using the same joists/beams until I saw the state they were in (BAD), so I figured I'd just start from scratch. I guess it all depends on how well your old deck was built.

It's pretty solid (I think) but the deck is fairly big. 24" by 20" or thereabouts. I definitely will do the railings this year but the floor boards are a much bigger deal.

My new one is 25' x 20' with a bit of an angle cut on the end . Just to put the pricing in perspective, I did Trex Transcend (high-end) with a contrasting border and my materials for just the decking cost ~$5K. I'd imagine if you're going with pressure-treated decking, you'd be looking at $1,200 or so to re-deck the whole thing. A little more for Ipe, more for basic composite, on up to what I paid or more.

I'm not one to judge another man's budget, but I'd rather just do all the decking at once if I can afford it, or wait till I can afford to do it all at once.

I'm assuming if you're considering doing the rails separate from the decking, that the rails attach to the outside of the rim. That'll help. Composite decks typically have the rail posts inside the rim, which means you can't really replace them easily without taking up some deck boards.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Likely going to be building a pergola over the summer

 

[Franknbeans]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

I'd highly recommend doing ALL the boards if you're replacing some unless your deck is HUGE. If you replace just a few, you'll have to replace a few more in a few years. Just do it all at once. PT isn't that expensive, and it'll all match better.

I considered just re-doing my decking using the same joists/beams until I saw the state they were in (BAD), so I figured I'd just start from scratch. I guess it all depends on how well your old deck was built.

It's pretty solid (I think) but the deck is fairly big. 24" by 20" or thereabouts. I definitely will do the railings this year but the floor boards are a much bigger deal.

My new one is 25' x 20' with a bit of an angle cut on the end . Just to put the pricing in perspective, I did Trex Transcend (high-end) with a contrasting border and my materials for just the decking cost ~$5K. I'd imagine if you're going with pressure-treated decking, you'd be looking at $1,200 or so to re-deck the whole thing. A little more for Ipe, more for basic composite, on up to what I paid or more.

I'm not one to judge another man's budget, but I'd rather just do all the decking at once if I can afford it, or wait till I can afford to do it all at once.

I'm assuming if you're considering doing the rails separate from the decking, that the rails attach to the outside of the rim. That'll help. Composite decks typically have the rail posts inside the rim, which means you can't really replace them easily without taking up some deck boards.

Sorry, I meant just the top rail (of essentially deck boards) that goes around the entire deck. I could easily do that and another coat of wood treatment for about $150 that would probably suffice for another 2 years or so. I pretty much have to go with PT unless I want to totally re-do the whole shebang including the balusters and such. I may go that route but I am likely only looking at doing this project for re-sale value. Not going to be there long-term if I can help it. I definitely do NOT want to spend upwards of 5K on this project when there are other projects that money could go towards.

 

[glumpy]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

I'd highly recommend doing ALL the boards if you're replacing some unless your deck is HUGE. If you replace just a few, you'll have to replace a few more in a few years. Just do it all at once. PT isn't that expensive, and it'll all match better.

I considered just re-doing my decking using the same joists/beams until I saw the state they were in (BAD), so I figured I'd just start from scratch. I guess it all depends on how well your old deck was built.

It's pretty solid (I think) but the deck is fairly big. 24" by 20" or thereabouts. I definitely will do the railings this year but the floor boards are a much bigger deal.

My new one is 25' x 20' with a bit of an angle cut on the end . Just to put the pricing in perspective, I did Trex Transcend (high-end) with a contrasting border and my materials for just the decking cost ~$5K. I'd imagine if you're going with pressure-treated decking, you'd be looking at $1,200 or so to re-deck the whole thing. A little more for Ipe, more for basic composite, on up to what I paid or more.

I'm not one to judge another man's budget, but I'd rather just do all the decking at once if I can afford it, or wait till I can afford to do it all at once.

I'm assuming if you're considering doing the rails separate from the decking, that the rails attach to the outside of the rim. That'll help. Composite decks typically have the rail posts inside the rim, which means you can't really replace them easily without taking up some deck boards.

My .02, after having dealt with decking on and off for a long time. You get PT because it's reasonably priced, well wearing and easy to maintain. You should expect to replace boards as they need it-- and will only take a few months before they blend in to where you don't notice. When we were working with decks, docks and piers years ago on the coast that was an annual routine, pulling boards and replacing as long as the posts were intact. The deck I built in my last inland home was still strong after 23 years; the one I'm living with now needs a few boards and then restaining since that's how it was finished--if they had left it natural even that wouldn't have been an issue.

I generally stick with girl I brought to the dance so you can take the rest of this post for pffffft. Don't really know Trex other than this from Bob Vila after looking it up: http://www.bobvila.com/posts/49587-trex-deck-mold-problem?page=1#.VW8ZN-lFAdU. He doesn't sound too keen on it.

eta make sure to install any new boards with the crown up.

 

[Drifter]

Just finished laying tile in a small bathroom. Have to grout, install new vanity and toilet.

Then finish painting kitchen cabs, ceiling and walls, painting baseboards, demoing and rebuilding a closet.

nice work brohan what type of floor did you take up and how much work did you have to do to prep the subfloor i have a old wood floor bathroom that i need to do something with and am thinking of laying some tile but i am afraid of what i will find when i lift up the wood floor take that to the i do not like surprises bank bromigos

Took up linoleum. There was 1/4 ply on top of original 3/4 ply. Pulled the 1/4 ply since it was sticky. Found water damage around the toilet flange. Had to cut out subfloor around flange and replace. That sucked royally. Set us back a day.Then put down 1/4 cement board and tiled.

The linoleum didn't go under the tub or insert at all? My house is 19 years old and they installed the linoleum at construction. It appears that it goes under the tub/shower insert. Not an issue in the Master where I plan to rip out the horrible insert but the kids bath and guest bath, I was planning on leaving them.

Also have to replace all my toilets. They are these horrible, super low, round jobbers made for pygmies. Easy enough, I just hate dealing with toilets.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I have 8 guys in excavating my backyard as we speak. It's been graded toward the house and we have had flooding problems. This is all one week too late as we had Noah type rain on Sunday. I'm having a new slab poured Friday under a screened in porch and up next to the house on the other side. I'll be putting in a blue stone patio with the leftovers from our repaved front walk. And I have to figure out what to do with the "yard" area. We don't get much direct sun back there so there is no good solution. I'm probably going to install a fescue sod and water the #### out of it and cross my fingers. All of this has to be done before the baby comes in 3 weeks! Should be awesome. Oh and since it's a row house, everything has to be brought in or removed through the house.

Good times!

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Any good/cheap/easy ideas for garage shelving for tools, shoes/boots, hoses, gardening supplies, random crap etc?

 

[matttyl]

Any good/cheap/easy ideas for garage shelving for tools, shoes/boots, hoses, gardening supplies, random crap etc?

I got a large "Gladiator wall kit" on black Friday a few years back and love it. For the tools and such - I just did the thick OSB over a pair of stationary metal drawer units with a pegboard back-splash with lots of hooks and such for tools.

 

[Drifter]

Power/Pressure washed all of our patio furniture and my grill last week. Looks great. Easy, impress the wife project.

Besides the still very long list of unpacking/assembly I still have, the identified projects in this house are:

- Install an OTA antenna on the roof and patch it into the cable intake. Will need to disconnect the line running to the cable modem or use a diplexer (Soon)

- Re-deck balcony deck off kitchen and build a landing and steps down to ground level deck off walkout basement. (Soon)

- Strip and refinish an old oak kitchen table and chairs. Thinking of painting white with a Jacobean stain on the table top. Might lime the top as well but haven't decided. (Soon)

- Strip and refinish our dining room set that's been trashed by the kids. Dark Walnut, Espresso or Jacobean probably. (Soon)

- Replace all the pygmy toilets in 4 bathrooms (mid-late summer)

- Replace all 90s brass one handle faucets in all 4 bathrooms including double sink in the master (mid-late summer)

- Rip up linoleum, Tile basement/guest bath (Fall/winter)

- Replace vanity and sink in the Main floor powder room (Fall/winter)

- Replace vanity and tile kids bathroom (next winter/spring)

- Completely gut and remodel Master bath (next summer)

Optional

- Build some built-ins in the living room

- Put some type of closet system in the master walk in.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Any good/cheap/easy ideas for garage shelving for tools, shoes/boots, hoses, gardening supplies, random crap etc?

I got a large "Gladiator wall kit" on black Friday a few years back and love it. For the tools and such - I just did the thick OSB over a pair of stationary metal drawer units with a pegboard back-splash with lots of hooks and such for tools.

I have the Rubbermaid version - installed it about 4 years ago. Love it.

LeeRoy - How much sq. footage are you talking about here?

 

[berndog]

considering replacing some of the old and worn deck boards on my deck. I definitely have to replace the railings as some of them have warped over time. I think I will stick with pressure treated deck boards instead of composite for consistency and budget. Anyone ever re-furbish their deck?

I'm in a similar situation. Maybe 20% of my boards should be replaced - but they will look new while the rest will still look very worn. I think I'm going to do the railings and steps this year, and maybe do the entire deck at once next year.

I just finished re-doing my my deck. The original owners had applied a solid stain so I was planning on replacing the rotted boards and then flipping the others to minimize my costs. After pulling everything up and looking at it I ended up replacing all the deck boards.

Between pulling everything up, multiple trips to get all the lumber and laying down the deck it took me 2 weekends. I also covered the nasty red stain with a dark green on all the ballisters. Now I am just waiting a month or 2 for the boards to cure before I stain. Oh yea and I also replaced the posts as they had rotted out.

 

[Fat Nick]

Don't really know Trex other than this from Bob Vila after looking it up: http://www.bobvila.com/posts/49587-trex-deck-mold-problem?page=1#.VW8ZN-lFAdU. He doesn't sound too keen on it.

I'll say that in doing research, this stuff is about as polarizing as politics. For every complaint, you'll find another person who has had it for years with no issues. I do know that Trex has done a lot to their products in the last few years to address issues with end-swelling and warping, and apparently stain and mold. The stuff that is 5+ years old isn't the same as the stuff today...now that's not to say that the stuff today is OK because it's better and not because it's just newer, but still...

 

[Gamma1210]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

I did kitchen backsplash last summer for the first time and it wasn't that bad. It's not perfect but the imperfections were easily filled with grout and we used a busy enough pattern that you can't tell unless you really look close. Just do it, one of the easier diy things I've done.

I'll be doing a backsplash this weekend. It shouldn't be difficult to do unless you have really tough cuts.

 

[glumpy]

Just finished laying tile in a small bathroom. Have to grout, install new vanity and toilet.

Then finish painting kitchen cabs, ceiling and walls, painting baseboards, demoing and rebuilding a closet.

nice work brohan what type of floor did you take up and how much work did you have to do to prep the subfloor i have a old wood floor bathroom that i need to do something with and am thinking of laying some tile but i am afraid of what i will find when i lift up the wood floor take that to the i do not like surprises bank bromigos

Took up linoleum. There was 1/4 ply on top of original 3/4 ply. Pulled the 1/4 ply since it was sticky. Found water damage around the toilet flange. Had to cut out subfloor around flange and replace. That sucked royally. Set us back a day.Then put down 1/4 cement board and tiled.

The linoleum didn't go under the tub or insert at all? My house is 19 years old and they installed the linoleum at construction. It appears that it goes under the tub/shower insert. Not an issue in the Master where I plan to rip out the horrible insert but the kids bath and guest bath, I was planning on leaving them.

Also have to replace all my toilets. They are these horrible, super low, round jobbers made for pygmies. Easy enough, I just hate dealing with toilets.

New construction the tub often goes in before the floor. Particularly given the common wall-to-wall tub on one end there's no way to angle it in through doorways.

 

[Osaurus]

Custom desk and cabinets going in on the 18th and 19th. Template for Quartz desktop and install should be about 2 more weeks. Need to re-sod whole yard. Yay.

 

[mphtrilogy]

Just finished my kitchen. Kitchen window , floors, cabinets, electric, plumbing and appliances all got done.

Exhausting but turned out great, did all the work myself, with some weekend warrior friends.

One of my best projects.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Just finished my kitchen. Kitchen window , floors, cabinets, electric, plumbing and appliances all got done.

Exhausting but turned out great, did all the work myself, with some weekend warrior friends.

One of my best projects.

pics please!!

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Any good/cheap/easy ideas for garage shelving for tools, shoes/boots, hoses, gardening supplies, random crap etc?

I got a large "Gladiator wall kit" on black Friday a few years back and love it. For the tools and such - I just did the thick OSB over a pair of stationary metal drawer units with a pegboard back-splash with lots of hooks and such for tools.

I have the Rubbermaid version - installed it about 4 years ago. Love it.

LeeRoy - How much sq. footage are you talking about here?

standard 2 car garage with a 16ft door

 

[mr roboto]

Just finished laying tile in a small bathroom. Have to grout, install new vanity and toilet.

Then finish painting kitchen cabs, ceiling and walls, painting baseboards, demoing and rebuilding a closet.

nice work brohan what type of floor did you take up and how much work did you have to do to prep the subfloor i have a old wood floor bathroom that i need to do something with and am thinking of laying some tile but i am afraid of what i will find when i lift up the wood floor take that to the i do not like surprises bank bromigos

Took up linoleum. There was 1/4 ply on top of original 3/4 ply. Pulled the 1/4 ply since it was sticky. Found water damage around the toilet flange. Had to cut out subfloor around flange and replace. That sucked royally. Set us back a day.Then put down 1/4 cement board and tiled.

The linoleum didn't go under the tub or insert at all? My house is 19 years old and they installed the linoleum at construction. It appears that it goes under the tub/shower insert. Not an issue in the Master where I plan to rip out the horrible insert but the kids bath and guest bath, I was planning on leaving them.

Also have to replace all my toilets. They are these horrible, super low, round jobbers made for pygmies. Easy enough, I just hate dealing with toilets.

New construction the tub often goes in before the floor. Particularly given the common wall-to-wall tub on one end there's no way to angle it in through doorways.

This wasn't original linoleum. Someone put it down after home was built.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Any good/cheap/easy ideas for garage shelving for tools, shoes/boots, hoses, gardening supplies, random crap etc?

I got a large "Gladiator wall kit" on black Friday a few years back and love it. For the tools and such - I just did the thick OSB over a pair of stationary metal drawer units with a pegboard back-splash with lots of hooks and such for tools.

I have the Rubbermaid version - installed it about 4 years ago. Love it.

LeeRoy - How much sq. footage are you talking about here?

standard 2 car garage with a 16ft door

I would read reviews on the gladiator vs. the Rubbermaid vs. (other brand I can't think of). I'd imagine they'd all be relatively similar, but just in case. Like any organization project, start with getting rid of all of the #### that you don't need (if you haven't used it in over 3 years, it's probably best gone)....and 3 might be pushing it.

You want the commonly used items in easy to reach areas, etc.

 

[rascal]

Likely going to be building a pergola over the summer

Looking into it as well. Trying to figure out ground first since it's not lvl.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Likely going to be building a pergola over the summer

Looking into it as well. Trying to figure out ground first since it's not lvl.

I've got a friend of a friend who used to do these professionally and now does them on the side.

 

[mr roboto]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

 

[rascal]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

Because I want to be outside?

 

[rascal]

Likely going to be building a pergola over the summer

Looking into it as well. Trying to figure out ground first since it's not lvl.

I've got a friend of a friend who used to do these professionally and now does them on the side.

Nice. Does he live near okc?

 

[mr roboto]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

Because I want to be outside?

Ok. And?

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Any good/cheap/easy ideas for garage shelving for tools, shoes/boots, hoses, gardening supplies, random crap etc?

Craigslist gorilla shelves

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

I'm 100% with you. #tanlinesonyourface

 

[Tiger Fan]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

I'm 100% with you. #tanlinesonyourface

We'll be putting some sort of cover/roof on ours

 

[Franknbeans]

I will be installing three 4' x 8' sheets of square lattice complete with accompanying border boards similar to this but hopefully a lot more seamless this weekend.

 

[Fat Nick]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

I think, especially if you live up north, that a big driver is potential snow loads. A fully covered roof has to be able to bear a lot more weight than a pergola. I know our neighbor built an AWESOME fully-covered roof for his back deck. He had some huge beams that had to go in to support it. Took 12 guys to lift it in place. A like-sized pergola wouldn't require anything near as large, but obviously they're very different.

 

[coyote5]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-SimpleMat-10-sq-ft-Tile-Setting-Mat-SM10R1/202828989

 

[SeveredHorseHeads]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-SimpleMat-10-sq-ft-Tile-Setting-Mat-SM10R1/202828989

Interesting. Have you used this before?

 

[gmbacm]

I will be installing three 4' x 8' sheets of square lattice complete with accompanying border boards similar to this but hopefully a lot more seamless this weekend.

Anyone doing something like this where you want under deck storage, I would recommend barn door rails rather then the traditional hinged door for access. Especially if you want wider access (4+ feet). Need rails and wheeled mounting hardware from most hardware stores.

 

[MAC_32]

Thankfully, not painting. First year since moving in.

This year, building a gate. We had a fence panel get knocked out by a downed tree last fall, so we took out the fence panel in the middle of the fence on the back border of our lot and put it there. I'm doing a custom gate to put in the new void. House backs up to the church/kids school, so it'll serve as a nice shortcut.

Rest of home improvement budget is going to a bunk bed and a freezer for the garage, so I'm getting off kinda easy this year.

Bunk bed, built. Mattresses being delivered Monday.

Gate building and garage freezer purchasing has been postponed because we acquired a trampoline. This looks like at least a 2-3 day ordeal, so I'm spreading this out over the next two weekends. Also because my wife really wants the gate done I may get out of doing that all together, so I'm thinking if I stall on this that she will just build that and all I have to do is actually put it in place.

It'd be pretty awesome to be completely done with home improvement stuff for the year before Father's Day. Never thought I'd see the day...

 

[mr roboto]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

I think, especially if you live up north, that a big driver is potential snow loads. A fully covered roof has to be able to bear a lot more weight than a pergola. I know our neighbor built an AWESOME fully-covered roof for his back deck. He had some huge beams that had to go in to support it. Took 12 guys to lift it in place. A like-sized pergola wouldn't require anything near as large, but obviously they're very different.

I get that. But what does a pergola provide? I guess at certain angles of the sun it might provide some shade. Maybe if the plan is to grow vines on the top? But that's a lot of work and lumber. I'd rather have an open patio or a roof over a deck or porch. Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-SimpleMat-10-sq-ft-Tile-Setting-Mat-SM10R1/202828989

Interesting. Have you used this before?

Countertops and backsplashes are the perfect first timer tile jobs. Use youtube specifically for instructions for subway tiles. You're right about getting the cuts right and it is a little different than ceramic because your adhesive is visible through the tiles and... youtube. The potential for disaster is nil.

 

[glumpy]

I'm planning to put in a backsplash (~17 sq ft) of glass subway tiles in our kitchen. I'm fairly handy and have done some projects around the house but for some reason I'm nervous about this one. Specifically concerned about cutting and smoothing the cut edges. I've never laid tile before.

How big of a PIA will this be? I really love doing projects like this but this seems a little high on the "potential disaster" scale to me.

Any thoughts on this project? I need a reality check, I think.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-SimpleMat-10-sq-ft-Tile-Setting-Mat-SM10R1/202828989

Interesting. Have you used this before?

Countertops and backsplashes are the perfect first timer tile jobs. Use youtube specifically for instructions for subway tiles. You're right about getting the cuts right and it is a little different than ceramic because your adhesive is visible through the tiles and... youtube. The potential for disaster is nil.

On backsplashes none of the cut edges should be exposed. You cut the bottom edges which lay over the countertop so the finished edges are up. You begin from the outside ends and cut the edges in the corner so those are buried as well. If you happen to have that rare instance where both countertop ends are open then you burnish the edge with a burring wheel on a rotozip or such.

 

[Fat Nick]

Never understood the desire for a pergola. If I'm gonna frame a ceiling I'm gonna make a fully covered roof. Don't get why you'd want fancy 2x6s just hanging in the air above a patio. Can someone explain the appeal?

http://www.newearthgreendepot.com/wp-content/uploads/pergola_25x15yg_12inslats2_hi_1_-_edited_2_1.jpg

I think, especially if you live up north, that a big driver is potential snow loads. A fully covered roof has to be able to bear a lot more weight than a pergola. I know our neighbor built an AWESOME fully-covered roof for his back deck. He had some huge beams that had to go in to support it. Took 12 guys to lift it in place. A like-sized pergola wouldn't require anything near as large, but obviously they're very different.

I get that. But what does a pergola provide? I guess at certain angles of the sun it might provide some shade. Maybe if the plan is to grow vines on the top? But that's a lot of work and lumber. I'd rather have an open patio or a roof over a deck or porch.Maybe I'm missing something.

They actually do provide significant cooling. It's not like a filtered sun, but kind of an off/on type thing. I know exactly your skepticism until I was under one for a decent bit on a beach trip. I didn't think that having this square inch of me in 100% sun, and this one in 100% shade would matter that much, but it does.

 

[El Floppo]

I have 8 guys in excavating my backyard as we speak. It's been graded toward the house and we have had flooding problems. This is all one week too late as we had Noah type rain on Sunday. I'm having a new slab poured Friday under a screened in porch and up next to the house on the other side. I'll be putting in a blue stone patio with the leftovers from our repaved front walk. And I have to figure out what to do with the "yard" area. We don't get much direct sun back there so there is no good solution. I'm probably going to install a fescue sod and water the #### out of it and cross my fingers. All of this has to be done before the baby comes in 3 weeks! Should be awesome. Oh and since it's a row house, everything has to be brought in or removed through the house.

Good times!

gl, gb- was just thinking about you, the house, the baby, the gold watch and everything.