The weather in Phoenix today was perfect. 81 degrees, 10% humidity, light breeze. We're talking perfect, it can't get any better than this.
So imagine my chagrin when Francy comes in from the garage and hands me the Bosch 11224VSR Rotary Hammer. Now don't get me wrong, this may be the coolest power tool on the planet. The testosterone courses through your veins just holding this bad boy. But it only means one thing — it's time to re-tile the kitchen.
I don't understand my lovely bride's fascination with replacing perfectly functional tile with different perfectly functional tile. I owe this particular tile color, pattern, whatever they call it to some house Francy showed months ago. She fell in love with the tile and the next thing I knew there was a pallet of it in my garage. We've already done the bathrooms, the entryway, laundry room and hallway. All that remains is the kitchen and breakfast area.
The woman is a tile laying machine. Chiseling up the old, perfectly functional tile is my job.
Fortunately, the power rotary hammer makes relatively quick work of it.
Here's a few photos:
Before:
During:
After (obviously not done, but getting there…):
My opinion of doing this on the perfect weather day, and NFL Sunday to boot?
Francy won't let me post that picture…
Next up: rip out the perfectly functional breakfast area tile, rent a tile saw for the curvy cuts (the ONLY way to go), grout and enjoy!
See folks, if you're looking for a home and you find one with everything you want but you can't stand the tile, change it! It's a reasonably simple project for the do-it-yourself type.
I'll even loan you my Bosch rotary hammer.
[tags]Home improvement, tiling, kitchen remodeling, cool power tools[/tags]
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
GREAT post. Loved it. Gotta love a tool that beats tile into submission!
Nice taste in toolage. That new tile does have a nice texture and color Francy.
The problem with showing a lot of homes is that you get some great ideas! It makes it a little more difficult to put up with items in your home that you don’t care for.
Our original “perfectly functional tile” was flat white with a hint of a beige pattern (it came with the house and I never liked it). To top it off, our large master bath was carpeted – who likes carpet near a shower and tub?
The new tile is textured with many shades of brown, beige, sand, and grey. It looks great with just about any color wall.
Next I’m taking out all the carpet and putting in wood!
YOU are taking out the carpet? So I can just sit back and watch?
You’re a good husband!
I just can’t let my wife know that husbands can theoretically do such things.
I agree with your bride,
Even though it was fully functional, if you can’t stand the color or something else about it – it’s got to go! and you ARE A GREAT HUBBY for doing it.
Great photographs and great job done. The only problem is that you are setting a bad example. Imagine what would happen if my bride saw that blog! I prefer lazying around on perfect days, thank you.
It’s lovely and you are doing a fine job with your “honey-do” list Jay!! Keep up the great work. Just imagine not many wives are willing to help!! You got lucky! Nice choice of tile might I add. I hope we get to see the finished look, before & after pictures!
Dining Room Set’s got it right. Yeah Jay, what’s wrong with you, publishing a post like this? I mean, great job and all, but you’re ruining it for the guys. Now I’ve got to take you out of my RSS feeder, so my wife doesn’t see this post. Way to go, buddy!!
I don’t know if a do-it-yourself spouse is a blessing or not. You make it look so easy. My husband is a complete do-it-yourself type of guy, but I just want everything to be done. Can’t we just hire someone??? Please??
if you had a fubar, you could rip out those old countertops more easily, upgrade those too. i’ve poured my own concrete countertops, if you’re interested in a little advice. the hardest part is dumping the first shovelful of concrete onto perfectly good cabinets — after that, it’s all downhill.
Thanks Kelley. My wife reads this blog ya know.
I think this evens out my ruining it for the guys…
The new tile looks good. Sounds like you might be getting some new counter tops soon!
Its nice to know how many other guys out there have honey do lists (or “The never-ending list”as I like to call them)besides myself!!
Change is good. I like to remodel my kitchen about every two years, but I don’t expect my husband to do all the work. I figure, if I want the change to happen, I best get out there an learn how to do it myself. We live in Lansdale, PA and I’ve been looking for contractors, but it’s difficult with the economy being so slow to find an affordable contractor in Lansdale.
Remodeling is good not matter how good or bad is your current layout
I recently re-titled by washroom but I had it done my someone else since I do not have all the tools that you have.