Sunday 7 April 2013

Kitchen progress – when you don’t really know what you are doing

Here is where my kitchen stands today.

gap in counter

My walls are not straight and the Ikea Pragel counters cannot be scribed. I’m left with gaps that I have to find a solution for before I can tile. The wall behind the stove is an easy fix, thanks to clever thinking by my bff, I am going to put up 1/4” plywood the entire width and height, that eliminates that gap. The longer wall, where the gap is more gradual may involve removing the drywall, installing new drywall and shimming it to meet the counters. Not a pleasant task, but it may be the only way to go. 

I did pick out new tile though, and I love it.  A little bit of putting the cart before the horse, but like anyone that enjoys home decor, you are drawn to the pretty bits that make it sparkle.

 

DSCN4496

I got the tile for a steal of a deal at $3.50 each.

I needed a new door for my pantry and only a bifold would work. A panelled door was not what I wanted, so I bought a plain Masonite door and added the same trim as I did on the cabinets.

DSCN4612

not painted yet

This was the biggest door I could get that was not custom order (read, big bucks) so I had to add wood to the top of the frame

The frame is so out of whack that I had to add a shims on one side to bring it to level. The frame is also out of plumb, but trim moulding will hide the majority of the sins.

It will be painted the same white as the cabinets and a matching handle will be installed.

I am still way ahead of my August deadline, so having to take a couple of weeks off while my wrists felt better is a-ok.

Enjoy your Sunday.

7 comments:

  1. Our home was built in the 1950's and because of settling through the years, nothing is completely square, so I know what you are going through. I think it is a common problem and there are many easier ways than redoing your drywall. Ask a few contractors for their opinion.
    They are full of ideas:)
    My the way . . . your kitchen is looking gorgeous.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  2. Oy vey - we are living parallel lives! I have been working on my kitchen for almost 4 weeks and it looks a lot like yours. Both in set up and colour choices. I am not as talented as you though because I won't use a saw so I had to hire someone to do it.

    I know you've chosen a tile but have you considered bead board as a solution for the cracks? I have actually chosen a very similar (if not exact the same!) tile but I'm waiting on it because I wanted to solve the gap at the back of the counter (Ikea butcher block counters) while the carpenter was here. We did a 1x3 with a 1/4 round to finish it off. Both pre-painted white.

    Not sure if any of that was helpful but I must say your kitchen looks fabulous!

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  3. I think it looks fabulous!!! That tile is just gorgeous - will have to eventually redo my horrible kitchen - and my place is over 100 years old - can't imagine how much fun that's going to be!!! I may sell before it gets to that point lol
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  4. What's done looks fab! and I know what you mean about uneven walls but luckily for me, I'm just dealing with trim, drywall compound and paint! How thick is your tile? would the tile and grout plus caulking whatever gap is left be enough to cover the gap?

    Good luck with it! I'm on the final stretch with my bathroom!!!

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  5. Check out how Foir Generations Under One Roof did her tile. Maybe that method would cover up your gaps. Good luck!

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  6. It's looking great! I love that tile! Wow it is sparkly and gorgeous. I'd be more excited about putting that than filling in gaps. I totally get that! The doors look great too!

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  7. Great job on the door, and I LOVE the tile you picked out. I can't wait to see it when you get it up. I'm sure you're chomping at the bit to start that part, but having to deal with the gaps first I know is frustrating. it's already looking so, so much better. You'll be done in no time, way ahead of your August deadline!

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