DIY Network

Urban Conversion (3 of 4): Limestone and Glass Tile Wall From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-307

	Host Paul Ryan and our homeowner (Erica) take an old 1920s restaurant kitchen that had been empty for years ...
	and turn it into an eye popper ...
	without losing its sense of history.
	In this third part of "Urban Conversions," free-standing shelves were built.
	The walls were covered in tiles ...
	and the counters and stove hood were installed.

Materials for Building Shelves --

Skins (flat panels same as cabinets)
5/8" plywood
Luan
Angle iron brackets
Paneling or construction adhesive
Caulk gun
Impulse nailer and pin nails
Trowel
Cordless drill
T-bolts (we used 5/16")
T-nuts
Hammer
Grinder
Clamps
Sharp hardened alloy bit
Cardboard

Materials for Tiling --

Dust mask
Limestone/glass tile
Cement backer board
Utility knife
Construction adhesive
Cement board screws
Screw gun
Thin set mortar
Water
Bucket
Backerboard
Drill
Jigsaw
Paddle mixer
1/4" V-notch trowel
Sponge
Wet saw
High quality grout float
Fortified unsanded polymer grout
Dry trowel
Straight edge
Sealer

Materials for Scribing Sink --

Japanese pull saw
Masking tape
Pencil
Utility knife
Chisel
Level

Materials for Installing Countertop:

Wood cleats
Skins
Caulk gun
100-percent silicone

Materials for Installing Hood:

Range hood and parts
Drywall jab saw
Aviation snips
Tape measure
Gloves
Safety glasses
Drill

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Installing the Limestone and Glass Tile Wall

1. The homeowner chose Mexican limestone tiles. The tiles comes in sheets with a fiberglass meshing on the back (figure A). She chose to add some colored recycled glass tiles to the limestone tiles.

2. The architect drew out a specific design for our host and homeowner to follow (figure B).

3. Because the plywood has ridges and seams, a backerboard had to be put up first before applying thin set, and with plywood being on the wall, they only needed 1/4" backerboard. Backerboard can be cut with a utility knife, but needs to be scored first using a straight edge as a guide (figure C). After you score the board, you just snap it like drywall.

   Note: Backerboard is made from cement and won't rot or swell when exposed to moisture. You can make fine cuts in the backerboard with a jigsaw.

4. Before you put the backboard on the wall, apply a bead of construction adhesive. This helps create a positive bond so that there is no void that would cause a flex.

5. Push the backerboard gently and easily into the adhesive.

6. Screw the board to the wall using special screws that have ridges under the head. These cause the screws to automatically countersink into the backerboard.

   Tip: Be aware of pipes in the wall. Find their location before you start.

7. To mix the thin set mortar for applying the tiles, put approximately an inch of water in a bucket, add powder and mix with paddle mixer until you get the right consistency (figure D). The thin set has to set up for about ten minutes (slaking) before you can use it.

   Tip: Mortar can get dusty, so wear a dust mask. Also, any cement can irritate your hands, so be sure and wear gloves.

8. Lay some thin set on a notched trowel and spread it evenly on the wall and then lay your first piece of tile (figure E) in place.

9. Once you have the first section of tiles in place, you can cut tiles out if you are going to add colored tiles.

10. Each of the colored tiles has to be buttered (meaning a thin layer of mortar applied to the back of the tile) and then set the tile in place.

11. Any excess thin set should be wiped off with a sponge before it dries.

12. Use a wet saw to cut the end tiles. Use an even pressure on both sides as you run it through (figure F).

13. The tile has to set up for 24 hours before you apply the grout.

In the next segment, the tiles are grouted and the countertop prepared for the new countertop.

RESOURCES :

Veneer for Shelving
Brand name: IKEA
Color: Dark-stained eucalyptus veneer
IKEA
Website: www.ikea.com

100-percent Recycled Glass Tile
Brand name: Bedrock Blazestone
Model: Classic Series 2x4
Color: Cloud White, Mineral Water, Celery
Where available: Visit the Bedrock Industries website, link below.
Bedrock Industries
1401 W. Garfield St.
Seattle, WA 98119
Toll-free Phone: 877-283-7625
Website: www.bedrockindustries.com

Enameled Lavastone Countertops
Brand name: Pryolave
Color: V240
Where available: Visit the Pyrolave website, link below.
Pyrolave
1817 Kenwyck Manor Way
Raleigh, NC 27623
Phone: 919-788-8953
Website: www.pyrolave.com

Kitchen Sink
Brand name: Julien
Model #: 0150
Color: Stainless Steel
Where available: Visit the Julien, Inc. website, link below.
Julien, Inc.
Website: www.julien.ca

Faucet
Brand name: Helix Pontiac
Model #: HX1170
Color: Matted Stainless Steel
Where available: Visit the Lefroy Brooks website, link below.
Lefroy Brooks
Website: www.lefroybrooks.com

Range Hood and Flue Extension
Brand name: Sirius
Model # for hood: 120 x 48
Model # for flue extension: SU1 x S430L 14"
Color for both: Brushed Stainless Steel
Where available: Visit the Sirius website, link below.
Sirius Range Hoods
Website: www.siriushoods.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.