She Said
Today is the day we’re supposed to get our slate backsplash.
Alas, it was only at 6:20 p.m. yesterday that I realize I’ve never had a tile delivery!! I call Home Depot – the same one that’s been having all the computer glitches since having their system replaced. It takes them a bit of time to find the order. Looks like the tiles are still there. The gentleman on the other end informs me they’re open until 10:00 p.m., if I want to come and pick them up.
Ummm. Since I’m starving and therefore nearly homicidal, the answer is likely “no”.
I check my calendar and apparently have not marked down what time the installers are slated (…get it? Ugh. I’m not feeling funny today…) to arrive. What if they arrive at 8:00? I call Ottawa Diamond Flooring, who is doing the installation. Naturally, they closed at 5:00 p.m. and it’s now 6:40. I leave a message explaining the situation and indicating that, since I’m not sure when the installers are going to show, I would be willing to pick up the tiles in the morning, assuming they don’t have another plan.
Amazingly, I did manage to sleep last night, even knowing that, if the backsplash doesn’t get done, it could push back our hood installation next week. Mooby is right, though, if there’s a problem, it’ll just have to get fixed. We’re so close!!
At 8:02 a.m., I receive a call from Jessie at Ottawa Diamond. Her delivery guy is on his way with the materials and the installers are scheduled to arrive between 8:00 and 9:30, so everything should be fine.
The delivery arrives around 8:30.
Our slate is to be installed on the wall where the hood fan will be hung and the range will be situated. It’s a cool offset to the floor tiles, which are square; these are rectangular, but irregular (unlike “subway” tiles) — Eames-esque, supposedly. They range in length from 2” to 4” to 6”. I hope it’ll look as great as I think it will!
I’m suddenly clutched by the thought that maybe these tiles won’t match (hey, I’ve admitted to the paranoia before…)! I check through all four boxes. Turns out I was right, in a way – one of the boxes doesn’t contain as much brown and gold as the others – much more of the bluish-grey tile, and so I’ll reserve that one and talk to the installers about it.
The installers arrive at 10:30. It’s Charles and Rob again. Charles’ had to take his daughter to the bus this morning and that’s why they’re late. Frankly, I’m just glad to see them.
They need to avoid the spot where the venting for the hood fan will go, so I go over that with them. Rob’s working the saw and Charles is gluing the tiles on. I thought this would take two days, as in the case of the floor, but it seems the mortar dries faster for wall tiles and so they can grout and finish today!
So, after sticking all the tiles to the walls, they apply the sealant that was used originally for the floors. This, apparently, delivers a permanent seal. Turns out, the glossy stuff is just a temporary finish – two to five years, depending on the wear. I’m okay with that, because I love the look, so I’ll be happy to reply every couple of years.
Next, the grout. Holy cow, what a freakin’ mess. It’s everywhere! I’m cautiously optimistic, however, that they’ll do a good job cleaning. And that they haven’t scratched my brand-new cabinets and pristine countertop. But we’ll see. Oh, we’ll see.
Finally, they’re done and “cleaned up”. Who knows how many more hours will be required…. Fortunately, the counters and cabinetry seem to be in tact, although I did find some stuff that resembled crazy glue on the counter. I seem to have got it off, though, after wrecking a couple of nails. There are also a bunch of globs of grout cemented to my floor now; that takes a bit of work….
I really like the effect! The same, but different! I’m actually trying not to make any judgements until tomorrow, when I’ll have to wash it all down to get the (grout) dust off the tiles and then apply the glossy sealant that we also used on the floor. I’ll post a photo once that’s done….
Can’t wait for Mooby to see it when he gets home!!
What’s next? I can hardly believe it…. The final appliance installations! Stay tuned!!
~ One of Seven
This blew my mind when I saw it. I’ve never seen anything like this, even in a magazine. It’s a really cool way to go; it adds a bit of random detail to an otherwise linear design aspect.
I can’t wait to see the Vikings in there!
so…… it’s November 2nd – is it done? Where’s the pictures?! I want to see it!!!
Yes…where are the pics?
My apologies! We’ve been a little crazy (cooking, among other things!) since it’s been done…. Photos are being downloaded this evening!! We appreciate your patience!!