All For A New Disposal – New Kitchen Floor and Lights

It all started because we wanted a disposal.  When we moved here 5 years ago we decided to add a disposal in the kitchen.  Problem was, the counter tops were already cracked and we knew a disposal would make the cracks wider.  So no disposal.  Instead we wrap food waste in newspaper or use a bowl lined with an old grocery bag and empty it every day.  A disposal went on the wouldn’t-it-be-nice list along with a ton of other things.

For instance the kitchen and laundry room floors.  They were white shiny vinyl and showed every day of their 20 year life.

Kitchen Floor Before – Scratches and Wear Are Hard to See

Kitchen had lots of light, under the counter florescents, ceiling florescents and several hot incandescent spots all around the perimeter. The spots were basically unusable, wasteful and very hot. We wanted LEDs.

Old Incandescent Lights in Kitchen

Sink is white, all one piece molded with the counter tops, and the center drain area is cracked and doesn’t hold water.  Since it’s integral to the counters the only way to replace the sink is to replace the counter tops.

Faucet is shot. It has a pull out that doesn’t pull out and it too leaks a bit.

The counter tops are worn but would have been OK except for  the cracks and sink.  I would not have bothered replacing them except we needed to if we were ever going to get our disposal and a non-leaky sink.

Kitchen Countertops Before – Biggest Crack is on the Right

I’m sure you see where this is going.  Yes, a kitchen project.

We decided to replace the floor with tile.

Kitchen Floor Prepped for Tile

First rip out the old floor and sub floor, then install cement board.  Mud and tape the board.

Getting Laundry Room Floor Ready to Tile

Now lay tile.  Use spacers to get it nice and even.  Be sure to center the tile squares so it looks good when done.

Laying Kitchen Tile – Spacers to Make It Even

Cut the tile to fit all the odd spots.

Almost Done Fitting Kitchen Tile

Now grout.  Wipe and wipe and wipe.

Kitchen TIle with Grout

All done!

Kitchen Floor All Done

So far the tile is done and all the incandescent spotlights are replaced with one-piece integrated LED fixtures.  So much nicer!

New Kitchen LED Lights

We are getting the counters replaced in a few weeks along with a new sink and faucet.  And yes, a disposal too.

Adam Garland Construction is the contractor doing the tile and other work, hired through Lowes.  I’m participating in Metamorphosis Monday at Susan’s blog Between Naps on the Porch.  Check the link to see many other fun before and after project ideas.