Man Cave Bath Renovation--Jan 2010

The "before"--notice linoleum floor.

The cheap linoleum flooring has been removed & walls painted.

Commode is removed-note wall paper.

Getting ready to clean drain flange and start tiling.

Tiling down and just finished grout--notice excess and haze.

The finished product--all looks and works well!

On January 18th, 2010, I completed the full renovation of the powder room bath off the kitchen. I decided I would take some time off before starting my next "self imposed" project.

So it was, on January 21st (3 days later), I took photos of the "before" man cave bathroom and we headed to Lowes in Madison to choose a pint of paint as a test sample. Came home and tried the green sample--I did not like--too light. Back to Lowes and decided on a slightly darker green called Lyndhurst Spring Eve. Part of the reason we went green is this color--in a different shade--is found in the shower curtain, bath towels, and other amenities. Our plan was to change the yellow wall color to a green and keep everything else as is! Also, my plans are to change the venting fan to a quieter design and upgrade the towel rack, toilet paper holder, and hand towel to a new chrome.

I applied the first coat of green to the walls on January 22nd and the second and final coat the next day on the 23rd. On January 24th, I carefully removed all the shoe molding--this is smaller than quarter round--along with the linoleum floor that had buckled behind the commode. While the linoleum had originally been glued down, it came up fairly easily--exposing the bare concrete floor below. The next day I removed the commode and painted the wall behind it. The original walls were wall papered with an Arnold Palmer golf theme--was it ever ugly. The afternoon of the 25th found me beginning the tiling process. I completed the floor tiling at 1:00 on Tuesday 26th--allowing it to dry and somewhat cure for the next 36-48 hours.

The tiles are my first in the size of 13 x 13--most I have put down have been 12 x 12. I decided to use the same stagger design as the bath upstairs. We brought two boxes plus 4 individual tiles--upon completion, there were a couple partial pieces left--good measuring and estimating on my part! BTW--the tile has a green tone with a little light reddish tint--should be perfect to blend and compliment the walls and grout!

On Thursday, January 28th, I mixed the 25 pound bag of dry grout in a dry bucket. After thoroughly mixing, I returned about half to the original plastic bag. The remaining I mixed with water to obtain the desired consistency. I began with applying the grout in all the groves and letting sit for 30 minutes. For the next hour or so, using a clean sponge and water, I began to clean the extra grout from all tiles--it took about 6 times to get the tiles clean and sparkle free. Finished around noon and will now allow to thoroughly cure for next 36 hours.

Friday the 29th was officially "Completion" day. I started with cutting to lenght and installing all the quarter round molding that had two coats of white trim paint. Afterwards, I applied caulking and then painted finishing nail holes. Then came the real challenge--reinstalling the commode. It took Carol and I two attempts but finally success--yea! After making certain the unit was properly bolted to drain flange, Tutz and I put up the shower curtains and wall hangings. Job complete and it looks great!

Bathroom Renovation-Jan 2010

I retired last July 1st. Prior to that, projects took a long time when only Saturdays were available. No more. Now I can start a project and days later, (not months) its complete.

So it was with the powder room off of our kitchen. We decided on the paint, tile, and new sink & faucet late in December 2009. January 6th, I took photos of the bathroom as the starting "before" point. Yesterday, January 18th or just 12 days later, the project is completed!

Just a couple of comments before viewing below the photos leading up to the finished project.

There were 3 different colors/styles of wall paper. We knew it would not be removed without damage to the dry wall. So, first job was to add drywall mud to all seams and let dry and sand--had to do this twice before I got that smooth finish I was looking for. Next, one coat of primer followed by two coats of a bold red referred to as Cranberry. Afterwards, I laid down the floor tile backer board, then tiled with thin set and later adding grout. With water and sponge, cleaned grout then painted and reinstalled quarter round molding. Added a half inch toilet flange spacer (this is required due to added height of backer board and tile)and reinstalled toilet with new wax seal.

After confirming the toilet was installed correctly with no leaks, I now installed the antique oak vanity--first drilling large 2 1/2 inch holes for the water and drain lines. BTW--I failed to mention I previously added a new light fixture we really like.

Once the vanity was installed to the wall, I added both faucets and white vessel and added new water lines and drain pipes. Afterwards, with new light switch plate, towel rack, and wall hanging--the job was complete.

Enjoy the photos.



Here is the bath with pedestal sink, wall paper, and linoleum floor.
Everything removed and primer on walls.

Backer board down and tile being installed. Room is 5 x 6 feet.

Tile thin set was cured and here the grout has been added-clean up coming.

Quarter round painted and installed along with toilet.

Tutz modeling the finished project.

Our antique oak vanity customed fitted with faucet and white vessel.

Above is the finished project. Carol and I think it pops! We are very happy with the outcome. What a transformation!

Now to the next project--painting and tiling the "man cave" bathroom!