All The Details #diykitchen

The flooring, appliances, and cabinets are all set in our DIY kitchen project so now we're left with the little, annoying, time consuming details. I focused, measured, and drilled the fourscore drawer and door pulls so now the doors are functional. Alex has two of five zinc-covered counter tops installed. I replaced outlets and switches so they all matched in color and replaced all the switch plate covers. Together we cursed our way through installing a light fixture with too many moving parts over the island.

What's left? Cover panels for the sides of cabinets, toe kicks under cabinets, those three pieces of counter top, a couple more light fixtures, and all the accessories like shelves, magnetic knife bar, and artwork. I suppose I should finish painting some day too.

We are distracted by so many other more appealing tasks like working outside in the garden and cooking in our shiny new kitchen. But we'll work through the details soon and post reviews about the major elements in the kitchen.

All The Details #diykitchen

The flooring, appliances, and cabinets are all set in our DIY kitchen project so now we're left with the little, annoying, time consuming details. I focused, measured, and drilled the fourscore drawer and door pulls so now the doors are functional. Alex has two of five zinc-covered counter tops installed. I replaced outlets and switches so they all matched in color and replaced all the switch plate covers. Together we cursed our way through installing a light fixture with too many moving parts over the island.

What's left? Cover panels for the sides of cabinets, toe kicks under cabinets, those three pieces of counter top, a couple more light fixtures, and all the accessories like shelves, magnetic knife bar, and artwork. I suppose I should finish painting some day too.

We are distracted by so many other more appealing tasks like working outside in the garden and cooking in our shiny new kitchen. But we'll work through the details soon and post reviews about the major elements in the kitchen.

Finished Enough #DIYKitchen

On Easter Sunday, sixteen days after tearing out the old kitchen, we hosted our first dinner in the new kitchen. The physical and emotional exhaustion of working morning to night for weeks washed away in the company of the people we love most. The counters might still be in progress, cabinets still empty, and trim still in the garage, but we can cook!

As our friend Krash, who helped with the kitchen, said, "this is your best kitchen yet." He apparently doesn't believe us when we say we're not doing this again.

Updates soon on Kenmore Pro appliances (after they're fully serviced, ahem), IKEA delivery disaster and generous response, zinc counters, and a mid-construction trip to the delightful Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum.

In the meantime, this afternoon I'll be at Wilmington College speaking on a panel as part of the Food Symposium. I'd love for you to join me - it's free!

Finished Enough #DIYKitchen

On Easter Sunday, sixteen days after tearing out the old kitchen, we hosted our first dinner in the new kitchen. The physical and emotional exhaustion of working morning to night for weeks washed away in the company of the people we love most. The counters might still be in progress, cabinets still empty, and trim still in the garage, but we can cook!

As our friend Krash, who helped with the kitchen, said, "this is your best kitchen yet." He apparently doesn't believe us when we say we're not doing this again.

Updates soon on Kenmore Pro appliances (after they're fully serviced, ahem), IKEA delivery disaster and generous response, zinc counters, and a mid-construction trip to the delightful Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum.

In the meantime, this afternoon I'll be at Wilmington College speaking on a panel as part of the Food Symposium. I'd love for you to join me - it's free!

Ten Days...Still Incomplete DIY Kitchen

Distractions like mushrooms, transplants, work and baby chicks aside, our DIY kitchen still isn't completely functional. So much for the ambitious schedule.

But we have been working day in and out. The IKEA cabinet delivery was a disaster but we're working with them to make it right.

We do have double ovens, sink, dishwasher, a vent hood, and many cabinets installed. The newly installed bamboo floor puts our house-original oaks to shame. I painted, some walls twice, and still am not convinced that 'Homey Cream' is the right color.

The cook top comes in Thursday, if all goes as promised. Zinc sheeting is flattening in the basement and ready for building the counter tops.

The poor pets and child are ready for the noise and disruption to be finished. So are Alex and I. We're hosting Easter dinner on Sunday for twelve, so I guess it's time to get back to work!

Ten Days...Still Incomplete DIY Kitchen

Distractions like mushrooms, transplants, work and baby chicks aside, our DIY kitchen still isn't completely functional. So much for the ambitious schedule.

But we have been working day in and out. The IKEA cabinet delivery was a disaster but we're working with them to make it right.

We do have double ovens, sink, dishwasher, a vent hood, and many cabinets installed. The newly installed bamboo floor puts our house-original oaks to shame. I painted, some walls twice, and still am not convinced that 'Homey Cream' is the right color.

The cook top comes in Thursday, if all goes as promised. Zinc sheeting is flattening in the basement and ready for building the counter tops.

The poor pets and child are ready for the noise and disruption to be finished. So are Alex and I. We're hosting Easter dinner on Sunday for twelve, so I guess it's time to get back to work!

Lessons in Demolition

1) Demolition is fun for the first swing. Then you will get tired. Lil effectively removed zero material but has been a trooper about entertaining herself while we work.

2) You will need a sawsall. We had two going at once a few times.

3) You will struggle with certain tasks until you find a way that works. Eventually Alex figured out a wedge method to remove three ceramic tiles and backing at once, which made that layer of tear out go much more quickly.

4) All the demolition will create dust and debris. Everywhere. You will sneeze, sweep, dust, and sneeze some more.

5) You will find surprises. Like this soffit under a soffit. And the person who used square headed screws every two inches in the tile underlayment. And the person who was really excited about the stapler and added spiral nails to the sub floor just for good measure. Curses all!

6) Eventually you will come to a stripped down, patched, empty room that represents serious satisfaction.

Next up is adjusting electrical, plumbing, and gas. Then new lights, flooring, cabinets, and appliances. The hardest labor is over!

Lessons in Demolition

1) Demolition is fun for the first swing. Then you will get tired. Lil effectively removed zero material but has been a trooper about entertaining herself while we work.

2) You will need a sawsall. We had two going at once a few times.

3) You will struggle with certain tasks until you find a way that works. Eventually Alex figured out a wedge method to remove three ceramic tiles and backing at once, which made that layer of tear out go much more quickly.

4) All the demolition will create dust and debris. Everywhere. You will sneeze, sweep, dust, and sneeze some more.

5) You will find surprises. Like this soffit under a soffit. And the person who used square headed screws every two inches in the tile underlayment. And the person who was really excited about the stapler and added spiral nails to the sub floor just for good measure. Curses all!

6) Eventually you will come to a stripped down, patched, empty room that represents serious satisfaction.

Next up is adjusting electrical, plumbing, and gas. Then new lights, flooring, cabinets, and appliances. The hardest labor is over!