SLLM (Single Lady Large Mortgage)

Sistergold

@badmemory I was looking at splash backs past few days, looked at printed glass and metal to see if it’s worth avoiding tiling due to grout lines. Have not quite decided yet. I removed the old tiles and the walls got quite damaged and so they need to be made good first. For now the areas which did not have tiles and therefore are smooth I just painted. Was thinking maybe for now I either hire someone to plaster or I give plastering a go then paint and look at what to do much later on whether to tile or not? For now I am just out of money and out of steam and don’t like having work done during winter. 

Tempted to get this type of splash back

badmemory

I think I would be worrying about the difficulty of cleaning those.  They look great, but if you actually cook in your kitchen I think they may be a nightmare.

Sistergold

I did wonder that about cleaning so thanks for mentioning that, I will now not buy that! The whole point is if I avoid grout then there is no point getting a splash back with its own cleaning nightmares! I have also been looking at just stainless steel splash-back? Wondering if it’s a bit old dated? My kitchen approach/theme is “outdated” though so maybe not a bad idea? Maybe just go for the good old tiles? 

slm6002

My sister had a stainless steal one and said it was a nightmare as every little fingerprint showed up.  Every house she has done up since has had tiles again.  Not had it myself so only going on her views

badmemory

Take a look at BnQ splashwall.  It seems to come in a lot more variations than when I got it a few years ago, but I will never have tiles again.

Sistergold

Thanks @slm6002, good point stainless can truly be a nightmare keeping it shinny! Thanks @badmemory have looked at bnq range. In all my kitchens I have had tiles as splasback. Yes they have their disadvantages but it looks like they will be better than stainless steel or the other decorated metal ones I have posted. If I go for the tiles I will make sure to choose a tile which will go well with a dark colour grout. I will also make sure it’s not the small design tiles. Having said all this I do want and plan to upgrade my countertops to granite in which case I might just wait and have granite as splash back? It will be one big slab and so no issues of joints? Will start saving now for new worktops. Had not considered granite splash back all along as I was not yet at the point of upgrading my countertops but maybe no need to worry about splash back for now, just wait? The wall behind the stove is painted at present let’s see if the paint will hold for now? The actual stove came with an up-stand which is just screwed on if one needs it so that has actually been protecting the wall so much such that I could actually do without a splash back? I do plan to keep the laminate countertops for at least 2years though as I need all cabinets and walls done before I can change countertops. Probably need to save about £5k for granite? 🤷‍♀️ will measure and get quotes. Tiles can be so nice and colourful though so who knows if something grabs me I might just tile for now? I do love colour sometimes! 

slm6002

I am having my downstairs toilet installed in the cupboard under the stairs in a months time and still haven't decided on the tiles for the splashback as yet.  The next projects once I have saved up will be the upstairs bathroom and then the kitchen.  So many choices of tiles and finishes.  It is hard to know what will look good as well as remembering to choose something that will not date too quickly as I don't intend on changing it anytime soon

badmemory

I'd never even thought of granite as the splashback.  Sounds an excellent idea.  Well worth thinking about.  What slm says about choosing something that doesn't date too quickly is a good thought.  I do know one thing though, I am never having tiles again.

Sistergold

Dear friends seeing that the kitchen is a labour of love and might take much longer to finish, still deciding on tiles or no tiles, whether I will do the plastering myself etc I decided let me post the progress so far. I seriously think we can fit
kitchens ourselves if we give ourselves a chance. I seriously think we can do more than we give ourselves credit for. I seriously want to encourage as many as would allow me to encourage them to do as much as you can yourself slowly. Let’s give ourselves a chance to practice on our own homes. Get the joy of making something yourselves. It’s not about perfection let it be about functionality and how you want it to be. You are not making it to be for the magazines but for your own use and enjoyment. 

The floor I fitted is click vinyl. Countertops still need to be finished off with edges. The microwave is built in. 

Above is cabinet for alcohol etc

Still need to decide on final colours, on walls splasbacks etc. 

slm6002

It is fabulous and you should be so proud.  I love the fact they are on wheels and that you have built each one for its own use.  You have been able to customise them to work for you.
Well done