Slate Done!

This process took a few days. I would love to say that it went up like a charm.  The process takes time and patience.  The cement board has to be clean and free from debris and then sponged with water.  This prevents the board from sucking out the water from your mastic causing it to dry too quickly and crack.  Who wants to be taking a nice bath and have a 6x6 slate tile come off and smack you in the head? 

I used 1/4 inch spacers and it kept the lines pretty close to being straight.  The big, big, big concept to grasp with slate is that no two tiles are exactly the same size or thickness.  If you want everything nice and uniform buy manufactured slate.  Ted kept telling me that "this is a rustic tile and you will not get the lines completely straight".  He was definitely right.  But I really love the look. 

Surround done.  Just waiting on grout. The floor tiles were a bit easier to lay. I just realized that I forgot to take any pictures of the radiant floor process.  It was actually very easy.  First off we had to buy an Ohm meter and find out how it works.  That was the hardest part of the heated floor. Oh, and to make sure you don't cut that little blue wire.  We watched the enclosed video about 4 times to make sure we were doing it right.  It goes right onto the cement board and then you cover it with the mastic that is used to put the tile down.  Done!

Next was grout time for the floor.  That was a process in itself but it really came out nice.  Last but not least I applied 2 coats of sealer especially made for natural stone. Slate is very porous and has to be sealed about every 6 months.  I love the finished look.  I still have to grout the wall but that can come a bit later. We also have a slate pencil tile stick thingy to put around the surround edges to give a finished look. We have to get the plumber back to finish the sink and toilet. Paint.  What color? Oh, darn, more choices.

While I was busy inside Ted called and had 24 yards of rock delivered to fill in the driveway.  Mud season came early this year.  We were having all the kids up for a homemade spaghetti dinner and they would slip and slide in the driveway.   

Ted just enjoyed the heck out of spreading the rock. He did an excellent job.  Of course we could use about 6 more loads. The tractor has been running like a good Deere.  We didn't have a regular winter, much less snow. So the tractor didn't get put to work much.  Thanks for your comments.  I have missed blog land and all the great folks here. 

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.