Add an elegant look and functional new work area to your kitchen with this project from host Fuad Reveiz. In this segment, Reveiz wires new electrical outlets and undercabinet lighting, then begins the tile backsplash.On the intermediate Weekend Remodeling 1-5 scale of difficulty, this project rates a 2. Time to complete: 15 hours over 2 days
Materials:wall and base cabinets
granite countertop
pry bar
tape measure
level
chalk line
large felt-tip marker
reciprocating saw
hammer
utility knife
circular saw
chop saw
punch saw
drill with bits
framing square
framing nailer
trim nailer
latex paint
paint brush, rags, bucket
notched trowel
rubber float
tile cutter/wet saw
wire strippers
electrical tester
stud finder
cut-out electrical boxes and outlet
non-metallic building electrical wire
wire nuts
under cabinet light
tile
epoxy tile grout and mastic
1x stock to create trim pieces Before getting started - Measure space for desk.
- Decide on cabinet sizes.
- Order materials and gather tools.
- Paint wood for column and trim.
Tip: To determine the best layout, use a computer design program before beginning.
- Mark locations of cabinets, both upper and lower. Temporarily set cabinets in place with the counter on top, then mark height counter level onto the wall. Mark the wall at the same height as the bottom cabinet.
- Move cabinets out of the way and turn power off at the breaker box. Check outlet with tester. Once you're certain power is off, remove the cover plate, loosen screws and pull outlet from box.
- Disconnect wires from the existing outlet and cap wires. Measure, mark and cut locations for two new outlets (in this example, 1 with be at desk level; the other will be located behind cabinets for lighting). Cut with a punch saw.
- Run non-metallic building electrical wire from new boxes into existing box. Strip wires and tie in to existing outlet. Make connections at first new box, then connect the second. (Turn power back on after tile has been set or the lighting is hardwired.)
- To support the weight of tiles while mastic sets, first install ledger board.
- Measure to find the center of wall and scribe a line where you'll begin to set the tile. (Make tile cuts ahead of time on the wet saw.)
- Use paper or drop cloth to catch debris and mastic while you work. Apply mortar with notched trowel with all grooves going in the same direction. Don't forget to apply mastic to the backs of the individual tiles. Move across bottom row, then second row. Add accent tiles are needed, and cut tiles as necessary to fit around outlet(s). Insert spacers to keep the tiles evenly spaced, then move upward until the last row is set.
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