Rob's master bath project

[WendyHMN]

Originally Posted by Rob

So I was under the impression that LEDs are more robust and put out MUCH less heat. So what is the issue with using them in an enclosed fixture?

I assume the warning has to do with a problem I've been hearing about with LEDs. I surfed around and this blog describes the issue pretty well (the comments show this is far from an isolated problem). Individual LEDs don't put out much heat, but when you pile enough of them together to equal a halogen bulb bad things happen to their innards.

[circusfreak]

Thanks for the link, Wendy. I hope that by the time they try to phase out incandescents entirely they actually have a suitable replacement! CFLs, for me, have been a huge pain between trying to find dimmable ones and also that overall they seem to actually get a shorter life than my plain old cheapo incands. I'd like to decrease my energy usage, but dangit people, give me some tools to do it with!

[circusfreak]

Hey, quick question about plumbing in the new shower valve.

Previously, the mixing valve had supplies coming right up into the bottom. My new Delta has them coming in from either side. Is there are noticable pressure difference in me doing the turns with 45 vs 90 degree fittings?

IE:
-- -- vs -- --
| | / \
-- -- | |
| | \ /
| | | |

The 90's would be easier to work with, but if I gain anything by going with 45s I would do that. Please let me know.

Thanks!
Rob

[circusfreak]

OK, so the plumbing is installed, drywall installed on the plumbed wall, and ceiling is up. Now for a couple more questions:

Go ahead and make fun of my imperfect drywall cuts all you want

Here is the mixer / diverter / jet unit for the Delta shower system I am using. Still don't know why the template had me cut a square for the mixer, but whatever. Anyways, what I am wondering is how I deal with this when I get to Kerdi time. As you can see, the diverter on top and mixer on the bottom have a round bronze sleeve on them which I can kerdi up to and hopefully seal to before putting the big escutcheon plate on. But, the side jet assemblies get screwed in from the front AFTER the escutcheon is placed over the assembly, and they then screw down to the face of it. So I can't see how you would tigthly waterproof around those guys. I guess then I just have to make sure to use an adequate amount of silicone to seal the escutcheon down? Or am I missing something here?

The next question is just design advice. We want to put some niches in on this 2x6 wall, and have 2 or 3 of them. The issue is that we can not center them because or the stud placement. So would you put them on the right side, slighly off center? Or would you put them on the left side, so it doesn't look at all like we tried to center them and failed? Or maybe some asymmetrical combo of niches on both sides of that stud? Any suggestions?

Also, would you do one taller niche with a shelf(s) or a couple separate niches? All ideas welcome.

Thanks folks!!

[circusfreak]

Hey guys,
Been having some fun learning Google Sketchup yeaterday, so I have a nice starting idea bathroom model built. I don't yet know how to make my own textures, so the floor and wall tile are not the correct size/layout, and I'l just using them for color placeholders.

Please let me know what you guys think so far and feel free to make any suggestions at all!
The one question I am trying to answer is whether to leave the side of the linen cabinet wood toned, or tile it (there are pics of both ways). The wood looks simpler, but the tile makes the sink area into a nice tiled alcove sort of. Whatcha think?

Thanks for the input folks!!

[circusfreak]

Changed around a little, and tried out a lighter floor with some picture framing for accent. How's this look?

[circusfreak]

Thanks for the advice Bob. Your comments on the incredibly massive openings lead me wonder if it's worth recutting that piece of wallboard? The round holes were off because I measured from the floor and then had to jack up the piece by 1/4" to get it flush against the ceiling. DUH. But that stupid square hole bothers me. I don't know why they had such a huge opening for the plasterguard to cut around. Do you think it would be worth my recutting this piece and tightening it up, or will it be fine as is?

I agree, the side of the linen cabinet will be left as woodwork.

The floor I am still torn, I agree there will usually be a bath mat there, but I kind of like the picture framing. Although in the real room it might look more busy than on the model. LONG time before I need to make that choice though.

I might just have to reconsider the multi-size tile pattern for the walls. Couple people mentioned that it looked good, including the Mrs. Taken under advisement.

Thanks for the input!

[circusfreak]

The instructions say nothing about maintenance of it, and the only thing I can see needing to be open is to the point where the screws go in to attach the escutcheon plate, so I could sertainly tighten that up if I need to. Are the holes around the other pieces an issue?

I am a little confused through about the mixing valve and kerdi. So after looking at a few pics here and there, it appears the special Kerdi mixing valve gasket ring (which I have) has a 4" diameter. I assume then that it is normal for people to install this into a 4" hole around their mixing valve? If so, (assuming mixing valves are not normally as big as 4" diameter) that leaves all the empty space around the mixing valve where water could get into the wall cavity if it were to get past the gasket/caulk at the escutcheon perimieter? Is that right? Sounds like we are then putting a pretty important job on a bead of caulk, unless I am missing something?

Also, while I am here, have a look at another version of my tile design, still with the frames, but this time with some diagonals in the middle and small tiles above the stripe line.



Thanks!

[WendyHMN]

Just my totally non-pro opinion:

I like the all-wood cabinetry, the multi-size tile and the dark floor (I think it brings out the mosaic tile more).

What is the purpose of the niche next to the tall cabinet? I'm not a huge niche fan at any rate, but that spot seems to be a good place to hang towels. And as long as I'm niche-b!tching, the one next to the toilet is too small for books or magazines. Fix that.

If you do the mosaic around the jamb (which I like and considered for my shower), make sure either the mosaic has pretty edges, the field tile comes in a bullnose, or you plan for a transition strip of some sort.

[circusfreak]

Wendy, thanks for the input!

I like the all wood cabinetry too, just playing around with some ideas here. The one thing I like about this design though is how the mosaic stripe comes off both sides of the accent wall and appears to circle the room a little more fully. But it most likely will revert to just a wood side. We'll see.

The niche next to the cabinet was just maybe for some decorative candles or vases or something. Wife likes some niches, but nothing is set in stone yet (or tile). Also, the upper one next to the toilet is gone now (just like you wanted , and that is probably going to be the towel hanging location. The lower one by the floor there is an extra deep one going into the mostly wasted wall cavity to put the T.P. urn out of the way.

Thanks for the tip on the mosaic door jamb. I'll make sure there is a bullnose available to use for that spot!

I think you are in the minority so far on the floor color though. I originally had it darker to try to match my dark teak adjoining bedroom floor, but every darker tile I put next to it looks like a mistmatch...but the beige is a nice contrast.

Thanks again!

[circusfreak]

Bob, all the maintenance necessary is in the round part of the valve body and the temp setting is right under the handle. So the only thing needed to get at in that space is the screw holes for the escutcheon. So by my eye they make their space about twice as big as it needs to be.

[circusfreak]

Hey Gang,
Just a quick question about order of operations here. As you can see from my previous renders of the bathroom, I am going to frame in a 4th shower wall with a 24" door entry. I was planning on doing the method John describes in the Kerdi book of putting up the wall tile first on a ledger, then building the mud floor last. However, will it be difficult to screed out the floor while working through my 24" door opening? It's a very small shower so I am hoping it would be OK, but otherwise would you suggest doing the mud floor first against a temporary board and then putting the wall in after?

Thanks for the input!!
Rob

[jondon]

Rob, looks like you got SketchUp Mastered. I want to learn it someday but more than likely I will have to have a class for beginners! Your right about the amount of prep. work involved even though it is small bathroom. I see Wendy had a niche bltching session, we have those all the time about how much time they take and how they tend to get more involved when it comes time to put them in!

Personally I like to use a ledger board and then do the mud pan last, tile the pan, then fill in the last row of tile. As for the 24" opening and doing the mud as long as you can fit through it while kneeling down you will be fine. I think only you can answer that one. You can certainly work on the furtherest points first and closest while kneeling outside the curb. You don't have to do the perimeter all at one time, you could just do half, fill in the drain then do the second half while kneeling outside the curb so your not so constricted. Hope that makes sense.

You like the Circus?

[circusfreak]

Thanks Don, I am hoping it will work out well that way, so we'll see.

Google Sketchup is really pretty cool! I spent about an hour going through the first 4 online tutorial videos and went to town on it. It's really super easy to learn yourself. I think I will be using it a lot more for things now. Not bad for free

I don't particularly like the circus, other than Cirque Du Soleil which I've seen a couple times and was pretty awesome. I got the 'circusfreak' nickname from some friends of mine since I used to do professional juggling back in the day and picked up all kinds of skills like juggling, ropewalking, fire-eating, etc. I was always learning some new stupid junk.

Cheers, and thanks.
Rob

[jondon]

No problem you can do it!

Google Sketch Up I actually downloaded late last year but just haven't messed with it like you did. Guess I need to just sit down and learn it! You give me the confidence I can learn just like with your mud bed.

Funny you mentioned about Cirque Du Soleil, I have only ever been to one circus in my life, took my little nephew couple years back. Was way to loud for me but the animals were cool. Quite a few years back my g/father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Lymphoma type. He spoke of this Cirque Du Soleil and I really didn't know much about it. Had I been able to afford it I wanted to take him out to Las Vegas but it just wasn't possible.

Make a long story short I bought this box set on eBay, had 10 of the shows I believe. I knew he would really enjoy them and I learned a lot about Cirque. He was big into gymnastics when he was growing up, was even a judge for some events. So he really had an appreciation as did I for the amazing athletic ability of these performers. I also learned how they go and try out and what it takes. Just truly amazing, someday I would like to get to one.

Sounds like you have lots a skills, I guess if I would learn one thing I would like to juggle. Thanks for sharing!