Remodeling a Kitchen A-Z - Part 16: Back-splash and Counter-tops

Hey Gang! Today is a huge video. We take this kitchen from almost there to WOW this looks like a finished kitchen! We have a few more things to complete so stay tuned for the final result! We're on the home stretch!
If you enjoyed the video be sure to leave a like and consider subscribing! If you have any questions leave em below and we'll try and get to em! Thanks for watching and we'll see ya in the next one!

[@dreamingcrypto4483]

I noticed you aligned your screws on the outlet covers. Definitely a sign of someone who takes pride in your work! I recently discovered this channel, you guys are great! Keep it up, I wish you much success!

[@kcomber7708]

Y'all are the best! Quality video, great chemistry, detailed explanations with real world examples through this entire job. I've been doing my own home remodels for decades and I learned so much in these vids. I know its a lot to edit, add sound tracks, join clips etc so that effort is noticed and appreciated. Thank you and keep up the great work!!!

[@obviousness8113]

Really satisfying to see the homeowner placing kitchen accessories on the counter so soon. I can imagine how proud they are of the new kitchen.

[@kevinr3263]

I just discovered you guys recently, this is a darn good channel. Perfect balance between being educational without going into too much boring details. I'm a carpenter and I'm always looking to learn more. You guys do great work very impressive. I'll be watching 😁

[@StudPack]

Thanks for the kind words Kevin welcome aboard!

[@lrc87290]

Same here!

[@streamingwithangelo3793]

Crazy Amazing Vid!!!! You and Jordan nailed it!!

[@michelleroop9991]

I have to say I know it seems a trivial thing but, I have been watching since you made Jordan's awesome bed. I have been going back to watch some of the older vids and have to say i absolutely love the music Jordan picks during the editing process it just makes me feel happy:)👌💖

[@jasonb8307]

Great tip on the plate cover and adjustable depth of junction box.!👍👍

[@wontsay7923]

Wow, I like the plywood spacer idea!!

[@StudPack]

Thanks Isaac!! I'll probably see them for sale at HD/Lowes in a year or so🤣 Won't be the first time................

[@davidandrews2219]

@@StudPack wood spacers are a great idea, but I wondered why not just adjust the boxes out first? Even if you left them a little proud you could turn them back down to the wall? no?

[@krehbein]

Me too. Thinset always finds its way into those outlet boxes. 😒

[@DaveBaldacchino]

@@davidandrews2219 I think the main problem with that is that the ends of the receptacle would then interfere with the tile, especially the screw holes. Those blank plates are a great idea and will definitely cut some in the future.

[@JV-pu8kx]

Remember: #6-32 machine screws!

[@sterlingmullett6942]

The wooden blocks for the outlets was a fantastic idea, and to see the end result and how clean and professional it looked later in the video was great. I wish more builders were like you. (I can't even get any to call me back for work these days.) Thank you for these videos. Oh yeah, that three minutes on the receptacles taught me more about those devices than I even thought possible. Amazing to learn what useful secrets were molded into the plastic. Thank you. -Sterling

[@ramonfernandezconde3581]

Wow 👌👌👌, you are the best.

[@georgeriverasr.6298]

Thank you Thank you, again with your expertise in showing how to insert an outlet. The proper wiring technique. In the right holes. Great job. Mr. STUD PACK.👍👍👊👊

[@john.french]

Plywood spacers, adjustable boxes and line in vs line out. So many good tips in this video!

[@bobpurcell5662]

New video - new tips. Plywood socket blanks are a great idea. And I have never seen the adjustable boxes, so thanks for that! Stay safe. Compliments to your editor!

[@khm28092]

Thanks for the mention! Glad the dry method for grout removal worked well for you. Great tip on the wood outlet covers, I can't count the number of times I have had to cut/notch the tile to get the screw to sit flush.

[@StudPack]

You're welcome and thanks👍 Kevin

[@Joseph-jx8bl]

Looks great!

[@joebinion1]

Hey guys I have been in business for about 16 or 17 years now And how great would it have been to have had KZbin videos about remodeling back then I learned by watching older guys that had been doing it long before me .but most of my skills I learned by trial and error like with using mastic for the first time .I strongly urge anyone who has experience and does not have experience to follow sudd pack so much knowledge being passed on thru you guys please keep teaching like only you guys can GOD BLESS YOU GUYS

[@tappenmom]

So glad I found you. Your videos are gold! Thank you!

[@spanko208]

Excellent work!! I love the tips/tricks of the trade!!

[@StudPack]

Thanks Steven!!

[@joshcowart2446]

Whoever came up with the screws on the basin nut (kohler was the first one I saw with it) is a genius. It used to require two people and a basin wrench. One person held the faucet straight and the other underneath to tighten. You could do it by yourself but it was a big hassle. The single hole made that easier because it could turn slightly without being obviously crooked like it does with the plate. However now that they have the screws you can tighten it with a screw driver without turning it. They’re also much easier to remove later down the line PS. I saw a plumbing code violation. I’m saying that sarcastic. It is a code violation but not one that matters that much. You’re only allowed to have one slip joint connection between the trap and the wall. Extension tubes are only allowed after the trap. We would put a threaded brass or galvanized coupling and nipple to come out where the trap arm will reach. I don’t know the reason for this code, just that it exists

[@stevenbrowningsr1144]

Great trick with the box covers for tiling!

[@465maltbie]

That corner tile trick is pretty slick, the outlet covers are a great idea, dont know what Fast Cap was thinking. Charles

[@T.E.P.]

superb project! great job

[@luisamezcua1504]

I appreciate all the tips you give on all your applications, of all your work very clean and well thought thank you I wii hire you and your son anytime, great work

[@danielsoroken9596]

Great job! I love those plywood spacers you use.

[@c4n4d4]

I like the wood covers on the outlets. One tip would be to trowel in the shortest dimension direction of the tile to ensure all the air can escape when you press it in. So in this case, the thinset shouldve been troweled vertically.

[@hampyonce]

No basin wrench is a big deal. I broke my basin wrench last time I used it. It had belonged to my plumber granddad. Falls channel is the best of it's kind. Love it.

[@angusmccloud1565]

Just posted a comment on one of your other videos. Can’t say how much I enjoy your videos. Paul you are a master. So pedantic and particular - love it. Wish we had more contractors like you in NZ!!

[@StudPack]

Thx Tiger!! Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍👍 Would love to get to NZ some day 😊

[@docjohnson3980]

Looks so clean good job guys

[@MurcioMarco]

I use a popsicle stick to clean the grout lines so have a consistent depth. It leaves a clean line and you don’t over water the grout.

[@JJ-bx5lh]

You guys are awesome you guys make a good team keep up the good work

[@MrGmoney48]

Very informative video. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@cdurkinz]

I really like your wood covering the box idea, gonna use that thanks.

[@StudPack]

You’re welcome. Best of luck on your project 👍

[@kurtfattig9370]

You could drill a finger-hole in the center of your custom electrical box plates and they'd be easy to remove as well. I love watching Stud Pack!

[@StudPack]

Cool thx Kurt 👍

[@ron5977]

First of all I would buy the socket covers. Great job tiling!

[@godisgood7586]

Great video guys! Thanks for sharing all the great tips.

[@StudPack]

Thanks for watching!

[@KEITHNICKLOWICZ]

great detail on the outlets all the screws facing the same direction . not to many people pay attention to that when installing light and switch covers

[@StudPack]

Thx Keith!!

[@joebinion1]

You are exactly right about where to use the mastic I learned that the hard way about 6 or 7 years ago great video never use it outside on a chimney smh lol

[@eduardocarrillo1864]

Awesome video Gang👍

[@StudPack]

Thanks Eduardo👍

[@SomeDumUsrName]

Ok...yeah ur a stud! lol DUDE....nice surfacing of the unsanded grout. And that Keracolor is amazing. Any other unsanded would have cracked a bit at the surface with those joints being that wide at the top and ESPECIALLY would crack out at the intersections where there's a bigger mass of grout. Anyway.....man that's a sharp, crisp finish out of some unsanded grout. Great stuff. Top level all the way.

[@CollinsLeeMusic]

haha way laughed out loud at yall running out of grout! great video!!!

[@kantolaurban5476]

Like the plywood spacer. I bet you can sell them 😀. I use doorskin on the counter and tile on top of it as you want that 1/8 for the silicone to grab the side of the tile not just the surface. Just a thought 😀

[@ryanmurray5929]

Great video! All of your videos are great for DIY's. I am curious on why use the wooden spacer versus running the adjustable box out while tiling and then adjust it back to the proper depth?

[@StudPack]

Running out the adjustable box does solve one problem but it still doesn't address the issue of Decora style cover plate screws hitting tile. Great call on that one! Adjustable depth boxes are perfect for backsplashes

[@jimreitenbach6023]

Up north here we all run our outlets horizontal. My friend from Georgia always thought that was funny. I see vertical outlets is a southern thing. 🤔

[@kenmore01]

North? I have been to Alaska, N. Dakota, etc and not seen that, but it's interesting you brought that up. I was thinking just today that when I wire up a 3-way light switch in the future, I'd put the switches horizontally, since up and down has no meaning anymore. May as well make that clear, and also remove ambiguity regarding up = on, down = off.

[@jimreitenbach6023]

@@kenmore01 Funny you got me there. 😃

[@anthonvanderneut]

3:56 it is good you can pass the conduits through the slot, because it sure looks like you got that partially open washer upside down

[@DuckshotProductions]

"Push & Pray" I love it! My dad taught me about "Jesus Clips" those little plastic snap clip cause you snap them then pray to Jesus it holds

[@juniorscarpentry4982]

You guys should buy 3D printer , print the “groutlet” and sell them as your merch . Great idea .

[@rickbarber6758]

That back splash job is gorgeous. Nicest I've seen. What material is counter tops made from?

[@StudPack]

Thanks Rick, we really appreciate that!!! The counters are quartz.

[@mikez4132]

Looking good guys!

[@StudPack]

Thanks Mike👍

[@DaveBaldacchino]

I am really enjoying your videos and excellent level of craftsmanship, not to mention the great tips! Too bad you're not in the Houston area or I would be calling you up...I have quite a few remodeling jobs I'd like to complete! Keep up the great work.

[@StudPack]

Thx Dave!

[@DaveBaldacchino]

@@StudPack btw I meant I would hire you, not call you for tips haha

[@seanwanlass2501]

great job! best channel i found!

[@StudPack]

Thx Sean and it's good to see comments on our kitchen remodel👍

[@peehandshihtzu]

The market for those wood covers might be with the manufacturer of the boxes instead of a cover/plate manufacturer. I think there is a market for it, just with different companies. :)

[@gregorybondi5220]

They didnt think there was a market? Have you seen the stupid crap people buy? Those could be cheap thin plastic spacers, and would prevent the problems you mentioned. I would certainly buy them for our back splash project -- though I think I will make them now...

[@StudPack]

Yeah but that was almost 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then😂 They could also be 3D printed easily... Thanks Gregory!!

[@hampyonce]

I learned four things just about electrical outlets. Plus 6-8 other things. I've been around construction sites for 40+ years.

[@StudPack]

Awesome thx Hamp 👊👍

[@cicicortes3653]

Hello: Those back splash tiles on the video are amazing. Love the uneven look to them. Where were they purchase from?

[@danielsoroken9596]

Great job! I really like the way you alternated the tile in the corner, it really did flow better! Quick question, if you were to extend the adjustable box would that solve the issue of the tile covering the heat sink? Going to be tiling my own back splash soon. Thanks

[@TobiasRaphael1]

A+ work on that backsplash!!! Nice grout lines, not everyone can make them look that nice! Those adjustable electrical boxes, I have never seen them before, where do you purchase them from? Thanks for the tips... very useful!

[@StudPack]

Thanks! Boxes available at Home Depot and Lowe's

[@tmactheplumber4966]

True Master Craftsman ! { my 1st knock in about 20 videos watched is a p-trap under sink ?

[@jessicahites871]

Looks great!! Great tips!! Quick question... Do you back butter tiles for a backsplash? I know you do when installing floor tile but I haven't seen you do it for backsplash.

[@OurWild-Life]

Can you give the dimensions of the plywood spacers? Great idea!

[@redmatrix]

3:58 Are those outlets protected by a GFCI somewhere? 20:49 Nice trick to know LINE from LOAD!

[@michelleroop9991]

👍👍

[@mikeedenfield4076]

The plywood spacer is great idea, do you use the cover plate for a template? Where do purchase the adjustable electrical boxes?

[@StudPack]

Thx. Adjustable depth boxes are at all the big box stores

[@johnbathke3138]

i like your channel and the tips you share with each project. regarding this backsplash, and the other tiling jobs you two did, do you need to seal your grout? just curious.

[@duenge]

Just remember, not all "scotch-brites" are scotch-brites, and they have varying levels of "courseness"...(think grit). I learned the hard way. I had something that splashed and dried onto the side window of the car, and nothing would remove it. I buffed some goof-off onto it with a nylon pad, and removed it, replacing it with a nice scratch-like circle the size of a half dollar.

[@joshweir6512]

no gfci under the sink? i thought that was code everywhere? Great video guys

[@StudPack]

This project was approved just before that code cycle was adopted here👍

[@mremcee34]

I’m sure someone can 3D print those spacers for you to sell!

[@tomatojuice12]

Stud pack, instead of the piece of wood at 10:05, can you just attach the faceplate and use the faceplate to accomplish the same thing? I appreciate your response.

[@LS-sv7bo]

How long should a person wait before wiping off excess grout ?? Looks great !!

[@khm28092]

If using the scotch pad wait until it is fairly set up (15 to 25 minutes). You want it to be more dusty than wet when rubbing. Also, use the grout float during grout install to keep the amount of grout left on the surface to a thin uniform amount (makes it easier to remove)

[@StudPack]

Yep that's how long we waited. By the time I finished grouting and cleaned up the tools, the first section I grouted was ready for clean up.

[@calvinzhu7438]

It would be better to have the tiles on top of the window area as well ...

[@thomasjay975]

do u caulk around the faceplates?

[@DaniAlbert]

Its very hard to find the rest of the videos i wish you make a playlist for every project so we can see everything from A to Z

[@miguelrodriguez866]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍

[@WrenchNinja91]

Your ocd is showing , I see all of those cover plate screws lined up the same direction. Glad im not the only person that it bothers

[@pg9752]

I have a back splash home DIY project coming up. What size do I make those outlet plywood spacers? I have single and double outlet box.

[@StudPack]

I used 1/2" thick plywood and made them 1/8" less than the width and height of a standard cover plate. 1/8" doesn't give you much leeway but there's not much room anyway. If you use a mid-size plates the plywood spacer can be larger. Let the cover plate be your guide. Make the spacers a little smaller.

[@eddieburk9153]

Does the code where you live not require GFI under the sink?

[@StudPack]

No, we’re still on 2014 NEC 😳

[@hughchui5337]

lean more tips on this one , good job

[@whocares6698]

Hi again, sorry to keep asking question. You said you used a mastic, spelling not sure, not thinset. But you didnt say why you wouldnt use the mastic on anything but backsplash. Why cant it be used on floors or other places? And what is the actual difference between the two products?

[@StudPack]

Mastic is an adhesive (think Liquid Nails). It’s not suitable for a wet location or floors in my opinion.

[@whocares6698]

Oh alright then, thanks

[@JTwyce225]

What material is that counter top made of?

[@StudPack]

Quartz 👍

[@mreinecker]

Are the outlets under the sink gfci?? Thanks for the tips

[@StudPack]

No. This permit was pulled before the new code cycle took effect in our city

[@RPHPros]

Where do you find those adjustable device boxes behind the countertop?

[@StudPack]

Lowe's and Home Depot carry them. Thx Ron !

[@RealFifty]

Im curious to the measurements of this kitchen and dining room

[@StudPack]

The kitchen is 10'x11' and the dining room is 10'x13'

[@RealFifty]

Thanks for the reply that's about the size of my Horder house rooms I might copy the layout a little it looks very nice

[@williamcreech1505]

Why the blue tape is there something special about the blue tape

[@StudPack]

It’s what I had plus it comes off easily 👍

[@JackGiralico]

I am new to the channel and have been catching up on your projects via vids. In this video you have protective paper down on the counter tops. Can you give me a good source for this paper? I do touch up repairs on cars and my source of paper dried up.

[@StudPack]

Thx Jack. I bought that roll at our local PPG paint store.

[@z06doc86]

What happened to Paul’s infectious enthusiasm in this series? Still enjoyed the videos, but want the real Paul back. Still 👍👍

[@StudPack]

He was still working on the infectious enthusiasm in this series Doc!

[@elainerussell924]

Wrong outlets under sink

[@StudPack]

If you mean they’re not GFCI this permit was pulled before the new code cycle. Otherwise ???

[@elainerussell924]

@@StudPack up put them on the counter u should have put them below safty,

[@StudPack]

Sorry you lost me. Give me a mile marker and I’ll check it out

[@crissy214]

Are the wooden covers the exact same dimension as the box