Which order for laundry reno?

Annie2

Hello

I have no reno experience, and I am about to redo my laundry. Currently the laundry has an attached aluminium cabinet/sink combo in a corner, with two large, shiny tiles on either side of the corner, above it. I have done a bit of reading and watching, including here. Inevitably, I now have some conflicting views (guessing there are often more than one way to skin a cat), in particular about the order of doing things. I was hoping to please tap into some expert assistance here.

Here is a simplified order of business, as I understand it:

Turn off water + electricity, demo

Assemble + install cabinets

Cut counter top (rubber wood) (to length, + sink hole, tap hole), sand, + seal with polyurethane

Install counter, silicone to wall (white silicone?), cure

Drop in sink, attach with silicone – do I also seal the seams with silicone (rim of sink to counter)? With clear silicone?

Tile, grout, silicone gap between bottom of tile + counter

Any comments/advise/insight into my order and questions is appreciated.

Additionally, I wonder what size spacer I use for an imperfect edge subway tile laid vertically stack bond? Do I also need wedges (for between bottom of tile + counter)?

To reassure you, if you find the novice status of my questions alarming, my tradie (electrician) brother will be providing some help and supervision (and tools). It is my project though, and I would be most grateful for your help.

Many thanks

Annie

EricL

Hello @Annie2 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your laundry renovation.

I suggest making your list as thorough as possible. It's also important to indicate who's doing the job and when. 

• Turn the power and water off - How long will you have it off and will it affect the day-to-day operation of the household? If you turn the power and water back on make sure that the wires are safely covered and the water outlets plugged.
   
• Before you assemble and install the cabinets this would be the best time to install new plumbing points and power outlets. Any flooring repairs should also be carried out at this stage.
   
• Once the cabinets are in place, this would be a good time to cut access points for your washing machine.
   
• Install your benchtop - It's important to cover the benchtop while construction is still being carried out in the laundry room.

Once the benchtop is in place the rest of the steps you've listed should work fine. 

I suggest using QEP 3mm Cross Type Spacers. This is the most common size spacer used for wall tiling, but if you feel that more distance is needed you can use a bigger spacer.

I suggest running the steps in your laundry area and pretend that you're actually doing it. As you go through the motions, any steps you might have missed will reveal itself while you're doing your rehearsal. Make sure to add those steps to your list.

Please make sure to wear appropriate clothing along with personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a dust mask while working on your laundry renovation.

Let me call on our experience members, @prettyliving, @lifestylebymari and @redbournreno for their recommendations.

Please make sure to keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your laundry renovation.

Eric