Welcome back to Renacer McGlynn! This week, we’re making a start on a truly unique DIY project—transforming our old farmhouse tiles using beautiful natural marble rocks gathered from the rambla at the bottom of our land.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Our farm is nestled in the stunning Almanzora Valley, an area rich in natural marble. On our walks down to the rambla, we’ve collected a variety of flat stones, each one uniquely shaped and coloured by nature. Some are polished smooth by the elements, while others have striking textures and patterns. Rather than spending a fortune on new tiles, we decided to use these incredible stones to give our kitchen a rustic, Andalusian-inspired makeover.
The DIY Process: The First Steps
Our goal is to cover the existing, decades-old tiles with these natural stones to create a more organic, earthy feel that fits the character of the farm. Here’s how we got started:
- Washing & Preparing the Stones – We gave each rock a thorough clean to remove dust and debris, ensuring a good surface for adhesion.
- Choosing the Best Stones – Every piece is unique, so we carefully selected ones that fit well together while still maintaining a natural, unpolished look. We even found some beautiful sea glass to add a special touch!
- Sticking the Stones – Using a strong yet affordable construction adhesive (€2 from our local shop), we started attaching the stones directly onto the old tiles.
- Letting It Set – Once positioned, we held them in place briefly to make sure they were secure. Some stones needed a little extra encouragement to stay put, but so far, they’ve held up well!
A Natural & Budget-Friendly Transformation
One of the things we love about this project is how cost-effective it is. Apart from the glue, everything else is completely free, sourced from the land around us. It’s a great way to upcycle natural materials and create something unique that blends beautifully with our farmhouse aesthetic.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning! We’ll be heading back to the rambla to collect more stones to complete the area before moving on to the next step—grouting and finishing. Stay tuned for that in a future video!
In the meantime, check out our latest video to see how we’ve started this transformation:
📺 Watch here: Turning River Rocks into Stunning Tiles | Andalusian Marble Rocks (Start of a Stunning Farm Makeover)
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow our journey as we restore this beautiful off-grid farm, one DIY project at a time!
