Tenax Construction Inc. completed a comprehensive home upgrade in Elk Grove, CA, featuring a full kitchen remodeling with a reimagined island layout and a modern fireplace conversion. This project showcases how thoughtful design, careful planning, and skilled craftsmanship can completely refresh the heart of the home and its main living area.

Project Overview: Elk Grove, CA Kitchen & Fireplace Remodel

This Elk Grove, CA home remodeling project focused on two major upgrades:

• Full kitchen remodeling with island reconfiguration
• Fireplace conversion from gas to a modern electric fireplace with a new tile surround and mantel

The homeowners wanted a brighter, more functional kitchen with better lighting, smarter electrical solutions, and a more social island layout. They also sought to replace their existing gas fireplace with a sleeker, low-maintenance electric fireplace and integrated TV wall.

Tenax Construction Inc. provided both design-driven solutions and full-service construction to bring this vision to life.

Full Kitchen Remodeling in Elk Grove, CA

Demolition & Preparation

The first step in the Elk Grove kitchen remodel was a precise and clean demolition:

• Removed the existing range, microwave hood, countertops, backsplash, and cabinets
• Demolished the pony wall behind the island to open up the space
• Carefully handled and removed debris off-site

This created a clean, open layout, ready for the new island configuration and modern kitchen finishes.

Electrical & Plumbing Upgrades

A key part of this Elk Grove kitchen renovation was upgrading the electrical and plumbing to meet current standards and improve everyday usability.

Electrical Upgrades:

• Updated outlets and switches to meet code
• Installed smart switches and outlets per homeowner approval for enhanced control and convenience
• Removed standard wall outlets and installed under-cabinet power strips (2 total) for a cleaner backsplash look
• Added an outlet in the pantry for small appliances or future needs
• Installed new under-cabinet LED lighting, including 2 fixtures at 32″ and 1 fixture at 24″
• Replaced 4 existing can lights with new energy-efficient LED recessed lights and added a dimmer switch
• Ran wiring and installed 3 pendant lights over the island, controlled on a dimmer for adjustable ambience

Plumbing Adjustments:

• Updated plumbing for the new island layout to accommodate the reconfigured sink and cabinetry
• Installed an undermount kitchen sink for a clean, modern countertop transition

These upgrades improved functionality, safety, and aesthetics, aligning the kitchen with modern design and performance standards.

Cabinetry, Island Reconfiguration & Framing

To create a more inviting and usable kitchen, Tenax Construction Inc. reshaped the island and installed new cabinetry throughout.

Island & Framing:

• Built a new 96″ pony wall and squared off the island for comfortable seating
• Provided a 12″ overhang at the island to accommodate bar seating and casual dining

Cabinetry Installation:

• Installed new shaker-style white wall cabinets paired with light gray base cabinets for a timeless, two-tone look
• Included adjacent cabinetry near the kitchen to create a cohesive, built-in feel
• Installed cabinet panels to cover the gap between wall cabinets and ceiling for a seamless, finished appearance
• Added an 18″ trash pull-out cabinet on the left side of the dishwasher on the island for hidden, convenient waste storage
• Installed pull-out trays in the base cabinets on each side of the stove, enhancing accessibility and organization

The result is a stylish, highly functional Elk Grove kitchen with smart storage solutions and a welcoming island at the center.

Quartz Countertops & Full-Height Tile Backsplash

The finish materials chosen for this Elk Grove kitchen remodel deliver a clean, modern, and bright aesthetic.

Countertops:

• Installed new white quartz countertops with gray veining, creating a durable, low-maintenance work surface
• Sized the island at 42″ for a generous prep and seating area

Backsplash:

• Installed a full-height white tile backsplash all the way to the ceiling
• Used a herringbone pattern for added visual interest and a custom, designer look

By relocating outlets to under-cabinet power strips, the full-height backsplash remains uninterrupted, emphasizing the tile design and creating a high-end, magazine-worthy kitchen.

Appliances & Final Touches

To complete the kitchen remodel:

• Installed a new homeowner-provided stove
• Reinstalled the saved refrigerator and dishwasher in the new layout

Final Quality Check:

• Inspected all work to ensure quality craftsmanship and code compliance
• Addressed any final adjustments or minor repairs to ensure homeowner satisfaction

Painting was specifically excluded from this scope, allowing the homeowner to coordinate wall and ceiling colors separately.

Fireplace Conversion & Upgrade in Elk Grove, CA

Alongside the kitchen remodeling project, Tenax Construction Inc. converted and upgraded the existing fireplace to a modern electric unit, creating a clean, media-ready focal wall.

Fireplace Demolition

The original gas fireplace and surround were removed with safety and code compliance as top priorities:

• Safely disconnected and capped the existing gas line in accordance with local codes
• Removed the existing gas fireplace unit, surrounding materials, and drywall mantle as needed
• Hauled away debris and left the area ready for reconstruction

Electrical & Gas Modifications

The new design centered on an electric fireplace with integrated TV wiring:

• Provided a new dedicated electrical circuit for the electric fireplace unit
• Installed an outlet and wiring to meet the electric fireplace manufacturer’s requirements
• Installed new power and low-voltage/data connections for a TV mounted above the fireplace (concealed in the wall or via a cable channel)
• Properly capped and secured the existing gas line to meet safety codes

Framing, Drywall & Wall Preparation

To accommodate the new electric fireplace and TV wall, Tenax Construction Inc.:

• Modified framing as necessary for the new electric fireplace insert
• Patched or installed new drywall around the fireplace wall and TV section
• Added 2×8 wood blocking in the wall for secure TV bracket mounting
• Repaired a cracked corner bead to restore a clean, sharp corner line

This structural and surface prep created a sturdy and smooth foundation for the fireplace finish materials.

Electric Fireplace, Tile Surround & Mantel

Fireplace Installation:

• Provided and installed a new electric fireplace insert, set into the prepared opening per manufacturer specifications

Tile Surround:

• Installed a suitable substrate (such as cement board) behind and around the fireplace for tile installation
• Set a new tile around the fireplace face
• Grouted and finished edges cleanly for a refined, modern look

Material allocations were established for the electric fireplace unit and tile selection, ensuring flexibility within a defined budget.

Mantel Installation:

• Provided and installed a new standard wood or prefabricated mantel at the proper height
• Anchored the mantel securely into the framing for long-term stability

TV Setup & Final Finish Work

To complete this Elk Grove fireplace remodel:

• Installed the homeowner-provided TV wall mount bracket and TV above the fireplace
• Confirmed the functionality of power and data lines to support streaming and entertainment needs
• Cleaned the site thoroughly and removed all debris

Painting was excluded from this scope, allowing the homeowner to coordinate wall colors later to complement the new fireplace design.

Why Elk Grove Homeowners Choose Tenax Construction Inc.

This Elk Grove, CA kitchen remodel and fireplace conversion demonstrate Tenax Construction Inc.’s expertise in:

• Coordinating multi-space remodels (kitchen + living room)
• Managing detailed electrical and plumbing upgrades
• Delivering modern kitchen designs with quartz countertops, under-cabinet lighting, and reconfigured islands
• Executing fireplace conversions from gas to electric with integrated TV walls
• Providing clear scopes, transparent allowances, and high-quality craftsmanship

Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodeling project, a fireplace upgrade, or a combined home renovation in Elk Grove or the greater Sacramento area, Tenax Construction Inc. can guide you from planning to completion.