Hello,
We are currently debating the flooring on the ground floor of our house (we are moving in at the end of May, the previous owners are still living there). The entire floor is covered with light brown, terracotta-like tiles (but more durable), which to me are typical of the 1980s.
This flooring isn’t exactly my dream, but I could accept it if we brighten up the space with modern furniture and light-colored walls since the tiles are extremely difficult to remove and appear to have been installed “for eternity.”
When we were at the house over the weekend to sort out a few remaining issues, I took a closer look at the floor. Several tiles (about 4–5) have cracks, and the door from the kitchen to the dining room rubs against the floor, causing damage to the tiles in that spot.
My questions:
1) We would really like to renew the floor. I’m wondering if it’s possible to install new, large, thin tiles (e.g., porcelain slabs or similar) directly over the existing tiles? The area is about 70 square meters (750 square feet) and includes the living and dining rooms, kitchen, hallway, and guest WC. We would need to plane the doors anyway...
2) I know prices vary widely, but approximately how much does it cost to install tiles in an area this size if we choose to tile over the old floor using tiles sized around 30x60 cm (12x24 inches) or 60x60 cm (24x24 inches)? Does anyone have experience with this? A rough estimate would help me better assess the quotes we receive.
I would appreciate any advice! As I said, we’re still in the early planning stages and will contact several contractors during our holiday after Easter to get quotes.
Thank you very much in advance,
Kate
We are currently debating the flooring on the ground floor of our house (we are moving in at the end of May, the previous owners are still living there). The entire floor is covered with light brown, terracotta-like tiles (but more durable), which to me are typical of the 1980s.
This flooring isn’t exactly my dream, but I could accept it if we brighten up the space with modern furniture and light-colored walls since the tiles are extremely difficult to remove and appear to have been installed “for eternity.”
When we were at the house over the weekend to sort out a few remaining issues, I took a closer look at the floor. Several tiles (about 4–5) have cracks, and the door from the kitchen to the dining room rubs against the floor, causing damage to the tiles in that spot.
My questions:
1) We would really like to renew the floor. I’m wondering if it’s possible to install new, large, thin tiles (e.g., porcelain slabs or similar) directly over the existing tiles? The area is about 70 square meters (750 square feet) and includes the living and dining rooms, kitchen, hallway, and guest WC. We would need to plane the doors anyway...
2) I know prices vary widely, but approximately how much does it cost to install tiles in an area this size if we choose to tile over the old floor using tiles sized around 30x60 cm (12x24 inches) or 60x60 cm (24x24 inches)? Does anyone have experience with this? A rough estimate would help me better assess the quotes we receive.
I would appreciate any advice! As I said, we’re still in the early planning stages and will contact several contractors during our holiday after Easter to get quotes.
Thank you very much in advance,
Kate
M
marco.m6811 Jun 2013 08:35OK, I meant it in general. Tiling over existing tiles is simply a more cost-effective method. I have experience with this in a rental apartment, and it holds up. However, the original tiles were laid very securely, almost like a concrete floor. Would I do it in my own living space? That depends on the budget. If someone has to remove the first layer of tiles, that step of work naturally incurs additional cost.
Hello everyone, thanks for your responses! It took us some time to make a decision. What Peter suggested or mentioned in his last post was actually what we had in mind as well. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection by ourselves and the tiler, most of the old tiles were too loose and the floor wasn’t properly level, so we are currently removing 70 square meters (750 square feet) of floor tiles... after that, the floor will be leveled first, then new tiles will be installed. The whole process, including the light porcelain tiles we chose, will cost us about €7000. I also think the Flattile tiles are great! As I said, I would have gone with that if the old floor had met the requirements – given our situation, I’m actually glad the floor is being removed. The tiles are coming off quite well with the new demolition hammer, and my boyfriend is currently in demolition mode (the bathrooms were demolished yesterday/the day before, today it’s the kitchen and living room…). Best regards from Kate
L
Lebens(t)raum8 Jul 2013 13:07Basically, the old tile floor can stay and new tiles can be installed over it. (No hassle, no mess, cost savings, etc.)
However, the surface must be well prepared. (primed)
If a slim porcelain tile is chosen (from 3.5mm (0.14 inches) thickness, very nice to avoid adding too much height), the substrate MUST be PERFECT. Usually, the tiler has to level it again by 2-3mm (0.08-0.12 inches) to be able to tile on top.
However, the surface must be well prepared. (primed)
If a slim porcelain tile is chosen (from 3.5mm (0.14 inches) thickness, very nice to avoid adding too much height), the substrate MUST be PERFECT. Usually, the tiler has to level it again by 2-3mm (0.08-0.12 inches) to be able to tile on top.
Thanks for the tip!! This solution would have been my favorite, especially considering all the mess involved in tearing it out. Unfortunately, about 60 percent of the tiles on an area of 70sqm (750 sq ft) are so loose that they almost fall off on their own... the tile adhesive is still fully stuck to the floor... After a hard-working Saturday, all the tiles are now removed... today the tiler is coming to inspect our work. Leveling will definitely be necessary – the subfloor, like the house itself, dates back to 1983/84. Best regards, Kate32
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