I have decided to replace my laminate flooring with tile. I don't have much experience with choosing tile but this home is our weekend house and with 2 water leaks within as many years I've decided to try tile instead of replacing the laminate again. I really like the looks of the larger size tile 18x18 instead of 12 x 12. Any pros and/or cons to consider with the larger tile or is it just a matter of taste?
Matter of taste, space and how many rooms you are doing. Leveling is the hardest part, the tile can settle to one side or corner when laying out so the material you put on first has to be adjusted for that. If your floor is perfectly level, then it won't be as much a problem.
Sorry about the water leaks, hopefully there won't be anymore!
Mary Ruth *****We don't see things as they are, we see things as WE are! ***** (Anaias Nin)***** http://pinterest.com/mary_ruth/
Posts: 8529 | Location: East Space Coast, Florida zone 9B | Registered: Feb 11, 2003
Is your house on concrete slab? I used the 18x18 tiles (kitchen, DR, LR and den) so it's less grout lines. The installers used a leveling compound first and then installed tile next day. Our tile has been down since 1998 and no cracked tiles. So I guess it was worth the extra prep work.
Some tiles have those little holes in them which become dirt traps.
JMHO but use the biggest tile possible for your space. Also be sure all dye lots are the same and purchase a few extra boxes just in case of any future repairs.
You will also need a certain amount for waste usually 10%. It depends on your tile but don't let them charge you "installation" on that extra tile. There is also different grouts/sealers so check into those also.
Good Luck on deciding!
~Like sands through the hourglass ~So are the days of our lives
Iappreciate your replies. Mary Ruth, we spent our vacation at a small condo a few weeks ago and the entire first floor was laid with a very large tile. It seemed to open up the area. The area I will be covering is 840 sq ft which is the greatroom and kitchen area, hallway, laundry and bath. BR, the house is on concrete. I am a bit concerned about the grout area collecting dirt and grime but this must not be a big problem since everyone I know has tile in their homes. I found a tile at Lowes (.79 per sq ft) which is 18 x 18 so I bought a piece to look at for a few days. It has a smooth surface, no cracks or crevices which was another concern of mine, and skid resistant. Hopefully it will work. DH liked the price.
It will cost you extra but I would strongly recommend using epoxy grout. It doesn't need to be sealed and it is not porous. The reason grout is such a nightmare to clean is because it's porous.
I realize I'm echoing what others have already said, but whenever I finally get to replace my 12X12 tile, I will go with the largest available and will have them installed on the diagonal. Dirty grout lines drive me nuts, but bleaching them on my hands and knees is also objectional, so I am glad to learn about the epoxy grout.
Originally posted by Lady50: I realize I'm echoing what others have already said, but whenever I finally get to replace my 12X12 tile, I will go with the largest available and will have them installed on the diagonal. Dirty grout lines drive me nuts, but bleaching them on my hands and knees is also objectional, so I am glad to learn about the epoxy grout.
~Lady50
Lady50, why on the diagonal? Haven't thought about that.
I think the grout should be in the family of white or beige if your tile is close in hue value. If you're going w/ a med. to dk. tile, then matching it would be my personal preference or if you don't wish the grout to create a visual pattern. BTW, I like the idea of laying it on the diagonal tho it's more labor intense and be more expensive due to the cuts and perhaps some waste. That layout visually expands spaces and looks more custom.
Cavin's tip re. the type of grout was of great interest to me and I want to extend a thank you for sharing it.
Posts: 16793 | Location: Right here, duh! ;) | Registered: Nov 03, 2005
Thank you Froo Froo. I appreciate your quick response. DH is picking up all the materials this morning and I'm working. He and the floor guy decided it was best to stay with the white He did purchase the epoxy grout. I like the idea of laying the tile on a diagonal.
I have Duraceramic 17 x 17 tiles in my bathroom and no grout at all. It is also textured and warm underfoot because there is a layer of felt in the interior. I had it in my kitchen for several years and was satisfied with it. I had to replace the kitchen floor (for reasons not having to do with the tile) and I liked how easy it was to care for. The color I chose did not show dirt at all so I wasn't compelled to mop the floor several times a week!!!!
We tiled our entire condo is 18" square tile that is rectified tile, meaning the color is through the entire tile. If I was to chip my tile floor, it would be much less noticeable. We also opted for a zero grout line. Our grout line is as thin as a credit card. We too opted for a textured floor and every few months I get on my hands and knees and scrub the kitchen with a Mr. Clean Eraser as sometimes regular mopping just doesn't do it because of the texture. Overall, I love the look and its really little maintenance.
Posts: 2544 | Location: usa | Registered: Sep 28, 2002
Originally posted by dhainen: Not sure if this was mentioned or not but make sure you seal your grout with a good sealer. It makes cleaning so much easier! Good luck!
Thanks. We have the sealer. Hopefully this project will get started this morning
River City, I'll post some pics when we are finished. We are finding out just how slow and tedious this project is. I think we will be happy with it when we are done.
