I know this is a big Mac day, but...(kitchen flooring question)

[wurm]

Anyone experienced in buying/installing ceramic tile in a kitchen? How about vinyl? We're re-doing our kitchen and have one estimate and are awaiting another. Kitchen is 21' by 11' (minus about 35 sq. feet for appliances and cabinets). They'll have to rip up the old vinyl (looks like two layers) and install new sub and then new vinyl or tile. I realize prices of vinyl and tire can vary greatly, but I'd love to get some folks here to give me a ballpark figure for ripping up the old and installing new mid-to-high quality vinyl and low-to-mid quality tile.

Thanks.

[Ombligo]

Ripping up the old vinyl will essentially depend on who you get to do it. A top tilesetter will cost you plenty.

I pulled my own, took a couple hours (10x12 kitchen) and only had one layer.. so figure a full day at most for you going it alone. Buy a scrapper bar for $20 and it'll make the job easy.

Putting tile down will depend.. If your putting in plain, non-patterned tlle that cost $1.50 sq ft then it makes no sense to pay a tilesetter $3+ a sq ft to put it down. Just go to the Lowes/Home Depot classes and do it. BUT if you have patterned, imported tile then pay a pro.

[Chupa Chupa]

Make sure the old vinyl isn't asbestos if you haven't already. If it is it will cost you a fortune to remove it. Best to just let it stay and put the new flooring over the vinyl.

As far as cost goes it's not really comparable. Installing cheap tile costs as much as installing expensive tile. Vinyl is relatively cheap to install (as mentioned it's the ripping out that's expensive). Vinyl though won't increase the value of your home, even if its top of the line, so long term installing a neutral, but nice looking, title is a better investment.

[papercup]

Here is a great site: http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/foru...3656bfb67d&f=1

Any estimate will be just that, even if you have someone out to look. Until they get into the floor will you really know.

If you do the tear out, you will be shocked at the money you save, but DONT put any subfloor down w/o really knowing what you/the installer need.

[Robert M]

Hi everyone,

Wurm's question couldn't come at a better time. I'm ripping out the kitchen in my apartment but not for a while. Unfortunately, my tenant who recently vacated the apartment left the floor in such a dirty state that I doubt I'll ever get it clean. So, I'm planning on laying something on it just to make it presentable and hold me over until I gut the kitchen entirely.

I don't need anything expensive. Just something relatively hardy and easy enough to clean with a Swiffer wet mop. Any suggestions? I'll be laying it myself.

Thanks,

Robert

[papercup]

[quote Robert M]Hi everyone,

Wurm's question couldn't come at a better time. I'm ripping out the kitchen in my apartment but not for a while. Unfortunately, my tenant who recently vacated the apartment left the floor in such a dirty state that I doubt I'll ever get it clean. So, I'm planning on laying something on it just to make it presentable and hold me over until I gut the kitchen entirely.

I don't need anything expensive. Just something relatively hardy and easy enough to clean with a Swiffer wet mop. Any suggestions? I'll be laying it myself.

Thanks,

Robert
If the subfloor is in good shape and flat, installing a laminated Pergo-type floor is literally a snap. The hardest part is usually replacing all the shoe molding (but don't skimp on this part)

The Pergo-type floors are a great DIY project, unlike sheet vinyl, and look better.

[Maddog]

Have you looked at cork? Very comfortable on the feet and it is a relatively easy install (uses the snap and click install). It is not the cheapest (around $5/sq. ft.) but it is quite nice to look at. You should also consider some of the other laminate products that also install with the snap and click. They have come a long way in appearance and are very inexpensive.

[Robert M]

Hi Paper and Mad,

Thanks for the tips. The new flooring will be temporary and really only to make the place look presentable for when I have guests over. So, I was thinking of something quick, easy and inexpensive. It's just to buy me time until I have a chance to rip out the kitchen entirely.

My original plan was to buy self-sticking tile of some sort and cover the existing floor. When the time comes to refinish the entire kitchen, I'd rip the floor up and redo it completely along with the rest of the kitchen itself, i.e. cabinets, dishwasher, cooktop and oven, etc.

Robert

[Dubya]

If your laying tile, you'll want to install "crete board". It acts as a subfloor and stiffener. If there's vinyl already there, it probably already has a quarter inch sub floor which is okay for new vinyl, but will have to be removed for tile and crete board. Otherwise too high for surrounding floors.

Also consider laminate. Very easy to install.

[will2000]

Ceramic tile? Do you have unbreakable dishes?