Tiling/Floorboard Work Needed - Things to look out for

waltjizzney on 10/07/2023 - 14:20

Hi Ozb team!

I've finally purchased a house for myself and was looking to get some work done. I was hoping to reach out to this helpful community and see if there are any pointers they might have for renovation etc. First time doing it all myself and any points is greatly appreciated.

Facts:

  • Old house
  • Need to remove carpets
  • Trying to decide between laminate floorboards and tiles

Would love to hear what people's thoughts are on the following:
A = Carpet bedrooms, tiles everywhere including kitchen and bathroom.
B = Carpet bedrooms, tile in kitchen and bathroom, floorboards in living and dining.
C = Carpet bedrooms, floorboards everywhere including kitchen, tiles in bathroom.

Question:
- Does having multiple surfaces like carpet, floorboards and tiles have an impact on how good/bad it looks? I thought it'll be good to have tiles everywhere but not sure how that'll look in an old house.

  • Anyone recently go through with a renovation? Any pointers you might have for me or what I need to look out for. Also happy to take any recommendations you might have for tradies.

Would love to answer any follow-up questions and thanks in advance for all help 😊

Home & Garden Flooring

Comments

  • Edsanwong on 10/07/2023 - 14:46
    +3

    I would say go for hybrid, they are waterproof

    • AaronRain on 11/07/2023 - 15:40

      This, I did this for an apartment a few months ago, I got the Aqua Stone SPC Flooring, great stuff so far, info and brochure here:
      https://www.ubtrading.com.au/product-page/

      Took out all the carpet (apartment was around 10 years old), bedroom, wardrobe, living room, kitchen (except a small section next to the stove/sink that was tiled).
      Great for the robot vacuum.

  • c2pv1ru5 on 10/07/2023 - 14:50

    Hard flooring requires surface to be flat. Carpet allows for uneven surface. Therefore be prepare to do a lot of prep work on the surface.

  • KaTst3R on 10/07/2023 - 14:52

    It really depends on the overall aesthetics and design you are going after as well as the layout. Would the kitchen and living hall have a clear separation? If it is connected, then it is ideal to have the same flooring material used.

    The theme of the house have to flow without too much disconnection like it is not well thought out.

    If you totally have no clue, it is best to get a designer in to have a look at the place and give suggestions on materials and colors. It may cost a few thousand but it will pay back when you sell for a higher price if it is aesthetically pleasing.

  • Gnilgorf on 10/07/2023 - 14:56

    Welp…this is all going to be very subjective so… not to mention every house is slightly different so what might work for one may not work for another. Anyways, not a renovator (yet) but designing buildings is my job.

    Personally I lean towards Option C, would still be happy with B, and would generally avoid A.

    Having tiles everywhere is just very cold aesthetically & literally physically, but if your household is used to wearing slippers everywhere then I guess it doesn't matter. However for kitchens, depending on cooking habits, having tiles might be better.
    Timber floors are perceived as being warmer and help soften the space, and likely not freezing to the touch in cold months. Can even work in bedrooms, but be prepared to get a rug or two.
    A mixture of the two could also help delineate the differences spaces. But too many breaks just makes the house feel…disjointed.

    How old is old? Depending on the age, you could actually have solid floorboards underneath (which could be good condition and only require a sand & polish).
    Also be wary of the differences in flooring thickness. In most cases, tiled areas will end up being higher than timber floored areas, which might result in some odd looking and possibly annoying flooring joints which might be trip hazards at firsts.

  • SydStrand on 10/07/2023 - 15:09

    Does having multiple surfaces like carpet, floorboards and tiles have an impact on how good/bad it looks?

    No one can answer this question but you. It's your house. Personally, I dislike carpets and had them all pulled out a year in, and installed floorboards everywhere except bathrooms and laundry. IMO, tiled living areas looks and feels cold, and will affect heating in winter. Flooring is back breaking work, but otherwise relatively simple to DIY. Lots of resources on YouTube to guide you. Most fiddly parts are corners and skirting, and most tools you need (tile cutters, nail gun, saws, etc.) can be rented quite cheaply.

  • dtc on 10/07/2023 - 16:08

    Personally I hate tiled living areas, but I also dislike fake wood. the only time I would consider tiles for the living area is if you had underfloor heating - otherwise never and even then I would say no (but I can recognise there are benefits)

    My house is Option C - living room floorboards, bedrooms carpet and bathroom is tiled. If I was somewhere warmer then I would go floorboards in the bedrooms as well

    I think rooms where you move between them but they have different floor coverings (eg tiles kitchen moving to dining area that is floorboards) looks bad. However, if all the rooms are shut off from each other then perhaps its ok.

    The problem with tiles in the kitchen is that as soon as you drop anything, its over. Floorboards will offer a bit of shatter protection. The only downside with floorboards in the kitchen is that around the sink they will get a bit damp during washing up, but you just mop it up every time after you have finished and its no issue.

    If you get hardwood flooring then you do need to have it sanded every 10-15years or so (depending on how harsh you are) but its worth it in the interim

  • [Deactivated] on 10/07/2023 - 16:19

    Aren't there apps where you can load photos of each room & then try different flooring to see how it will look?

  • Transient on 10/07/2023 - 16:51

    We have an 80s red brick veneer house and have option C. Replaced carpets in bedrooms. Pulled up carpets in hallways, kitchen and dining. Had the existing floorboards polished and varnished. Think tiles more suited to more modern places like apartments, new houses but really a matter of personal preference. Was thinking of tiles in the kitchen but kept with floorboards for practicality and cost maintenance, eg, less damage / easier to repair if things dropped, fridge / dishwasher moved etc.

  • bmxr on 10/07/2023 - 17:41
    +1

    Option D - floorboards everywhere, including bedrooms. Tiles in bathrooms. Look into something sustainable and cost effective, like bamboo.

  • Kongzi on 10/07/2023 - 18:07
    +1

    I would go for carpet in kitchen and bathroom

  • stickingly on 10/07/2023 - 21:59

    Floorboads everywhere except bathroom. Carpet is gross and tiles are cold. L

  • bot22 on 17/07/2023 - 00:28

    we went floorboards, put tiles in wet areas (bathrooms, laundry, alfresco). Figured we can buy rugs for the rooms as carpet and allows for more flexibility.

  • Euphemistic on 17/07/2023 - 05:25

    It is largely personal preference. My 2c:

    Tiles are colder and feel a lot harder underfoot. Carpet is nice in bedrooms. Much warmer underfoot.
    Tiling a large are is not really a DIY job unless you’re very experienced. Clip together laminate/bamboo floating floor can be.
    Tiling is only suited to large areas on a concrete slab. Timber floors will move and eventually tiles willl crack.

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