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How to fix poorly laid floor tiles?

I live in a little one bedroom granny flat. Unfortunately, the previous owners did a quick "flip" on the floors, and as a result, I have very wonky tiles which are not level, nor square/straight. I would really love to fix the flooring, but am on a tight budget. I also have pets, and do not want carpet.

I believe the substrate is yellow tongue- or they've laid the tiles over what appears to be a old vinyl floor. The tiles themselves are very large- 60x60 porcelain tiles, with a high gloss, marbled gray finish.

What would be the most cost effective way to fix my tiles? Would it be better just to cover them up with floating floorboards or something similar?

Thank you in advance!

- Roe

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @concreteshorts. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about floor tiles.

Unfortunately, if your tiles are wonky and not level, the only real fix is to pull them up. Uneven tiles will always cause problems because any new flooring laid over the top will inherit those same issues. Floating floors like hybrid or vinyl planks need a flat, sound surface to sit properly; otherwise, they’ll flex and eventually fail. Your options really come down to two approaches: either remove the tiles and work with the substrate underneath to re-lay tiles or install another flooring type, or, if the tiles are at least solid and not loose, you could apply a self-levelling compound over the top. That would smooth out the surface and give you a proper base to install floating floors. While it does add a step, self-levelling cement is often the most cost-effective way to get around badly laid tiles without doing a full rip-out.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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