How to transition from tiles to new hybrid flooring?

[LSJ]

Hi,

I want to replace the carpet in the lounge/ dining/ bedroom in  my apartment with hybrid flooring. The  kitchenette runs  along the rear of the living / dining room ( see photos) . The tiles   are in good condition. 
The problem I have is that the height of the tiles is 21mm( not  sure why so deep) and greater than  the average height of hybrid flooring . I noted other posts here mention transition strips , though  not sure this  would work with such a height difference. 
my other option is to remove the tiles altogether , though this is a lot of work and more expensive. 
any ideas would be appreciated . 
Thanks

Liz 

 

 

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[EricL]

Hello @LSJ 

Hybrid flooring thickness is usually around 5mm to 7mm, and special-order products can go up to 12mm. Let's say for example that you purchased the 7mm thick model, you now have to have a transition piece that will cover 13mm. But if you install Ecoply 2400 x 1200 x 12mm Non-Structural Plywood the difference would only be 1mm which would allow you to purchase a low-profile transitions piece such as the Roberts 32mm x 0.825m Pewter Hammered Cover Strip Trim or similar.

The padding technique can be used on the hybrid flooring models to reduce the difference between flooring media. My best advice is to double check the available space and the type of wood you would like to install in the space available.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[LSJ]

Hi Eric , 

Thanks for  your reply and suggestion . So  the plywood option would need to be installed throughout the apartment - approx 45sqm? How  much would that cost approximately? Wound the other option to remove the tiles  altogether and lay the hybrid throughout be better?

[EricL]

Hello @LSJ 

If you have a floor area of 45 square meters, you'll need to divide it by the area of the plywood sheeting which is 2.88 square meters. You'll therefore need approximately 16 sheets as the sheets can't be purchased in fractions. Therefore 16 sheets multiplied by the current price of $45.50 is $728.00. If the tiled area is smaller, it might be more affordable to have the tiles removed. I propose getting a quote from a handy person on how much to remove the tiles. You can then compare the cost and see which one you want to proceed with.

Eric

[LSJ]

Great advice Eric , thanks 👍

[LSJ]

Hi Eric, 

flooring company representative came today to measure and quote  on installing the flooring.  They will be giving me 2 quotes - one for removing the kitchen  tiles snd laying hybrid planks throughout . The second option is build up the floor throughout with 

questions ? 

There are is several ‘ unknowns ‘ detailed below which you may be able to help with . 
Option 1 Keeping  the kitchen tiles .
Q1. The gap between the existing tiles and carpet is 25mm - which is bigger then I thought. Will installing the plywood option work with this depth!?

Q2. Are there issues with the plywood getting wet e.g with spills etc even if the hybrid flooring is waterproof ? 
Q3 Apparently, the plywood sizes may not fit in our building’s elevator ?

Option 2: Removing the tiles . 
The tiles  meet the front door of the apartment and it is a fire door . There is carpet on the other side of  the door in the foyer . 
Q1. Removing the tiles will result in a 25mm under the door which would make it

 

non fire compliant . Is there any way to counteract this ? 

Thanks 

Liz 

[EricL]

Hello @LSJ 

It's good to hear that you got a floor rep to assess and quote your flooring. 

• Yes, the plywood option is still open to you, however the installer will need to add an extra layer of plywood in order to meet the 25mm gap. Have the flooring rep give you a detailed explanation on how they will add packers to your flooring in order to meet the 25mm gap.
   
• The plywood can be covered with builder's plastic both above and below to prevent any spills getting in contact with its surface. Please refer to your flooring rep on how they will protect the plywood from water.
   
• The plywood will need to be cut down (usually in half) in order to fit into the service elevator or passenger elevator. 

Removing the tiles:

• This is something you'll need to talk about with your flooring rep as they are more up to date about fire door compliance. It's possible that part of the tiled floor will need to stay in order to be fire compliant. But as I mentioned, please speak to your flooring rep about this part of the build.
   

I'm very excited for you as you've taken the next step in your project and you've gathered more information to move forward. 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your flooring project.

Eric

[LSJ]

Hi Eric, 

Thanks for your input and your encouragement. 
Liz