I have very old bathroom floor tiles! They are 1 inch gray squares and are hideous! I want to lay new flooring but I don't want to remove the old stuff (we only have 1 BA and 3 users so it would be very inconvenient!) Any suggestions for laying a floor over it and properly sealing it? Is this even possible? I'm looking for anything! Concrete, laminate, tile, brick, ANYTHING!!! Please help!
2007-01-28 12:24:29 · 7 answers · asked by CurlyLocks 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
The area to be covered is only approximately 5' by 5' and I have laid floor tile before which is why I know it's about a 3 day process! What if I put down a thin layer of self leveler over the tile (which is 50 years old and pretty worn). Would I be able to add flooring then? Could I paint the leveler with floor/porch paint?
2007-01-28 18:27:17 · update #1
These are all good answers! I dont's know where you reside, but in the U.S., you can use Henry's 547 (portland based cement) for a patch. this stuff when mixed with warm water is very quick drying. Use a fast setting mortar (if time is really a problem, and you said you have experience in tiling), but there isn't much play time, so I would recommend dry laying the tiles first and have them ready for lay. Use a flange extension for your flange so your toilet seals properly, and transition is up to you. As mentioned above, this does elevate the floor and may pose issues with door length (which you can take off and trim), you may need an extension on your sink drain (p-trap), and transition problems. Other than that, it's a quick fix. Remember that your new floor will be only as strong as your existing floor, so if there are cracks or signs of weaknesses on your existing floor, this will just telegraph onto the new floor. Have fun! Shoot me an email if you have any other questions about specifics.
2007-01-29 03:12:46 · answer #1 · answered by down2earth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember that if you lay anything on top of your existing floor, it will raise the height of the floor and may cause interference with the bathroom door, as well as a bump that you'll have to step over every time you enter. Also, it will raise the toilet, which will make it more difficult to get a watertight seal with the closet flange.
You should break out the old tile and scrape or chisel the mortar off the floor until it is smooth and level. Then lay your new tile using a fast setting mortar. Leave your toilet in place until the last, to minimize the interruption. When you do pull your toilet, break out the remaining tile and lay the new tile as fast as you can. Normally I would wait a day to grout, but in this situation you can grout the area under the toilet as soon as the mortar has set. Wipe off the excess grout with a wet sponge and buff it with a clean rag, then reinstall the toilet with a new wax ring and closet bolts. You can finish grouting another day.
This will be more trouble, but will give you far better results and be more permanent than any other solution. It will also be a job that you're proud of.
2007-01-28 20:51:53 · answer #2 · answered by Tech Dude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK if you lay vinyl or linoleum over a square tile pattern eventually you will see the pattern in your new flooring.This is due to not having a flat surface.If you leave the tile down you will need to use a filler material to float over the existing tiles any home improvement store will have this... the best way would to break out the old tile then just lay new tile. You will need a wet tile saw (which you can rent) and a crow bar or anything that will help you remove the old tile.. this would be the best way. You may also want to replace or use Hardy board with new tile.
If you have never done this you will end up losing 2 weekends and saving $100.00 and tools you may never use. Find a job site and look for flooring guys or hang out for a bit in the flooring area and look for a contractor..
2007-01-28 17:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by johnryan123 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could do it by laying masonite over the tile first, this will prevent the tile pattern from showing through, and will give a solid base for the new floor. Use construction adhesive to attach it to the tile. You could then put vinyl over the top.
This is not the best solution, as it will add thickness to your floor and create a step-up into the room. It will work, though. Just run a bead of caulk around the edge after to lay the floor.
2007-01-28 17:54:00 · answer #4 · answered by hescop 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you use a floor leveler and trowel it over the existing floor, you can put a new floor on top. The thicker the floor you install, the higher the uneven level will be at the doorway.
The best idea is to remove the old covering. A shovel used upside down and a couple of hours should do it... a 50 year-old floor isn't hangin' on by much now...
2007-01-29 02:59:17 · answer #5 · answered by 6kidsANDalwaysFIXINGsomething 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought a Box Kit floor epoxy from Menards here in Chicago to fix a public restroom in my wife's shop. I fixed a spot or two on the existing tile which has missing small pieces with that epoxy before attempting the whole room. I then mixed the three part of floor epoxy grout and put it on with a roller on the first coat. The second one I did with a squeege. The third and final again with a brush. I am happy with this product and the floor is very nice and easy to clean.
2007-01-29 03:23:29 · answer #6 · answered by James M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you dont really care than just lay linoleum right over it. Just be sure to properly clean the tile before glueing down the lino to the tile. But if you want cheaper than just get oversized bathroom rugs. Keep in mind any time you look for a quick fix in home remodeling, it remains exactly that, a quick fix. It will last but for how long and may not look as good as if it were on completely flat base. Hope this tid bit helps
2007-01-28 17:32:20 · answer #7 · answered by manny 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋