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bardzil

I don’t like tile I picked - help!

6 years ago

We just had tile installed today on laundry floor. I don’t like it at all. can I remove it? what will be involved in removing and redoing it myself? It’s a small space - a little over 50 sf.


thank you!

Comments (16)

  • 6 years ago

    Do you have everything else put in? If not, wait until the space is finished. Plus you're talking about a laundry room.

  • 6 years ago

    It’s not that bad but I just don’t love it. It’s in a pretty visible location so I will see it all the time. Just disappointed I didn’t pick something I would love. Nothing else is in yet but it’s a pattern so it will always be noticeable.

  • 6 years ago

    If you have a painted shoe and it hasn’t been installed yet now is the best time to replace the tile

  • 6 years ago

    Is the tile grouted yet?


    Removing tile isn’t the easiest task but if not grouted and just laid, now is definitely the time to pull it up before moldings are installed.

  • 6 years ago

    @bardzil Is there the ability to give it a couple of weeks to see if it grows on you? Exact same thing happened to me in a bathroom except it was a countertop selection. I think it's perfect now but was taken aback by the effect at first. Takes time to get used to new stuff. Removing and re-doing it yourself is a big project and requires a lot of skill and knowledge. It's likely the installation could have lippage, large grout lines, uneven tiles, and a host of other problems if you've never tiled before. Also, there are a number of tools you'd need and even a tile leveling system that would be helpful, so it's not a cheap prospect. Maybe say to yourself you'll replace in 5 years if you still dislike it?

  • 6 years ago

    As mentioned, it’s a major job to remove and redo yourself

  • 6 years ago

    Ok thanks. I think I will have to live with it. It is just a laundry room. We are on a tight budget so I can’t afford to hire someone to redo it.

    We ran the tile under where cabinets will go as we aren’t ready to install cabinets yet (waiting to replenish our bank account before buying cabinets). I am worried it will be impossible to replace down the road since it will be under cabinets. Am I worrying about nothing? Is this a really issue or can I somehow replace even if it is under cabinets?

    cabinets will have a toe kick except one are where we just have open space under the counter for laundry baskets.

    thanks

  • 6 years ago

    Wait till it's finished. If you still hate it once the house comes together, throw a nice rug down. :)

    Down the road, yes it can be replaced.

  • 6 years ago

    You'll have to remove the cabinets to remove the tile later on. DH's aunt put LVP over her kitchen tile for that reason. Seriously, if you hate the tile, replace it now or otherwise consider it a permanent or near-permanent material. If installed correctly, removing it later on will be very labor intensive.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    No, you don’t have to remove cabinets to remove tile. That’s what a multi tool and a tile cutting blade are for. You just remove the quarter round and toe kick, cut at the line, and do the rest of the demo. Once the tile is replaced, you put back the toe kick and quarter round. It’s not that hard.


    You do have to manage dust control, and have skill with power tools. That isn’t novice DIY friendly. But it is doable after getting some experience. Laying tile isn’t novice DIY friendly either. Again, with practice, and it not being your first project, it’s doable.


    You have to develop your tool collection and practice your skills before tackling this. Otherwise, yes, it’s gonna be an expensive lesson to hire skilled labor.

  • 6 years ago

    Can you post a picture and tell us specifically what you don't like? We may be able to reassure you that this is something that you will likely come to feel more positive about - or not. We've had several dilemmas where people got a little outside their comfort zone with something that was ultimately a good choice, and it did take a bit of time. More pairs of eyes may help. We may be able to reassure you.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks for the advice and support. I will post a pic later. It’s not horrible tile - just too modern and too trendy for me. I wish I had chosen something different.


    Can I replace it someday even though it runs under the cabinets?

  • 6 years ago

    Can I replace it someday even though it runs under the cabinets?

    Absolutely but I'm guessing that once the whole house is finished, you won't even notice it anymore. Everything when building or remodeling seems to be a HUGE deal. Once the house is together, the appliances in, the rugs down, the pictures hung, it all tends to sit in the background.

    Ask me how I know. :)

  • 6 years ago

    You can absolutely remove and replace these tiles at a later date. With enough time and money and effort, anything is possible.


    There are two ways of removing a floor when cabinets are sitting on the floor:

    1. Remove cabinets (they can be salvaged but it takes 2-3 times longer to save them then it is to trash them)

    2. Use a floor cutting tool to cut the tiles on an angle (so they undercut the cabinets) and then jack out the rest of the tile. You would then reinstall another floor UP TO the base of the cabinet.


    Done like dinner.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Is it better than what was there before? I have picked things that I was disappointed in once installed. It helped me to compare it to what it is replacing, since it likely is better than what was there before!