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rabittshand

Kitchen floor - nuke it or leave it?

4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

Our home has a large kitchen/pantry/bulter pantry area that we are about to redo. The cabinets are box-store quality and the counters are laminate that is showing its age. We are rehoming most of the cabinets to other areas in the house (laundry room) so this feels like an efficient use of $.

Our designer is pushing to have the existing tile floor replaced with the argument that the current floor doesn't mesh with the high end finishes we are going with and he's not sure we can match it for the reconfigured areas (removing the 'L' and going with a much longer island). I'm hesitating because while it's certainly not my first choice I'm perfectly happy with the current floor. The cost involved is substantial as the floor encompasses a large area. It's a common tile with plenty of variation so I believe I could probably get it matched.

Can I get some opinions on whether leaving an existing tile floor is really a bad idea? This is a $100k reno without the floor, $130k with a new floor. I'm including the original listing pictures of the kitchen.





Edit: We have leftover cases in the basement, so we do have the ability to match needed flooring pieces.

Comments (11)

  • 4 years ago

    The first step is to get samples to match your existing floor. Is it really possible to match it? You need to back up your opinion with actual product. Then post info on the other choices being suggested.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I would replace the flooring in your kitchen while doing this reno. I would also look at what is making up the $100k in the kitchen reno and see if some cuts can be made there in order to afford the new floor. I bet there are some extras that would be easy to cut. For example, does the cabinetry have corbels, columns, huge crown molding, a cabinet hood surround? All can be cut at no detriment to the kitchen. A cabinet hood surround can be expensive compared to a metal hood, and harder to clean as well. And what cabinet line is it; perhaps there are less expensive cabinet lines you would like just as well. And a sink can be $1300 or $400. Etc.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    So, this is crazy - I went into the lair portion of our basement just now as I knew we had a couple pieces and discovered that we actually have 2 cases of tile leftover from when the original owners built, as well as a couple additional tiles, for a total of 17, 20x20 tiles. I believe this should be enough to replace any pieces that need to be. This might be what I need to make my decision, but I'd like to know if others that are more talented in the area of kitchen design and style have any opinions on whether this may be shooting myself in the foot, in terms of aesthetic and resale value.


  • 4 years ago

    I don't mind it either but Dan is right. Find replacements before you assume you can find replacements. :)

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks - replacements are in hand! As for finding room for other price reductions, I have a family member that works for Ferguson so we will get some savings by getting fixtures, plumbing, etc at cost. I'm still not sure if keeping the flooring is a design problem or not.

  • 4 years ago

    Great. NOW you have to decide if you like it enough to keep.


    Designwise, yeah sure it's outdated. Or at least not as trendy as it once was. It will limit your options on the new kitchen, like any existing element. It doesn't clash with "high end" finishes. It's just not a color that is on trend.


    If it does not look good with the other materials and styles you want to use, it goes. If it does look good, it can stay. There is nothing necessarily "low-end" about tile.*



    *It's possible your tile is really low-end and looks it. I can't tell from here. :)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    "Or at least not as trendy as it once was."

    That tile was never trendy. It was a low-cost plain vanilla option for flooring.

    *It's possible your tile is really low-end and looks it. I can't tell from here. :)

    It is definitely a low-end tile; I don't think it was "really" low-end as you put it, it was the kind of tile that did the job at a low price point. I can tell from here. :)

    The OP said, "the cabinets are box-store quality and the counters are laminate". The floors are going to be in the same category of age and quality. The thing is, if you are spending $100k on a kitchen, that is a lot of money and I am sure the new kitchen will be quite upgraded from what you have now. Sorry, but keeping the old floors will be like wearing old worn sneakers with a new cocktail dress.

    "some savings by getting fixtures, plumbing, etc at cost."

    That is great, but the lion's share of kitchen reno cost (not including labor, and assuming no structural changes) is the cabinetry. If you want to save real dollars, look at your what your cabinets are costing. Edited to add: I forgot electrical - electrical work costs a fortune, and there's no getting around what it cost.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Tough call when considering the $$ & especially since you have tile on hand. I’d give the end result top consideration. Will you look at your new kitchen & think - it’s perfect….except for floor. Will existing floor limit your choices? You already said it wouldn’t have been your first choice. It’s easier to pick all new finishes rather than matching everything new to something existing. How long do you plan to be in this house? Can you afford the new floor? Are you sure of cost - have you actually picked out new flooring & received price? Will replacing this floor affect flooring in adjoining / adjacent rooms?

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Whether ceramic tile is outdated as a kitchen flooring depends on who you ask and where you live.

    In California and the Southwest, it is still a very popular option. Elsewhere, wood, stone, and true linoleum are the floors to have. But, in the end, it is very much a personal choice. If you like it, keep it, if not and you are willing to pay the cost, replace it.

    Since the tile is a nice vanilla white that goes with any decor and because it is the longest wearing of all possible flooring choices, I would probably keep it. BUT, have your contractor make sure that the leftover tile you have available is enough to fill in any areas that are not now tiled.

    For a comprehensive review of possible flooring choices, the pros and cons of each choice, and an overall rating, see Flooring Options for Kitchens & Baths.

  • 4 years ago

    I'm glad I asked this question - it's nice to get some opinions from those in the know that also have no skin in the game. While I have enough tile to cover the pieces that will need to get replaced, I can't ignore the fact that I'd be cutting it very tight. I did some searching this morning and a Daltile rep told me this was discontinued several years ago. If we end up needing a replacement tile or two I'd be in rough shape. I think I'm going to ask for a raise and go full bore on this kitchen. Thank you for taking the time to comment and helping me come to terms with going with a new floor.

  • 4 years ago

    Great! You made your decision so time to move forward! You can donate to Habitat those unused boxes of tile & useable parts of your existing kitchen that you aren’t repurposing. Win Win for all!