We are now at flooring phase of remodel. We are planning on tile in kitchen, bamboo flooring in Living/dining/den-media room. Two general questions:
First, bamboo T&G flooring. Live in Dallas TX and installing over 25yr old concrete slab. There are diff opiniions. I like the floating over a moisture barrier for ease of install and possible expansion/contraction. But there are others who reco gluing direct to concrete? Any experience or opinions on this?
Second, we have been remodeling for 3 mo and are itching to get moved in, but want to wait for floors before moving in furniture. Problem, kitchen cabinets will be 4-6 wks out. Would like to tile kitchen first, but cabinet installer reco that floor is last? Any thoughts how to get tile in prior to cabinets. We were thinking we install in foyer halls up to kitchen perimieter and come back with finish at later time. Tile is dark as is grout so do not think coloring is issue…. or wait till end to grout?
Replies
Cabinets should sit on tile or at least be at same elevation as finished kitchen floor. You will never get the dishwasher installed if tops are in before hand and should the dishwasher give up the ghost you will be busting tile to get it out.
This is common knowledge for any cabinet installer, either theirs some miscommunication or your cab guy is out to lunch.
In regards to bamboo let it float or install on sleepers if applicable I personally would not glue to slab
Dan,
Have you not shimmed up cabs with blocks or ply, leaving toe kick covers off, even leaving space for tile or hardwood later?
Worse case for this cab installer-tile everywhere or up to and just inside the cabinet line b/4 he gets there.
There's all sorts of reasons to tile /HW everything and then set cabs.
There's also plenty that you should tile up to cabs-ever had one that desired a flooring change w/o moving the cabs?
I know I've had some of both. Hated both too. No finished flooring left and they wanted that desk unit removed-the frig end panel gone........
The end result? no matter how much you wished it had been done one way............sure as ####-it was done the other.
I hate this business.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Cabinets shouldn't be tiled in in my opinion. In some cases, under counter appliances like dishwashers won't fit under the counters when the flooring is installed after the cabinets.
I just got the Nov. 09 Fine Homebuilding and on the cover and starting on page 38 is an article on placing engineered flooring over a concrete slab.