Can I restore my tile floor ( deep clean it!) The easier solution would be to restore but if you are restoring a tile that has 1980's style and you want modern 2016 pizzaz then replacing is the only solution.
So you decide to replace and you decide to go with a new contemporary styled tile, chances are that the newer styled tiles come in a larger tile than the 1980's 12 inch by 12 inch tile. Newer styles are typically 18 by 18 or even 24 by 24 or something that comes in a plank size that is really really cool.
When it comes to preparing a subfloor for the newer larger format tile then pay close attention to flatness of your subfloor. Many of the modern looking styles in today's tile flooring calls for thinner grout lines. Just remember that the smaller the grout line the flatter the subfloor has to be. Why you ask? If your subfloor is not flat and you have a subfloor that has lots of high spots that can cause tiles to sit unevenly then there is a higher chance of some tile edges to stick up higher than an adjacent tile. This is also known as lippage and it can ruin the look of the whole project. See the picture below.
So you decide to replace and you decide to go with a new contemporary styled tile, chances are that the newer styled tiles come in a larger tile than the 1980's 12 inch by 12 inch tile. Newer styles are typically 18 by 18 or even 24 by 24 or something that comes in a plank size that is really really cool.
When it comes to preparing a subfloor for the newer larger format tile then pay close attention to flatness of your subfloor. Many of the modern looking styles in today's tile flooring calls for thinner grout lines. Just remember that the smaller the grout line the flatter the subfloor has to be. Why you ask? If your subfloor is not flat and you have a subfloor that has lots of high spots that can cause tiles to sit unevenly then there is a higher chance of some tile edges to stick up higher than an adjacent tile. This is also known as lippage and it can ruin the look of the whole project. See the picture below.
The key to a great looking tile floor is first to remove the old floor using modern low dust demolition systems like what we use at Bare Knuckle Floor Demolition. Secondly, be sure to address low spots and thirdly use a qualified installer who can show you his experience.
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