What's with all the tile? (Austin: renting, how much, new home)

[Megan1967]

Why is it that I've seen (online) at least 3 homes with tile throughout the house - livingroom, bedrooms etc included? Reminds me of a vet clinic.

[jwb123]

It's a "thing" here - took me awhile to get used to it too. Now I kinda like it if the right tile is used. Keeps things cooler in the summer too.

[achtungpv]

We thought it'd be great when we bought our 2nd house a year ago. We both started have ankle and knee pain (early 30s so it's a bit soon for it) and whenever I sat at the computer, the rug didn't quite make it underneath it and I had to wear shoes otherwise my feet would get so cold that my legs would ache. Ended up ripping out around 1900 sq ft of tile and putting in carpet. I won't have all tile again. Maybe hardwood...

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by Megan1967

Why is it that I've seen (online) at least 3 homes with tile throughout the house - livingroom, bedrooms etc included? Reminds me of a vet clinic.

We've had hard surfaces throughout our last two homes (except bedrooms) and have all tile and wood in the new home we're building.

It's easier to keep clean, more allergy friendly, lasts longer, doesn't stain, let's you water plants more freely (without worrying about getting the carpet wet underneath), allows decor flexibility (floor rugs), increases resale value, etc.

That said, it's not conducive to barefoot living, but a nice pair of slip-ons takes care of that.

Steve

[Driftwood1]

AND , you best increase you "socks" budget..
The combination of "slab on grade" construction, and all tile floors, is brutal on you're knees n bones.

Since we moved here we can go through sox in a month now, wear them clean through. Also both my wife and I have had knee trouble since getting here. People who work in environments where they stand on concrete all day are often required to wear the correct shoes. I think wood would certainly be alot easier on the joints. There's something to be said for the old timber framed joist floors, at least they had some give. Now my knees have the give... We carpeted the great room last weekend.. we'd had enough!

Cheers

Originally Posted by achtungpv

We thought it'd be great when we bought our 2nd house a year ago. We both started have ankle and knee pain (early 30s so it's a bit soon for it) and whenever I sat at the computer, the rug didn't quite make it underneath it and I had to wear shoes otherwise my feet would get so cold that my legs would ache. Ended up ripping out around 1900 sq ft of tile and putting in carpet. I won't have all tile again. Maybe hardwood...

[2austin]

achtungpv: Do you mind telling how much you paid pulling out 1900sqft of tiles?

Steve: Is hardwood in kitchen considered bad (or good) for Austin resale?

Thanks!

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by 2austin

achtungpv: Do you mind telling how much you paid pulling out 1900sqft of tiles?

The quote I got was $3.50/sq ft or $6,650.

I did it myself over 18 days. I rented a floor stripper from Home Depot. There's two models and the smaller one works far better with ceramic tile. You set the blade as flat as possible and position it on the center of the tile edge (not underneath) and the vibration will pop it up with hopefully all of the thinset attached. I tried the larger machine but the blade would not go as low and it was very hard work with most of the tiles shattering. I rented a 14 yard rollaway dumpster and filled it twice (I also replaced all my doors and baseboards). All in all, I spent about $1,700 doing it myself. If I had known about the superiority of the smaller floor stripper (which wasn't available at my usual HD) I could have done it in 6-7 days. I would also consider buying the floor stripper (~$1400) and then reselling it. I spent around $1200 renting it without the ability to recoup any money reselling it.

[2austin]

achtungpv, thanks for the insight. Your feedback was really useful.

1900 sqft is quite a lot of area. Good job saving money

[Talltinter]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

We've had hard surfaces throughout our last two homes (except bedrooms) and have all tile and wood in the new home we're building.

It's easier to keep clean, more allergy friendly, lasts longer, doesn't stain, let's you water plants more freely (without worrying about getting the carpet wet underneath), allows decor flexibility (floor rugs), increases resale value, etc.

That said, it's not conducive to barefoot living, but a nice pair of slip-ons takes care of that.

Steve

Being in the south, it helps the home stay cooler.

[atxex]

Tile is functional. It gets pretty hot during the summer.