Hi there,
I've just had a visit from a builder/kitchen fitter who has told me that my floor tiles are uneven and the flooring had been laid too thickly, meaning he will need to take up the tiles to accommodate the kitchen.
He pointed several issues:
Firstly, the flooring is uneven meaning the plinths and cupboards will have to be trimmed so everything fits.
Secondly, he said using backerboards, tiles and adhesive on top of my original flooring has now made the floor too thick (it's about 18mm in thickness overall) and that the backerboards weren't necessary.
He has now advised we need to take up the flooring and re-do it which will cause us to lose a lot of money.
Clearly, I feel ripped off by my tiler but I am now wary that this new builder could be pointing out issues that could easily be fixed in other ways.
Can someone please give me some advice on my next steps as I don't want to make any rational decisions.
I understand you can't see the job but if you saw these issues, what would you advise your clients?
Thanks in advance.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Ripping up the floor seems drastic! 18mm definitely is not too big, the kitchen should be adjustable not a lot but should definitely be able to play around with it until it's above the plinth. If the floor is that bad and you can't get over it it's Obviously easier to trim the plinth ,I cant see it but surely the kitchen is going on top of the new floor? If you're happy with the floor it should all just work, backer boards are essential for floors in my opinion. I'm struggling to picture the guys issue mentally. Think you need a second/ third opinion. Hope this helps
I would not rip up the tiles the legs on the units can adjust to suit 18 mm is only the same as some wooden flooring and just trim the plinths down to suit.
Hello
Like Mark has previously stated taking up entire floor is very drastic especially as some tiles, such as slates etc, are almost impossible to get even anyhow due to the natural variation in thickness. Not sure why you didn't take up original tiles and then laytex but as you didn't hardibacker boards would then give you a better base to re-tile on and to get any floor undulations rectified .
Only you can say if you think the tiling was done well / acceptable and whether there are no great ridges, projecting / sharp corners etc under foot that need attending to. If not I don't really see why it cannot be overcome by the kitchen fitter as most kitchens come with adjustable legs, and even those units that don't an experienced kitchen fitter should be able overcome !!
Regards
David
Tile backer boards are used for a number of reasons and shouldn't be should a big deal for a kitchen fitter as there under tiles , also riven slate comes in loads of different thicknesses which is used in kitchens and the have been for years with no issues
