Should I have Saltillo Tile installed in my kitchen?

7 years ago

I am purchasing a new home, built in the 1990's and while the WHITE tile in the kitchen and foyer are in great shape, I hate the look. I LOVE Saltillo tiles, but hear/read many love /hate stories about the tile.

Does it really crack like I hear?? Is it really that hard to maintain, if it is properly sealed? It would seem to me that putting hardened dirt on your floor would be pretty easy to live with and care for...just let it be!

Also, can I have the tiles applied ON TOP OF EXISTING TILES?? Again, these tiles are in great shape, very solid and flat, and my installer mentioned "sanding" (or something of the like) them down before install.

HELP!! I was soooo excited, now I'm getting cold feet.

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Comments (4)

Linda Doherty
7 years ago
I've had Saltillo tile in a home aND hated it. Always looks dirty.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
7 years ago
Saltillo tiles are a high end floor. Please do NOT install a HIGH end floor over a MEDIOCRE floor. Please do it properly. Yes...technically a tile can be laid over tile...but installers worth their stripes do NOT do it. In fact, the REALLY good one's will get you to sign a waiver saying that they do NOT recommend the install but will do it to the best of their ability at the homeowners insistence - no warranty for workmanship is offered.

Yah. That's how the GOOD installers put it. And besides, Saltillo tiles are THICK. I mean they can raise the floor by 1" or MORE! The stuff s/he has to do to the existing tile will probably involve a bit of self leveling as well = adds floor height.

Will your dishwasher fit under the counter if you add 1" underneath it? And the stove? What about the fridge and it's clearance?

Hmmmm. Not many kitchens can handle a 1" floor height raise. What about the other floors in the home? How would that transition work? Not well I would guess.

If you want Saltillo, go for it. Just make sure you are using the RIGHT professional who will do the RIGHT work for the material and the home itself.

I prefer to see tile removed before more tile is added. It is the right way to do it. There are "other" ways to do it that may or may not last 30 years...but the right way to do it is always the best way.

Please have the tile removed before adding more tile. You will find it works out better in the end (a bit more expensive...but then again all of your floor transitions will work out MUCH better...and your dishwasher will fit!).
sarahbevistaylor thanked Cancork Floor Inc.
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User
7 years ago
Instead of true Saltillo tile, which is THICK, uneven, and soaks up all the grease and spills unless it's sealed and re-sealed regularly, use a standard ceramic tile saltillo look-alike.

https://regalfloorcoverings.com/tile/marazzi-tile/marazzi-super-saltillo
sarahbevistaylor thanked User
pupu4u
7 years ago
I agree, I had them and hated them in the kitchen. They were cracked and stained within 4 years. I wish I had gone with the ceramic version.

Should I have Saltillo Tile installed in my kitchen?

Comments (4)

Linda Doherty

Cancork Floor Inc.

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