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Flooring Design Dilemma DIY

Replacing existing wood floor in kitchen using organic transition

Mackenzie Salisbury

4 years ago

Has anyone ever taken out part of an old wooden floor and replaced them with tile and done an organic transition? I've seen videos of when people are installing all new flooring, but not when replacing a certain section. See some of the photos. I am hoping to do this in our kitchen, but no idea on how to ask a contractor or research how I might do this myself.

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Comments (3)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
There are many ways to do this transition you need an experiences flooring installer used to both materials fo sure and be prepared for a big bill at the end .
PRO
Filipe Custom Woodwork
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Love this idea, but ditto on Patricia's comment. ^^^^^^ Because of all of the angled shapes etc if it's not done right, it will be ruined. Just like people who use black grout with white 3x6 tile and the tile is installed wonky, you see every mistake.
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Okay, I think I see what you are getting at. I should be able to lay flooring into the doorway with ease and then maybe screw down a straightedge to the door frame (or pocket screw it in place) and route a perfect line. Then it would be alot of small adjustments, but I'd rather do that on one filler strip than every floor board. I should have said, the boards meet this doorway edge on, that is, the boards are the long part of the T and the doorway is the top of the T. Thanks. Anthony
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So appreciate receiving feedback It means a LOT to me. God Bless all who have offered their expertise. This was a replacement cafe type door. That is there is a door on either side of the frame that meet in the middle when closed. I see now that with this replacement door there was a space between the tile and the door frame and he filled the space with grout.. Now there is grout between the tile and the door frame and there is some grout under the transition wood piece. Could this be the problem ? I am hesitant to call him back because I am not sure he is familiar with tile/wood flooring. He is primarily an outdoor contractor (septic systems etc.) who does indoor work during the winter. I cannot imagine another busy contractor would be willing to do this small (but important project). Neither my husband nor I are handy.
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SJ McCarthy
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
As above...the way this will be done is:

1. Remove one FULL PLANK MORE than what is planned (assume the wood is not salvagable)

2. Source both hardwood and tile

3. Lay tile and hardwood at the same time (you need to glue the wood)

4. Sand/refinish the ENTIRE wood floor for the perfect look

5. It is possible to get a colour patch/finish patch done on the new wood planks

Of course this whole thing could go to heck in a hand basket should the existing wood floor be nail-in-place or a floating hardwood. It could go wonky if the tile does not sit flush with the wood (ie. the wood is thin or old or the tile subfloor needs reinforcing = sits higher) or a myriad of other issues.

And just to be clear, tile needs a stiffer subfloor (assuming wood joists are involved) than wood which means a full assessment needs to be done to see if your existing subfloor can handle the tile...or if it needs to be beefed up.

BTW: the first photo is a poor example of this type of install. The second and third photos are very nice jobs. An inexperienced installer will have a hard time recreating the 1st photo (poor workmanship) let alone achieve the 2nd or 3rd photos.

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