Entry way step down issue... need advice
#1
11-08-14, 05:01 PM
Entry way step down issue... need advice
My house has about a 14ft across and 4 foot deep step before it steps down into my livingroom. The flooring appears to be thin vinyl that actually wraps over the edge of the step. My livingroom floor is carpeted. My question is, what would you advise I do to improve the look of this step down. The floor is solid. It seems like laminate would be the most affordable and best looking option, can I put laminate right over this vinyl? I am also concerned about a floating floor with a stepdown, and the process to make sure it stays secure. Any thoughts?
#3
11-09-14, 06:56 AM
If it were mine, and obviously you use it as a "mud" entrance, as evidenced by the shoes, I would install ceramic tile. It would be impervious to water and mud and would enhance the entrance a great deal. It is probably only a matter of time before the fold in the flooring will give way, if it is bent over like that. Is the house on a slab or wood frame?
#5
11-09-14, 07:07 AM
Member
The only drawback with ceramic tile in an entrance hallway (I have it in mine) is that it's "cold" and slippery if it gets wet. The grout will take a beating and will need to be re-grouted in few years. But yes I agree tile is the way to go.
#6
11-09-14, 07:13 AM
One tile that I have used in entrances is the new wood look stuff. It has a good grain to it so it is not as slippery as normal tile. Also, using a smaller grout line makes it look like wood planks rather than tile, eliminating much of the dirt in the grout.
#7
11-09-14, 08:03 AM
Member
Chandler, I like that. I've contemplated redoing my hallway. This looks interesting. My ceramic tile is about 35 years old and needs new grout very badly. The grout space is about 1/4" and I need to remove it and replace it. Big job that I've put off a long time. Now you got me thinking.
#8
11-09-14, 08:10 AM
I recently did our hallway in this stuff. Our hallway is a killing zone for whatever the cats bring in, so the carpet had to go. Wifey wanted a lighter color, so we have a birch which reflects light pretty well, since there are no windows. I dropped back to a 1/8" grout line.
#10
11-09-14, 06:59 PM
Engineered click lock flooring would be a good choice, but lack in the "mud room" effect and protection tile would give. Yes, install thinset, 1/4" cbu, thinset and tile right over the vinyl.
#12
11-10-14, 04:05 AM
Remove and replace gives a better look and doesn't make the molding look too short. Undercut the door frames and jambs so the tile/flooring slips under it.
