Flooring recommendations requested when carpet and tile share same space

[gap2415]

Our new spec home has an L shape living-dining area with carpet in the larger living area (ugh!) and porcelain tile in the dining and adjacent kitchen area. Two cats and carpet don't mix even if I did like it but I'm not sure if I want cold tile all the way through. Putting in a nice hardwood or quality laminate would work and match our furniture if it was in the mid brown tones but I'm concerned about a chopped up look and don't like the washed out woods that would match the tile.

I was informed that they put down a cement layer under the dining area tile that would be very expensive to rip up if I chose to replace that area with something else but it is an option albeit expensive.

What have others done?

[jnieman]

Our new spec home has an L shape living-dining area with carpet in the larger living area (ugh!) and porcelain tile in the dining and adjacent kitchen area. Two cats and carpet don't mix even if I did like it but I'm not sure if I want cold tile all the way through. Putting in a nice hardwood or quality laminate would work and match our furniture if it was in the mid brown tones but I'm concerned about a chopped up look and don't like the washed out woods that would match the tile.

I was informed that they put down a cement layer under the dining area tile that would be very expensive to rip up if I chose to replace that area with something else but it is an option albeit expensive.

What have others done?

I re-read your question and wonder if they could put laminate down over the tile and put a sub floor where the carpet was to level it off. We had that done in our house in Ohio and it worked. You should call Floormasters or some other tile place to come out to give you an estimate. They probably have a solution that none of us thought of.

[NYGUY]

I would think you should be able to find some contrasting wood/laminate to go with the tile.

[CFrance]

Are you considering putting the laminate on top of the tile and that is why you would need the cement? Not sure I am following you.
I think OP meant that a cement layer had been put down under the original tile, and taking all that out would be expensive.

But I wonder if sub flooring could be put where the carpet was, to match the height of the tile portion, and the whole thing covered with laminate.

We ripped our carpet out and matched the tile to the kitchen/entry area. In a new house they can even match lot numbers. (Large dog with lots of shedding/drooling.) I don't find it cold, but lots of people do. Area rugs look nice on it.

[Tiggsmom]

I was in the flooring business and handled many homes in the Villages that came with this this same problem. First, good move on taking the carpet out as it would only last about 2 years...if that. I have seen it last longer in some cases but not most. You should not go over the tile with anything! If you want it done right you need to take the tile up. If you want wood, there are some installers that will butt the wood up to the tile but that is not usual. There is usually a t-mold and if you get laminate...there is always t-molds at the junction. If you want tile you can put a saddle where the tile meets and then change the layout of the new installation. If the tile is currently straight then put the new in on a diagonal. This seems to be what most people do. If you have a tile from your new home take it with you when you go out looking for tile and always take samples home to see it in your light. I hope this helps!

[goodtimesintv]

Install engineered hardwood (lock and fold) or laminate throughout, and over the tile with the carpeted area raised up with sub-flooring. Would look much warmer/friendlier than cold, hard tile and would look more residential.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Why cover or replace the carpet with laminate? Why not just install matching tile.

[CFrance]

Why cover or replace the carpet with laminate? Why not just install matching tile.
Because in post #1, OP stated "I'm not sure if I want cold tile all the way through." I think they are just asking for opinions.

[Opmoochler]

We ripped our carpet out and matched the tile to the kitchen/entry area. In a new house they can even match lot numbers. (Large dog with lots of shedding/drooling.) I don't find it cold, but lots of people do. Area rugs look nice on it.

When we moved here in Sept., with our big dog, we replaced three carpeted bedrooms and closets with tile and love the convenience. It is all so easy to clean with a vacuum and steam cleaner. Our only carpet is an area rug defining the "living room" space.

[bdorman]

Ripping out the existing tile is pretty easy. Messy...but easy.

We did exactly what you're describing. On day of closing our flooring company (Roberto's in Colony Square - highly recommended) came in and tore up all carpeting and all tile except the bathrooms and the laundry room. We replaced it all with Luxury Vinyl Tile. If you spend any extended time in the kitchen your legs will thank you for taking out the tile. Also, having one flooring throughout really opens up the area and makes it appear larger.

Roberto's was great about keeping the dust to a minimum, taping off all vents, cabinets, etc.

All the best with your new home and projects.

[Chatbrat]

In Florida with the humidity carpet is a mold catcher. We bought a brand new designer and had all the carpet removed. Had laminate installed by the Floor Shoppe. Our cleaning person has no problem keeping the floors perfect.

If you have the opportunity to get rid of carpet with little inconvenience,do it.

Much healthier environment.