Should I change my granite floors?

6 years ago

Hi, we are planning a big reno and knocking down the wall between the kitchen and living room to have an open plan. The thing is, our living room is huge and has been laid with granite tiles which are really expensive. I don’t like the look as they are black and I wanted to change the flooring of the kitchen and living room so it flows. But a lot of people are saying it would be a waste to get rid of the expensive granite tiles. What should I do? The house is about 20 years old.

Featured Answer

siriuskey

6 years ago

We are such a throw away society, Monica if you really dislike them and can afford to throw more money at the floor remove them. some ideas for you to consider

Comments (31)

JE C
6 years ago
Personally I would change them for the flooring you want, I think it will spoil your enjoyment of your reno otherwise.
PRO
Cipriano Italian Home Design
6 years ago
I would do the same, if you have the funds to replace them - do it. If you need to save on something, keep the floor as it is in good nick.

You might even be able to sell some off if they are removed nicely
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julie herbert
6 years ago
Wow!! Looks pretty awesome, very stylish but I guess it depends what you want to do in your Reno, I would love them , they are gorgeous
juliahocking
6 years ago
Hi

Depends on your vision for the reno....

The tiles are awesome in my view - opening the wall sounds like a lovely idea -using light furnishings and paint selection, it will be a really good family space

Black white & green would be cool, classic & sophisticated - a black/white combo in floor covering for the kitchen (if you can't match the original tiles) will give the flow you are after

Adding some light coloured floor rugs will break up area - use them to mark out different areas in the space

(I see baby equipment in the photo - the tiles will be easy to clean for the years ahead Easier on little knees too!!)
juliahocking
6 years ago
I found some photos -
remodeled kitchen · More Info

Traditional Kitchen · More Info

What do you think?
Tilly
6 years ago
Check out kernite, porcelain cladding, perfect to cover your floor and then flow through the rest of the floors.Can be viewed at tiles expo.
Even comes in timber look, I’ve used it and love it.
Definitely not a diy job, must be payed by a good tiler..
Basically they will lay it over your granite, then use a slightly thicker screed on the rest of the floors to keep it all even.
Super easy to clean doesn’t show marks and looks amazing
siriuskey
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hi there, what would look lovely with your black granite tiles is timber, without seeing your floor plan I would use timber flooring for the rest of the open plan area
oklouise
6 years ago
regardless of the cost of the original flooring the only way to make a considered decision is to identify the cost to replace or cover the tiles (including the time and cost of the very tedious labour and any unexpected damage to remove the old tiles and skirting boards)..hardly seems worth knocking down the wall to create an open plan area if you are not having a seamless floor ...the shiny black floor was someone else's dream but this is for your home
KK1000
6 years ago
With a bit of imagination and new dining set you could have amazing result without ripping out good floors . Such a waste.
KK1000
6 years ago
PS your table looks good just spray paint it white and get some modern chairs .
annb1997
6 years ago
It's highly unlikely the granite tiles can be saved for resale. I believe a machine like a vibrating knife is used to lift them, and the process would destroy them. I don't know how much dust would be created by the process, but you would want to take steps to minimise it settling on the rest of the house, esp kitchen, if you will be living in house whilst renovation takes place.

Monica, what flooring do you have in mind for the space?
Tilly
6 years ago
With the kerlite I mentioned earlier there is no need to remove the floor.
annb1997
6 years ago
Tilly, is this the product? Have you used it?

http://www.signorino.com.au/range-category/1-kerlite/
Monica Lim
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks everyone for your opinions and advice! Opinions are divided and I am still unsure haha.. it is the waste of the original expensive tiles that are still in good condition and yes, the guilt of being part of the throw away society that prompted me to raise the discussion.. but like some have pointed out, I had a vision of a light and airy living space with a light colored floor that is the same throughout the living, dining and kitchen areas.

I’m just feeling guilty and considering forgoing the vision and making do with the current shiny black floors and making the best out of it by laying matching or similar black floors in the kitchen. Of course, it’s doable and will look alright,but wonder if I will regret not changing it to what I wanted in the first place.

I was thinking of putting down tiles as well, but ones that look like grey wood.
Tilly
6 years ago
Yes, that’s the product and I used 3 different colours, one on a tv wall. One on a fireplace wall and one on a garage wall and also covering the entry door to the garage.
When we used it was new and tilers found it a bit tricky to cut.
Our tiler did a great job and he had already used it to cover a slate floor.
In order to cover the floors the tiler just has to change the thickness of the screed, that way you get a nice even floor, the new timber look is amazing.
Best to only get a tiler that’s used it, the place that sells it will definitely have one.

So much more out their now and I love it.
We have since sold but I will try and find some photos to send you.
annb1997
6 years ago
I agree the ones that resemble timber look really good. Thanks, Tilly.
Tilly
6 years ago
I found these photos on the realestate site.
Tv and fire place wall are stud walls, gyprocked and clad over.
The middle photo you need to look into the background to see the rendered wall and garage exterior timber door are covered.
Not a good photo but this one had different materials and levels but still came out level.
Much trickier than your floor I’m guessing.
annb1997
6 years ago
Monica, my belief is do what suits you & your family best. It is your home and you want it to reflect your personality, not someone else's. This is not something there's any need to feel guilt about. It is entirely possible someone would want the granite even broken up into pieces. It's amazing the things people find a use for. You could offer it for nothing as long as they cart it away.
oklouise
6 years ago
keeping or replacing the floor will be the basis of the whole new open plan space and savings can be made by keeping the floor or economising elsewhere..new mid range kitchen cabinets, splashbacks, plumbing, electrical, new appliances could be $..??? plus the cost of removing the walls and making good the gap between the old and new floors...do you know all the expected costs and where do you want to economise?
chubbychicky
6 years ago
You cannot live with someone else's idea of what your home should look like......if you don't like them and can afford to replace them, do it. Be comfortable and content in your own home!
siriuskey
6 years ago
Hi Monica, I see where you are doing the whole house, have you employed a local designer to help you with such a big job so that you end up with what you think you would like. good luck
siriuskey
6 years ago
another photo for you
McKinnon · More Info
petrucci0
6 years ago
We have black tiles in our house because we like black. We also have wooden floors. The kitchen is birch with laminate black granite bench tops. Our open plan works perfectly with the different floors because we have stayed with timber and black. Howver I love colour so we have incorporated red dining chairs and mustard and black cushions and rug in our family room. Timber look floor tiles are a great option, realistic and easy to clean. For you, the most important thing is to decide what you really want and go for it.
PRO
Wild Bear & Co Hervey Bay
6 years ago
Hi Monica.... I’m not sure how much natural or artificial light you have or would be able to implement but found these for your consideration.... whilst these kitchen/family spaces have black flooring (in different materials), they are all very light :) I’m not sure if this appeals to you but thought I’d post up some inspiration. But if you know in your heart something like this is not what you’re chasing & you have the money to change it, then follow your dreams :)
PRO
Wild Bear & Co Hervey Bay
6 years ago
Some more .... :)
siriuskey
6 years ago
Love the photos Nik, but I think she said that the open plan living was black and that she had to do something with the kitchen when it was opened up, something to work with the black x
Monica Lim
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks everyone for the overwhelming number of responses and taking the time to post pics for inspiration! I am now leaning toward matching the black tiles for the kitchen. I think it is the most practical way to go about it and the photos you sent have somewhat convinced me it will look alright. Going with all white cabinets so hopefully it won’t be so dark overall. Unfortunately not much natural light is available due to layout but will make do! Thank you sooo much xo
PRO
Wild Bear & Co Hervey Bay
6 years ago
Thanks Siri xx
Monica... I think some strategically placed lighting will look spectacular.. especially with your white cabinets, I think it will look really beautiful :)
siriuskey
6 years ago
Monica do you have a copy of the floor plan showing the area of granite and what other area is going to be added for more inspiration from Houzzers cheers
PRO
Paul Di Stefano Design
6 years ago
There is always a way to balance something like this so that it works - agree with some of the comments above in that it may be money better spent adjusting other elements.......however first things first, get the plan/layout resolved as the priority and then work into to the back-end decisions of finishes etc...you may have to change the flooring as a matter of necessity if you are taking out walls/opening up..........