Is flat ok?

[FreeD]

I've run into a problem on a job...its the one with old floorboards that i've overboarded with 12mm ply...i put the down some self levelling to try and level the floor what i didn't realise until today is that the floor still runs out by 25mm...i already have a step up of 10mm into the bathroom...completely levelling the floor would take this to 35mm before a tile has even been laid...would it be possible for me to give the customer the option at this stage of laying the tiles with the level of the current floor...which is flat but unlevel...or levelling the floor (at large cost...and huge step in to room)?

[grumpygrouter]

Whats wrong with it just being flat?

[whitebeam]

I'd be doing that as flat but have a chat to the customer and explain the problem

[FreeD]

I don't know thats what i'm ask i was always under the impression that tiles should be level across the whole floor...but thats simply not possible in this case as the floor is so far out but i could tile it at the level it is at...which would mean the tiles will slope towards the door...but this is ok?

[grumpygrouter]

The problem you normally have is with the movement of the door being opened. If the door was originally cut and the floor was level then you tile it out of level you may have difficulty opening the door. if the door has already been cut to accommodate a slope then all you would need to do is shorten it.

[mikethetile]

explain and discuss this with the client, its their floor after all

as long as the floor is flat and doesnt look obviously out of level it shouldnt be a problem

a trip hazzard in a door way is more of a problem

[doug boardley]

go for flat imo and bear in mind what GG says about shortening the door, unless of course it opens outwards lol!

[FreeD]

Yep will have to discuss tmw...there i was getting all worked up about getting a floor completely level! the floor was never level it was built in 1850 i'm guessing the joist have dropped + plus boards warped etc etc...I don't think it will be that noticable...as for the door i'lll just have to trim it somehow to the height/level of new floor any tips for doing that...i've taken it off at mo.

[mikethetile]

what sort of door freed

with the age of the property it should be a ledge door or if it was a more expensive property it would have a panelled door

chances are door has been changed

let us know type and we will advise on shooting off bottom

[Frosty]

Instead of shooting the door down for a slope, would rising hinges be an option (they are more the age of original property anyway).

[FreeD]

Hi mike its a real wood door of some kind...its just got a coat of wax on it...i'll find out wood type tmw but its definitely not hollow at the bottom! I've removed the door at mo to allow for the screed...although it may still clear screed if i was re hang...at what point do i trim once all is tiled or should i be trying to work out how much to remove before tiling?

thanks

[FreeD]

I think rising hinges are already in use...i'll check tmw...i was able to just lift the door off the hinges without unscrewing.

[R Montgomery]

I'm sorry but isn't anybody going to offer the client a level floor.Shouldn't that be standard?

[mikethetile]

thats rising butts then which makes life easy so does having a panelled door

the chances are its a pine door especially if its been waxed

if the floor was sloping then it would have been cut out of square to accomodate the slope in the floor, you need to retain this angle

when the floor is tiled you can work out how much to shoot off

measure down from the bottom of the butt on the frame to the top of floor

take off 5 mm

measure down from bottom of butt on door and mark edge of door, mark a line around the door parallel with bottom of door and cut off with a sharp saw

if your worried about takng to much off then dont take as much as 5mm off the measurement take 2mm off so it swings but rubs on floor then mark again and plane off enough to clear

[grumpygrouter]

I'm sorry but isn't anybody going to offer the client a level floor.Shouldn't that be standard?

What if the whole house slopes? it isn't unknown! levelling for levels sake may just not be cost effective, and does it have any benefit. What if all the fittings are already installed, you going to take them out, level up and start again?

[mikethetile]

I'm sorry but isn't anybody going to offer the client a level floor.Shouldn't that be standard?

not in a period property, the important thing is that its flat and will tile well

if the client wants it level as well then they will need to pay for the extra work invloved and live with a 35mm step in the bathroom doorway

freed is going to discuss these options with his client tomorrow

[R Montgomery]

What if the whole house slopes? it isn't unknown! levelling for levels sake may just not be cost effective, and does it have any benefit. What if all the fittings are already installed, you going to take them out, level up and start again?

It's not levelling for level's sake it's asking for a standard to begin with.Obviously some installations benefit from following existing conditions but let's begin with a level and plumb dream and move on from there.In my opinion the dream should be reality in most situations.

[R Montgomery]

not in a period property, the important thing is that its flat and will tile well

if the client wants it level as well then they will need to pay for the extra work invloved and live with a 35mm step in the bathroom doorway

freed is going to discuss these options with his client tomorrow

Maybe it costs more but their house may be their major investment and a big oak threshold looks great.I don't want to argue but shouldn't we give them the best job that we can do.If the client wants to save money then we should try to work with them but let's not start by cutting corners.

[FreeD]

I'll be giving the customer the option she can have a level floor if she wants but she will have to step up almost 40mm into the bathroom...plus it will cost her at least another £350 in materials and labour cost! and to be honest it probably won't be that noticable if tiled well

[FreeD]

I totally agree and will be giving her the choice there are other thing to think about though e.g the skirting that she didn't want to change that will look out of place if all the levels are brought up...the weight of the new floor plus cutting down the bath panels to fit etc...she will have to make that decision...

[graham31]

For all intent and purpose the floor is flat (now comes the contradiction) its just running off.

Once tiled you won't notice the floor has a run just spending the clients money thats not really needed in my opinion

[FreeD]

thanks all for your help

[mikethetile]

I live in a period property and would have a nervous break down if i used a laser level to try and bring things up to modern standards so i us my noddle

things that have to be level i level or plumb anything thats already out, walls floors etc i leave as this is part of the character that i paid for

if i wanted a perfect environment i would have bought a new house on an estate or a loft style wharehouse conversion

people who buy period properties are buying the quirks of settlement and building out of plumb

the chances are they know the floors out but are not bothered, give them the option............... its their home and they may like the quirks

[R Montgomery]

Just trying to say that we should give the client the best we can.

[lucius]

My own house is 200 years old and all over the place, just slcd the dips and then followed what was their, looks great.
Lucius.

[2Balls]

Hi,to make the slope not to obvious,you can offer your customer to do the skirting area with the floor tiles.Here´s an example of what i mean. I did not choose the tiles!

2Balls

[aflemi]

I have done that a couple of times, topped with metal trim it looks nice, will post pics when I get home....
Interesting shower there, looks a fair old 'hop up' to get in it, where does the step to the left lead to? or is it a low shelf?

[2Balls]

Hi Aflemi, Your right the shower is a bit strange, so is the Owner! Its actually the original entrance to a 4th floor Apartment. The ledge to the left is a bank so you can bath your feet!2Balls