Concrete look tiles or timber floorboards for renovation-Queenslander?
Hi,
I'm raising my old Queenslander and building underneath, I can't decide what flooring to have! Upstairs which is the current house is stained timber boards from the 40's, I'll sand and re-stain, stairs also timber tread.
I originally wanted polished concrete but pretty expensive, so I've found these amazing tiles in 800x800:
But should I go traditional and put floorboards everywhere? These 2 images are my either/or:
1. Tiles with shaker kitchen and wood accents:
2. timber with shaker kitchen and a navy/black island:
My other consideration is that the first floor flows into the laundry and powder room which the tiles could all go in and not have a join, timber in the living areas would mean tile in powder and laundry which is a join.
So, timber or tiles?
Comments (19)
bigreader
8 years agoGreat example pictures. I normally vote wood but in this case I'd go tile. It's a great looking choice, cool in Queensland and I like that you could have throughout the whole level.Karen Williams
8 years agoI've just done my whole house in this tile except the bedrooms. It looks fabulous.MB Design & Drafting
8 years agoYes, I'm with big reader. Love timber floors but tile is a better choice in your case. I also presume you're using a concrete slab so tiling is much easier and cheaper.
Polished concrete looks great so do a comparison cost beforehand as tiling does add up with costs of tiler and their associated adhesives, grouts and floor levelling substrate. Then purchase of tile on top. Your tile choice does look great by the way!!
Civic Steel Homes
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoCivic Steel Homes
8 years agoWith that said we love the concrete lookalike tiles now available!
Small lot Brisbane · More InfoKate P
Original Author8 years agoThanks everyone! I'm going to get a quote or two for polished concrete first, and if that's prohibitive I'll look at the tiles.Bec
8 years agoI've had timber and tiles. I loved our timber floors - looked beautiful but actually drove me crazy keeping them looking great. I have tiles now all thru this house except bedrooms - love them - and they are whitemikijado
8 years agoKate, I love these tiles. Could you please tell me their name and the company you found them at? Thank youKate P
Original Author8 years agoHi,
They're called Downtown Ash Lappato (there are also other colours like Earth), I'm in Brisbane and here they are at Groove Tiles and Stone in the Valley, but you should be able to find a local supplier.
Susie Fox
7 years agoWe've just had our Queenslander raised and went with tiles downstairs and existing timber up. Tiles are pretty similar to yours. We have 2 dogs and a 4 year old so it was a no brainer for us, hard wearing and easy to clean were the prioritiesTilly
7 years agoI'm building a mid century house, using the same concrete tile upstairs with timber accents.
Downstairs timber look tiles all from tiles expo.
Bit of a personal choice really.Creativelychallenged
6 years agoYes, it does come down to personal taste, but the overall look of your initial kitchen that has the concrete look tiles is beautiful. It would appeal to a wider audience too I think than the navy blue. If you concrete look tiles looked like those in the picture it would look great (as compared to a more matt look concrete tile which may not look as good).
I say no to the herringbone look timber in your whole place downstairs. It will probably cost more to lay and I think it adds complexity that you don't need in a home as beautiful as an old queenslander. If you do decide on timber, I would stick with it being just straight planks. (Herringbone is flavour of the month now and I love it for tiles, but it makes a very big statement that not appeal to everyone if you are putting it in a much bigger area like kitchen etc). Good luck.
Creativelychallenged
6 years agoPS. All of the picture that you have put up are beautiful, so don't be scared to choose anyone of them, particularly if you have a personal leaning to one particular style of look.
Creativelychallenged
6 years agoKate P, I have been to Groove tiles in Brisbane...I got to the speak to the woman that works there (I think she mainly deals with the commercial projects or big scale projects), but she has an interest in design...she is renovating an old Queenslander also and appears to be both creative and knowledgable in what is keeping with particular eras of houses or not....if you managed to grab her attention one day, you could ask her opinion re what look/tile is best.
Urban Curtains + Blinds
6 years agoTypically I'd vote wood as its traditional and looks great. However I think the tile looks amazing and teamed with wood will give a nice warmth with hints of tradition. Then there's always the social aspect... I and my friends love to wear heels and love to though a dinner party or two. However I also love to keep my home looking perfect. High heels and wood floors are not a great mix. You cant go past the durability of a good quality tile.
Gallifrey