Stained terracotta tiles - ideas how to fix?
We had terracotta tiles laid as part of our new kitchen renovation (Andalucia Rojo, from walls and floors). When first laid they looked fantastic - exactly as I wanted (see first photo from before the kitchen was installed).
However, after the kitchen was fitted they got covered up with plastic sheeting by the builders, the underfloor heating got turned on and condensation got under the plastic, so now they have dark stains in them (see second and third picture).
The tiles are laid over a mixture of concrete and suspended wood flooring, with underfloor heating.
Has anyone seen this before? Any idea how we might get it out? It's been washed, steamed, scrubbed with sealant remover (vile stuff that stank the house out). I'm totally stuck what to do other than try to find replacement tiles (the ones we had are discontinued).
Any ideas would be appreciated!
Comments (12)
Sarah Hunter
last year
kazzh
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Comments (9)Thanks Judy. I know oak doors and skirting boards will still have to be cleaned but I think there is a bit of leeway with dusting them - dust doesn't show quite so quickly! My windows havnt been finalised yet at all so I have plenty time, i just don't want to feel like im in a timber showroom with oak window frames, skirting, doors and floors when in my living room plus when standing in the hallway there will be the stairs (paint and oak steps), banisters, handrails, and the skirting and surrounds of four doorways. Any other way of getting around it? Must I have skirting boards??!...See Moreneed help with new wet room tiles
Comments (12)http://houzz.com/photos/3642990 This link kind of demonstrates the use of mosaics and the mirror idea I thought may be cool. Obviously they are vertical but I think it would work either way. Any pics of your tiles? I have seen your other post and know your suite is 'traditional' but another thing to consider I guess is the cost of the mosaics. £££ using lots may mean a big dent in your budget....See MoreTerrible tiles, what to do ????
Comments (22)I'm pretty sure they will have been put in to provide a non-combustable zone behind and around the stove. We are about to install a wood burning stove and the installation instructions specify an area that needs to be heat resistant. Removing or even painting them behind the stove would be difficult and potentially dangerous. I would either paint the rest of the chimney breast a dark green to reduce the impact of the tiles, or add a fire surround (checking with the manufacturer or a reputable installer about clearance) and some painted tongue and groove cladding over the chimney breast depending on your preferred style....See MoreTiling Disaster
Comments (18)If the grout was supposed to be white but has come out grey then there is either an issue with the grout or this is as I described before. I certainly wouldn't use a grout pen until you have looked at cleaning the residue from it. If this is polymer residue then the grout pen would only stick to this so would probably wear off and become patchy. If there is an issue with the grout then you should speak to the manufacturer, this does happen on occasions and they will check it if they are a reputable company. Who was the grout manufacturer? Email Ceramica is the group of companies which Viva belongs to. So I suspect that this is the tile I mentioned. I know the tile as we sell it, the tile is very good quality. Speaking as a tiler with 18 years experience if the grout was grey and has come out white then it can only be the issues I have described. Cleaning should definitely be your first option....See MoreJonathan
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last yearleighhemmings
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David Thomas
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PROThe Baked Tile Company
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PROBetter Homes Studio
last yearSarah Hunter
last yearDavid Thomas
last yearAnother suggestion from me ! I can see that if your kitchen units have been fitted on top of the terracotta tiles then simply to summon up the energy to have all this re-done would be a bit demoralising, not to mention the cost. I've drawn a picture (attached) for something you could consider.
Basically you create a border with the terracotta tiles and then the major part of the floor is recovered with ceramic or at best porcelain tiles. People often install tiles in this way, with a border; if it's done well it can look quite elegant and would save a great deal of money. A competent tiler would be able to work out where to make the cuts for both the terracotta and the new tiles
Sonia
last yearWhilst you are waiting for a remedy, you could buy a cheap n cheerful rug to cover some of the area? Dunelm sell loads. Just a thought. My son in law owns a natural stone cleaning/sealing and supplying business and I could ask him what to do if you wish, although it looks like you have done that with the suppliers already. I think stripping and cleaning the tiles then sealing is an excellent idea. Hope you get it sorted soon.
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