Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I replaced the flooring in my kitchen I was told something similar: that by the time ceramic tile would be installed, the level of the floor would be higher than the adjacent rooms (dining room and hallway). Based on the recommendation, I went with vinyl. I'm happy with it, but had to have the installers out 3 times afterwards to fix the grout between the vinyl tiles. ( I had Duraceramic put in). If I had it to do over I would have used vinyl planks or sheet vinyl.

Oh no. What happened with the grout lines?

You can choose to have the tiles installed with or without grout. I preferred the look of the groutless installation, but there still needs to be a sealant between the tiles. The original sealant they used kept peeling and attracting dirt, looked terrible. The installers said there might have been a problem with the tubes of sealant that were used. After having them out several times, it looks much better. They managed to slightly dent one of the tiles on a return visit, but I'm just letting it go at this point! Things should not be this difficult!

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We had the same issue in our weekend house. Basically, the contractor told us for the kitchen and baths vinyl was our best option. In our case, the floor was not level and so ceramic would have cracked. We have hardwood throughout the rest of the house. We ended up using this and I actually really like it:

http://www.mannington.com/Residential/Adura/AduraTile/Mix/AT351.aspx

Vinyl flooring has come a long way- you'd be surprised.

OP--In you situation I wouldn't be that happy with vinyl either. I'd go for ceramic or tearing up the wood and redoing it. If the level is higher, you can always put in a threshold.

Go with ceramic tile

Anonymous wrote:When I replaced the flooring in my kitchen I was told something similar: that by the time ceramic tile would be installed, the level of the floor would be higher than the adjacent rooms (dining room and hallway). Based on the recommendation, I went with vinyl. I'm happy with it, but had to have the installers out 3 times afterwards to fix the grout between the vinyl tiles. ( I had Duraceramic put in). If I had it to do over I would have used vinyl planks or sheet vinyl.

Oh no. What happened with the grout lines?

When I replaced the flooring in my kitchen I was told something similar: that by the time ceramic tile would be installed, the level of the floor would be higher than the adjacent rooms (dining room and hallway). Based on the recommendation, I went with vinyl. I'm happy with it, but had to have the installers out 3 times afterwards to fix the grout between the vinyl tiles. ( I had Duraceramic put in). If I had it to do over I would have used vinyl planks or sheet vinyl.

Op here, thanks guys. Unfortunately the floor is beyond repair by the toilet. It's a very small powder room. Im not concerned about water issues...but perhaps I need to be?

I agree you should get a second opinion.
I am getting estimates to renovate a bathroom that currently has vinyl flooring and so far ceramic tiles have been recommended each time. The contractors said the tile is more waterproof and the grout that will be used resists mildew.

I actually requested vinyl flooring for the ease of cleaning but was told it is not the best choice for a bathroom. (of course maybe they just want the option that will generate more cost for the project, not really sure)

We've got sheet vinyl in the entry and kitchen, vinyl tile squares in the laundry room, and wood-look vinyl planks on the rest of the first floor. The vinyl planks look at least as good as laminate. I love the sheet vinyl for the ease of cleanup. Of course, I would replace all this when we go to sell, but we've got cats with 'issues', and this works for us.

I'd get another opinion about the salvage-ability of the existing wood floor. I've read some opinions on the internet that wood can almost always be salvaged beyond catastrophic damage like that caused by a fire.

I was considering luxury vinyl tile but there were tons of complaints online from people complaining that they chip and dent very easily. Many people wished they had gotten sheet vinyl instead.

There is a new-ish product called "luxury vinyl tile" which also comes in wood-look planks. Maybe that's what he's talking about? We put the wood-look stuff in our basement rec room and it looks great. That said, I would not use it on the main level of our home, except perhaps in the laundry room. I would tile the floor of your bathroom.

I love vinyl floor because it's easy, cheap, and long-wearing. With the exception of ceramic tile, it's the only guaranteed waterproof flooring you can get. You already know the best brands: Manington and Armstrong. They make different levels of quality. Check their website for the different products and then visit one of the showroom dealers they list.

If you still think you're above getting vinyl, get ceramic tile. It's a much better choice for a wet area such as a bathroom.

I have wood flooring throughout my house but the wood flooring in my powder room is beyond saving. I was told by a contractor to put down vinyl flooring because otherwise we will need a 1/4 cement board that will interrupt the flow from one room to the other. I am really protesting this. We have pretty good quality items throughout the house, I'm not certain about the floors. I'm wondering if I need to rip them up and start over. Any one here happy with vinyl? Can anyone recommend a vinyl? TIA