Thoughtful Tile Replacement and Custom Transition for Jessica and Ian

In my line of work, I’ve learned that every project, regardless of size, offers an opportunity to apply experience in a careful and considered way. It's not about making a show of complexity, but simply about providing a solid, enduring solution for the client. Here is a look at a recent project for Jessica and Ian, where an issue with water damage required new flooring, and the specifics of the installation called for a resourcefulness I was happy to provide.

The Before: Resolving Water Damage

Jessica and Ian reached out to me after discovering that water had unfortunately compromised a portion of the flooring near one of their exterior doors. The original material— a vinyl plank system— had suffered irreversible damage, making a full replacement of the affected area necessary. They elected to replace it with a more resilient and beautiful tile.

The job itself was to remove the damaged flooring and install the striking patterned tile they had chosen. As you can see from the initial tear-out, the process began with a methodical demolition to fully expose the subfloor, ensuring we were starting with a clean slate.

The original flooring

Exposing the subflooring 

The main challenge became clear once the new materials were factored in. Tile requires a stable, rigid base, which meant the addition of cement board underlayment. This process meant the new finished floor height would be noticeably different from the existing vinyl plank, requiring a carefully considered transition to bridge the difference smoothly and safely.

During the Build: Finding the Right Solution

My approach to any floor replacement is to prioritize structural integrity. After ensuring the existing subfloor was sound, the next important step was installing the HardieBacker cement board. This simply provides the necessary stable foundation for tile to last, preventing future issues.

With the base set, the task turned to setting the tile. Jessica and Ian’s patterned design required extra diligence to ensure the lines and patterns aligned consistently across the entire field.

Setting the tile

The most interesting part of the project arose when sourcing the trim. I searched the available options for a transition or threshold that could elegantly cover the gap while accommodating the specific height difference between the new tile and the existing floor. I found that the standard, off-the-shelf pieces simply weren't quite right for the job— they looked flimsy or created an awkward profile.

In these situations, it's often easiest to just make what you need. Rather than settling for a component that would compromise the finished look, I decided to mill the piece myself. I located a piece of oak stock and, using some familiar tools, shaped the wood to the exact profile needed.

Custom milled transition piece

This custom-milled transition piece provided the exact slope and coverage required, ensuring the change in height was handled smoothly and safely. It was a simple solution that just fit the space better.

The After: A Clean, Enduring Result

The final result is a beautiful, durable tiled area that successfully addressed the water damage. The craftsmanship speaks to itself— the tile lines are straight and the grouting is neat, providing a surface that will be easy to maintain.

Completed custom milled transition piece

Finished tile floor with transition

The custom oak transition successfully integrates the new tile with the existing flooring. The best part, of course, was hearing that the clients were pleased with the process and the final outcome:

"Nick was very professional and detailed. We knew exactly what to expect with the work, he completed the work at the estimated cost, and communicated throughout the process. The work was great with the tiles being very straight."

Regarding continued care: With tile, the installation is the most important part. To keep the surface looking its best, I always suggest that the grout lines are cleaned regularly and, every few years, re-sealing the grout to protect against stains, particularly in busy areas like this entrance.

Ready to Build Together

Whether the job involves a necessary repair or calls for a creative solution, my focus remains the same: using experience to provide thoughtful and durable results. This project for Jessica and Ian serves as a good example that when standard options fall short, taking the time to craft the right solution can make all the difference.

If you have a home improvement need, a required repair, or a project that calls for a careful and experienced approach, please contact Politzki Services today to discuss how we can work together.