The first thing that needed to be addressed were the floors. They are literally cracking and chipping constantly!
Here is our theory: The previous owners (before the awful renters) had tile installed in this area. We assume this because you can see a layer of thin set and trowel marks in the areas where the concrete is chipping up. Due to several cracks in the slab ( and likely the old tile), the flippers took out the tile and put down the thinnest layer of concrete to add curb appeal. Well the concrete layer is so this in some areas that it chips if Tim gets too close with the leaf blower. Not good.
Ever since I had the pavers installed down the side of the house, I have been dreaming of continuing that onto the front "basketball court". Aside from the cost factor ( 640 sq feet of pavers is not cheap!) there were several other issues. 1) our new gate made it nearly impossible for pavers to be installed around it. Meaning we would have to remove the gate and cut it down after the pavers were installed. 2) my front storm door opens out and there is simply no room for a paver to clear under the door sweep. While the first one was fixable, the second was not!
My mom proposed putting tile out there. I has concerns about it being too slippery. I began looking at tile every time I was out: Lowe's, Home Depot, and Floor Decor and More. We brought home two samples of outdoor tiles that are very textured and have a slip resistant surface. Unfortunately, I do not have pictures of the "runner up" because the tile was accidentally shattered.
I had Tim and my parents all vote on their favorite and we unanimously selected the same tile. However, we decided to get an estimate on both tile installation and thin pavers, just to see what the installers would suggest.
The tile installer came last Wednesday and I had the worst customer service experience.The estimator was supposed to be here at 10 and I called the company was he wasnt' here by 10:15. They assured me he would be there "any minute". I explained I had to get to work so if he was going to be too much later, I would rather just reschedule. Again, they told me not to worry. At 10:45 he still wasn't here. I got in my car and was backing out of the driveway when he pulled in. He had the worst attitude ever, Didn't introduce himself or apologize for being close to an hour late. I showed him the basketball court and asked him to just email me the estimate because I was now late to work. His reply? "There was traffic and actually I won't be emailing you an estimate". He then proceeded to get in his car and drive away. I called his supervisor and suggested he NOT interact with the customers any longer.I would not trust him to work on my house! ( local people: stay away from Coastal pools and Spas).
At this point, I decided not to call for another paver estimate until after my tile estimate on Monday. One of my dad's friend recommended a tile guy that has worked on his house for years: beautiful work and good prices. He came Monday. He speaks limited English but uses his daughter to interpret as needed. He was very informative. He said some repair work would need to be done on the cracks. He explained how he would lay it out so that we did not have any drainage issues. He assured me the texture of the tile was on par for what I needed for an outdoor tile and not to worry about it being too slippery. After hearing his price and turn around time, we were sold!
Wednesday night we headed to Home Depot and purchased 680 Sq feet of tile. They loaded almost two pallets into two trucks which we then unloaded box by box into my garage (hello sore back!). I am not sure If I want to go with a staggered grout line or a traditional straight. I may just end up telling him to go with whatever will be more forgiving!
The best part? They are starting Wednesday! I am beyond excited to see the changes that are going to occur to this space in the upcoming week!
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