Raising Sunken Floor

[TikiTime]

I have a small walk-in closet that is 5' x 8' and is currently tile over concrete slab. The floor is about 2 3/8" lower than the bedroom floor (terrazzo). I plan to fill the sunken closet with concrete - then re-floor either with tile or a laminate. Bedroom will stay terrazzo for the foreseeable future.

What is the general consensus on the existing tile - it has been solidly adhered for 25-30 years. Can I pour over it or should it be removed? I can chip it out if needed, but wasn't sure if it would be needed in such a small space that is not a heavily trafficked area.

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Have you checked to see how well it’s bonded? Invert a large screwdriver and tap the tops of the tiles all over the floor. You’ll know pretty quickly if you’ve got unexpected loose tiles.

[TikiTime]

All the tiles are solidly adhered. If they were loose or hollow I would definitely pull them all out. Just trying to decide if they should be removed. If it was a living room or large space - I would be inclined to remove them. Not so sure on such a small low traffic space.

[John Bridge]

Hi K,

You can bond deck mud to the tile. Install some sort of soft joint/expansion joint where the new floor meets the terazzo. We have instructions for making deck mud from bags of sand topping mix: https://www.johnbridge.com/how-to/deck-mud/