Ground In Place

[rddrappo]

Can anyone give me a rough idea of what it should cost to have a floor ground in place? It's about 400 sq. ft. of 18" travertine. As hard as I tried to keep it flat, there's still some lippage. I want it to look perfect, so I'm thinking of turning it over to a restoration guy.

[Davestone]

I would reconsider,it would probably be more than $5.00 per ft. depending on where you are, and if the grout and fill has to be replaced.Where's the NSRA guys when you need them. Try their NSRA website....http://www.huligar.com/nsraweb/forum/index.php

[rddrappo]

Thanks Davestone. I think the next time I have to do one of these floors, I'll include the restoration as part of the bid. I'm working for another company right now, so it's not my contract, but I still want it to be pretty when it's done. It all started with a crappy sub-floor, and went from there. I know it's not getting anything that costs $5.00/ft, so are there any ways to work it down with the tools I have? (normal tile setter's arsenal) I looked at the NSRA site, and I found some link for ordering pizza! I guess they may be able to help me out after they eat!

[Davestone]

It's a little tough to break in over there, but i could send up a flare for them to come over here, but i know it'll cost that much, since i do resto also. How did you set the stone,thinset?I always mudset stone, it takes practice but for me it's the only way to get it flat.If you're experienced with hand polishing youmay be able to take out the worst lippage and rehone those areas,but this also takes a lot of practice.If you want, post a pic, and we'll give you our opinion if you're in trouble or not.. I sent them a flare anyway.

[rddrappo]

I'll see about getting pics tomorrow. I wanted to mudset it, but was told no. It's a commercial project, with plans and specs that were decided long ago. I was told to use exactly what was spec'd, which was 1/2" hardi, Singleflex White mortar, a 1/2 x 1/2 square notch, blah blah blah. I thought deck mud would have helped, since the sub-floor was a roller coaster, but I didn't get to decide anything. Well, lesson learned.

[StoneBuddy]

Is this a new installation? Baseboards in yet? Cabinets, etc?

If not, price could be cheaper. 18" travertine, is it one open area or a weird shaped room? Honed finish? How severe is the lippage? Cheap tile or a good grade of trav?

Many variables come into play when trying to price a grind in place. But it is all worth while in the end. Very good upcharge on a new installation.

Where are you located?

[rddrappo]

Stonebuddy,

The job is in Monterey, CA, which I'm sure drives up the price! It's a new install, and a wide open room. The baseboard is the same material, cut down to 5 1/2" high and chamfered on the edge. A nice new oak receptionist's desk is being installed tomorrow, and I can't stop that from happening. If it were my contract, I would pay for the ground in place, but I'm just another tile setter on this one, and the cost would be too close to what I'm making. I figure it's worth it for next time though. I even mentioned to the boss that it's probably a lot faster and cheaper to get the tile installed quickly and let the stone guy hone down the edges, as opposed to trying to get it flat with extra thinset and still having it come out bumpy. I could have set the floor in a day and a half and then had it honed, and smiled all the way to the bank. But, it wasn't my call to make. I'll know next time though.

[joh]

I see the flare Dave. This is one that I cannot help you with. The cost here in NY could range anywhere from $8 - $45. This is what you may get for your money. The floors ground and re-fill to make it look like one sheet of stone. I hope this helped. Post an image of this floor of yours and answer buddies questions if you would like for us to narrow down the price. The link to the site should be www.nsraweb.com did you enjoy your pizza?

[rddrappo]

Rectangular room, I believe approx. 16 ft by 24 ft, 18" travertine with a few 12" pieces of a darker color, don't want it to look like one sheet of stone, but do want it flat. Baseboard is in, also travertine, and one cabinet (desk) is as good as in. Worst lippage is less than 1/8 of an inch (got walked on by the GC after I left) and most lippage is less than 1/16 of an inch. I'm posting a photo of part of the floor, but you can't see the bumps from that angle.

[rddrappo]

Oh, and the pizza was great! Next time, can I have a pitcher of ale with that?

[joh]

I can not speak for the guys in your area, But in my neck of the woods you are look a round $11.

Next time you order Pizza from our site the pitcher of ale is on me.

[rddrappo]

Thanks Joh. I originally told the boss around six grand to have it flattened out and prettied up. I know already that he won't be spending it, but I won't take any more jobs like this if there's not room for it in the bid. I don't like imperfection, and I think that no amount of money should be spared to make an installation look flawless. Oh wait, you said $11. If you'll do the whole floor for $11, I'll fly you and your tools out here. Then you can bring me pizza and ale!

[joh]

There is a NSRA member down in your area. He may be able to do it for less. Let me know if you need his information.

[rddrappo]

Thanks again. Even if not for this job, I'd like that info for the future. As I said, I don't see the contractor spending too much on this one, so it's not likely to happen. But when I get stuck with another floor like this, I'll call your member and get a quote to add to my bid. I can't see these types of floors looking good without being honed after installation, unless the substrate is perfect, and that's not the case much of the time.