We were approached by a client who was in the middle of restoring a historic manor house in Exeter. Their goal was to find out if the original Minton tiled hallway floor could be salvaged and restored to a high standard that matched the rest of the renovation.
The Challenge
The property, once used as a hotel, had a beautiful Victorian tiled hallway floor. However, years of heavy use had caused significant damage to the tiles, including cracks, chips, and missing sections. The owners were keen to preserve the floor as part of the property’s charm and character.
Initial Assessment
After booking a survey, we visited the property and discussed the project with the owners and site foreman. We assessed the damage and confirmed that we could source matching replacement tiles. We then provided a detailed restoration plan and price for the work, which was accepted by the client.
Restoration Process
Tile Replacement: We started by removing approximately 75 damaged tiles and cutting new pieces to match the original design. Each tile was hand-cut and dry-fitted before being installed with adhesive.
Cleaning and Restoration: Once the tiles were in place, we moved on to cleaning the floor. Using Tile Doctor’s milling pads, we carefully cleaned the entire surface, removing old sealer and dirt. The process was done in stages, from 100-grit to 800-grit pads, and slurry was extracted using a wet vacuum.
Acid Rinse: We followed up with an acid rinse using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up to remove grout haze and further clean the tiles. This step also neutralised the floor’s pH and prepped it for sealing.
Sealing and Finishing
Sealing the Tiles: After allowing the floor to dry, we applied two coats of Tile Doctor X-Tra Seal, a breathable, colour-enhancing sealer. The sealer helps protect the tiles and brings out their natural beauty.
Buffing and Final Touch: Once the sealer had dried, we buffed the floor with a White pad to remove any excess sealer. A final pass with a 1500-grit burnishing pad added a subtle satin sheen to the surface, completing the restoration.
The Results
The restored Victorian hallway floor was transformed. The newly restored tiles perfectly complemented the property’s ornate staircase and created a welcoming entrance. The owners were thrilled with the results, and the restoration even gained attention from the Escape to the Chateau fan club on Facebook.