Our kitchen has tiles laid onto a concrete slab. We'd like to replace the tiles with timber to match the floorboards in other areas of the house. Is it possible to lay them over the tiles? Will it be expensive?

It's often more convenient to re-surface rather than rip up an old concrete slab; you'll certainly save on demolition and disposal costs. "Laying timber over tiles is common in the renovation of old houses," says Ivan Lloret, Manager of SE Timber in Drummoyne, NSW. "Ply sheeting is put down over the tiles, then timber floorboards are glued and nailed to the ply. Expect to pay about $75 per square metre." If you do demolish the concrete slab, add another $70 per square metre to your budget. SE Timber, Drummoyne; 1300 136 136.