I see exactly what you mean. You can always see the rim of those metal tile trays. However, looking at it I think that tiling the hatch would make for some pretty heavy lifting, even if you only access the cellar irregularly. It's not what you envisage, but you could use cut to fit coir doormat for the whole trap door area and match the rest of the floor to the existing. Even coir mat is quite heavy and would need shifting for access, but better that than interrupting the tile pattern. I suppose a custom made tile frame could be designed to fit the width of the grout lines of your choice of tile so it could house whole tiles and cause the least disruption visually. The more I think as I write, the more I feel it might work. Does the aesthetic matter more than the cost? On balance if it were my floor I might go down that route as aesthetics matter a great deal to me too.

I agree that the tray will probably look disruptive! At my old house we Lino’d over the hatch as we never went down there.

Thanks for taking the time to reply on Christmas Eve!

Cost is of course important but if I’m going down the tiling route I’d rather have an uninterrupted layout.

Not keen on coir, but that has been suggested that elsewhere.

We’re definitely going to be using the cellar, access required probably once a week at a guess.

Your idea is lovely from an aesthetic viewpoint. There are a few things to consider from a functional standpoint…1) The cover will be the combined weight of the tiles plus the underlying supporting floor 2)If it’s not hinged, you’ll need a place to set it down when you lift it 3) Making sure the base tray won’t flex when moved and cause the tiles to crack. Could using vinyl tiles be an option? That would help reduce the weight and damage concerns.

Thanks - yes, the weight issue has been at the forefront of my thoughts, but from research there are some really innovative lifting solutions (more £ of course) with glass door units which must weigh a lot.

Originally I was thinking of a lift-out solution but I think the weight issue put pays to that. I hope some clever hinging could make the “door” idea work.

I think perhaps taking the advice of a tiler and working backwards from there might be the best option. I have a couple of enquiries underway with specialist cellar door companies but am keen to consider all ideas.

Looks like these can be tiled and hold up to 1000 kg https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manhole-Cover-Hinges-Inspection-Access/

Manhole Cover 600mm x 900mm P (Hinges Side) Inspection Hatch, Loft Hatch, Access Panel Floor Hatch https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZXBCBJL/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_ETMDMWXQ9Y0CGAG63AKE

That looks really interesting, thank you. The example picture of tiling achieves a discrete install like I’m after, and uses the tile positioning mentioned by a previous poster.

I hope you find a suitable solution. It would be great to see what you do!

I would be more worried about the weight and look into a pneumatic/motorised system for safety reasons.

I'd look into getting tile patterned sheet vinyl (aka lino) glued onto a thin sheet of board, hinge it to the right of your photo so it goes against the wall when in use. Your actuall access hatch could be under this and meet fire, insulation and weight bearing regulations.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions.

If possible I do want to keep with the tiling idea but recognise the challenges this will present - particularly in terms of weight and positioning.

Hi,

A small bump for 2022. I have contacted a couple of specialists in cellar door installation and the hatch offered by Amazon as suggested here looks like it could achieve a more blended install without the typical stainless border.

Wow that’s fantastic!!

Brilliant 👏