Can you install porcelain tile over vinyl

Soft or thin subfloors will also need to be repaired or bolstered with additional plywood. If you skip this step you could find that your tile and grout joints crack over time once your new tile is in place.

Your existing flooring looks good and your subfloor seems plenty durable and capable of supporting the weight of porcelain, ceramic or natural stone tile. There is one more consideration to keep in mind. How hard would it be to remove your existing vinyl flooring?

One of the main reasons is that your floors may be too high once you install your tile flooring. While vinyl and linoleum tend to be very thin — almost always under 12mm — this can raise the overall level of your finished floors.

Extra height may be a particular concern if you plan to use extra underlayment like plywood and backer board over your existing vinyl.

Removing your existing vinyl also changes the type of work that you have to do, and in some cases, this may be preferable. This can be time-consuming work, particularly if you have a large floor to sand. You may also need to repair certain parts of the floor by removing bulging or damaged spots before you begin. Even floors in good shape can have bulges or spots that need to be addressed before you can begin work.

Water and soap can take the first layer off, but you want to start with the best surface possible. Find a safe cleaning product to do a deep cleaning before you go further. List of Partners vendors. In This Article Expand. Installing Over Concrete. Installing Over Wood. Installing Over Existing Tile. Installing Over Existing Vinyl.

Leveling a Subfloor. Measuring Tile for Cutting. Tip Try to avoid sliver pieces—thin, cut pieces along the perimeter of the space. Featured Video. Read More. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for TheSpruce. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. The half-inch ceramic tiles used in most bathrooms , for example, have very small grout lines and will probably need no prior preparation when laying vinyl plank flooring. However, if you are gluing down vinyl sheets or tiles, you should make sure you have leveled the grout lines first.

Terra cotta tiles and other larger tiles used in patios almost always have deep grout lines. These will need to be covered before installing any type of vinyl floor. Here is a short video that shows you the entire process, including the best materials to use. Once you have prepped your ceramic tile, you can proceed to lay the vinyl over it. The installation process will be no different from that of setting the vinyl on a wooden floor , concrete floor , or any other subfloor.

Like all floating floorboards, vinyl planks snap together to create a nice continuous floor. It is best to start your installation from the wall.

To get started, place the first plank on the tile such that its tongue joint matches the groove joint of the next tile. To install the second plank, lift it at an angle and align its tongue to the grove of the first plank. Then lower it to the ground, pushing the joints of both planks together. Gently tap the planks with a hammer and tapping block to snap them together. Do not use the hammer alone, as it can damage the locking mechanism.

If you need to cut the planks so they can fit properly at wall edges, use a utility knife and straightedge. And to ensure the cuts are as clean as possible, make sure the knife is sharp. Most people prefer installing vinyl tiles from the center of the room and working their way to the wall.

For best results, start by taking the appropriate measurements. No, it's not a hockey puck. What does that tell you? Now you've got the opportunity to use that dead blow rubber mallet which I prefer and to beat that tile down and get it down and keep maneuvering the puck as you do that until you're comfortable with the sound.

Don't be afraid, you can't hurt it. With the cement dry, now it's time for grout. Armand mixes his on the stiff side and uses a rubber float with plenty of pressure to force the mixture all the way down to the bottom of the joints.

Then, holding the float on an angle, he moves diagonally across the face of the tile, removing as much of the excess as possible. Basically it cleans it off the surface of the tile, lubricates the joint a little bit.

The second wash will clean the surface of the tile and the grout joint, smoothing it as we go. And it's possible we may do a third wash. As soon as this dries, we're going to use a soft dry cloth. It's like polishing your car after you wax it. Same results. Very interesting process. You began with the vinyl. And then on top of that went the thin skin named after Mr.

Then we put our, our tile setting mortar on that. Teeth of a trowel, we put the mortar. Does that mean it's personally guaranteed by you? I'm fully confident and I have a written 15 year warranty. It's always fun to have you and I always learn something. Call me any time. So I've asked for an encore.

And yet some more would only sit right down and cry.