Thinking about a home flooring upgrade but dreading the dust and demolition of removing your old ceramic tile? The good news is that you can often install new flooring directly on top of your existing tile. This method saves time, effort, and money, but it’s crucial to know which flooring types are suitable and what precautions to take.
Pros and cons of installing over existing tile
Before you start, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this installation method.
Pros:
- Saves Time and Money: You avoid the labor costs and time associated with demolishing, hauling away, and disposing of the old tile.
- Less Mess and Noise: The installation is much cleaner and quieter, as there’s no tile smashing or dust from demolition.
- Strong Foundation: Your existing ceramic tile provides a solid, stable subfloor for the new material.
Cons:
- Increases Floor Height: The new layer of flooring will raise the overall height of your floor, which can create issues with doorways, stairs, and baseboards.
- Requires a Level Surface: Any cracks, loose tiles, or uneven grout lines in the existing floor can telegraph through and compromise the new flooring over time. Proper preparation is non-negotiable.
- Covers Up Issues: You won’t be able to inspect the subfloor for any underlying moisture or structural issues.
Best flooring options to install over ceramic tile
If you’ve decided to install over your tile, these are the best options that can handle the existing surface.
Vinyl plank flooring
Vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is one of the most popular and easiest choices for this type of installation. Its flexibility allows it to conform to minor irregularities in the tile, and the click-and-lock installation system makes it a great DIY-friendly option. LVP is also waterproof and highly durable, making it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Laminate flooring
Laminate is another excellent choice. It’s affordable, durable, and comes in a wide variety of styles that mimic hardwood or stone. When installing laminate over tile, you must use a quality foam underlayment. This will help to absorb any minor bumps from grout lines, provide cushioning, and act as a moisture barrier.
Engineered wood
If you love the look of real wood, engineered wood is a fantastic option. It consists of a top layer of genuine hardwood bonded to a plywood core, which makes it more stable and less susceptible to warping than solid hardwood. You can often float engineered wood over tile, but a perfectly flat subfloor is essential to prevent the boards from separating or bowing.
Carpet
Installing new carpet over tile is a simple and quick way to change the look and feel of a room. Carpet padding can easily smooth over the grout lines, providing a soft and comfortable surface. The process involves laying down new padding and tack strips around the room’s perimeter before stretching and securing the carpet.
Installation tips and considerations
No matter which flooring you choose, proper preparation is the key to a successful installation.
- Clean and Repair: Thoroughly clean the entire tile floor. Fix any cracked or loose tiles with an adhesive and fill in deep grout lines or significant chips with a quality leveling compound.
- Leveling Is Essential: For rigid flooring like engineered wood, you may need to apply a self-leveling compound over the entire floor to ensure a perfectly flat surface.
- Check Doorways and Appliances: Remember that the new flooring will add thickness. Check that doors can swing freely over the new floor and that appliances like your dishwasher or refrigerator will still fit properly.
While these options make a flooring refresh seem simple, a professional installation can ensure your new floors are a long-term investment. A qualified flooring expert knows how to properly prepare the subfloor, account for any height changes, and provide a flawless finish that lasts.
To get a quote for a professional flooring installation that you can count on, contact Sky Hardwood Floors today for a free consultation.