If you’re dreaming of a new floor but dread the thought of a messy and time-consuming tile demolition, you’re in luck. Installing new laminate flooring directly over your existing ceramic tile is a popular and effective way to refresh a space. This method can save you time and money, but it requires careful preparation to ensure a durable and beautiful result.
Advantages of installing over tile
Choosing to install new flooring on top of your existing tile offers several significant benefits:
- Saves Time and Money: You can skip the costly and labor-intensive process of tearing out the old tile, which includes paying for demolition, debris removal, and subfloor preparation.
- Less Mess: Demolition creates a massive amount of dust and debris. By installing over the tile, you avoid this mess, making it a much cleaner project.
- Strong Foundation: The existing ceramic tile provides a very stable and rigid subfloor for your new laminate. This solid base helps to prevent the new flooring from shifting or flexing.
Potential drawbacks to consider
While appealing, this method has a few important things to consider before you begin.
- Increased Floor Height: The new layer of laminate and its underlayment will raise the height of your floor. This can create issues with doorways, appliances, and cabinetry that may need to be trimmed or adjusted.
- Requires a Flat Surface: Laminate flooring requires a very flat subfloor to prevent the planks from separating or buckling over time. Any un-repaired cracks, loose tiles, or deep grout lines will telegraph through the new flooring, compromising its lifespan.
- Hides Potential Issues: By covering the old tile, you can’t inspect the subfloor for underlying problems like water damage or mold.
Step-by-step installation process
Proper preparation is the most critical part of this project. Follow these steps for a successful installation.
Step 1: Inspect and Prepare the Tile
First, check for any loose or cracked tiles. If you find any, either re-adhere them with a strong adhesive or remove and patch the area with a repair mortar. Clean the entire floor thoroughly to remove all dirt, grease, and grime.
Step 2: Fill the Grout Lines
For the smoothest surface, you must fill in the grout lines. A cement-based or latex patching compound is an excellent choice for this. Apply the compound to the grout lines and use a trowel to make the surface as flat as possible. Allow it to dry completely.
Step 3: Lay the Underlayment
Place a new, high-quality foam underlayment over the entire floor. The underlayment will provide a moisture barrier, cushioning, and most importantly, it will smooth out any minor imperfections, like the texture of the old grout lines.
Step 4: Install the Laminate
Once the underlayment is down, you can begin to install the laminate flooring by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Start from one corner of the room and work your way across, using a tapping block and a rubber mallet to ensure a tight fit between the planks.
Tips for a smooth and durable finish
- Check Doorways: Before you start, check that your new floor won’t interfere with doors opening and closing. You may need to use a jamb saw to trim the bottoms of door frames.
- Mind the Gaps: Remember to leave a small expansion gap around the perimeter of the room and against walls to allow the flooring to expand and contract with temperature changes.
- Invest in Quality: Using a high-quality laminate and a dense underlayment will make the finished product look and feel much better.
While installing laminate over tile can be a great DIY project, it’s not always the best choice for every home. A professional flooring installer can help you assess your subfloor, handle the tricky parts of the installation, and ensure your new floor is a lasting investment.
For a flawless flooring installation that you can count on for years to come, contact Sky Hardwood Floors today for a free consultation.