Many householders with dated vinyl flooring need to improve to tile with out ripping up the prevailing flooring. Tiling over vinyl is commonly attainable, however the appropriate set up methodology is determined by what’s beneath the vinyl. It will possibly prevent time and stop extra supplies from coming into the landfill.
Can You Tile Over Vinyl Flooring?
You possibly can lay tile over vinyl flooring in lots of circumstances. Nonetheless, the subfloor materials and vinyl set up methodology affect the preparation required.
If the vinyl tiles are free or broken, you need to take away them earlier than tiling. Tiling over peeling or uneven vinyl leads to cracks and free tiles down the street.
Tiling Preparation Suggestions
Correct prep work supplies a long-lasting tile set up over vinyl flooring. Earlier than you begin tiling over your vinyl flooring, here’s what you could do.
- Examine the vinyl totally and handle any broken, hole, or unsupported areas.
- Deep-clean the vinyl to take away contaminants earlier than making use of mortar.
- Choose a latex-modified thinset mortar particularly formulated to bond with vinyl.
- Contemplate making use of a primer earlier than the mortar for higher adhesion.
- Use a notch trowel to unfold a good layer of mortar over the vinyl flooring.
- Don’t skimp on grout protection when setting tiles to stop free edges or cracks later.
- Keep away from strolling on the brand new tile flooring for no less than 24 hours to permit the mortar to completely treatment.
Steps for Tiling Over Vinyl
Comply with these key steps when putting in tile over your current vinyl flooring:
- Prep the vinyl by cleansing totally, fixing any broken areas, and night the floor.
- Apply primer if wanted to enhance mortar adhesion.
- Unfold mortar over the vinyl utilizing a notched trowel to realize a good layer.
- Set the tiles into the mortar, urgent down firmly to ensure full protection.
- Let tiles set for twenty-four hours with out strolling on the brand new flooring.
- Grout the tiles, absolutely filling joints to stop cracks.
- Seal grout and tile floor as soon as dry for cover and simpler cleansing.
Tiling Over Vinyl and Totally different Varieties of Flooring
The set up course of varies barely relying on the vinyl plank flooring sort.
Sheet vinyl supplies a easy, sturdy floor for tiling. Sweep and mop the ground to take away filth and residue earlier than tiling.
Use a licensed latex-modified thinset mortar appropriate for bonding to sheet vinyl. Latex additive improves adhesion. Verify the mortar producer’s pointers.
Luxurious vinyl plank (LVP) flooring assembles right into a floating flooring over the subfloor. Tiling immediately over LVP dangers free tiles over time. Set up backer board over LVP planks earlier than tiling.
Fill gaps with a vinyl patch compound if planks aren’t tightly fitted. Take away and reinstall any broken planks.
Glue-down vinyl tiles usually present an appropriate base for tiling. Sweep away filth and particles earlier than laying the tile. Ensure all tile edges bond absolutely to the vinyl.
Verify for hole areas and re-adhere free tiles. Fill vast grout traces with vinyl patch compound.
Use a thinset mortar authorised for bonded vinyl purposes. Latex additive improves adhesion.
Vinyl flooring glued tightly to concrete affords a great floor for tiling with out extra preparation. Totally clear the vinyl, apply a latex-modified thinset mortar on to the vinyl, and set up the tile. The mortar bonds to the vinyl flooring.
Utilizing a high-quality modified mortar appropriate for bonding to sheet vinyl is important. Comply with the producer’s directions carefully.
Tiling over vinyl flooring on a wooden subfloor requires an additional layer to stop cracking. Skinny vinyl flexes with the wooden subfloor because it expands and contracts. Mortar and tile don’t flex nicely.
Set up cement backer board over the vinyl earlier than tiling. Screw backer board into the ground joists to stabilize it. Use modified thinset mortar to set the tile.
Different appropriate underlayments embody fiber-cement panels or a vinyl-safe membrane like Schluter DITRA. These create a everlasting, steady layer.
So, Is Tiling Over Vinyl Flooring a Good Thought?
Tiling over well-secured vinyl flooring can prevent money and time in comparison with eradicating the prevailing flooring. It additionally reduces landfill waste. With correct subfloor prep and set up strategies, tiling over vinyl can have glorious, long-lasting outcomes.
The keys are making certain the vinyl flooring is solidly bonded to the subfloor and utilizing the appropriate adhesive mortar. Broken or poorly bonded vinyl will result in cracked grout and loosen tiles because the subfloor shifts and the tile settles.
FAQs About Tiling Over Vinyl Flooring
Does vinyl flooring have to be eliminated earlier than tiling?
Vinyl flooring often doesn’t have to be eliminated earlier than tiling. Stable, undamaged vinyl bonded tightly to the subfloor affords an appropriate base for tiles. The exceptions are free vinyl tiles or planks that aren’t correctly secured.
Can you set tile immediately over vinyl sheet flooring?
Sure, you’ll be able to place tile immediately over vinyl sheet flooring so long as the vinyl is well-bonded. Use a latex-modified thinset mortar authorised for vinyl substrates.
What sort of thinset mortar ought to I exploit when tiling over vinyl?
Use a latex-modified thinset mortar particularly designed for bonding to vinyl substrates. The latex additive improves adhesion.
How do you put together vinyl tile for tiling?
To organize vinyl tile for a tiling job, fill any gaps or grout traces within the vinyl tile with a patching compound and easy the floor. Re-adhere any free tiles. Clear totally earlier than making use of thinset mortar.
Can I set up tile backer board over vinyl flooring?
Sure, you put in a tile backer board over vinyl flooring. Layer cement backerboard or membranes like Ditra over vinyl to supply a everlasting, steady floor for tile, particularly for wooden flooring supplies. Comply with the producer’s directions.
Jonathon Jachura is a two-time house owner with hands-on expertise with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, garden care, pest management, and different points of proudly owning a house. He’s enthusiastic about house upkeep and discovering the perfect companies. His predominant purpose is to coach others with crisp, concise descriptions that any house owner can use. Jon makes use of his robust technical background to create participating, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his house and garden initiatives himself however hires skilled firms for the “large issues.” He is aware of what goes into discovering the perfect service suppliers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue College in Indiana and labored within the HVAC business for 12 years. Between his numerous house enchancment initiatives, he enjoys the outside, an excellent cup of espresso, and spending time along with his household.
Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for At the moment’s Home-owner with over 7 years of writing and modifying expertise in digital media. She has reviewed content material throughout classes that matter to householders, together with HVAC companies, house renovations, garden and backyard care, merchandise for the house, and insurance coverage companies. When she’s not reviewing articles to ensure they’re useful, accessible, and interesting for householders like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time together with her household and their two parrots.
