Many homeowners with dated vinyl floors want to upgrade to tile without ripping up the existing flooring. Tiling over vinyl is often possible, but the right installation method depends on what’s underneath the vinyl. It can save you time and prevent more materials from entering the landfill.
Can You Tile Over Vinyl Flooring?
You can lay tile over vinyl flooring in many cases. However, the subfloor material and vinyl installation method impact the preparation required.
If the vinyl tiles are loose or damaged, you must remove them before tiling. Tiling over peeling or uneven vinyl results in cracks and loose tiles down the road.
Tiling Preparation Tips
Proper prep work provides a long-lasting tile installation over vinyl flooring. Before you start tiling over your vinyl floors, here is what you need to do.
- Inspect the vinyl thoroughly and address any damaged, hollow, or unsupported areas.
- Deep-clean the vinyl to remove contaminants before applying mortar.
- Select a latex-modified thinset mortar specifically formulated to bond with vinyl.
- Consider applying a primer before the mortar for better adhesion.
- Use a notch trowel to spread an even layer of mortar over the vinyl flooring.
- Don’t skimp on grout coverage when setting tiles to prevent loose edges or cracks later.
- Avoid walking on the new tile floor for at least 24 hours to allow the mortar to fully cure.
Steps for Tiling Over Vinyl
Follow these key steps when installing tile over your existing vinyl flooring:
- Prep the vinyl by cleaning thoroughly, fixing any damaged areas, and evening the surface.
- Apply primer if needed to improve mortar adhesion.
- Spread mortar over the vinyl using a notched trowel to achieve an even layer.
- Set the tiles into the mortar, pressing down firmly to guarantee full coverage.
- Let tiles set for 24 hours without walking on the new floor.
- Grout the tiles, fully filling joints to prevent cracks.
- Seal grout and tile surface once dry for protection and easier cleaning.
Tiling Over Vinyl and Different Types of Flooring
The installation process varies slightly depending on the vinyl plank flooring type.
Sheet vinyl provides a smooth, durable surface for tiling. Sweep and mop the floor to remove dirt and residue before tiling.
Use a certified latex-modified thinset mortar suitable for bonding to sheet vinyl. Latex additive improves adhesion. Check the mortar manufacturer’s guidelines.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring assembles into a floating floor over the subfloor. Tiling directly over LVP risks loose tiles over time. Install backer board over LVP planks before tiling.
Fill gaps with a vinyl patch compound if planks aren’t tightly fitted. Remove and reinstall any damaged planks.
Glue-down vinyl tiles often provide a suitable base for tiling. Sweep away dirt and debris before laying the tile. Make sure all tile edges bond fully to the vinyl.
Check for hollow areas and re-adhere loose tiles. Fill wide grout lines with vinyl patch compound.
Use a thinset mortar approved for bonded vinyl applications. Latex additive improves adhesion.
Vinyl flooring glued tightly to concrete offers an ideal surface for tiling without additional preparation. Thoroughly clean the vinyl, apply a latex-modified thinset mortar directly to the vinyl, and install the tile. The mortar bonds to the vinyl flooring.
Using a high-quality modified mortar suitable for bonding to sheet vinyl is essential. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
Installing ceramic tile? Take a look at our full guide for installing ceramic tile over vinyl flooring on concrete.
Tiling over vinyl flooring on a wood subfloor requires an extra layer to prevent cracking. Thin vinyl flexes with the wood subfloor as it expands and contracts. Mortar and tile do not flex well.
Install cement backer board over the vinyl before tiling. Screw backer board into the floor joists to stabilize it. Use modified thinset mortar to set the tile.
Other suitable underlayments include fiber-cement panels or a vinyl-safe membrane like Schluter DITRA. These create a permanent, stable layer.
So, Is Tiling Over Vinyl Flooring a Good Idea?
Tiling over well-secured vinyl flooring can save you time and money compared to removing the existing flooring. It also reduces landfill waste. With proper subfloor prep and installation methods, tiling over vinyl can have excellent, long-lasting results.
The keys are ensuring the vinyl flooring is solidly bonded to the subfloor and using the right adhesive mortar. Damaged or poorly bonded vinyl will lead to cracked grout and loosen tiles as the subfloor shifts and the tile settles.
FAQs About Tiling Over Vinyl Flooring
Does vinyl flooring need to be removed before tiling?
Vinyl flooring usually does not need to be removed before tiling. Solid, undamaged vinyl bonded tightly to the subfloor offers a suitable base for tiles. The exceptions are loose vinyl tiles or planks that aren’t properly secured.
Can you put tile directly over vinyl sheet flooring?
Yes, you can place tile directly over vinyl sheet flooring as long as the vinyl is well-bonded. Use a latex-modified thinset mortar approved for vinyl substrates.
What type of thinset mortar should I use when tiling over vinyl?
Use a latex-modified thinset mortar specifically designed for bonding to vinyl substrates. The latex additive improves adhesion.
How do you prepare vinyl tile for tiling?
To prepare vinyl tile for a tiling job, fill any gaps or grout lines in the vinyl tile with a patching compound and smooth the surface. Re-adhere any loose tiles. Clean thoroughly before applying thinset mortar.
Can I install tile backer board over vinyl flooring?
Yes, you install a tile backer board over vinyl flooring. Layer cement backerboard or membranes like Ditra over vinyl to provide a permanent, stable surface for tile, especially for wood flooring materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.