Can I tile directly over finished wood flooring that is in good condition?

– Melanie

Hi Melanie,

You shouldn’t tile directly over hardwood flooring, since it can expand, contract, and cup due to seasonal changes in temperature and humidity.

If the hardwood flooring is composed of narrow boards with a very smooth, flat surface, you could leave the flooring in place and screw cement backer board down on top of it before applying the tile.

The best approach would be to remove the wood flooring and screw down a layer of 5/8” or thicker plywood followed by a layer of 1/2″ cement backer board before laying the tile.

Good luck with your project,


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    Danny Lipford

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    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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