can you lay ceramic tile over linoleum?

Question

There are two layers of linoleum. They appear to be very stuck-no bubbles or looseness. I'm really dreading having to scrape the linoleum and glue off the floor. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I wouldn't recommend it, however I think there is a layer of linoleum underneath the tile floor in my bathroom. Haven't really notice a problem in there yet with cracking as a result of the linoleum underneath.

Answer 2

Yes you can lay ceramic over linoleum. You should use a ceramic backerboard such as Duroc or Hardibacker. They come in 5/16 and 1/4 inch thichnesses. You will need to use thinset under either one and then use either galvanised roofing nails or cement coated nails to fasten the backerboard down to the substrate below the linoleum. I would recomend using a thinset mortar spread with a 1/4x1/4 inch notched trowel under the backerboard and then using a latex enhanced mortar for laying the tile. You can find advise on this process from visiting either Home Depot's or Lowes web sites.

Answer 3

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RE:
can you lay ceramic tile over linoleum?
There are two layers of linoleum. They appear to be very stuck-no bubbles or looseness. I'm really dreading having to scrape the linoleum and glue off the floor. Any suggestions?

Answer 4

I would not recommend it. Linoleum is very smooth and not a good surface for the thin set

In adition the linoleum is probably peeling up, which is why you are changing it

To take up the linoleum a bit easier, use a carpet knife and slice the floor into squares. It will take a couple of minuted. The linoleum will then peel up in 1 x1 squares and put them in the trash

If there is paper left over, soak the floor thoughoughly and wait 20 minutes. then use a broom to scrape up the paper. The glue can stay as long as it is very very thin. Use a slightly higher twowel like a 3/8 or a 1/2 inch when applying the grout

Good luck

Answer 5

Not something I'd recommend. By nature the linoleum is flexible and 'gives' when you walk on it.

When you lay your tiles if you have any movement or weakness underneath them this will lead to the tiles working lose or cracking.

Much better to lift the linoleum, inspect the floor underneath and make sure it is in good, solid condition - replace any defective or damaged parts. You don't need to worry about removing every last trace of adhesive, just make sure there's no lumps or loose, flaking bits.

The key to tiling a floor is to have a solid, level base and if you want your finished floor to look good and last then it's worth the extra effort at this stage.

Answer 6

I did that in a rental unit that I have. The bathroom flooded and water got under the tile and also under the linoleum..what a mess we had..We ended up haveing to take up the tiles and taking the linoleum up, which we should have done in the first place..We just made a lot more work for us to do and more expense on having to replace some of the tiles and more cement to hold them in place..

Answer 7

To lay ceramic tile properly, you need a solid surface to lay it on. Linoleum is not a solid enough. Tear it out, It's the best way.

Answer 8

I did this when I was fixing this house up to move into. I had to lay a sub-floor (go to a lumber yard and ask about 'sub-flooring') which is a very thin sheet of plywood that you can lay down and gives a surface you can lay ceramic tile over...

It can be done, but you need some professional advice to do it.

Answer 9

Yes, but it's not the best way. The more important thing is no bounce in the floor. A good floor should be at least 2x10 joist with 3/4" ply. If it's bouncy rip up the Linoleum and luan and nail and glue some hardibacker and your good to go

Answer 10

lay ceramic tile linoleum