Tiling Over Vinyl?

Question

Anyone done this? I have vinyl (I think) tiles that have been there for probably 15 years. These things are high quality and are adhered super well to concrete. It would be a nighmare trying to remove these. Can I scuff these up somehow and just lay ceramic tile over them? IF so, what should I use to sand them?

Answer 1

If you're going to do it, do it right. Remove them.

Answer 2

Don't sand them. They are vinyl but it is still hazardous to your health. And no you can't lay ceramic tile over them, you'll have to scrape them up. You can rent a tile scraper for about $45-75 a day and it will save you a lot of back breaking work, but in the end the overall product will be well worth it. Now if you are willing to spend the extra dough and do some research..you can check on a product made by Schluter called Ditra, it is used under ceramic tile and is supposed to be able to break free from the subfloor and not transfer cracks to the ceramic, this may be a perfect guinea pig situation. I think it could work, but you will be adding to the height, and cost of the finished product. Let me know how it turns out. EDIT / Good news. I did the research for you. Ditra can be use over existing floors. And it doesn't have to be nailed down, since you are going over concrete. I guess most people don't read the details. Check ou the link!

Answer 3

If it were me in this situation....

I would get enough 1/2" concrete-based backerboard (Durock is a good brand) to cover the floor. Get a case of construction adhesive (I suggest Liquid Nails).

Cut and pre-fit the backerboard. Once satisfied with the fit, squeeze out the adhesive on the back of the backerboard using a caulking gun and lay in place. Then screw it down. Since this is going over vinyl on concrete you will have to predrill the holes using the proper sized masonry bit, then use masonry screws (some are called TapCon screws) to attach it to the floor. Space them appox. 6" apart on the edges and about every 8" in the 'field'.

Then proceed with the tile job normally. I know that is more of an investment than just going over the old tiles but I really don't think your going to have any luck getting thin set to adhere to the vinyl.

TIP: You can cut the backerboard by scoring it with a utility knife and breaking up, but I've found that you can use a circular saw with the blade turned around to make smooth, accurate cuts. Be sure to wear a dust mask as this method kicks up a lot of dust.

Or, like stated above, you can try to peel the tiles up, but there will be a LOT of work involved with that. Even after you have the tiles up you have to scrape the tile adhesive off the concrete.

Good luck with your project and let us know how it turns out!

Answer 4

No. No, no, and NO. Ceramic (floor tile) needs to be put down on concrete. We did our entire house, and it had vinyl tile. The squares come up pretty easy with a wide blade scraper. Thinset won't stick to vinyl.

Answer 5

either remove the old tile or lay down backerboard and secure to the subfloor. The mortar for floors (DONT use wall mortar from a bucket) wont adhere to vinyl tile well enough to hold the tiles.

Answer 6

if it were me I'd buy some Hardee board and lay that down first as a floor base. I wouldn't tile directly over the old vinyl but I's ure as heck lay Hardee board right over it.

Answer 7

i wouldn't rec commend it,to set ceramic you ll use thin set and might cause them to release,sanding isn't a good idea either---- because of fibers in the air ,might be asbestos also---but if u only have to make the guarantee to yourself ? ,try a real sharp scraper blade ,u can get them at Lowe's or home depot--i have scraped them up be fore and it is work. i dont know if mine, i might just lay over them,,but no licensed installer will good luck

Answer 8

Floor scraper, man. The thinset won't stick to the vinyl no matter how scratched up they are.

Answer 9

Screw cement board into the floor as a subfloor base...then tile away!