can i put ceramic tile over linoleum smooth floor?

Answer 1

Personally I wouldn't, I would lay a wood flooring over floorboards.

Answer 2

I've worked for a flooring company for the last 17 years. The answer is that although yes you can put directly on top of the linoleum, it's taking a chance that the job will fail later. I'm assuming that there is a wood floor under the linoleum. If that is the case, the problem is that there is too much flex in the floor. It's not something that you can feel, but it will eventually cause conventional ceramic tile to crack or the grout to fail. The only way to be sure all your hard work will hold up is to but a cement board down first. The rule of thumb is that most residential installations will need 1/2" cement board (Hardibacker, Durrock, WonderBoard are all brand names) to obtain the minimal total thickness in the floor of 1 1/8". If you have a typical 3/4" subfloor, 1/4" board is therefore not thick enough. However, since you already have a linoleum floor down, there may have been a 1/4" wood underlayment installed under that. If so, the 1/4" cement board will work. Hopefully there is a floor register you can pull up to see what's under the linoleum. In either case, you will not need to take up the linoleum, but put the cement board right on to of it, bedding it with a layer of thinset (to make sure there are no voids under it), and screwing it down every 4". Then proceed with the rest of your installation.
If this sounds like too much work, Congoleum makes a product called DuraCeramic, that's actually a VCT (vinyl composition tile)that looks like ceramic tile, but installs with a plywood underlayment instead of cement. It glues down, can be installed with or without grout, and if you prefer without grout, has a clear sealer available that can be use on the joints to stop water from getting into them. It costs more that most ceramic tiles, but is more diy friendly, as it's easier to install, and is extremely durable.

Answer 3

Tile Over Linoleum

Answer 4

No, you definately need to remove the linoleum first. Ripping it up is usually not a horrendous chore. Then before you even put down ceramic don't forget to prep your floors. My best recommendation to you would really to speak with someone at Home Depot or Lowe's as they will really help you out on the tiling part of your project (I know they did for me! My floors look awesome!). Books are also a really good thing to look into. They helped as well.

Answer 5

Yes, you can absolutely put tile over linoleum floor. As you indicated, the flooring is smooth. As long as it is well adhered to the flooring it will be an escellent base to install tile on. Gravity is also on your side. These folks that say no, really don't give valid reasonas as to why. I put tile over linoleum six years ago in my bath, and it's as solid as ever. Just make sure there is only one layer of linoleum flooring. Two layers will cause a thickness that may be to spongy for tile. I stripped on layer off, then laid my tile down. Has been a great job ever since!

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
can i put ceramic tile over linoleum smooth floor?

Answer 7

We put ceramic tile over vinyl flooring several times. Whether it was new uncovered flooring or worn vinyl, we used 1/2 inch thick concrete board (Wonder board) as the base for the tile. We put down a layer of mud, laid the concrete board down and used deck screws about every 6 inches to attach the board to the floor....believe me, it's not going ANYWHERE. The next day we laid the tile.

We have not had any problems with any of the rooms we have done.......4 bathrooms, one kitchen, 1 utility room and one foyer.

Answer 8

put ceramic tile linoleum smooth floor

Answer 9

Heres your best bet. Get 1/4 inch backerboard or cement board, and screw it directly ontop of the linoleum, only remove the 1/4 round (shoe moulding) if its there, and even leave the baseboard, and get the hardibacker as close as possible. If your floor is bouncy or squeaky, thinset the backerboard as well as screwing it.

Next, once its down, lay your tile. The thinset adheres to the cement board best, so there will be nice even coats with no problems when it comes to sticking.

Next, lay your tile, again, get it tight to the baseboard, you can leave about an 1/8" to 1/4" gap at most.

Once laid and dry, grout.

Next, install the 1/4 round or shoe moulding. This will cover the cuts around the perimeter.

Tada, beautiful new tile floor :)

Answer 10

You really should have a better subfloor than linoleum or vinyl. That way you will avoid the ceramic tile cracking and splitting.

Answer 11

No...linoleum expands and contracts with heat and cold...the tile grout will crack and you will always be replacing the tiles. Take the lineoleum up first and then lay your tile. Just use a carpet razor knife and score the linoleum all around the room where it meets the wall...then take it up and sweep and or clean your floor depending on what kind it is and then lay your tile.