Laying down Ceramic Tiles?

Question

Am I able to Lay down Ceramic/Porcelain Tiles directly on top of vinyl tiles. If So are there special material that I need to use.

Even though the floor is in the basement, it seems that the vinyl is laid over wood, rather than concerete.

Thanks for your answer.

Answer 1

Hi
Well I am afraid that the answer is no you cannot, even if you use a screeding mix, the Thermoplatic/Vinyl nees to be removed, this is because Ceramic does not "creep" with differant heats like Vinyl, in other words they expand at differant paces, you would just end up with cracked up tile joints at the least.
And self leveling compound would go the same way unless laid on a similar,(concrete etc)
If you want to remove them try using a shovel makes thing easier, also IF you are careful, you can also soften the tile advhesive with a blow gun, BUT you must be very very careful
Paul H

Answer 2

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of tile I'll answer YES to the specific Q,,, however I'd never put my name on the job.

Given that the customer is always right,,, even when they aren't,,, I'd refuse to take the job under those conditions.

The vinyl is an easy tear out really,,, and well worth the time and energy. The substrate may be wood, allowing that vinyl,,,especially self stick,,, wouldn't,,, on concrete. Vinyl by its nature isn't porous/absorbent, and will not strictly accept adherance by thin set, used to install ceramic tile.

Certainly another way to achieve what you want is add substrate over the existing floor,,, using concrete backer board, then tiling over that.

No offense but you don't state any experience of skill in the area you question. It's not Rocket Science, but any decent, long lasting job takes some knowledge and skill.

Rev. Steven

Answer 3

The best idea would be to take the time to remove the vinyl tiles. Otherwise the tiles are going to uneven. Pulling up the vinyl tiles shouldn't be too much work and you will be happier with the results in the end.

Answer 4

Yes it is possible if your vinyl is in good condition with no loose areas.

This method is generally not recommended though. You should remove your vinyl and use and good embossing floor leveler before preceding with installation as normal.

You can give it try over the vinyl but I believe you will be happier in the long run with a job you know was done right.

Answer 5

Now why would you want to cover up a natural wood floor? You can lay the tiles on top of it. you would have to strip the floor first of any wax build up. use an adhesive made for tiles then grout in the gaps. Doors will need to be shaved on the bottom so you will have a quarter inch clearance. Any Lowe's, 84, or home Depot will have helpful instructions along with the materials needed.

Answer 6

you should remove the vinyl and put down the 1/4 inch hardy backer cement board first, if you want the job to last. depending on where it is do be done, you might look into the heating mesh that you can put down under the tile so the floor is warm in the winter!!

Answer 7

no don't do it tear up the vinyl scrap up all the glue put down a good blue board then lay your tile if you have any more questions go to the place you got your tile from and ask them that is what they are there for

Answer 8

No you cant. They wont stick to vinyl. you have to either tear up the vinyl or put a sub floor. Hope it helps.

Answer 9

using a good thin set adhesive you can go right over vinyl,but you'd be better off laying down a 1/4" hardibacker cement backer board first.The tile will adhere to it better and less chance of your grout joints cracking