When replacing linoleum kitchen floor can I put tiles over old floor or do I need to remove old floor first?

Question

And why? thanks

Answer 1

Pull up the old linoleum. The surface is likely too smooth for you to set tile on and have it stick for any length of time.

Answer 2

several informative answers so far, I do not know if you are talking about putting vinyl or ceramic tile over the existing linoleum floor.

If ceramic or vinyl and if the existing is not in good shape, bubbles, cracks, loose areas. soft areas, etc. then it is best to remove the existing floor, you may find a particle board floor under the linoleum, if so pull it out also, this will bring you to the sub floor, I will assume it is in good shape. then you must put back a floor onto which you will apply the new tiles. This time around I would go back with plywood. Place a moisture barrier between the sub floor and the new plywood. like rosin paper or tar paper (roofing felt 15#). Now your ready for the new floor, if vinyl you need to fill the seams and nail or screw holes with a latex underpayment product to give you a smooth floor. If ceramic this is still a good idea but not absolutely necessary. Search the net and you will find more thorough information. This is not a difficult job, just time consuming, follow the manufactures recommendations.
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As to Why? the new floor will only be as good (life and appearance) as what is beneath. If the new floor is vinyl it will eventually begin to show the bad places in the old floor as it molds itself to the old floor. If ceramic it will eventually work loose from the old floor and pop up.

Answer 3

When you replace a flooring material such as linoleum with tile, you must remove the old linoleum, ensure the sub-flooring does meet or exceed the weight and adhesive ability for the tile. Plus, when doing tile, the grouting material and cement used to put the stuff on the floor has to have a surface that the cement can bond to, such as good sub-flooring. Don't try and cheat, otherwise, the tile will literally pull right off the vinyl flooring underneath of the tile!!!

Answer 4

When we had our vinyl put in we were told that they would grind down the old stuff to make it smooth and then put down the new stuff. There was a layer of something in there too, but I forget what it was called. Our installer told us that we wouldn't like that because after a time of walking on it, it would start to break up and it would feel lumpy. So he suggested a subfloor over it instead. Then it is all smooth to start with.

I would think that if you floor is smooth now with no problems in it, you may be able to stick them down fine. But if it is even a bit lumpy, it could cause problems. Most of the tiles come with instructions that tell you how to properly prepare the floor before applying the tiles. I know that Home Depot had some brouchures by the self stick tiles tell you how to do it.

Answer 5

It's always best to start with a clean slate. But there is a compund that can be put over old linoleum that will work just as well. We did this in our kitchen. I don't know the name of the product but any home depot type store will help you with that.
You cannot lay down new tiles on the bare linoleum.

Answer 6

first of all, find out if the "old linoleum" has asbestos in it!!! you don't need health troubles for everyone in the household. next, get advice from a flooring installer. there are products available to level any pattern or damage in the old floor. they are troweled or floated on over the existing floor. you could also lay new underlayment down, that is only a 1/4-3/8" thick, right over the linoleum for the "fresh start" that you are looking for. asbestos was used in linoleum flooring before the 1970's so please proceed with caution. good luck.

Answer 7

we recently put peel and stick tiles right over old linoleum. If the old floor is not too textured or uneven, it should work just fine. We are happy with how it turned out and it was easy. Start in the center of the room and work your way out. make sure your old floor is very clean and dry first.

Answer 8

I put in my house a 5/16 hardwood made by Bruce Hardwood. It is a pre-finished product. It goes down really quick. not as fast as Laminate. I have a Retriever and there are some scratches. The varnish isn't as durable as what i expected. I refinished another room that the floor is 46 years old and applied a high-gloss finish. The high gloss has more durability than a gloss. there are no dog scratches on the high gloss. The hardwood can be replaced and or repaired a lot easier than laminate. I have installed both types, and have repaired both types. I will refinish the 5/16 this fall after 5 years of 2 kids and the dog.

Answer 9

Self stick I assume.
Use Ardex or another suitable self leveler, mix it according to the directions, then use it as a skim coat on the entire surface of the floor. It will fill in any holes, or irregularities, and will also give a good surface for the adhesive to bond to. Next BUY enough CLEAR THIN SPREAD adhesive to install your tile. The self stick tiles have crap for adhesion, they will slip and move in a year, with the thin spread it will last for ten years. Spread it on with a 1/32 notched trowel and wait 45-90 minutes for it to turn clear (hence the name) and start installing, mark all lines beforehand, you'll be able to see them through the glue.

Answer 10

If they are the sticky-back lenolium tiles they can go right on. If it is ceramic tile you'll need to install a sub-floor. I can't remember what it's called, but it's like a sort of concrete board and comes in, I think 4'X6' pieces. This allows the mortar to adhere properly. The board can be nailed to the existing wood floor and/or cut to fit.