How do you install underlayment over ceramic tile?

Question

I am installing laminate flooring over ceramic tile (6X6 smoothe with recessed grout) to bring it up to the proper hieight. Do I need to, or how do I, secure the 1/8" underlayment to the ceramic floor. A local installer said I did not need to secure the underlayment and to let ot float. Sounds too easy. Removing the tile would be a lot of work. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I agree with them. If you get 1/8" backerboard (if that's the height you need) you'll find it's plenty heavy. Just cut and lay down. It shouldn't go anywhere if you make fit tightly (e.g.: no major gaps).

If it makes you feel better, use some adhesive, but I'd suggest cutting it to fit - which you'll need to do anyway - and lay it down. Then walk on it. If you think it's moving on you, you can look to secure it, but chances are it'll be fine.

Only caveat is if you have uneven tile heights - maybe ragged tile (by design), then that would depend on how bad/off your heights were.

Answer 2

laying it on a thin mortar would definitely hold it secure and help even out any possible uneveness created by the underlying tiles