Can I install vinyl tiles on top of existing vinyl tiles?

Question

According to the Home Depot book I should NOT install on top of existing vinyl tiles but according to the Lowes website I can if it is smooth and in good condition(which it is). It would be easier to install on top but I would like to do it the way that is the best.

Answer 1

Yes,You can. I have installed hundreds of them. As long as you have a smooth even surface under the new floor your fine. Make sure you glue down any lose ends or corners that may be sticking up now on the floor you want to tile over.
There are 2 options..You can put a very,very light skim coat of floor adhesive over the old floor..(In the main traffic areas) let it tack up for 30-40 mins. then lay the tile.
Or you can just go with what adhesive is on the back of the tile. I always put a very light skim coat of glue down cuz i don't want to hear the tile pop on different spots where the tile adhesive from the back of the tile didn't adhere to the floor. Make sure you have a can of mineral spirits if you use the floor adhesive. This cleans the glue that may come up between the tiles. Just make sure you use a plastic throw away trowel and use the SMALL TOOTHED edge and lay it on THIN!!. Last but not least...always start with a full tile in the doorway and work you way into the kitchen,bathroom,foyer areas. DON'T line the tile up with the existing tile!!! Make sure when you lay the new tile over the old tile..your first piece should cover two tiles. The tiles are 12 x12..make a 6 in. mark in the middle. Then when you lay your first tile..make sure that mark lines up where both tiles meet that your going to cover. I hope that doesn't confuse you. Good luck.

Answer 2

Wow, The stuff you read in these answers... Yes you can install vinyl tile over vinyl tile. The first layer must be absolute tight to the floor,and as free from dirt as possible. Next , and I don't care how smooth you think the old floor is, skim coat it with a embossing leveler. Armstrong makes a good one, Ardex Featheredge is the best but maybe hard to find. Once the leveler is dry, scrape any ridges with your trowel. Then vacuum the area. If the tile you are installing are "peel and stick" I recommend a very thick coat of tile adhesive. You can even use a paint roller. Be careful and good luck.

Any questions e-mail [e-mail]

I have installed over 250,000 square feet in both residential and commercial.

Answer 3

Yes, Vinyl can be installed over the top of vinyl. If it is sheet vinyl inspect for loose areas and cut a seam and reglue it down. If it is square (or similiar) tiles inspect each piece and if loose re-glue. There is no problem with laying over top of the old floor. I have renovated numerous homes and for mediocre money you can make a old floor look nice.

Answer 4

If you ever decide to put down a stone, ceramic, or porceline tile in the future, you will have to remove the existing vinyl layers. Just something to consider if you did want that upgrade in the future. Might be easier to rip up the one layer instead of fighting with 2 layers.

Answer 5

I did this a few years ago and am sorry I was too lazy to remove the old tiles. It is alot of work to remove the old but in the long run, you'll be much happier that you did.

Answer 6

Make sure the bottom tile layer is firmly affixed to the floor. If they were loose at all, they would start to lift.

Of course smooth, which you have heard before.

Answer 7

You could but you have to make sure there is not any old residue like wax build up or anything that could hinder your new tile. Also make sure there is no tiles that are loose or crinkled. that could also hinder your tile.

Answer 8

My husband did it all the old house. He even used them as a guide when installing the new ones. Hint- use liquid nail underneath. They won't peel up at the corners that way!!!!