What do I have to do to a vinyl floor to get it ready for tiles?

Answer 1

I'd go with "Plain Jane" short and sweet. Remove all the vinyl tiles, make sure the floor is clean and level. Put in either 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch cement board whatever the situation calls for but, I prefer 1/4 inch. Make sure all seams are covered with level set and the board is down tight.
Clean, clean, and clean again. Today, you can use a grout and cement together, as one. You don't need the two separate.
Lay out your tile from the center out, make sure your right before making any cuts. To save money if you rent a tile cutter, leave all your cuts to the last, then make them all at once.

Answer 2

What kind of tiles? Ceramic? I am going with the ceramic answer.
You COULD rip off the vinyl
You COULD leave the vinyl
You have to fasten down a subfloor(using PLYWOOD that would make the floor an 1" thick. So if you got 5/8T&G down, another 3/8 would give you an inch. Screw and glue that subfloor down using 1" screws every 8" over entire subfloor and make sure heads are near flush down.(not deeper). Then you are about ready for the tiles.
If you are putting down ceramic, you might want to consider floor heating(electrical wires heating the tiles underfoot feels so good in the morning and is heating the air at the same time). If that is the case, then you would lay out the electrical wiring on the floor next. Talk to your tile supply store about that for more info.
If you go the heated floor route, then after the wire, a float of cement is poured on the wires on the floor. This is to protect the wires and make the floor dead flat for the tiles.
If no wires, can just lay out the tiles on the plywood.

Answer 3

Remove the vinyl. Check the sub-floor, repair/replace if necessary: the floor under ceramic tile has to be FLAT and SOUND. Install 1/2" cement backer-board then mortar the tile in place; stay off the tile for 24 hours, then grout it, etc etc etc

Answer 4

ive installed all types of floorcoverings for 23 yrs +
1st thng is to make sure the floor is in good shape.. plenty of support between the floor studs..and that they arent far apart. if so. you should reinforce them with more bracing and add joising.
next lay your BackerBoard. 1/4 inch is what yu should use on your floor . 1/2 inch is also made, but is really designed for walls .. so 1/4 inch backerboard for the floor.. www.hardiebacker.com...
use thinset mortar under backerboard and backerboard screws.. there are perferated dots on the hardi backer brand in which to place nails or screws apart in distance to ensure adiquate bonding .
now you have your floor ready for tile.. good luck .. and if you need my help .. my email is [e-mail]