Removing ceramic tiles can be backbreaking work that takes effort. It generates a huge amount of dust and a large amount of waste, especially if you have a larger floor area. If the ceramic tiles are in good condition, choosing to install another flooring over it is simpler and only takes a few adjustments.
Before installing new flooring over ceramic tiles, ensure the floor’s overall thickness is practical. Make sure the floor will not go higher enough to interfere with your home’s doors, lower cabinets, and other elements.
Once you’ve confirmed the height, check the ceramic tile for bridges, lippage, or huge dips. If you notice a huge gap or lippage, get premixed grout, like the Custom PMG165QT, and apply it over the tiles to level it. If not properly fixed, you’ll have grout lines showing, or your new flooring will dislocate, especially for floating floors. Once done, it is time for underlayment.
Underlayment, in some flooring, is important to eliminate clicking or impact noise when walking on the flooring. There are different types of underlayment; check for one that will control the sound. Look for STC and IC ratings. The higher the ratings, the better the underlayment will dampen sound.
Once done, it’s time to install our new flooring over the tile. Below are five types of flooring you can install over ceramic tile.
1. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is one of the most popular types of flooring in the market. It is stylish, has different designs, and is easy to install. If your tile flooring is in good condition, vinyl will go directly over it without much preparation. There are several types of vinyl. I recommend using SPC vinyl flooring because it has a more rigid core that will handle most surface imperfections.
If you’re to use WPC or other softer types of vinyl, make sure to use an underlayment. If you skip using an underlayment, it will translate all the details under the floor, including the grout lines. I recommended you start by filling up larger gout lines to keep them from translating to your new flooring.
2. Floating Engineered Hardwood
There are different ways of installing engineered hardwood flooring. Some engineered hardwood flooring is installed by nailing it down, gluing it, or installing it as a floating floor. Floating engineered hardwood is easier to install and can go over other types of flooring, such as ceramic tile or vinyl.
Floating-engineered hardwood is relatively new in the market. It is the perfect option for a homeowner who loves hardwood floors’ beauty without spending too much on buying and installing. Floating-engineered hardwood has a click-lock system that makes it very easy to install.
3. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring over tiles is another popular option. Laminate flooring is cheaper than other types of flooring, and it’s easy on the feet, providing a soft cushioning feeling. However, because laminate is a softer flooring material, you’ll need to fix the tiles and ensure they are level properly.
Fill the grout lines and examine the ceramic tile flooring for any cracks. Once done, you can choose to use underlayment or not. However, underlayment padding is a must if you want to insulate or dampen sound. Because laminate is made of wood fibers, a moisture barrier might be necessary to prevent water or moisture from destroying your planks.
4. Ceramic / Porcelain Tile
Can you put tile over tile? Yes. Start by inspecting the older tile flooring for cracks and huge dips. If they are in good condition, then you can move on to apply a primer or sand the existing ceramic tiles to remove the glaze and enable bonding with the new tiles.
The primer is applied to the existing tile flooring to enhance adhesion and ensure water resistance. I’d recommend using MAPEI ECO-PRIME GRIP, which is easy to apply and even works for bathroom and kitchen tiles.
If you’re not using a primer, scratching the tiles using 60-grit sandpaper will make a good bonding surface. A thin set mortar is also great and will also fill up the existing grout lines for a more even foundation for the new tiles to adhere properly.
5. Carpet Flooring
Carpet flooring adds warmth to your existing tile floors. If your current ceramic tile flooring is too cold or you need a softer underfoot, carpet is one of the top choices. If you want temporary carpet flooring, you can opt for wall-to-wall carpets and rugs that do not need nailing or to be glued down.
If you’re looking for a permanent carpet flooring option, you’ll need to prepare the ceramic subfloor. Start by installing an underlayment that will absorb minimal surface imperfections and grout lines. A 10mm high-density underlayment is a good option and adds to the cushioning.
Once the underlayment is installed, stretch the carpet over the room and glue it or drill holes near the wall to nail it down. Make sure to stretch the carpet properly to avoid ripples or wrinkles.
