Flooring is usually a top concern when it comes to home upgrades. However, if there already exist some older tiles it can be difficult to decide to either demolish them or install new flooring on top. The question is, can you install new flooring over existing tiles? While some homeowners would decide to remove all the tiles in order to start from the subfloor, others buy the idea to install a new flooring stores Jacksonville FL right over the old tiles.
In this post, you’ll go through each step of this decision-making process; and answer your question – that whether you can install different kinds of flooring, like luxury vinyl, laminate, engineered wood offered by specialist flooring stores Jacksonville FL, over tiles that are already in place.
This guide aims to provide recommendations as each approach varies.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT/LVP/SPC):
The most popular option is luxury vinyl flooring, which is both versatile and durable. This click-in installation flooring is suitable for a variety of subfloor surfaces, including tiles that are already in place, as it makes installation quick and simple for flooring stores Jacksonville FL.
Providing the ceramic tiles are securely attached to the subfloor and are free of cracks, luxury vinyl flooring can be laid over them easily. The term “floating floor” is used to describe an installation method in which the floor tiles or planks are laid over the subfloor rather than bonded to it with glue or nails. While Vinyl Flooring available at exclusive flooring stores Jacksonville Fl work great over existing tiles, there is a need to ensure a perfectly leveled surface before the installation.
Peel-and-Stick vinyl tiles are not recommended since their ill-fitting attachment to the ceramic surface could result in disappointing results and loss of time and money.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring can be installed over old tiles and offers certain advantages. The floating floor installation method allows laminate planks to interlock without the need for adhesive or nails, thus is a good option for covering ceramic tiles. However, it is advised to evaluate the state of the current tiles to be sure they are stable, level, and free of cracks.
Laminate flooring is an affordable and visually appealing alternative to wood. And it is extra water-resistant, so a great choice for any type of area including kitchens and basements.
When choosing a laminate floor take into account the height difference that it will add on top of existing tiles since laminate products typically have a thickness between 7mm – 14mm.
Engineered Wood Floating Flooring
Engineered wood flooring unites the classic beauty of hardwood with high durability. If the existing tiles are secure, it is best to use the click-in installation method over them. To ensure good support and stability, engineered wood flooring should be laid over a level subfloor together with the correct underlayment.
Even if engineered wood available at specialist flooring stores Jacksonville FL has similar warmth and beauty of hardwood, it is not recommended for places with high humidity owing to its sensitivity to water damage.