The key to successfully installing laminate flooring over existing tile is proper preparation and choosing the right underlayment. This ensures a level surface and protects against moisture.
Steps to Install Laminate Flooring Over Tile:
-
Assess the Existing Tile:
- Check for loose, cracked, or uneven tiles. These need to be repaired or replaced. Loose tiles can create instability, and uneven tiles will cause bumps in the laminate floor.
- Ensure the tile floor is clean and free of debris, dirt, and grease. Clean thoroughly with a suitable cleaner.
-
Prepare the Subfloor (Tile):
- Leveling: If there are significant height variations between tiles (more than 3/16 inch), you'll need to use a self-leveling compound to create a flat surface. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is crucial for preventing future issues with the laminate.
- Addressing Grout Lines: Shallow grout lines (less than 1/4 inch) often don't require any special treatment as the underlayment can usually bridge them. Deeper grout lines could telegraph through the laminate over time, so filling them with a cement-based grout filler might be considered. This is more of a preventative measure.
-
Choose and Install the Underlayment:
- Why Underlayment is Important: Underlayment provides a smooth, moisture-resistant barrier between the tile and the laminate flooring. It also adds cushioning and sound insulation.
- Underlayment Options:
- Foam Underlayment: A popular and cost-effective choice. Look for a foam underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier.
- Cork Underlayment: Offers excellent sound insulation and is a more environmentally friendly option. Also provides good moisture resistance.
- Combination Underlayment: Some underlayments combine foam or cork with a vapor barrier for optimal protection.
- Installation: Roll out the underlayment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overlap seams slightly and tape them securely with moisture-resistant tape.
-
Install the Laminate Flooring:
- Follow the laminate flooring manufacturer's instructions for installation. Most laminate flooring uses a click-lock system, making it relatively easy to install.
- Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room (typically ΒΌ to 3/8 inch). This allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes without buckling.
- Use spacers to maintain the expansion gap.
- Stagger the seams between rows for a more visually appealing and structurally sound floor.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Remove the spacers.
- Install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap and give the floor a finished look.
- Install transition strips where the laminate flooring meets other types of flooring.
Key Considerations:
- Moisture: While most laminate floors are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. Ensure proper moisture protection to prevent damage. Test for moisture issues in the subfloor (tile) before installation. If high moisture levels exist, resolve the problem prior to installing the laminate.
- Doorway Clearance: Adding laminate flooring and underlayment will raise the floor height. Check doorway clearances to ensure doors can still open and close properly. You may need to trim the bottom of doors.
- Warranty: Check the laminate flooring manufacturer's warranty to ensure that installing over tile will not void the warranty.
