You can tile directly over existing vinyl flooring, ensuring proper preparation and using the correct adhesive application method.
Tiling over existing vinyl flooring can be a convenient way to update a room without fully removing the old floor. While it's crucial to ensure the existing vinyl is well-adhered, clean, and level, the core tiling process involves applying mortar and setting the tiles.
Key Steps for Applying Tile Over Vinyl
Once your preparation is complete (checking for loose spots, cleaning thoroughly, potentially using a primer if recommended by the mortar manufacturer), the critical step is applying the mortar and setting the tiles.
Applying the Mortar
- Mix Your Mortar: Start by getting your mortar mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a high-quality thinset mortar suitable for tiling over vinyl (often a polymer-modified or epoxy-based mortar is recommended).
- Apply to the Vinyl Surface: Apply the mixed mortar directly to the prepared vinyl surface using a notched trowel.
- Spread Evenly: First, use the flat side of the trowel to spread the thinset evenly across a manageable section of the floor.
- Stripe for Adhesion: Then, turn the trowel to its notched side. Stripe the mortar at a consistent angle across the entire applied area. This "striping" or "combing" is essential as it helps to improve adhesion and prevent air gaps from forming under the tiles, ensuring full coverage and a strong bond.
Setting the Tiles
- Press Each Tile: Press each tile firmly into the wet mortar bed.
- Observe Neat Rows: Lay your tiles, observing neat, straight rows. Working from a central line or a starting point ensures your layout stays aligned.
- Use Spacers: For ensuring uniform joints between tiles, use tile spacers. Insert them between the tiles as you lay them.
Once the tiles are set in the mortar for a section, allow the mortar to cure according to the manufacturer's directions before walking on the floor or applying grout.
Considerations Before Tiling Over Vinyl
- Condition of Vinyl: The existing vinyl must be in good condition – flat, smooth, clean, and firmly adhered to the subfloor. Any loose areas or significant imperfections need to be addressed first.
- Added Height: Tiling over vinyl adds height to the floor. Consider how this will affect doorways, transitions to other flooring types, and appliance clearances.
- Subfloor Stability: The subfloor beneath the vinyl must be rigid and stable. Tiling requires a much stiffer subfloor than vinyl does.
By following the correct process for mortar application and tile setting, based on the method described, you can successfully tile over an existing vinyl floor.
