Vinyl over Tiles? Yes, it is possible!
Vinyl plank flooring— versatile, stain resistant, waterproof, and luxurious. This flooring option is a must for those who are looking for a cost-effective and durable wood flooring alternative. But what if you already have tile flooring? The messy process of ripping up tiles is more than a little unappealing and hiring professionals to do the job for you isn’t exactly a budget-friendly option. Wouldn’t it be easiest if you could just lay vinyl plank flooring on-top of existing tiles?
Contrary to common knowledge, you most definitely can! By following this easy process, you can transform your home in a single afternoon of easy preparation and installation— without the back-breaking or expensive hassle of demolition.
1. Ensure your floor is ready and able to accommodate vinyl plank flooring
Before installation, it is important you ensure that your tiles are suitable and prepared for the process. In order to accommodate this speedy renovation, your tiles must be as smooth in texture as possible. As vinyl plank flooring is made of synthetic material, it will eventually settle into bumpy, crevassed, or textured tiles, causing the finished look to appear rough and uneven.
If your current flooring hosts a few tiles which are uneven, cracked, or structurally unsound (sounding hollow or drummy underfoot), you are best off ripping the offending tiles up and replacing them before going ahead with the vinyl installation. This method of installation works best, and boasts more longevity, on a surface which is as smooth and sound as possible.
Clean and thoroughly dry your tiles prior to installation for even more endurance.
2. Ordering and Purchasing
The next part of the process entails purchasing your vinyl flooring and adhesive product. It can be difficult to determine how much flooring you will need, but at Tile Wizards, we have a method that never fails. Simply calculate the square footage of the room (length plus width), and then add 10%. This extra 10% will cover any measurement errors, installation complications, and future repairs, making installation and maintenance easier for you in the long run.
While this isn’t absolutely necessary, we recommend that, once you pick up or receive your purchase, you let the vinyl plank flooring rest in your home for at least 24 hours. Vinyl plank flooring can be prone to shrinking and expanding when it enters new environments, so this time will allow for possible size and shape fluctuation. In this time, the vinyl will acclimatise, assuming the form that it will maintain for the duration of its installation in your home. Acclimatising your vinyl before installation will prevent warping, lifting, and potential gaps in your finalised flooring.
3. Sub-floor preparation
As has been previously mentioned, vinyl plank flooring lays best on a smooth surface, as it contours the sub-flooring and will make any textures or crevasses visible. This means, you must ensure that your grout lines flush with the tile. This will stop the vinyl from sinking into them, leaving you with a grid of visible indentations. If your grout is naturally the same level as the tiles, then you need not worry about this step. If not, there are a couple of different ways you can make your grout lines level. One method is filling the grout lines with mortar and smoothing them off as much as possible. For a more non-permanent means of achieving a similar result, tape over grout lines and place an underlayment on-top of the sub-flooring.
4. Adherence
The next step is applying the adhesive. This part of the process is relatively straight forward. If you are using a pressure sensitive adhesive, roll onto your sub-flooring with a paint roller. If not, then a typical application trowel will suffice. Ensure you cover each section of the floor adequately and evenly.
5. The moment you’ve been waiting for!
Finally, it’s time to lay your vinyl flooring. On your now smooth and prepped surface, install vinyl planks top to tail, one at a time. Start from the outer edges of the room and move inwards as you work. Vinyl planks don’t fit? Simply cut using a straight edge and a utility knife. Make a mistake? Plunder that extra 10% of vinyl that you purchased. Once you have completed the entire room, your new floor is ready to use.
If you have any trouble with your vinyl plank flooring installation, want to browse our wood-look flooring options in person, or just have some questions about the process, contact your local store today. Our trusted team have extensive experience with the installation various flooring options and would be more than happy to lend a hand. For quick enquiries, and an online perusal of our vinyl ranges, visit our website today.
At Tile Wizards, we supply a large range of flooring options to suit any space! Let us help you find the perfect match, and head in-store or book a consultation to speak to one of our friendly experts about flooring options to suit your spaces.
We have stores located across Australia, including stores in Queensland (Bokarina, Springwood), South Australia (Richmond, Lonsdale, Para Hills West), and New South Wales (Coffs Harbour).
Contact us today to find the best flooring solution for your needs!
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