Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Flooring over ceramic tiles

We have a large room (18' x 48') that was an existing indoor pool. Since we don't really use the pool, we're going to install a floor over the pool opening (needless to say, after the pool is drained!) and use the room for a multi-purpose room.

Existing is a lot of 12" sq. ceramic tile. My intention is to set the pool opening flooring level with the existing ceramic tile, then apply whatever floor covering we choose for the entire room, covering the existing tile. This way, I won't have to chip up all that tile. (Been there - Done that!) Fortunately, the existing tile floor is about 1/2" lower than the rest of the house flooring.

Is this a workable idea and what (and how) should be put over the tile?

If the existing tile is well leveled and not coming up, then you should be able to apply new tile directly over the top of it.

You would apply normal thinset over the top of the existing, and apply new tile on that.

I assume it is a concrete slab under this tile seeing that you have a indoor pool?

I wish I had an indoor pool. :-p


The above directions would be to apply tile over tile. If you are looking for a floating laminate floor, then you should be able to go right over the top, as long as there is not to much moisture.

"I wish I had an indoor pool. :-p"

Maybe not clear: I don't plan on putting more tile down. I think we'd prefer to use wood, Pergo or cork.