Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Laminate Floor Under Hardibacker

I have laminate floor on part of the underlayment in my bathroom. Would it be alright to lay hardibacker with thinset right on top of this laminate flooring instead of ripping it all up? Where the old sink vanity was there is no laminate flooring. Can I just lay the hardi down with a little more thinset underneath to keep it level instead of ripping all of the laminate flooring up? Is my thought process right in thinking that the 1" riverrock tile we are using would help hide inconsistencies better than larger tile? Thanks!

For any real stone/ceramic floor, you need a min of 1 1/4 of rigid subfloor. Sorry, but laminate does not qualify, and it will end up raising the level of the floor, which sounds quite thick now, but not strong.

Take a careful look at what is under the existing floor and where the adjoining floor levels are. You don't want a big step between floor levels. Normal subfloors are 1/2 or 3/4 plywood or OSB. An additional layer of plywood, glued/screwed to that subfloor will make a rigid subfloor for tile. Then 1/4 or better tile backer.

God help us!

I was wondering how long it would be before someone would want to lay ceramic tile over a floating laminate floor product. Removing laminate flooring is one of the easiest jobs there is. Fifteen minutes can have a lot of laminate out the door!:D

YOU CANNOT INSTALL CERAMIC TILE OVER A FLOATING LAMINATE FLOOR.:D

Hopefully they are really talking about linolium..and not laminate.....

I'm right there with ya Bud!

Oh, bengal...I hope we're going to start seeing some pictures of your progress soon. What did you decide about the tub/closet scenario that wreaked havoc last week?

Anyway, I agree with the guys...1 1/4" minimum solid subfloor, before you add the thinset and hardibacker.

Connie

Sorry, I left a few things out of my first post. There is 3/4" plank subflooring below the 3/4" underlayment (plywood) which the lineoleum flooring is attached to (a total of 1 1/2"). Don't know why I called it laminate in the first place. Hope that clears things up better and someone can answer that.

I know that I "could" scrape it off but I only have a small hand scraper and it seems to be attached fairly well.:wall:

The tub is a no go connie. We decided on just a shower because we plan to add a master bedroom/bath someday and we can add one then. I will post pictures after someone can answer my question. :D

Yes, you can install over vinyl, assuming it is well secured.

(According to Hardibacker installation instructions)
http://www.holdenhumphrey.com/jh/hardibackerinstall.htm

Don't know why I called it laminate in the first place.:wall: :wall: :wall: :wall: :wall:

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