Flooring Tile - tile over vinyl
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06-09-01, 10:47 PM
okay, i'm confused about the ceramic-tile-over-vinyl question. In this website's general information about tiling, it says that you CAN tile over vinyl flooring directly. But you say not to do it. So, who is correct? I have ugly yellow vinyl--im sure the asbestos kind, but that didnt stop my father and me from digging up a piece of it before we thought of that particular dilemma *cough*--in my kitchen. I've never tiled before. My budget won't allow me to have someone do it for me, so i'm having to learn. Eeek! But, my budget also wont allow me a do-over; it's a case of pass or fail! ...help!
John Bridge
06-10-01, 04:09 PM
Hi Flower,
In my industry confusion is with us constantly. The issue of installing ceramic over vinyl is no exception. Let me just say that the bulk of contractors and installers in our trade will advise you against it. Vinyl is just a very poor base for any type of flooring.
As far as asbestos is concerned, a rule of thumb is the early seventies. That's when they quit using it in linoleum. There were stocks, however, that might have taken years to deplete.
But it's really not a problem anyway. It can be safely removed by you.
Let us know what's under the vinyl, i.e., wood, concrete slab?
John
http://www.johnbridge.com
In my industry confusion is with us constantly. The issue of installing ceramic over vinyl is no exception. Let me just say that the bulk of contractors and installers in our trade will advise you against it. Vinyl is just a very poor base for any type of flooring.
As far as asbestos is concerned, a rule of thumb is the early seventies. That's when they quit using it in linoleum. There were stocks, however, that might have taken years to deplete.
But it's really not a problem anyway. It can be safely removed by you.
Let us know what's under the vinyl, i.e., wood, concrete slab?
John
http://www.johnbridge.com
06-10-01, 11:00 PM
John, thanks for the vote of confidence that i could safely take up the yellow linoleum by myself, but i think i'm just gonna put a layer of plywood over it and then tile. That would work, right? My house was built in the mid to late 60's, so im sure it is asbestos-laden linoleum. Tile this ugly could only have been manufactured in the 60's ...heheh.. :-) By the way, since when was it decided that asbestos could be taken up safely by just anyone? I remember seeing all those men in white suits and oxygen masks working in a plastic enclosed space. Hahaha..was that just government propaganda? ...oh, and the floor under it is plywood...but i guess that doesnt matter since im not gonna take it up. The previous owners had the same linoleum in one of the bedrooms, and i just had the carpet guys lay the carpet over that. Worked out fine.
Since you are 'in the business,' can you let me in on the secret prayer you say to the tile gods before you begin a job? i really think im gonna need their help! :-)
Since you are 'in the business,' can you let me in on the secret prayer you say to the tile gods before you begin a job? i really think im gonna need their help! :-)
John Bridge
06-11-01, 05:22 AM
Okay Flower, don't take it up. But instead of plywood use cement backer board. Get a copy of the directions where you buy the board and follow them to the t. Use modified thin set as your adhesive. Versa Bond is sold by Home Depot, for example.
The only danger in asbestos is breathing airborne particles, and you don't release that many particles in removing linoleum. Wearing a mask and misting the floor to keep it damp takes care of it nicely.
John (coughing his way out of here) Bridge
http://www.johnbridge.com
The only danger in asbestos is breathing airborne particles, and you don't release that many particles in removing linoleum. Wearing a mask and misting the floor to keep it damp takes care of it nicely.
John (coughing his way out of here) Bridge
http://www.johnbridge.com
06-11-01, 09:37 PM
Hahaha...okay, i will take your advice about the cement backer board, John. Thanks! I have tons of 'learning' to do before i actually start this project. I'm the anal type who likes to know as much as i can before i begin. Will keep you posted! :-)
06-15-01, 11:12 PM
I too feel the need to fully research and learn before I start my projects. In a addition to all the books and Internet info out there, I also like to do the hands-on learning if possible. Both Home Depot and Lowe's offer classes on how to install ceramic tile. They're free, and you have the instuctor right there to answer questions.
John Bridge
06-16-01, 08:54 PM
Probably one of the reasons my book is not carried by Home Depot is that I don't share your enthusiasm for their expertise. About the worst thing anyone can do is attend a "training" session at Home Depot. You might as well watch the guy run the baloney cutter at the local supermarket. In fact, you might learn more.
John
http://www.johnbridge.com
John
http://www.johnbridge.com
06-18-01, 09:59 PM
John,
I also have linoleum, or whatever it is on my kitchen floor. I am currently in the process of remodeling and before I reface my old cabinets/and construct a new set of cabinets and countertop, I would like to install new 12" Sqaured Ceramic White tile.
Everyone I talk to feels it is a terrible idea to try it myself, but from what I've read it seems simple enough - start from the middle and go for it.
I sense it's better to pull up the linoleum, but then what?
I also have linoleum, or whatever it is on my kitchen floor. I am currently in the process of remodeling and before I reface my old cabinets/and construct a new set of cabinets and countertop, I would like to install new 12" Sqaured Ceramic White tile.
Everyone I talk to feels it is a terrible idea to try it myself, but from what I've read it seems simple enough - start from the middle and go for it.
I sense it's better to pull up the linoleum, but then what?