Here's why Ceramic Over Vinyl Won't Work

[D Taylor]

"Can I install tile directly over vinyl wood or linoleum?" is one of the most-asked questions.

If you want it to last, the simple answer is no.

Vinyl's top layer is made of a material, similar to plastic, that no mastic or mortar will stick to very well. Some people will suggest roughing up the surface to get a better bond, but this method has been proven to be unsuitable and is not approved. The level of bonding achieved is still not enough for successful tile installation.

The best course of action is to remove the vinyl completely - for four reasons:

1. You'll have a much better bond to the substrate.
2. Most vinyl is installed over 1/4" plywood, particleboard or luan. They are not approved substrates for the use of tile or natural stone because of their composition and/or performance. They should be no part of a substrate (base) for tile.
3. You will not be able to determine the anchoring pattern of floor underneath the vinyl, which is key to a stable floor.
4. Transitions will be needed where your increased floor height would meet up with the exisiting height of other areas.

Vinyl and linoleum are more compressible than other, more suitable, materials. If you were to install tile on these cushioned floors, it would be unstable and you'd develop cracks in either the tile or the grout.

The argument that vinyl or linoleum is a 'slip sheet', a surface that lets the tile layer move independently from the substrate (since there is no bond), is misleading since it neither takes the compressive nature of vinyl and linoleum into account nor the possible effects of moisture being introduced from beneath.

"Can I put backerboard or underlayment over my linoleum or vinyl and install tile over it?". Again, the answer is no. You have not dealt with the compressive nature of these products and this effect will be transferred through the backerboard to the tile, resulting in failure due to cracking.

Again, the best action is to remove these types of flooring and prepare the floor with methods tested and approved. You'll be one step closer to an installation that will last.

David Taylor