Today, ceramic floor tiles are a very popular choice because the material is strong and simple to maintain, and the protective layer offers a significant degree of water resistance.
As vinyl flooring can be installed directly over ceramic tile and is simple to install, you can put laminate flooring over ceramic tile without damaging the tile underneath.
However, the tiles’ cold, hard surface is a notable drawback; as a result, people frequently install additional flooring to provide some additional comfort. Not every type of flooring matches ceramic tiles, so in this article, we will look at the floorings which work well with these particular tiles. (Read More: 10 Best Mop For Laminate Floors – Best Ways to Clean)
What Type of Flooring Can You Put over Ceramic Tile
1. Laminate Flooring
In comparison to most other options, laminate is relatively affordable, in part because it doesn’t need any adhesive and is therefore very easy to install. The padding it provides will help to even out any bumpiness in the tiles, and laminate flooring consists of slim planks that will not offset the height of your floor much, if at all. By all accounts, laminate flooring is a premium option that blends in well with any decor. It is also very discrete and available in a wide range of designs and colors.
2. Vinyl Flooring
Because it offers comparable protection and durability to ceramic tile, vinyl plank can feel like a natural fit and can complement ceramic tile quite well. There are several straightforward methods for installing vinyl flooring, and it can be a great way to get all the advantages of ceramic tiles without having to deal with cold, hard floors. Vinyl, however, might not be the best choice if the room receives a lot of natural sunlight because the material can fade from excessive exposure.
3. Cork Flooring
Another great option is cork, which is highly water resistant and is especially popular in bathrooms and kitchens where water spills are more likely to happen. The fact that cork can withstand water without absorbing it is one of the reasons why it is used for wine bottle stoppers. However, cork flooring also fades in the presence of sunlight and responds poorly to heat and cold; because of this sensitivity, it is best for the bathroom.
4. Carpet
As an alternative, you might want to go for carpet – this might have to be a thick material of 1cm or more to combat the coldness of the ceramic. With the additional dimension of texture to consider as an additional option, carpet typically offers more colors and styles than other types of flooring. Other floorings find it difficult to match this versatility, and it still manages to smooth out any uneven tiles while maintaining good cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the room will receive a significant amount of soundproofing, which is beneficial in large areas where sound travels easily.
Why Install Flooring over the Top?
Ceramic floor tiles have a lot of great features, but they can be cold and hard on the feet. That is why many people decide to put down new flooring on top of ceramic tiles. It not only makes your space more comfortable, but it also gives it a fresh look to add a layer of flooring on top of your current ceramic tiles.
The primary motivation for installing flooring over ceramic tiles is to alter the appearance of the room. There are only a few styles and colors available in ceramic tiles, so some homeowners might want to replace their flooring to match their evolving decor. Homeowners can completely transform their space with little to no demolition by simply installing new flooring over ceramic tiles.
To prevent damage to the ceramic tiles, flooring should be put over them. Ceramic tiles are durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but they can still be scratched or cracked over time. To help shield ceramic tiles from wear and tear brought on by large furniture or foot traffic, you can add a layer of flooring on top of them.
Why Shouldn’t I Remove the Existing Ceramic Tile Myself?
It is very difficult to remove ceramic tile. It is firmly embedded in thin set tile mortar (made of cement), so when it is removed, it may shatter and break into razor-sharp fragments that can easily sever skin.
It’s a difficult, labor-intensive process that is expensive to outsource, and hammering into the tile can also release clouds of dust and broken pieces into the air. The simple installation of new flooring over ceramic tile is the choice made by many homeowners because of this.
Do I Need to Add Insulation Or Underlay?
Before installing flooring over ceramic tiles, consider whether you need to add insulation or underlay. Your new flooring can be more comfortable and give your ceramic tiles more security if you use underlay and insulation.
Insulation is a fantastic way to help keep areas warmer and more comfortable if you’re installing new flooring in a chilly or drafty space. Additionally, you can lessen noise and improve the atmosphere by installing insulation between your new flooring and ceramic tiles.
Underlay is a layer of material that goes between your ceramic tiles and new flooring. It offers a level, smooth surface for your new flooring to rest on and can help hide any lumps or unevenness in your ceramic tiles. Additionally, underlay can help dampen noise and absorb impacts, enhancing the comfort and quietness of your space.
When Do I Need to Remove the Ceramic Tiles?
The need to completely remove your ceramic tiling might be necessary in some situations. It might be necessary to remove all the tiles if a number of them are cracked or loose so you can inspect the subfloor to determine whether any deeper problems exist.
Mold can spread quickly and turn into a much bigger, much more expensive problem, so you should have the tile removed and check the extent of the damage if you notice any signs of water damage or mold.
Why Should I Hire a Professional?
Although replacing flooring over ceramic tiles might seem like a simple DIY project, it’s important to think about hiring a specialist. A professional installer has the training and expertise required to install new flooring over ceramic tiles correctly, guaranteeing that your new flooring is safe, level, and gorgeous.
Professional installers are also equipped with the tools required to lay new flooring over ceramic tiles. They can advise you on the best flooring option for your area and ensure that it is installed properly, allowing you to relax knowing that there won’t be any issues in the future.
When you hire a professional installer, you can also rest assured that your new flooring will be installed safely. You needn’t worry about any mishaps or injuries during installation because experts are trained to handle flooring materials safely.
Conclusion
As with many other remodeling projects, preparation is a major part of the job. With flooring installation, preparing the correct base—or substrate—is critical for a long-lasting, beautiful floor. It is even more important with thin floor coverings such as vinyl flooring.
Your current flooring is now the de facto substrate when deciding whether to refloor. This floor-covering substrate therefore falls under the same restrictions as a traditional plywood subfloor.
FAQs
Can You Put Any Type of Flooring over Ceramic Tile?
Vinyl flooring works well in any tightly sealed, smooth or seamless surface. If the grout lines between the ceramic tiles aren’t too deep or broad, vinyl flooring can be put down over them.
Can New Flooring Be Installed over Ceramic Tile?
If the tile is in good condition, you can install laminate or engineered wood flooring over it. Your install will be unsuccessful due to loose, cracked tiles. Also, you will gain floor height, which can cause issues with doors and appliances.
Can You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring over Ceramic Tile?
In most cases, vinyl plank flooring can be installed directly over ceramic tile. Tiles that are cracked or missing should be fixed because wide seams between ceramic tiles can lead to dips in vinyl flooring.
Check the following mop reviews before buying!
The Mr. Clean Spin Mop heads work best for dust mopping and absorb too much water for wet mopping. But wringing out the mop is extremely difficult.
When it comes to surface exposure, the Libman Tornado Twist Mop is a far better option than sponge mops. Even with vigorous scrubbing, you can clean with it effectively.
Mighty Thirsty Mop is a quick-absorbing mop made of polymer. Its thin mop head can fit underneath furniture and into other small spaces around the house.
If you have the Floor Police Motorized mop, you can quickly and easily spin away that dirt! The spin mop that does all the work for you is a cordless, lightweight product.
The cleaning efficacy and usability of the Bona Spray Mop are its greatest benefits. Use it to maintain the floors in between more thorough moppings.
With the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop, you can mop more effectively while saving money and combining convenience and power.
O Cedar Mop is incredibly shaky and spills way too easily. If you have to pick up the clean water tank, it will stop spinning and be inoperable.
The H20 X5 Mop won our comparison as the most adaptable mop. This mop effectively removed stains from the floor that had been there for several hours.
The Norwex Mop is available in two sizes (large and small) and three different mop pads. The system is easy to use if you follow the directions.
The Shark Steam Mop is a cheap steam mop that does a good job of sweeping and disinfecting floors. This Shark steam mop is a lightweight, simple-to-use steam cleaner.
