Can tiles be laid over vinyl flooring?

Author: Amalia Jacobi  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Tiling over vinyl or linoleum is possible, and something you can do yourself; you'll just need to make sure your pre-existing flooring is suitable first.

Can you tile directly onto vinyl flooring?

Yes, but in single-family residences only. Ceramic tile or porcelain tile both can be installed over an existing single layer of non-cushioned sheet vinyl as long as the vinyl is fully adhered to the substrate and is not perimeter-glued or loose-laid.

Do you have to remove vinyl flooring before laying tile?

Should you remove vinyl flooring before tiling? The good news is that you really can save your time, money and effort on removing your old vinyl covering – in most cases, tiles can be laid right on it.

What flooring can go over vinyl flooring?

Some of the flooring over vinyl options include:
  • Faux wood vinyl on a plastic tile base.
  • PVC plastic tiles or rolls.
  • Polypropylene plastic tiles.
  • Carpet tiles or rolls.
  • Laminate tiles or sheets.
  • Hardwood planks.
  • Ceramic tiles.
  • Cork flooring rolls.

How do you prepare a vinyl floor for tile?

Before you start, its really important to make sure your floor is completely clean, and there's no grease or grime on it at all. I used a scrubbing brush and some floor cleaner all over mine and left to dry before starting. This is to make sure the vinyl sticks down properly.

How To Tile OVER Linoleum Floors! CORRECTLY 😲

Will thinset stick to vinyl flooring?

Can I tile over vinyl? Most manufacturers' of tile cement (thinset) have developed a specialty thinset for setting tile that bonds well to sheet vinyl. However, as with all tile installations, the entire subfloor below the tile is important – not only the layer to which the tile is bonded.

Do you need underlay for vinyl flooring on tiles?

Most vinyl floors don't need an underlay. If the surface you're laying on is level and smooth, a well-cushioned vinyl floor should be fine on its own. Our Luxury Vinyl Click flooring is laid using the same as technique as laminate options in that it's loose laid creating a "floating floor".

Can you stick self-adhesive tile over vinyl?

The tiles will also stick to sheet vinyl flooring, again if it is smooth, sealed & in good condition. The tiles will also stick to ceramic tiles if they are untextured. If there is a significant trench where the grout is – fill it and seal it.

Can you lay flooring over vinyl?

Yes, you can install real wood floors over existing vinyl or laminate, but the subfloor's condition and stability are crucial. The existing floor must be level, clean, and in good shape to prevent issues with the wood flooring. Proper underlayment or a moisture barrier is necessary for durability and to avoid damage.

What's the difference between linoleum and vinyl?

While both flooring options are easy to maintain, linoleum is susceptible to moisture damage and requires additional maintenance upon installation. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is a non-porous material; the result is a flooring that is resistant to high moisture and spills.

What happens when you lay tile over linoleum?

The existing flooring can shift or buckle over time, causing the tiles on top to crack or shift as well. Additionally, the grout lines between the tiles may crack or become uneven due to movement in the linoleum below.

How hard is it to remove old vinyl flooring?

In most cases, vinyl and linoleum are only glued down along the perimeter of the room. This makes the majority of your removal pretty simple. Measure 10 inches from the wall and cut through the vinyl or linoleum with your utility knife, moving parallel to the wall around the perimeter of the room.

Does all vinyl flooring have to be glued down?

Not all vinyl has to be glued to the floor. Heavy duty 'stay flat' vinyl doesn't shrink or lift, so you can lay it without using adhesive. If you're laying cushioned vinyl, you should glue it around the edges and at joins. Thinner, non-cushioned types need to be stuck down all over.

Can you go over tile with vinyl plank flooring?

You'll be pleased to learn that in nearly every case, yes - luxury vinyl planks can indeed be installed on top of tile. This is quite convenient as it means you won't need to completely strip the floor of your old tile when completing a new installation.

Can you put DiTra over vinyl flooring?

Can Schluter ®-DITRA and Schluter ®-DITRA-XL be installed over vinyl flooring? Yes, Schluter®-DITRA or DITRA-XL can be installed over vinyl.

Can you paint vinyl flooring?

The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Paint Vinyl Flooring!

Contrary to popular belief, painting vinyl flooring, including LVT, is indeed a feasible solution to revitalise your floors and extend their lifespan.

Can you tile directly over vinyl flooring?

Fortunately, assuming there's no technical faults, there's no reason why new floor tiles can't be fixed on top of your vinyl or linoleum. Vinyl and lino are non-porous, so tile adhesive cannot easily bond to the surface.

Should I remove ceramic tile before installing vinyl plank flooring?

Any cracks or chips in your ceramic tile can also create problems with laying the new flooring on top. We recommend repairing any of these issues before installation. If your existing floor has any of these issues that cannot easily be fixed, removing the tile before installing the new vinyl plank is best.

Is it okay to put new vinyl flooring over old?

If your existing floor is in good condition and meets the requirements mentioned above, you can prepare it for sheet vinyl flooring installation. Thoroughly clean the floor to remove any dirt, debris, or residue. If the surface is textured or uneven, you might need to apply a leveling compound to create a smooth base.

How do you prepare vinyl flooring for peel and stick tile?

Be sure the surface is clean, smooth, flat and dry before applying. Area must be free of grease, dirt, wax, uv coating, and other oils. Inspect tiles to ensure tiles are free of defects. Make sure to not apply tiles to loose or uneven flooring, and radiant heated floors.

Can you tile over old vinyl adhesive?

When faced with tiling over vinyl tiles we would recommend the following: Ideally remove, mechanically, about 80% of the old vinyl adhesive residue, exposing the concrete floor beneath.

What to do with old vinyl flooring?

While you cannot dispose of vinyl flooring using your curbside recycling program, many recycling centers are willing to accept it as a drop off. When they have enough, they will melt it down to create other vinyl products. Most recycling facilities will accept linoleum for either reuse or waste-to-energy incineration.

What is the best adhesive for vinyl flooring on tiles?

Acrylic-based adhesives are very efficient and strong when it comes to gluing vinyl floors. Acrylic-based adhesives are heat-resistant, can handle fluctuations in temperature and do not loosen up due to moisture.

What happens if you don't put underlayment under vinyl flooring?

When you have a bump or dip in your subfloor, the uneven surface can cause vinyl planks click-lock-systems to become uneven. This will cause creaking or “popping” every time you walk over the floor. An underlayment can help fill in subfloor imperfections and leave your flooring a smooth surface to lay on.

What thickness of vinyl flooring is best?

For residential spaces, 4-6mm vinyl planks are ideal for balancing comfort and durability. These are perfect for living rooms and kitchens where you spend most of your time. In commercial settings, go for 6-12mm to handle the heavy foot traffic of places like restaurants or retail stores.

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