Should I remove my tile before installing vinyl plank flooring?

Author: Blaise Schimmel  |  Last update: Monday, March 10, 2025

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 better to remove tile before installing vinyl plank flooring?

If applying the vinyl planks over existing flooring causes an issue like that, you will want to remove the existing tile first. But in most cases you'll be fine to move onto the next prep step without removing your tile floor.

Is it okay to install vinyl plank flooring over tile?

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 vinyl planks be laid over tiles?

Covering floor tiles with luxury vinyl is an easy and cost-effective option that can quickly transform any room. Not only does it provide a beautiful look, but also improved durability and longevity compared to traditional tile floors.

Can you put vinyl flooring over tile with grout?

Actually yes you can. With a grout topper just to eliminate the possibility of lines, you can lay vinyl plank or sheet right overtop. The edges should be sealed with silicone.

10 Tips For Installing Vinyl Over Tile

What is the best vinyl plank flooring to install over tile?

What Is The Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Option To Go Over Existing Vinyl Or Other Tile? Envee Rigid Core LVT Planks are floating vinyl planks that works well when installed over vinyl or tile subfloors.

Do you need underlayment for LVP over tile?

If you decide to install over existing floors anyways, we recommend adding an underlayment that will cover any potential imperfections from the previous flooring.

How can I cover my tile floor without removing it?

Use Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl planks are easy to install over existing tiles because they simply need a flat surface to cling to. Old, clean tiles will do just as well as the underside of your flooring. Vinyl flooring has several unique benefits, the primary one being durability.

Will vinyl flooring stick to tiles?

Happily, the answer is yes, although some extra measures will need to be put in place prior, such as the case for laying on top of ceramic tile or porcelain requiring the spread of a levelling compound or laying plywood or hardboard to fully flatten the floor first.

Should I put something under vinyl plank flooring?

If the vinyl flooring product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one. But to maximize softness, warmth, moisture proofing, and noise reduction, an underlayment is key.

How to prepare tile floor for vinyl?

Initial Preparation

It is important to temporarily remove any nearby obstructions such as baseboard trim or toilets, as these will need to rest upon the new vinyl. Furthermore, be sure that the tile surface is completely dry and free of any debris.

What is the best flooring to put over tile?

Luxury Vinyl Tile, laminate flooring, and engineered wood flooring are all excellent options for installing over ceramic tile.

Should I remove the toilet before installing vinyl plank flooring?

If you are installing vinyl planks in a bathroom, you may need to temporarily remove the toilet, or you can install around it. If the subfloor is not level, you can fix low spots with a self-leveling product and sand or grind down high spots. Tip: Do not try to sand down old vinyl flooring, as it may contain asbestos.

Should I remove tile before installing laminate flooring?

If the tile is in decent shape, without being loose or having cracks, you can lay laminate flooring over tiles. If they are loose or cracked, it's inadvisable.

Can you walk on vinyl plank flooring after installation?

After you've installed brand-new vinyl flooring, you should wait at least a day before walking on it because: The seams need to cure: The adhesive under your vinyl plank or tile flooring needs at least a day to acclimate to the floor underneath it after installation.

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.

Can tiles be laid over vinyl flooring?

Can I tile directly over vinyl floors? If all your current vinyl floor tiles are well-glued to a stable concrete base, then you're in luck. You can tile straight onto your vinyl, saving you a good deal of time and expense.

Can you put LVP over tile?

Generally speaking, LVP can be installed directly over subfloors such as concrete or ceramic tile assuming they're clean and level. Additional underlayment may be required if installing over existing hardwood or vinyl sheet floors to protect against moisture damage and sound transmission.

What to do with floor tile you hate?

From quick fixes to complete overhauls, we give you seven solutions to renew your floors
  1. Area rugs and carpets. ...
  2. Carpet tiles. ...
  3. Wall-to-wall carpeting. ...
  4. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) ...
  5. Laminate planks. ...
  6. Paint. ...
  7. Epoxy resin coating.

What is the best flooring to cover tiles with?

Vinyl flooring typically comes in sheets or tiles. With the right preparation and adhesive, it can smoothly adhere to the flat surface of ceramic tiles. However, be mindful of deep grout lines that may telegraph through the vinyl over time.

Should I remove tile before installing LVP?

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.

Why does my LVP floor crackle when I walk on it?

When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.

Do I need to fill grout lines before laying vinyl plank flooring?

When you're laying LVP over existing tile, the grout lines are one of the first things you'll need to address. Grout lines can create a slightly uneven surface, and if not smoothed out, they might become visible through the LVP, creating an unsightly “telegraphing” effect.

Previous article
Why do you soak potatoes in water before air frying?
Next article
Should you use distilled water in a portable ice maker?