QUESTION

Can I install tile over vinyl? can i tile over a karndean tiled floor with ceramic or porceline tiles?

ANSWER

ANSWER - ceramic tile (porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile) or stone tile can be installed over vinyl materials if done correctly and with some limitations. The tile attachment to the underlying substrate will only be as good as the attachment of the vinyl to the substrate. If the vinyl is well attached certain polymer modified thin-set mortar adhesives can be used to bond the tile to the properly prepared vinyl. All coatings must be removed from the vinyl to allow the bond. Any vinyl with asbestos cannot be scarified, but the tile can be installed over it with a mortar bed application or a backer board or uncoupling (special sheet that some manufacturers sell as a substrate) application. The floor cannot have too much deflection respective to which of the above applications you choose.

Go to our website at www.CTaSC.com and click on Expert Answers to find Resources and go to Installation Products to find a manufacturer who sells the suitable polymer modified thin-set mortar and follow their installation instructions.  There are free installation guidelines that you can download to help you make sure you achieve a good installation. Good luck.