Best Guide to Install Laminate Over Tile Flooring

Updated : Aug, 2024

Laminate flooring has been a popular choice because of its durability, range of styles, and cost-effectiveness.

Now, the million-dollar question: “Can you put laminate over tile ?”

Short answer: Absolutely.

Yes, you can put laminate flooring over ceramic tile.

However, you’ve got to make sure that your tile surface is flat and in very good condition.

You will need to make sure that the tiles are very clean and dry.

Depending on how things look you might need to roll out a layer of underlayment to give your laminate planks a smooth stage to lay them on.

But, like all good things, there’s a bit more to it than just slapping it on.

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This post is about Guide to Install laminate over Tile

In this article, I will cover :

What you should consider before before installing laminate over tile.

Choosing the right Laminate flooring

Tools and supplies Required.

How to prepare the surface

Important things you should know

Step by step guide to install Laminate over tile.

Putting the finishing touches

How to care for Laminate Flooring

Potential Issues and Their Solutions

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Let’s dive into those nitty-gritty details, shall we?

Why would you want to install laminate over tile ?

pros and cons of laying laminate over tile

You will be saving money and time.

There are significant cost savings with laminate over tile.

Think about it: instead of going through the whole ordeal of tearing up tiles—which is not just a pain but pricey too—you can just lay laminate right over.

And, if your tiles are still flat and decent, there’s less prep work.

Plus, laminate is a breeze to install.

It just snaps together, no messy adhesives, and trust me, it’s way less chaotic than ripping up tiles and dealing with the dust and mess.

Makes total sense, right?

What you should consider before installing laminate over tile

It’s a good idea to check all these things before you start on your new flooring.

Tile Condition: First up, make sure the old tiles are in a good condition.

It’s like building on a foundation – if it’s shaky, everything on top is at risk.

If your old tile floor has tiny cracks, loose tiles or a tile or two seems uneven, they’ll need some attention.

Make sure the tile surface is good. You don’t want those irregularities causing trouble later on.

Moisture and Water Damage Concerns:

Laminate isn’t a big fan of moisture.

So, you’d want to think about getting a moisture barrier or vapor barrier in place, especially if you’re laying laminate in potentially damp areas.

Before starting, check tiles for any signs of water damage. If moisture’s been sneaking in, it’s better to catch it.

Height Difference and Door Frames:

Ah, the tricky part! Adding laminate means raising the floor height a tad.

The laminate will increase the height of the flooring

It might seem small, but it could mean your doors don’t swing open as smoothly as they used to on tile flooring.

So, you might find yourself adjusting door strips or even shaving down some frames to make everything fit just right.

Remember, a bit of prep work upfront can save a lot of headaches down the line. All set? Good luck with the project!

Choosing the Right Laminate Flooring

These are some factors to Consider when choosing the type of flooring. There are a few different types of laminate flooring :

Thickness: Generally ranges from 6 mm to 12 mm thickness . Thicker laminates offer better sound insulation and durability.
AC Rating: This measures wear resistance on a scale from AC1 (light residential use) to AC5 (heavy commercial use).
Texture and Finish: Depending on your aesthetic preference, you can choose from options like hand-scraped, embossed, or high-gloss finishes.
Underlayment: This provides cushioning and sound absorption. Some laminates come with pre-attached underlayment.

There are different types of flooring available when it comes to design and aesthetics. Some Luxury vinyl plank look exactly like hardwood floor.

high-end flooring solutions are also available. Vinyl flooring is also available that has the look of natural stone.

Luxury vinyl tile also is available in different sizes.

Tools and supplies Required

can you put laminate over tile in kitchen — Laminate Installation Kit – Credit : Floor & Decor

Alright, gearing up to lay down that laminate over tile?

Let’s ensure you’ve got the right tools you need on hand.

Key Tools:

Pry Bar: Super handy for removing baseboards or any moldings without damaging them.
Utility Knife: Essential for cutting the foam underlayment and even trimming the laminate edges if needed.
Rubber Mallet: To help snugly fit those laminate pieces together without damaging them.
Spacers: These are lifesavers to ensure you maintain an expansion gap around the room’s edges. Remember, laminate can expand and contract!

…And of course, depending on the room’s shape and any intricate cuts, you might also want a laminate cutter or a saw.

Materials:

Laminate Floor Planks or Tiles: These are the stars of the show! Whether you go for a wood look or something more avant-garde for your new laminate flooring. Make sure you buy a bit extra to account for mistakes or future repairs.
Foam Underlayment: This acts as a cushion between the tile and the laminate, and it can also offer some soundproofing. It’s also a friend to your laminate, keeping away moisture if it has a built-in vapor barrier.
Transition Strips: Essential for where your laminate meets another type of flooring or if there’s a door. It gives a neat finish and ensures a smooth transition between spaces.

Before you start, lay out all your tools and materials. Having everything within arm’s reach will make the process smoother. Happy flooring!

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How to prepare the surface ?

Cleaning:

Before you so anything else to the current floor, you want to start with a squeaky-clean tiled floor.

Vacuum or sweep the ceramic tile floor to get rid of dust, dirt, and debris from your old flooring.

Once that’s done, give it a good mopping with a mild detergent to remove any grease or grime.

Just ensure the floor is completely dry before moving to the next step.

Leveling:

Self-Leveling Compound: If you have dips or uneven tiles, a self-leveling compound will be your best friend for uneven surfaces.

This liquid solution can be poured over the tile, and as the name suggests, it’ll level itself out, filling any low spots on the surface of the floor.

Let it dry thoroughly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation before laying anything on top.

Addressing Uneven Tiles:

For tiles that protrude or are a bit raised, consider sanding or grinding them down to make sure you have a level surface.

However, if the old tile floor has just one or two problematic tiles, it might be easier to replace or repair them.

Moisture Prevention: Given that laminate and moisture aren’t the best of pals, it’s essential to ensure that no moisture seeps up from the tiles or tile subfloor below.

Vapor Barrier: This is essentially a thin layer (often plastic) that stops moisture from creeping up to your laminate.

Moisture Barrier: Typically made of foam, this serves two purposes.

Apart from protecting against moisture, it also provides an extra layer, a bit of cushioning under the laminate.

If you’re in an area with potential moisture concerns (like a basement), never skip this step!

Once all these boxes are ticked, you’re all set to start with the installation.

Make sure you’ve given enough time for any wet or damp materials to dry, and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful new floor in no time!

Important Things you should know :

Starting Right: The Best Option

Where to Begin:

Often, the best way as a starting point to add the new layer of flooring is in a corner, usually against the longest wall.

This provides a straight guide, making the subsequent rows easier to manage.

Also, it ensures that your floor has a consistent flow, which is visually appealing.

Use of Spacers:

It’s not just about laying the laminate snugly against the wall.

You’ll want to use spacers between the laminate and the wall.

Why?

Laminate flooring can expand and contract with temperature changes.

Those spacers ensure that the existing floor has room to ‘breathe’, so to speak.

Once you’re done laying the floor, you can remove them, and the expansion gap will usually be covered by baseboard or trim.

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Laying Patterns:

One of the great things about laminate tiles is the variety.

Even within a single box, you might have slight variations in the pattern or grain.

Mix and Match:

To achieve a natural look, avoid laying identical planks side by side.

Open a few boxes and mix planks from different boxes.

This gives a more varied, organic look, similar to real hardwood flooring.

Cutting Laminate:

Sometimes, a whole plank just won’t fit, especially around door frames or room edges.

Use the Right Tools:

A laminate cutter is the go-to for straight cuts, but for more intricate shapes, a jigsaw can be handy.

Always wear safety goggles, and when using a saw, ensure the laminate’s decorative side is facing up to prevent chipping.

Measure Twice, Cut Once:

This old carpenter’s adage is golden.

Before making any cuts, double-check your measurements.

It’ll save you material, time, and potential heartache.

Transition areas and edges can be some of the trickiest parts when laying flooring, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a polished look.

Let’s delve into it:

Transition Strips:

When your laminate flooring meets another type of flooring or even the same flooring but in a different room, a transition strip is usually necessary.

It’s more than just aesthetics; it’s also about ensuring a safe, trip-free surface.

Different Flooring Types: If your laminate is meeting tile, carpet, or hardwood in the next room, there’s likely a height difference.

A transition strip, often made of wood or metal, can bridge this gap smoothly.

Same Flooring, Different Rooms: Even if it’s laminate meeting laminate, say, between two rooms, a transition strip might still be a good idea.

This is particularly true if the two rooms have floors laid in different directions or patterns.

Doorways:

Doorways can be a bit more challenging because you’ve got the door, its frame, and the floor to consider.

Adjusting Door Frames: Before laying your laminate, you might find that the new floor height means your door doesn’t swing open as freely as it should.

In this case, you’d need to trim the bottom of the door.

But first, you’ll want to undercut or notch out the door frame and trim, so the laminate slides neatly underneath, giving a professional finish.

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Living Room Doorways: Often, the living room might adjoin another room, such as a hallway or dining room.

Use a T-molding or other transition strips to seamlessly merge the flooring from the living room to the adjoining space.

This will accommodate the expansion and contraction of the laminate.

Door Strips: Similar to transition strips but specifically designed for doorways, door strips ensure a smooth transition from one room to the next.

They also offer a neat finish, covering the edges of the laminate and any gap left for expansion.

Some are flat, while others might have a slight slope, depending on the height difference between the rooms.

Small Room Doorways:

Small rooms, such as closets or small bedrooms, might see less foot traffic but still require attention.

Threshold Strips: These are ideal for smaller room doorways, providing a neat finish and ensuring a smooth transition between the laminate in the main room and the flooring in the smaller room.

In both cases, always ensure that any strips or trims you’re installing are securely fastened, either with nails, screws, or adhesive, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

This not only ensures longevity but also safety, preventing any tripping hazards.

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Mobile Homes:

Mobile homes experience more movement than typical stationary homes.

Flexible Transitions: Given the movement, flexible transition strips that can handle a bit of flex without cracking or separating are ideal.

Additional Fastening: Due to the inherent movement of mobile homes, ensure the laminate and transition strips are securely fastened.

Taking the time to address transitions and edges properly can significantly enhance the final look of your flooring project and ensure it’s safe and durable for years to come.

Step by step guide for flooring installation:

Here is a Video showing how to install laminate over tile by DIY Dudes

1. Evaluate the Tile Floor:

Inspect the Tiles: Ensure the tiles are in good condition. No loose or severely cracked tiles.
Check the Grout Lines: If the grout lines are deeply recessed from the tile surface, they may imprint on the laminate over time. Consider using a self-leveling compound if they’re too deep.

2. Clean the Tile Floor:

Sweep and clean the floor thoroughly. Ensure there’s no debris or anything that could interfere with the laminate lying flat.

3. Prepare the Tile Surface:

Use a self-leveling compound if there are uneven areas or deep grout lines. Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
If any tiles are loose, either re-adhere them or replace them.

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4. Moisture Prevention:

Lay down a vapor barrier or moisture barrier. This step is especially crucial if the tile is on a concrete slab or in a moisture-prone area like a basement.

5. Lay the Underlayment:

Roll out the underlayment parallel to the direction you’ll be laying the laminate planks. Don’t overlap the edges.
Trim the underlayment to fit as needed.

6. Plan Your Layout:

Decide on the orientation of the planks. Usually, planks are laid parallel to the longest wall.

7. Start Laying the Laminate:

Begin at either the left or right corner of the room.
Use spacers along the walls to ensure you’re leaving an expansion gap. This is crucial to accommodate the laminate’s natural expansion and contraction.
Lay the first row, clicking the planks together end-to-end.
When starting the next row, stagger the seams for a more natural look. This also provides added structural stability.

8. Cutting the Laminate:

Use a utility knife or a special laminate cutter to size pieces as needed.
When fitting around obstacles or room edges, measure and mark where cuts are needed. Ensure that the cut edges are placed against the wall, as these will be covered by baseboards or trim.

9. Addressing Transition Areas and Doorways:

Use transition strips in doorways or where the laminate meets another type of flooring.
Adjust door frames if the new laminate height prevents doors from opening and closing smoothly.

10. Finishing Touches:

Once all laminate is laid, remove the spacers.
Install baseboards or trim around the room’s perimeter, ensuring they cover the expansion gaps but don’t press down on the laminate.
Seal edges in moisture-prone areas.

Putting the Finishing Touches

how to install laminate flooring over existing tile

Once you’ve laid your laminate flooring, the job isn’t quite done.

Those finishing touches can be crucial for ensuring the longevity and beauty of your new floor.

Here’s a concise guide on how to wrap things up:

Sealing Edges:

Purpose: Sealing the edges helps guard against water damage and moisture infiltration.

This is particularly important in areas prone to spills or moisture, like kitchens or bathrooms.

How-To: Use a silicone sealant or another appropriate edge sealer around the perimeter of your room, especially near any potential water sources.

This creates a barrier, preventing moisture from sneaking underneath the laminate.

How to care for Laminate Flooring :

Routine Cleaning:

Regularly sweep or vacuum your laminate flooring to remove dirt and debris.

Make sure if you’re vacuuming, you use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the laminate.

Mopping:

When mopping, use a damp mop, not a soaking wet one.

Excess water can seep into the laminate seams and cause damage. Always use cleaners specified for laminate floors; traditional floor cleaners might leave a residue or cause damage.

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Steam Mops/ Steam cleaners:

These can be a double-edged sword.

While they can offer a deep clean, the intense heat and moisture can be harmful to laminate.

If you do choose to use one, ensure it’s suitable for laminate flooring, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Use it sparingly, ensuring you don’t leave any standing moisture on the floor.

Protection:

Consider felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching.

For areas with high traffic or where rolling chairs are used, a protective mat can be a great investment.

Address Spills Immediately:

Laminate might look like hardwood or tile, but it doesn’t have the same resistance to water.

Always clean up spills immediately to prevent any potential water damage.

Potential Issues and Their Solutions

Of course, with every flooring project, potential issues can arise.

Thankfully, with some foresight and knowledge, most of these can be addressed head-on.

Here are some common challenges with laminate flooring and their solutions:

Uneven Subfloors:

Potential Problems:

An uneven subfloor can lead to a wavy or bouncy laminate floor, causing early wear and tear, and even making the floor uncomfortable or unsafe to walk on.

Solutions:

Self-leveling Compounds: These are excellent for addressing minor dips or unevenness. They’re poured onto the floor, and as they dry, they level themselves out.
Plywood or OSB: In extreme cases, you might need to lay down a thin layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to provide a smooth, even surface for your laminate.

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Laminate Movement:

Potential Problems: Laminate, like wood, can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. This can lead to buckling or gaps if not installed correctly.

Solutions:

Expansion Gaps: Always leave an expansion gap around the room’s perimeter. This gives the laminate space to expand without buckling. The gap can be covered by baseboards or trim.
Proper Underlayment: A good underlayment not only provides cushioning but also helps mitigate minor imperfections in the subfloor, reducing the chances of movement-related problems.

Moisture Concerns:

Potential Problems: Moisture can seep into the laminate, causing it to warp, swell, or even develop mold and mildew.

Solutions:

Moisture Barrier: Always lay down a moisture barrier, especially if installing laminate on or below ground level (like in basements). This barrier protects the laminate from moisture coming up from the subfloor.
Sealing Edges: As mentioned earlier, sealing the edges, especially in areas prone to water exposure, can prevent water from getting under the laminate.
Immediate Cleanup: Always mop up any spills or water on the laminate immediately. Extended exposure to water can damage laminate quickly.
Appropriate Rooms: It’s worth noting that while laminate can be used in kitchens or bathrooms, it’s more susceptible to water damage in such environments. Considering water-resistant alternatives or being extra vigilant in these spaces is advisable.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I install laminate over any tile type?

Generally, yes, but the tile should be in good condition and the surface level.

Do I always need an underlayment?

Absolutely! It provides cushioning, soundproofing, and moisture protection.

What if my tile floor is uneven?

Level it using a leveling compound to provide a smooth base for the laminate.

What is a Floating floor ?

A floating floor refers to a method of installing flooring materials where the individual pieces are not directly fastened to the subfloor beneath them.

Instead, they are joined together, allowing the entire floor to “float” above the underlying surface.

The laminate planks you will install over tile will be an example of floating floor.

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