How to Install Ceramic Tile Over Vinyl

One of the problems with having vinyl floors is that they can peel easily. In addition, they accumulate dirt easily and stained vinyl floors can be difficult to clean. Adding a ceramic tile floor over vinyl can be tricky, but in general it is worth it, as the ceramic tile will be easier to clean and more aesthetically pleasing.

Instructions

1. Lay down backer board. In general, you cannot install ceramic tile directly over vinyl. If you are unable to remove the vinyl flooring, you should lay down concrete "backer board" (a surface sold and optimized for ceramic tile) over the vinyl, making sure to apply thin-set concrete adhesive under the backer board before laying it down.

2. Measure the space to be tiled. This will give you a rough idea of how much ceramic tile you will need, as well as how much tile adhesive you will use.

3. Purchase the tile. Purchase enough tile to cover the area to be tiled, as well as an extra 10% to cover any tiles that break or need to be cut.

4. Mix up your adhesive. Mix up enough adhesive to cover the area you intend to tile with a moderately thick coat. If you mix up too much, however, it will harden and be useless.

5. Lay down your adhesive on the backer board, using a putty knife or trowel.

6. Lay down your tiles. You will want to use spacers to ensure that the space between each tile is the same. An easy to use spacer is the edge of a spare tile, but any thin object of uniform size will do. Start in the center and lay them down one at a time in a row. From there, you can move outward. If possible, try to avoid having a row of cut tiles at the edge, next to a wall, as these can be harder to install. Press the tiles down firmly to set them in place.

7. After the tiles have becomes tuck into place, fill in the inter-tile joints with grout, spreading the grout as evenly as you can with a putty knife.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not install ceramic tile directly onto vinyl. The vinyl may peel or come loose, ruining your tile floor.