How to Install Porcelain Tile Over Linoleum

Cover Old Linoleum with Porcelain Tile

Many homes contain old, linoleum tile, which can make a floor appear dated. Sometimes this old linoleum tile contains asbestos, which makes it impossible for the homeowner to pull up easily. Or the old linoleum is so well adhered to its substrate that removing it is a much bigger job than a homeowner wants to tackle. In either of these cases, it is possible to lay new, porcelain tiles over the old linoleum and give the floor a fresh, new look.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Cleaning supplies
• Pencil
• Tile saw
• Thin set
• Trowel
• Grout
• Grout float

Instructions

1. Examine the linoleum. Look for curling corners, loose tiles or missing tiles. The porcelain tiles will need to adhere to the old tiles, which must in turn be adhered to the substrate to give the new tiles stability. If the old tiles are loose or curling, the tile job will fail.

2. Measure beneath doorways, at thresholds and under cabinets to determine how thick the new tile can be. Tiling over an old floor essentially doubles the thickness of the floor, so make sure that doors can still swing shut and thresholds still have clearance even with an additional layer of tile and thin set. Purchase porcelain tiles that are thin enough not to interfere.

3. Clean the linoleum thoroughly. Remove grease, wax dust and debris from the surface. The linoleum must be completely clean so that the thin set and porcelain tile can adhere to it, otherwise the tile job will fail.

4. Lay out the new tiles in a dry-layout over the old linoleum. A dry-layout consists of laying the tiles without mortar to determine placement, cuts and grout lines. Lay the first tile in the center of the wall furthest from the door, and lay the next tiles to the left and right evenly. This will ensure an even tile job. Include room from grout and tile all areas that are currently covered in linoleum, particularly if the tiles contain asbestos.

5. Use the pencil to mark the tiles to be cut. Cut the tiles on the tile saw and return them to the dry-layout to double check measurement and placement before setting the tiles in the thin set.

6. Spread a small amount of thin set over the area to be tiled. Rake the grooved side of the trowel through the thin set until the ridges left are even and uniform in size. Press the tiles into the thin set in the same layout determined by the dry-fit. Twist the tiles into the thin set slightly to get a good bond between the tiles and thin set.

7. Allow the thin set to cure for 24 hours and then grout the tiles by packing the grout between them with a grout float. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge, being careful not to over water or "wash" the grout, as this can lead to the grout losing color. Allow the grout an additional 24 hours to set before walking on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• If the tiles are 9 inches or 13 inches square, they most likely contain asbestos. If asbestos tiles appear loose, curling at the edges or dusty, do not attempt to tile over them or remove them. Call a professional hazardous waste removal team to clean out the old tiles for you, then lay fresh tile over the cleaned substrate.

References

• The Tile Doctor: Removal of Existing Surface Tile
• Flooring and Carpets: Porcelain Floor Tile