How to Lay Ceramic Tile Over Linoleum
Ceramic tiles are clay-based tiles which are fired in a kiln under extremely high height. This firing process creates a tile that is extremely hard and durable. Ceramic tiles can be made in a variety of colors and styles. This variety makes ceramic tile a popular choice for decorative applications throughout the home. If you've purchased an older home with damaged linoleum flooring, ceramic tile offers a great option for replacing your damaged flooring. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Protective eyewear
- Dust mask
- Latex gloves
- Ceramic tile
- Tape measure
- Tile nippers
- Level
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
- Wallpaper scraper
- Bucket
- Water
- Sponge
- Cement backer board
- Backer board screws
- Thin set mortar
- Rubber mallet
- Mesh tape
- Chalk line
- Spacers
- Grout
- Notched trowel
Instructions
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Remove the Linoleum and Prep for Tile
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1
Remove your baseboards (if necessary). Run a utility knife along the top edge of the baseboard to help loosen the paint, and then use the pry bar to pry the baseboards away from the wall.
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2
Using the utility knife, score lines along the floor from wall to wall. Use only enough pressure to cut through the layers of linoleum. After you've made the cuts, use the edge of the utility knife or the pry bar to loosen the edges of the strips and then pull up the strips.
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3
Using a wallpaper scraper, remove the remaining adhesive and/or soft backing that is left on the floor after you have pulled up the linoleum. If you have stubborn spots, you can try wetting the areas down with very hot water and allowing it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the adhesive before attempting to remove it again. As a last resort, you can use a piece of medium grit sandpaper to sand up the adhesive. Once you've finished removing the backing and adhesive, sweep the floor and wipe it down with a tacky cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris.
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4
Inspect the plywood subflooring for any needed repairs. Remove protruding nails and screw down any protruding screws so that you have a completely flat, flush surface to apply the backer board. If the plywood subflooring is damaged, you will need to remove and repair the damaged portions before moving on.
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5
Measure the floor and cut the backer board to fit the measurements, leaving enough room for ¼ inch gap between sheets and around the perimeter joints. The pieces should be staggered in a way to ensure that four corners never meet. After the board has been cut, test the pieces out along the floor to make sure that all of the pieces will fit correctly. Then remove the pieces.
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6
Mix the thinset mortar (if necessary) according to manufacturer's directions and apply to the plywood using the flat side of the notched trowel. Once it is applied, use the notched side of the trowel to comb out the mortar until it is a consistent depth. Then apply the cut pieces of backer board, using a rubber mallet to carefully set each piece. Screw the panels down with the backer board screws according to the manufacturer's directions. Make sure that your screws are flush to the backer board.
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7
Cover the joints with mesh tape and use the flat side of the notched trowel to cover the tape with thinset mortar. Allow the thinset to cure according to the manufacturer's directions.
Apply the Ceramic Tile
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8
Prep for tiling by laying out your tile in a dry run first. Cut the tile to fit around corners or appliances and plumbing as necessary. Remove the tile. Use a chalk line to divide the room into two sections (horizontal and vertical) and then use the chalk line to create a grid pattern within those sections. Verify that the chalk lines are square using a level. This will help you to apply the tiles correctly.
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9
Apply the thinset mortar with the notched trowel just as you did before when placing the backer board. Place your ceramic tile in the pattern you decided on upon, lining the pieces up within the gridline and using spacers to leave room for grout. Use the rubber mallet to set the tile and wipe off any mortar that oozes over onto the tile with a damp sponge. Complete the entire room and allow to cure according to manufacturer's directions.
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10
Mix the grout according to manufacturer's directions. Remove spacers and apply grout with a sponge. Allow the grout to cure for a few hours, and then clean the tile with a damp cloth to remove any excess grout from the tile. Allow the grout to cure completely according to manufacturer's directions before allowing the floor to be used.
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Tips & Warnings
Homes built prior to 1980 may have had linoleum applied with adhesives containing asbestos. Prior to removing linoleum in older homes, you should have the floors inspected for asbestos. If the adhesive is believed to contain asbestos, you should consider professional removal due to potential health hazards.
References
- Photo Credit ceramic tile floor or wall texture image by Ana de Sousa from Fotolia.com
