How To Put Laminate Flooring Over Tile

How to Put Laminate Flooring Over Tile: A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading your flooring to laminate can give your home a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank. While it's typically recommended to remove existing tile flooring before installing laminate, there are instances where installing over tile is a viable option. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to successfully installing laminate flooring over tile, ensuring a seamless and professional-looking result.

Preparatory Steps

1. Clean the Tile: Thoroughly clean the tile surface using a degreaser to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the grout lines and remove any loose material.

2. Level the Floor: Check the tile surface for any unevenness using a level. If any areas are not level, use a self-leveling compound to fill in the depressions and create a flat surface.

3. Check the Tile Adhesive: Make sure the adhesive holding the tiles in place is secure. If any tiles are loose or have hollow spots, they need to be repaired using thinset mortar.

Installing the Underlayment

4. Lay the Vapor Barrier: Before installing the underlayment, lay down a vapor barrier to protect the laminate flooring from moisture. Overlap the seams by 6 inches and tape them together.

5. Install the Underlayment: Choose an underlayment specifically designed for laminate flooring. Roll out the underlayment parallel to the direction in which the laminate will be installed, overlapping the seams.

Laying the Laminate Flooring

6. Start in a Corner: Start installing the laminate flooring in a corner of the room and work your way out. Place the first plank flush against the wall and the vapor barrier.

7. Connect the Planks: Laminate planks typically have a locking mechanism. Align the tongue of one plank with the groove of the other and press them together until they snap into place.

8. Stagger the Joints: For each row of planks, stagger the joints by at least 8 inches to increase the stability of the floor. This means starting the second row with a half-plank.

9. Cut the Planks: Use a miter saw to cut the planks to fit around obstacles such as walls, doorways, and pipes. Measure carefully to ensure a precise fit.

10. Finish the Installation: Continue installing the laminate flooring throughout the room, following the same steps. Use spacers along the walls to maintain a consistent gap between the flooring and the walls.

11. Trim and Install Moldings: Once the flooring is installed, use quarter-round molding or base molding to finish the edges of the room and hide any expansion gaps.

By following these steps carefully and taking your time, you can successfully install laminate flooring over tile, giving your home a stylish and durable upgrade.