Install LVP Over Tile Flooring
Installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring over existing tile can be a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to completely demoing and removing tile. By installing LVP over tile, you can upgrade the look of your floors without the mess and expense of tile removal. However, proper preparation is key to ensure proper LVP installation and performance.
Benefits of Installing LVP Flooring Over Tile
Installing LVP over existing tile floors offers several advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Installing LVP over tile is cheaper than removing tile and installing new subflooring.
- Timesaving: By not removing tile, installation goes faster and with less demolition mess.
- Low Profile: LVP adds less height than carpet or hardwood when installed over tile.
- Seamless Look: Using a thin foam underlayment helps smooth grout lines.
LVP also comes in a wide variety of wood and stone looks unattainable with tile. Installing waterproof LVP protects existing floor from spills and moisture. LVP is also warmer and more comfortable underfoot than tile.
Considerations for Installing LVP Over Tile
While installing LVP over tile has advantages, there are also some considerations:
- Uneven tiles can still telegraph through LVP flooring, especially LVP under 6mm thick.
- Tile cracks or missing grout lines may eventually crack planks or allow moisture underneath.
- Thicker LVP flooring builds up transition areas more noticeably.
- Tile adhesives can interact with new flooring adhesives over time.
Performing due diligence when assessing the existing tile condition minimizes these risks when installing LVP flooring over tiles.
Preparing the Tile Surface for LVP Installation
Proper tile preparation is crucial for successful LVP installation. Key preparation steps include:
Checking the Tile for Damage
Inspect tile carefully for cracks, loose or missing tiles, uneven surfaces, or wide/deep grout lines. Probe tiles to check for hollow or loose areas, repairing as needed with patching compounds. Missing or severely damaged tiles should be replaced.
Cleaning and Leveling the Tile Surface
Thoroughly clean tile to remove any wax, grease, sealants, or dirt that could interfere with adhesion. Use self-leveling floor levelercompound to fill grout lines over 1/8 inch and smooth out significant depressions for a flat surface.
Check for contours or uneven spots using a straightedge tool, addressing any areas over 1/16 inch. Allow any patching products or levelers to dry completely per manufacturer instructions, checking moisture levels before LVP installation.
LVP Flooring Options for Tile Installs
For tile installs, choose stone or wood-look LVP at least 5mm thick. Rigid core LVP resists indentation and separation better than flexible LVP. 100% waterproof LVP prevents moisture damage underneath.
Opt for LVP flooring with attached foam padding for sound dampening and help hiding grout lines. If possible, select wider and longer LVP planks which have less obvious seams over tile.
LVP Adhesives for Bonding to Tile Surfaces
Experts recommend using a full-spread adhesive specially formulated for LVP installation over tile or other challenging surfaces. This type of adhesive adheres tightly while allowing some natural movement of the LVP flooring to prevent separation.
Before installing LVP, perform adhesion testing on a properly prepared tile section. Apply adhesive using the manufacturer's recommended trowel and allow to fully cure as directed, often 24 hours. The tile should be difficult to remove without damaging the cured adhesive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing LVP Over Tiles
Follow this detailed process for professional LVP installation results over tile:
Preparing the Work Area
Remove baseboards and undercut door jambs to fit new flooring underneath, allowing 1/4 inch expansion gap. Vacuum and sweep tile again just prior to installation. Perform one last check that the tile surface meets specifications.
Laying the Underlayment
Roll out foam underlayment over tile, pressing seams together tightly. Run underlayment up walls 1/2 inch to prevent noise transfer, trimming excess height only after flooring installation. Choose premium underlayment rated for LVP installation over uneven substrates.
Applying Adhesive
Spread adhesive evenly across the tile using the proper adhesive trowel specifically for LVP over tile. Only adhesive sections where planks can be installed within the working time to prevent drying.
Cutting and Dry Laying Planks
Precisely measure and cut LVP planks to fit the room layout using a table or miter saw with a sharp fine-finish blade. Number all planks on the backing and dry lay them fully to determine placement order before final installation.
Locking Planks into Adhesive
Carefully set planks into adhesive in numbered sequence, gently engaging seams together fully on all sides. Use wall spacers to maintain a 1/4 inch expansion gap. Weight joints until adhesive cures if needed.
Rolling and Top Coating Floor
After installation, roll floor with a 100 lb. roller per adhesive specifications to ensure full contact and bonding. Apply any recommended sealer or finish coating to protect and enhance seams.
Some visible grout lines or unevenness may still show through LVP flooring installed over tile. To help create seamless transitions between rooms:
- Stain any exposed grout lines a color complementary to the LVP planks.
- Use matching caulk or a transition trim piece along any exposed tile edges.
- Select similar LVP and grout colors for adjoining spaces.
Choosing thicker LVP better bridges grout lines and small depressions. Commercial patching products are also available to smooth tile irregularities before installing LVP.
LVP can be installed over existing tile with proper planning. Follow these best practices for transforming your tile floors with beautiful new LVP flooring while minimizing costs, demolition mess, and installation labor.