Can You Lay Floating Timber Floor Over Tiles

Can You Lay Floating Timber Floor Over Tiles?

Floating timber flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its ease of installation, durability, and aesthetic appeal. However, many people wonder if they can install floating timber flooring over tiles. The answer is yes, you can lay floating timber flooring over tiles, but there are a few things you need to consider before doing so. ### 1. Prepare the Subfloor The first step is to prepare the subfloor by ensuring it is level, smooth, and free of any debris. This is important because any unevenness or imperfections in the subfloor will be transferred to the floating timber flooring, resulting in an uneven or wavy appearance. If the tiles are uneven, you may need to level the floor using a self-leveling compound. You should also fill in any gaps or cracks in the tiles with a suitable filler. Once the subfloor is level and smooth, you can proceed to the next step. ### 2. Install an Underlayment An underlayment is a thin layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and the floating timber flooring. It serves several purposes, including: * Providing a cushion for the floating timber flooring, which helps to reduce noise and improve comfort underfoot. * Helping to level the subfloor and hide any minor imperfections. * Acting as a moisture barrier, which helps to protect the floating timber flooring from moisture damage. When choosing an underlayment, you should consider the type of floating timber flooring you are installing and the specific needs of your subfloor. Some common types of underlayment include: * Cork underlayment: Cork is a natural material that is known for its sound-absorbing and insulating properties. It is a good choice for floating timber flooring installed in areas with high foot traffic or over a concrete subfloor. * Rubber underlayment: Rubber is another sound-absorbing material that is also moisture-resistant. It is a good choice for floating timber flooring installed in areas with high humidity or over a subfloor that is prone to moisture damage. * Polyethylene underlayment: Polyethylene is a synthetic material that is moisture-resistant and affordable. It is a good choice for floating timber flooring installed in areas with low foot traffic or over a subfloor that is not prone to moisture damage. ### 3. Install the Floating Timber Flooring Once the underlayment is installed, you can proceed to install the floating timber flooring. Floating timber flooring is typically installed using a click-lock system, which allows the planks to be easily snapped together without the need for nails or glue. To install the floating timber flooring, start by laying the first row of planks along one wall of the room. Make sure that the planks are flush against the wall and that there is a small gap between the planks and the wall to allow for expansion. Once the first row of planks is installed, you can continue installing the remaining rows by snapping the planks together. Be sure to stagger the joints between the rows to create a stronger and more stable floor. ### 4. Finish the Installation Once all of the floating timber flooring is installed, you can finish the installation by trimming the planks around the edges of the room and installing baseboards. You should also seal the gaps between the planks and the wall with a suitable sealant to prevent moisture damage. ### Conclusion Laying floating timber flooring over tiles is a relatively simple and straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. However, it is important to prepare the subfloor properly and to install the floating timber flooring according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a successful installation.