Can You Put Floating Timber Floor Over Tiles In Bathrooms

Can You Install Floating Timber Floor Over Tiles In Bathrooms?

Floating timber floors have become a popular choice for bathrooms due to their durability, water resistance, and ease of installation. However, you may wonder if it's possible to install them over existing tile flooring. The answer is yes, but there are a few factors to consider before you start.

Floating timber floors are designed to be installed on a level subfloor. Tiles, on the other hand, are typically uneven, which can create problems for the floating floor installation. To ensure a successful installation, it's important to prepare the tile surface properly.

Preparing the Tile Surface

The first step is to clean the tile surface thoroughly. Remove all dirt, dust, and debris using a vacuum cleaner and a damp mop. Allow the surface to dry completely.

Next, you need to level the tile surface. This can be done using a leveling compound or a self-leveling underlayment. Leveling compound is a cement-based material that is applied to the tile surface and allowed to self-level. Self-leveling underlayment is a foam-based material that is rolled out over the tile surface and allowed to self-level.

Installing the Floating Timber Floor

Once the tile surface is level, you can install the floating timber floor. Start by laying out the first row of planks along one wall. Leave a small gap between the planks and the wall to allow for expansion. Continue laying out the planks, staggering the joints between the rows.

Once all the planks are laid out, you can lock them together using the manufacturer's instructions. Tap the planks together gently using a rubber mallet or a tapping block. Make sure the planks are securely locked together before moving on to the next row.

Finishing the Installation

Once the floating timber floor is installed, you can finish it with baseboards and quarter-round molding. Baseboards will cover the gap between the floor and the wall, while quarter-round molding will cover the gap between the floor and any obstacles, such as pipes or doorway thresholds.

Flooring over tile in bathrooms using floating timber flooring is a great way to update the look of your bathroom without having to remove the existing tile. However, it's important to prepare the tile surface properly before installing the floating timber floor.