Putting Laminate Floor Over Tile

Installing Laminate Flooring over Tile: A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading your flooring with laminate is a relatively straightforward project, but when you're working with an existing tile surface, there are a few additional steps to consider. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the essential aspects of putting laminate floor over tile, ensuring a successful and professional-looking installation.

1. Surface Preparation

Thoroughly cleaning your tile floor is crucial. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could create an uneven surface. If your tiles have grout lines that are wider than 1/8 inch, it's recommended to fill them with a leveling compound to create a smoother base.

2. Moisture Resistance

Tile surfaces are not naturally moisture-resistant, so it's essential to install a moisture barrier before laying down your laminate flooring. This will prevent moisture from seeping up from the tile and damaging the laminate. Use a polyethylene vapor barrier of at least 0.06mm thickness, overlapping the sheets by 6 inches and taping them together.

3. Underlayment

An underlayment provides cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture resistance. Choose an underlayment that is specifically designed for laminate flooring installed over tile. It should be at least 3mm thick and provide a vapor barrier.

4. Expansion Gap

Laminate flooring expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it's essential to leave an expansion gap of 1/4 inch around the perimeter of the room. Use spacers to maintain this gap during installation.

5. Installation Techniques

Lay the first row of laminate flooring along the longest wall of the room, starting from a corner. Snap the planks together using a tapping block and a hammer. Work your way across the room, row by row, ensuring that the planks are tightly interlocked.

6. Cutting and Trimming

You will likely need to cut some of the planks to fit around obstacles such as doorways or cabinets. Use a laminate cutter or a circular saw to make clean, precise cuts. Trim any excess underlayment or vapor barrier around the edges of the room.

7. Finishing Touches

Once the laminate flooring is installed, remove the spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round molding to conceal the expansion gap and give the room a finished look. If there are any gaps between the planks, you can fill them with a wood filler that matches the color of the laminate.

Conclusion

Installing laminate flooring over tile requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By following these essential aspects, you can achieve a professional-looking and durable floor that will enhance the aesthetics of your home for years to come.