Installing Linoleum over Tile Floor

Is it Possible to Lay Linoleum directly over a Ceramic Tile Floor?

By Mark J. Donovan




Question: I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom and I am considering installing linoleum over my tile floor. I have not heard of this being done, but I do not really want to go through the hassle and work of removing the old ceramic tile, and I have a limited budget. Any ideas on installing linoleum over tile would be greatly appreciated?

Answer: I have not personally installed linoleum over a tile floor, however I believe you can do so, with a few stipulations.

First, it is imperative that the ceramic tile floor is solid and perfectly smooth, otherwise the bumps and depressions will eventually transmit through to the linoleum flooring. If the ceramic tile floor is in solid shape, and there are no signs of crumbling grout lines or broken tile then your tile floor is a candidate for applying linoleum flooring directly over it.

This said there is one additional item that you need to consider prior to moving forward with installing linoleum over your tile floor. Ceramic tile flooring usually has grout lines that run a little shallower compared to the surface area of the tile. Consequently you could eventually see the transfer of the grout lines through to the linoleum flooring.

One way to prevent the possibility of grout lines transferring to the surface of the linoleum is to apply a skim coat of cement type floor patch over the ceramic tile floor prior to installing the linoleum.

Installing tile over linoleum flooring

The cement floor patch will also help to ensure a smooth and flat surface area, and aid in the adhesion of the linoleum to the ceramic tile floor base.


For information on installing a shower pan membrane liner for a ceramic tile shower, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation Ebook from HomeAdditionPlus.com.  The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.

See HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Ceramic Tile Calculator

See my “How to Tile a Custom Ceramic Tile Shower” Ebook to learn how to tile your own shower:  For a detailed set of instructions on tiling a shower floor and walls, including pictures for every step in the process, see my “How to Tile Custom Ceramic Tile Shower Ebook”.

Related Information


Additional Ceramic Tile Resources from Amazon.com

     

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