What Type of Flooring Can You Put Over Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic floors have the potential to last a lifetime. Sometimes this is a blessing and a lifesaver. Other times, like when you decide you want a different type of flooring, this can be a real pain in the neck.
Luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are both popular floor types to put over ceramic tile. Vinyl and laminate floors are both easy to install, affordable and add minimal height to the floor. Carpet, new tile and hardwood floors are other popular options, but these floor types may add more significant height to the floor.
Not only is it possible to add a new floor over a ceramic tile floor, but there are actually many options. In order to understand what type of flooring you should use to cover your existing tile floor you will need to know when it is a good idea, and what the pros and cons of each option are.
Is Installing New Flooring Over A Tile Floor A Good Idea?
When you decide that you are going to change your floor from ceramic tile to something else, you may wonder if installing a new floor over tile is a good idea.
Tile flooring is very strong and durable. It is essentially as strong as concrete flooring, which is what rests under many floors. This strength makes ceramic tile flooring suitable to use as the base for your new flooring.
It is also important to note that removing ceramic flooring can be very difficult work and also very expensive. For this reason alone it is best to install new flooring over it is feasible.
Types Of Flooring That Can Go Over Tiles
Once you decide to replace your tile floor with a new floor you may wonder what your options are. You might be surprised to learn that there are, in fact, many choices. There are seven common floor types that you can install over an existing tile floor.
Laminate Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
One of the most popular flooring types that can be installed over ceramic tile is laminate flooring. Laminate flooring has boomed in overall popularity in the last generation.
Its availability and cost-effectiveness make it very accessible. Laminate flooring is also known to come in a variety of styles and colors and can mimic most textures – including real wood. This makes it possible for you to achieve whatever aesthetic you are going for without breaking the bank.
Laminate flooring can be a dream come true when it comes to installing a new floor over your ceramic tile. There can, however, be some reasons to think twice before purchasing laminate flooring.
Pros To Installing Laminate Flooring To Over Ceramic Tile
Laminate floors have many benefits, most notably its ease in installation. Laminate floors can be installed directly over tile floors and often do not even require adhesive. They also often have slight padding underneath each panel. This helps cushion the flooring and also helps even out any unevenness in the tile floor underneath. Laminate flooring can also be quite thin. This allows you to install a laminate floor over ceramic tile without having to worry much about the increased floor height.
Cons To Installing Laminate Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
The main con to laminate floors is its potential for water damage. If laminate floors are constantly exposed to water, they will warp over time. This will cause the floor to have gaps, and even bubble up, requiring it to be replaced. Laminate floor is also less durable than the wood flooring it often mimics.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
Vinyl flooring is similar to laminate flooring. The most common type of vinyl flooring used in homes today is luxury vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring can achieve many of the same goals as laminate flooring.
There are, however, several key differences between luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring. These differences also translate to different reasons you might want to choose vinyl, and some reasons why you may want to stay away from vinyl.
Either way, luxury vinyl flooring is certainly a popular type of flooring used to cover up ceramic tile.
Pros To Installing Luxury Vinyl Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
Luxury vinyl floors are a great option for many reasons. Like laminate floors, luxury vinyl flooring is often easy to install. This type of flooring is also very affordable. Unlike laminate flooring, luxury vinyl flooring is usually completely water resistant, which prevents it from warping and other types of water damage. Vinyl flooring is also normally fairly thin, which means it has little impact on the floor height. This can be quite important when you install flooring on top of an existing tile floor.
Cons To Installing Luxury Vinyl Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
Luxury vinyl flooring, unlike laminate flooring, often requires an adhesive when installed. This means it can be very difficult to remove. Vinyl floors may look like wood, but overall they have a shorter lifespan than real hardwood floors. Luxury vinyl floors are also not as eco-friendly, and can be difficult to recycle.
New Ceramic Tile Over Old Ceramic Tile
Believe it or not it is possible to install a brand new ceramic tile floor over your old tile floor. While this may seem like a strange option to pick, it is more common than you might think.
One of the main reasons people want to replace their tile floor is appearances. While some ceramic tile floors can be boring and lack style, others can be quite elegant and charming. There are benefits and drawbacks to adding a new ceramic tile floor to your existing tile floor.
Pros To Installing Ceramic Tile Over Existing Ceramic Tile
As long as the existing tile floor is level, adding a new layer of ceramic tile should be fairly straight forward. It allows you to have the same floor type, but with a new visual aesthetic.
Cons To Installing Ceramic Tile Over Existing Ceramic Tile
The biggest con to adding another layer of ceramic tile to an existing tile floor is the added height. Ceramic tile is not thin, so adding a second layer can drastically heighten your floor. Sometimes this is not a major issue, but it can cause major problems for doors and cabinets.
Cork Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
Another flooring option you can consider to place over your existing ceramic tile is cork flooring. Cork is a popular option for those looking to replace their tile floor with something that is not as hard on the feet. Cork is a naturally soft and welcoming material. It also installs fairly easily over ceramic tile.
It is also a popular option for areas that see frequent spills. Cork is naturally water resistant, which is one reason it is used to keep wine in its bottle.
Cork has a fairly unassuming and natural aesthetic. It is not very eye-catching, but rather very natural and unassuming in its appeal. Just like with any other flooring type you select to put over your ceramic tile floor, there are several pros and cons.
Pros To Installing Cork Floor Over Ceramic Tile
Cork is a great flooring option if you are looking for something natural to go over your ceramic tile floor. Cork flooring is also both soft and less of a conductor than ceramic. This means cork flooring will be comfortable and warm to walk on. Cork flooring also offers a naturally water resistant surface.
Cons To Installing Cork Floor Over Ceramic Tile
The biggest drawback to cork flooring is its lack of durability. Cork is naturally soft, so over time, it will deteriorate. Cork may look good, but If you are installing new flooring in a high trafficked area, reconsider using cork. Because cork is soft, it will easily wear and chip away, leaving it looking sloppy and requiring you to replace the floor frequently.
Hardwood Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
Hardwood flooring was, and will always be a classic flooring option. This flooring type is found in the most classic American homes. They are also used in state-of-the-art new homes.
Hardwood floors never go out of style. They are also a possible option for you to use to cover your ceramic tile floor. Believe it or not, you can actually install new hardwood floors over your existing ceramic tile floor. While this is possible and can certainly come out looking fantastic, there are some reasons you may want to think twice before you purchase hardwood flooring.
Pros To Installing Hardwood Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
Hardwood floors are a desirable quality in homes. This means adding hardwood floors on top of your ceramic floors can increase the value of your home. Hardwood floors are very durable, much more so than ceramic tile. They also can last for long periods of time. When choosing a hardwood floor there are a variety of wood types and finishes. This means you have many options when it comes to your preferred appearance.
Cons To Installing Hardwood Flooring Over Ceramic Tile
Wood floors look great, but they can be fairly pricey. In addition to price, the installation of wood floors can be difficult. This also means removing wood floors is a very difficult process, especially compared to other options like laminate floors. Wood floors will likely increase the height of your floor as well. This can pose some logistical issues for the doors and cabinets in whatever room you choose to install wood floors over ceramic tile.
Carpet Over Ceramic Tile
If you are looking to cover your ceramic tile with something soft, carpet is one obvious option. Carpet is frequently used to cover ceramic tile floors.
There are several types and styles of carpet you can choose from. Carpet can be a seeming easy and inexpensive flooring type to cover your existing ceramic tiles. There are also several reasons to think long and hard before you decide to choose carpet as the flooring type to cover your tile floor.
Pros To Installing Carpet Over Ceramic Tile
Carpet is a great option for those who are looking to physically soften the floor in a room. This is a common option for those who are turning a room with ceramic tile into a kid-friendly room. Carpet is comfortable, cozy and can be safer. After all, falling on well-cushioned carpet is less painful and dangerous than falling on hard ceramic tile.
Cons To Installing Carpet Over Ceramic Tile
Like hard wood floors, carpet can add significant height to your floor when you install it over a tile floor. You can choose a thinner carpet, but this may make the carpet itself less soft. Carpets can also be difficult to tack into tile flooring. It may require drilling, which would damage the look of the ceramic tile.
Epoxy Coating Over Ceramic Tile
One final flooring method you can use to cover your ceramic tile floor is an epoxy coating. This method involves covering the tile with a permanent coating, so there is no turning back.
For this, and several others, it is important you consider this decision carefully before you lay an epoxy coating over your tile floor.
Pros To Laying Epoxy Coating Over Ceramic Tile
One of the main pros of epoxy coating is that it is a relatively inexpensive way to achieve a completely new look. Epoxy coating is also a well-sealed and water-resistant surface type. It can be a great option for a workroom that can get wet or messy, as epoxy floors are durable. Epoxy floors can also withstand thorough cleaning, so they are a good option for a room that will get very dirty.
Cons To Laying Epoxy Coating Over Ceramic Tile
While laying epoxy coating over a ceramic tile floor is inexpensive, it can be a lot of work. In order to lay epoxy properly, the ceramic tile must be roughed up a bit. This allows the epoxy to properly grip to the surface. This can be hard work. Additionally, once you lay epoxy, you will not be able to salvage your ceramic floors. Unlike other flooring types, there is no going back to the original tile once you lay epoxy down.
Concluding Thoughts
If you are itching to change up the look of your tile floors you have many options. Laminate floors and luxury vinyl floors are both affordable and easy to install, making them a popular choice. Hard wood floors and new ceramic tile are also possible options, but keep in mind they may add height to your floor.
There are other options that can work in more specific circumstances. Cork is great for rooms that are not highly trafficked, while carpet is a great option for those looking for safe, durable cushioned flooring. You can even choose to cover your floor with epoxy coating, but be aware that once you do this you will never be able to salvage the original tile floor.
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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