Can you simply lay vinyl flooring over tiles?

Yes, vinyl flooring can generally be laid over tiles if the subfloor, the existing tiles and the chosen vinyl system are suitable.

We are asked this and similar questions every day. Because there is no one-size-fits-all answer, this guide looks in detail at all the key questions that have come up for us about laying vinyl flooring over tiles.

Give your tiles a new look: With the right vinyl flooring you can modernise your existing floor without necessarily having to remove the old tiles.

Even if the tiles are still in perfect condition, after 20 years you may simply have had enough of the look. Many people therefore ask: how can I update old tiles with as little effort as possible? Vinyl flooring over tiles is one particularly suitable solution.

The options for laying vinyl flooring over tiles should be considered carefully and in good time. Once all uncertainties have been resolved, you can approach the vinyl-over-tiles project with confidence.

General considerations when laying a new floor over tiles

Perhaps a new chapter in life has begun and you want that change to be visible within your own four walls too. Changes in life often lead to renovations. A new partner moves in and the question soon arises:
How can we update the old tiled floor here?

The tiles were originally laid to last for the life of the house. Technically, the old tiles could easily remain in place for another 20 years. They simply no longer suit the current living situation.

Or perhaps a new job requires a move. Unfortunately, the new home has unattractive tiles, and it is still unclear how long you will stay there. The question then is: how can I renovate the home and the floor with as little effort as possible?

It may also be that the building must remain unchanged. You may be required to leave the tiled floor undamaged because the landlord has stipulated it. When you move out, everything should be as it was before.

Often only parts of a home are tiled, such as the hallway or kitchen. Bathrooms are also usually tiled, and the existing tiles may no longer appeal. That does not have to remain the case, because there are simple renovation methods.

It can also seem a shame to remove tiles that are still in good condition. Breaking them out involves a lot of work. It creates dirt and takes time and effort. Besides the risks involved, removing old tiles also adds considerable cost. And no one can say for certain what else might be damaged when the tiles are taken up.

There is often underfloor heating beneath the tiles. Removing the tiles may therefore create an additional risk if the underfloor-heating system is not known.

Which floor coverings can I lay over tiles?

As a general rule, many floor coverings can be laid over existing tiles if the tiled floor is firm, dry, clean and sufficiently level for the relevant system. Whether the subfloor needs additional preparation depends on the chosen floor covering and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Many hard floor coverings are suitable:
Engineered wood flooring with a click system, laminate or engineered cork flooring have a supporting layer and, depending on the system, can therefore bridge smaller structures in the subfloor more effectively.

The same applies to vinyl flooring with a rigid carrier board, for example HDF or modern rigid/SPC constructions. Rigid vinyl is an interesting click option, especially for renovations, because its stiffer core is less likely to show through small structures. Sufficient flatness and the product-specific requirements are still necessary.

Flexible solid click vinyl can also be well suited to laying over tiles. Which option makes more sense depends, among other things, on build-up height, grout lines, flatness, underfloor heating and the approved underlay.

However, not every floor covering can simply be laid over tiles.

A common question is whether self-adhesive vinyl flooring can be laid over tiles. These thin coverings generally require a very smooth, suitable subfloor. Without the appropriate preparation, the tile pattern may show through the new floor covering.

For traditional wet-bed adhesive installation, the tiled subfloor also generally needs to be professionally prepared. We explain this in more detail below.

Is it better to remove the tiles, or can I leave them in place and lay a new floor covering over them?

To make an informed decision, you need to understand the options available.

The simplest option is to use the tiles as the subfloor and lay your chosen floor covering directly over them.

Measure how many additional millimetres of floor build-up are possible overall. This is important for determining whether the tiles can remain as the subfloor.

Should you install a floating floor or a bonded floor?
A hard floor covering such as parquet or laminate requires a different preparation approach from solid vinyl. Almost all types of flooring can be laid over tiles, but the preparation requirements differ.

If in doubt, ask the manufacturer or a specialist under which conditions the chosen floor covering can be laid over tiles.

At this point, we want to focus on providing clarity about laying vinyl flooring over tiles.

When do you need to remove the tiles?

You need to remove the tiles if the overall floor build-up becomes too high. Assess this based on the room conditions, for example whether the doors still allow the additional height. Entrance doors or glass doors often cannot be adjusted sufficiently, leaving no option but to gain height by removing the old tiles.

The tiles should also be removed if there is damage that would be difficult to repair. This includes cracks in the tiles and significant settlement that may indicate a defective screed. If some tiles are loose, it can also make sense to remove the tiled surface completely. In some cases the screed may need renewing as well: although screed can last for several decades, heavy loads or other conditions may cause it to become unusable sooner.

If you have decided to leave the tiles in place, there are several points to consider:

What to consider if you want to use the tiles as the subfloor

Tiles require particular attention when they are being prepared as a subfloor. The following checks are therefore important and will help you achieve a good result.

Here is how to check the tiled subfloor.

How level should the tiled subfloor be?

The following table shows flatness deviations from DIN 18202. DIN 18202:2019-07 is currently the relevant edition for assessing construction tolerances. These values describe construction tolerances and must not automatically be treated as installation-readiness limits for every vinyl floor.

Manufacturers may specify stricter subfloor requirements for the actual installation. Therefore, also check the installation instructions for the chosen vinyl system. The *standard values and **increased requirements in the table are included here to help classify flatness tolerances.

Measuring distance m 0.1 0.6 1 1.5 2 3 4 *Standard values in mm 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 **Increased requirement 1 2 3 4 5 7 9

*this refers to the height difference in mm for finished floor surfaces, e.g. screeds intended to receive floor coverings such as tiles or floating floor coverings

**increased requirements for flatness tolerances apply, for example, to self-levelling compounds where design planks are bonded

How to measure height differences in the tiled subfloor

• The tiled subfloor is measured in the same way as a conventional screed. Check flatness with a spirit level or straightedge. Use only one measuring scale while taking the measurements.
• Ideally, use a 2-metre straightedge and a measuring wedge to determine the exact height difference. According to the standard values in the table above, the tolerance over 2 metres is 6 mm. However, stricter manufacturer limits may apply to the specific vinyl floor.
• Move the straightedge across the area to be covered. As soon as it no longer lies flat, slide the measuring wedge into the gap and read the height difference from the scale on the wedge-shaped height gauge.
• This allows you to identify high and low points outside the required DIN 18202 construction-tolerance limits. You can then decide whether corrective work is needed.

Is there an ideal floor covering for laying over tiles?

There is no single ideal floor covering.

But for every situation there is a new floor covering that is more suitable than others.

We have listed the three most common situations below, together with suggested solutions from an installation perspective:

1. The tiles are level, firmly fixed and without a coarse texture; the grout lines are within the limits of the chosen system; water-based underfloor heating:
   In this case, depending on the manufacturer's approval, flexible click vinyl or rigid/SPC click vinyl may be suitable together with the specified underlay. With underfloor heating, you should also aim for the lowest possible thermal resistance for the complete floor build-up.
   Glue-down vinyl is also an option if the subfloor is professionally prepared for it.
2. The tiles are firmly fixed but have a coarse texture or grout lines outside the permitted limits of the chosen vinyl system; water-based underfloor heating:
   Depending on the product, rigid/SPC vinyl can bridge small structures more effectively than flexible click vinyl. A rigid carrier construction does not, however, replace any necessary subfloor preparation. If the manufacturer's limits are exceeded, the surface or grout pattern should be levelled as appropriate.
3. The tiles are as described in 1 or 2, but there is no underfloor heating:
   The same basic approach can be used. In addition, engineered vinyl flooring with an HDF carrier may be an option if the greater build-up height suits the room. Which underlay may be used again depends on the approval for the specific flooring system; a softer underlay must not be used to compensate for voids or insufficient flatness.

Of course, there are many other situations that can be highly individual. In such cases, please contact us so that we can recommend the most suitable solution.

Why vinyl flooring is particularly suitable for laying over tiles

Anyone who has lived with tiles will appreciate some of the properties that other floors may lack.

One is durability, which allows tiles to be used with confidence in almost all areas. Dirt can be tracked in and water can be spilled without quickly harming them. Tiles are hard and highly resistant to wear. Anyone who originally chose tiles was usually looking for exactly these qualities.

Their straightforward care is also worth mentioning, as ceramic tiles are generally robust and easy to clean.

Anyone who wants to switch from tiles to another type of floor covering has their reasons.

Ceramic tiles are cool and can sometimes feel uncomfortably cold underfoot, especially without underfloor heating. Even when tiles are heated by underfloor heating, this only happens during the heating season. For a large part of the year the heating is off, and feet are not always comfortable on cold tiles.

Often, however, the appearance of the tiles is simply no longer up to date. They no longer suit the new look, the furniture or the redesigned walls.

Problem solver – vinyl flooring

This is where vinyl flooring comes in, often used as a click option over tiles. Alongside flexible solid click vinyl, rigid/SPC systems with a stiffer core are also available today. They can retain some of the practical properties people are used to with tiles, such as straightforward cleaning. A suitable vinyl floor can also perform well in everyday use in terms of durability.

Vinyl flooring therefore offers properties that make the change from tiles to a new floor covering easier. Customers particularly appreciate the warmer feel underfoot that tiles so often lack.

These technical properties make click vinyl flooring particularly well suited as a floor over tiles:

Depending on its construction, click vinyl can have a relatively low build-up height. Rigid/SPC variants are particularly interesting for renovations because of their stiffer core, while flexible click vinyl can also be very slim.
If underfloor heating is present, you should not decide purely on the type of construction; instead, compare the thermal resistance of the complete approved system .

The range of colours, formats and decors available for vinyl has grown enormously in recent years. Even demanding tastes can easily find a suitable option.

Vinyl flooring can therefore transform rooms quickly and give them a contemporary look.

General rules for laying vinyl flooring over tiles

All tiles must be firmly fixed. Loose tiles must be removed or re-bonded. A tap test can help identify hollow areas: tap the tiles with a hard object such as a broom handle and listen for a hollow sound.

There should be no height offset of more than 2 mm between two tiles. Such areas should be levelled with a suitable filling compound.

If the tiles have a textured surface, for example a wavy or slate-like finish, consider whether the entire surface needs to be skimmed or levelled.

Cracks can indicate missing movement joints or a defective screed. The screed may be moving noticeably at that point, in which case the crack may need to be resin-filled.

EXPERT TIP!
To reduce the risk of the grout pattern showing through the newly laid vinyl flooring, it is sensible to fill the grout lines on a tiled subfloor.

Measure the width and depth of the grout lines. With flexible solid vinyl, it can be advisable to fill the joints so that the grout pattern does not show through the finished floor. Specific limit values always apply only to the individual system. A current Wineo example for silentCOMFORT specifies ceramic-tile joints under 5 mm wide and under 2 mm deep. Other Planeo or Wineo systems may specify different limits. Always check the current installation instructions for the exact floor build-up you intend to use.

Once you have checked flatness and followed the general rules, you should decide on the next steps.

The type of floor covering you choose determines which further preparation steps are necessary.

What risks and mistakes are associated with laying vinyl flooring over tiles?

If you are wondering what risks are involved in laying vinyl flooring over tiles, there are a manageable number of key issues to consider.

One of the most important things is to plan carefully in advance. The new floor covering is only as good as the subfloor beneath it. That is why both you and the base need to be properly prepared. Doing so already eliminates the greatest risks.

If the tiled surface is not level enough or the grout lines are too wide, the pattern can become visible through flexible vinyl flooring, making the layout of the tiles underneath apparent. This is undesirable and can be avoided by levelling the surface.

Other risks when laying vinyl flooring over tiles

The click joints are an important consideration. On 5 mm solid vinyl they are naturally quite delicate. They can be damaged if they have not locked correctly or could not lock because the floor was insufficiently level. A click joint can also be damaged even after correct engagement if it lies over a hollow area. It can flex under foot traffic and break. A gap may then form and the floor can begin to separate at that point.

Other risks result from installation mistakes. If the movement joints in the tiled floor are not carried through appropriately, the click connection can be placed under stress.

Very heavy items such as a fireplace, piano or permanently fitted furniture may be placed on the vinyl without load distribution. The floor is then no longer free enough to accommodate its natural expansion and contraction. Compression, buckling or even separation of the joints can result.

Kitchen renovations in particular often coincide with laying new vinyl over old tiles. A common mistake is to lay click vinyl across the entire floor before installing the kitchen. A fitted kitchen is very heavy and leaves little freedom for the floor to move naturally. This can also lead to problems.

The expansion and contraction of vinyl flooring is often underestimated because this movement is not noticed with firmly bonded tiles. In areas where larger temperature fluctuations are expected, insufficient expansion gaps at the walls can lead to compression and buckling.

Can click vinyl flooring be laid over tiles with underfloor heating?

Click vinyl can be laid over underfloor heating if the specific floor and intended build-up are approved by the manufacturer for this use. This is not limited to water-based underfloor heating: regulated electric systems may also be permitted depending on the product.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's current installation instructions. These also state the permitted surface temperature and, where applicable, requirements for the heating-up procedure. These values are product-specific and should not be applied as a blanket rule to every vinyl floor.

With underfloor heating, the aim is also to minimise heat loss. Compare not only the vinyl flooring itself but the thermal resistance of the complete approved floor build-up. Depending on the installation method, this may include underlay, adhesive and other layers.

How much heat is lost when vinyl flooring is laid over tiles?

This question is primarily about heating output.

If you want to get the maximum heat output from underfloor heating, you cannot simply compare the individual floor coverings.

The comparison must be made at system level. Each floor build-up has its own values and must be considered layer by layer. If the new vinyl floor is laid over existing tiles, those tiles remain part of the heat path.

For click systems, therefore, consider the combination of vinyl flooring and any separate underlay. If a product has an integrated underlay, an additional underlay must not be added automatically.

With traditional glue-down installation, levelling compound and adhesive may be added to the vinyl floor depending on the build-up. These layers can vary in their actual thickness, so the relevant system data should be used for specific planning.

Here is an updated example table using current wineo 600 system values:

Installation method Product combination Thermal resistance according to EN 12667 Rigid click vinyl without underlay wineo 600 Rigid ~ 0.05 (m²K)/W Rigid click vinyl on underlay wineo 600 Rigid, silentRIGID ~ 0.06 (m²K)/W Glue-down vinyl, directly bonded wineo 600 glue-down ≤ 0.011 (m²K)/W* Glue-down vinyl on underlay mat wineo 600 glue-down, singleGLUE or silentPLUS ≤ 0.021 (m²K)/W

*With direct bonding, adhesive and, where applicable, levelling compound must also be included in the actual system.

Is click or glue-down installation better over tiles with underfloor heating?

The current example values show that the glue-down option can achieve particularly low thermal resistance. The rigid click system shown also remains well below the guideline value of 0.15 (m²K)/W on its own. However, the complete floor build-up above the underfloor heating is what matters, not only the individual vinyl covering. The German Federal Association for Surface Heating and Cooling recommends limiting the thermal resistance of the floor covering to a maximum of R = 0.15 m²K/W.

Find out more about the four installation methods for glue-down vinyl.

Points to consider when laying vinyl flooring over tiles with underfloor heating

Ask an underfloor-heating specialist to check whether the required heating output will still be sufficient with the planned new floor build-up.

Before choosing the vinyl floor, also make sure that it is approved for the existing underfloor-heating system.

It is also important to know whether the heating can be controlled so that the maximum surface temperature specified by the flooring manufacturer is maintained at all times.

Can vinyl flooring be laid over tiles with electric underfloor heating?

Yes, installation over electric underfloor heating can also be possible. The specific vinyl flooring must be approved for the existing electric heating system and the heating must be capable of sufficiently precise control.

Current manufacturer information shows why a blanket temperature limit is not appropriate: wineo 600 Rigid, for example, is approved for regulated electric systems up to a surface temperature of 27°C, while the current wineo 600 glue-down version is approved up to 29°C. These values apply to the products named and are not a general rule for vinyl flooring.

Also follow the requirements for heating up the system and maintaining an even temperature. Unregulated electric systems, or systems not approved by the flooring manufacturer, should not be used beneath the vinyl floor.

Can glue-down vinyl be laid directly over tiles?

Glue-down vinyl places higher demands on the subfloor than many click systems. Bonding directly to existing tiles is therefore generally not a standard solution. The preparation required depends on the bonding method and the approval for the particular system.

Self-adhesive vinyl planks need a very smooth, firm and suitable subfloor so that they can bond across the full surface and lie flat. Grout lines, height differences and a pronounced tile texture can otherwise show through the thin covering or impair adhesion. The tiled subfloor should therefore be levelled appropriately beforehand.

For traditional wet-bed bonding, the subfloor must likewise be professionally prepared. Depending on the system used, non-absorbent tiles are cleaned, primed and prepared with a suitable smoothing or levelling compound. For its current glue-down design floors, for example, Wineo recommends levelling non-absorbent substrates with at least 3 mm of a suitable levelling compound.

Dry-adhesive or self-adhesive mats are another option for glue-down planks approved for use with them. With wineo singleGLUE, grout lines and height differences in ceramic or natural-stone tiles must be professionally levelled before installation. These systems therefore do not replace the need to inspect the subfloor.

If you want a bonded vinyl installation over tiles, the basic recommendation is therefore a smooth, load-bearing subfloor that is suitable for the adhesive system. This helps prevent grout lines or unevenness from showing through the finished floor later.

Which underlay should be used when laying vinyl flooring over tiles?

Impact-sound underlay cannot be chosen freely when laying vinyl over tiles. As a rule, follow the flooring manufacturer's approvals. First establish whether the vinyl floor already has an integrated underlay or whether a separate underlay is intended. An additional underlay may only be used with a floor that already has integrated underlay if the manufacturer expressly permits it.

It is therefore not the tiles alone that limit the choice. The vinyl flooring, click connection and underlay must work together as a system. With a separate underlay, compressive stability is particularly important because an underlay that yields too much can place stress on the click connection. Blanket figures such as “40 t/m² for every vinyl floor” are not suitable: the required compressive strength is product-specific and may be significantly higher or lower depending on the system.

Why the right underlay is so important

The following principle still applies: the more sensitive a click connection is to movement, the more important it is to use a suitable underlay with sufficient compressive stability. This is also related to the existing grout lines between the tiles. Depending on the system, an underlay may accommodate small localised irregularities to a limited extent, but it does not replace a sufficiently level subfloor.

For flexible click floors, for example, wineo silentCOMFORT can be used as an approved separate underlay. The current technical data sheet specifies a compressive strength of more than 600 kPa. For rigid click systems such as wineo 600, the purpose-developed silentRIGID is intended instead; according to the manufacturer, its compressive strength is more than 700 kPa. What matters is not the highest individual figure possible but the combination approved by the flooring manufacturer.

With Planeo too, the underlay depends on the specific vinyl system. Depending on the product, a separate Planeo underlay may be specified or the floor may already have integrated underlay. Always check the current product information and installation instructions before adding a separate underlay.

Many other underlays are marketed for vinyl flooring. The description alone, however, is not enough. Make sure the underlay is approved for the specific vinyl floor and meets the required technical properties. This is particularly important for protecting the click connection and preventing an unsuitable soft underlay from merely concealing existing voids.

How much time should you allow for laying vinyl flooring over tiles?

Use this table to plan the necessary work steps for an area of around 20 m², depending on the installation method. The times are guideline and experience-based values using materials from our range. Necessary waiting times before the next work step can be carried out are also included. The figures assume ideal conditions of around 18–20°C and 50% relative humidity. Actual times may vary depending on the subfloor, products used, room conditions and drying times.

Work step Time in hours for 20 m² Check tiles for cracks (visual inspection) and hollow areas (tap test) 0.5 Check tiles for flatness and mark critical areas 0.5 Deep-clean the tiles and allow them to dry 1 Prime the tiles and allow to flash off/dry (if required) 2 Apply one layer of levelling compound up to 5 mm over the tiles 24 Fill grout lines/uneven areas only 3-12 Lay click vinyl over underlay 5

Materials you need to prepare a tiled subfloor for vinyl flooring

Materials required to prepare the tiled subfloor:
If the tiles still need to be levelled across the full surface with levelling compound to create an installation-ready subfloor:

• Tile deep cleaner
• Special primer for non-absorbent substrates
• Levelling compound for difficult substrates
• Perimeter insulation strip
• 2 large mixing containers
• Mixing paddle
• Squeegee
• Spiked roller

If you only want to fill grout lines that are too wide and any slight unevenness, you will need:

• Tile deep cleaner
• Special primer if required
• Thixotropic filling compound
• Wide floor trowel

Vinyl flooring over tiles: key points at a glance

Can you lay vinyl flooring over tiles?

Yes, vinyl flooring can be laid over tiles if the tiles are firmly fixed, dry, clean and sufficiently level for the chosen vinyl system. Depending on the product, grout lines or uneven areas may need to be levelled beforehand.

Which vinyl flooring is right for laying over tiles?

The best vinyl flooring for your old tiles depends mainly on flatness, grout lines, build-up height, underfloor heating and the manufacturer's approval. Flexible click vinyl, rigid/SPC vinyl or vinyl with an HDF carrier can be suitable depending on the situation. Rigid systems often bridge small structures more effectively, but they do not replace necessary subfloor preparation.

How do you lay vinyl flooring over tiles?

If the tiles are uneven, damaged or the grout lines are too wide or too deep for the chosen system, suitable preparation work is required. Click vinyl can be installed as a floating floor where approved by the manufacturer. If you want to glue down vinyl, you need a smooth subfloor suitable for the adhesive system. In all cases, inspect the subfloor before installation.

Vinyl flooring over tiles with underfloor heating – what should you consider?

Depending on the manufacturer's approval, vinyl flooring can be laid over water-based and also regulated electric underfloor-heating systems. Pay attention to the correct impact-sound underlay, the thermal resistance of the complete floor build-up and the product-specific maximum surface temperature. A thermal resistance of no more than R = 0.15 m²K/W for the floor covering is used as a guideline value.

The right underlay for vinyl flooring over tiles

When laying vinyl flooring over tiles, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate impact-sound underlay. First check whether the floor has an integrated underlay or requires a separate one. A separate underlay must provide sufficient compressive stability and be approved for the specific vinyl system. Find out more in the following guide about choosing the right impact-sound underlay for your vinyl flooring.