Installing Ceramic Tile over Linoleum Covered Concrete Floor

By Mark J. Donovan

HomeAdditionPlus.com Visitor Question: Can Ceramic Tile be installed directly over Vinyl or Linoleum covered concrete floors.

“I am thinking about laying tile over linoleum that is adhered to concrete. The linoleum is very securely adhered to the concrete. Would removing wax and then sanding/scoring the linoleum prior to installation be adequate prep work in this situation?"


HomeAdditionPlus.com Answer: Installing ceramic tile directly over Vinyl or Linoleum covered concrete floors is not ideally recommended as there is no way to ensure that the bonding agent between the linoleum and the concrete floor will not eventually fail. When this eventually does occur the tile will no longer be attached to a stable surface. Over time the tiles may become loose or crack.

It is preferable in this type of situation to remove/scrape away the old linoleum or vinyl flooring material and use a leveling agent to ensure a flat and stable surface.

If you are still compelled to apply the tile directly over the linoleum then you should at least rough up / sand the linoleum / vinyl to achieve a better bonding job with the ceramic tile.