Vinyl planks over tiles: Can it be done?

Vinyl Plank flooring has been a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood or ceramic tile, but cannot afford either of those options. This is because you can buy vinyl planks in a range of different designs that look like other surfaces, such as timber, tiles, marble and much more. They’re easy to install, inexpensive, and even easier to maintain. If you have an existing tile floor that is looking worn or damaged, laying vinyl planks over tiles is an excellent way to update your home without breaking the bank.

What is a vinyl plank?

A vinyl plank is a flooring material that looks like timber, marble, slate, stone and a range of other designs. However, it also has the durability and versatility of vinyl and a much lower price tag than hardwood and other flooring options. It’s often installed over existing tile or even concrete floors, which drastically cuts down the time and the expense of removing old floors before you lay a new one.

Vinyl planks come in many different styles and colours so you can choose one that matches your taste and decorating style perfectly. They’re also easy to maintain by simply sweeping, mopping or vacuuming. So, they’re certainly a great option for those who aren’t keen on regular housework. You can also just wipe stains up easily, which is a huge advantage vinyl has over carpet.

Benefits of vinyl plank flooring

We’ve already touched on some of the benefits, but here are some of the reasons people love vinyl planks.

  •       Easy to install
  •       Cheap alternative to hardwood
  •       Extremely easy to clean
  •       Simple to repair in the event of damage
  •       Protected against excessive fading and wear and tear
  •       Can be installed directly over old flooring
  •       Available in a range of patterns and designs
  •       Durable and hard-wearing

Preparing your existing tile floor

If you choose to lay vinyl planks over tile, you’ll need to first prepare the existing surface. Fortunately, tiles don’t require too much attention, but the better you prepare the surface, the better the end result will be.

First, you’ll want to grind or sand your existing tiles. This process doesn’t need to be extensive, but it helps to remove any high spots or damage to existing tiles. We should note that if your tile floor is extensively damaged, you should try to remove it rather than lay vinyl planks straight over. The floor should be thoroughly cleaned after this step.

Secondly, prime the floor so that a bond can be created between the tiles and your new vinyl flooring. Once this is done, you’re ready to use self-levelling cement to create a flat, level surface for your vinyl planks to be installed on.

While this sounds easy, it can be a lot of work, so if you’re not particularly handy with DIY, it’s best to let flooring experts help you out here.

Tips for choosing the right vinyl flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners for its durability and easy installation. This is especially true for those who want to cover existing flooring such as tiles without the back-breaking work of removing old tiles. However, before you choose a vinyl plank flooring product, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips on how to choose the right vinyl flooring for your home:

  •       Determine what type of vinyl plank flooring you need
  •       Consider the durability of the material
  •       Budget for the cost of installation
  •       Choose a design that goes well with your existing décor
  •       Always purchase extra planks in case some are damaged during installation, or for future repairs

Ready to install vinyl planks over tile?

Do you want to save time and money by installing vinyl planks over tiles? What if we told you that you could save even more time and money buying vinyl flooring online? Simply measure your space, place your order, and we’ll have your vinyl planks delivered fast. If you need extra assistance along the way or you’re not sure what you need, you can always contact our friendly team for support. Find A Floor makes it easy to get high-quality vinyl flooring at affordable prices. With a massive range of colours and designs to choose from, we’ve got something for every home. Shop our range now or contact our experts today.