Yes, in most cases, you can successfully install engineered wood flooring directly over your existing tile floor. This approach is often the ideal solution for homeowners looking to refresh their space without undergoing the extensive process of removing old tiles.
There are several key benefits to this method:
Saves Time and Money: One of the most significant advantages is the cost and time savings. Removing old tiles can be a messy, dusty, and labour-intensive job, often requiring professional assistance. By installing engineered wood flooring over tiles, you avoid this step entirely, reducing both the time spent on the project and the associated costs.
Less Disruption: Installing engineered wood flooring over tiles is a much quicker process compared to a full tile removal and replacement. The disruption to your daily routine is minimal, and you can enjoy your new floor in a fraction of the time. This is especially beneficial for busy households or individuals looking for a hassle-free renovation experience.
Added Insulation and Soundproofing: Tiles can be cold and noisy underfoot, but with engineered wood flooring installed over them, you can benefit from additional insulation and soundproofing. The tile layer itself serves as an extra barrier, helping to retain heat in the room and reducing noise transfer. This can make your home feel warmer and quieter, providing added comfort, especially in high-traffic areas or multi-storey homes.
While it’s definitely possible to fit engineered wood flooring over tiles, proper preparation is absolutely critical to ensuring a smooth and long-lasting installation. Taking the time to properly prepare the tile surface and ensuring a level, clean, and dry base will help your engineered wood floor perform optimally for years to come.
The Critical Pre-Installation Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Start
1. Check the Condition of the Tiles
Before you begin the installation process, it’s crucial to inspect the condition of your existing tiles thoroughly. The condition of the tiles will directly impact the longevity and stability of your engineered wood floor. Here are the key things to check:
Soundness: Tap each tile with a rubber mallet or your knuckles to check its soundness. Listen carefully for a hollow sound, which is an indication that the tile is loose or unbonded from the substrate underneath. Loose tiles can create instability in the flooring, and it’s essential to address these before proceeding with installation. If you hear a hollow sound, these tiles must either be fixed or removed. Any voids left by removed tiles should be filled properly to ensure a stable surface for your new floor.
Cracks and Damage: Look for any cracked, chipped, or broken tiles. These damaged tiles can cause unevenness in the flooring, potentially leading to issues with your engineered wood floor later on. Cracks and chips must be repaired before installation. Use an appropriate tile filler or levelling compound to fill any damaged areas, ensuring that the surface is smooth, stable, and level for the engineered wood to sit on.
By carefully inspecting the soundness and condition of your tiles, you’ll ensure that the foundation for your new floor is strong and even, setting the stage for a successful installation.
2. Check for Levelness and Flatness
This step is non-negotiable. An uneven subfloor can lead to significant issues down the line, including an unstable, squeaky floor that may even suffer from damage. Ensuring that your tile floor is level and flat is critical for a successful installation of engineered wood flooring.
How to Check:
To check the levelness of your floor, you’ll need a 2-metre straight edge or a spirit level. Place the straight edge across different areas of the floor, particularly focusing on any spots that appear uneven. The floor should not deviate more than 3mm over a 1-metre length. If the gap exceeds this measurement, it indicates that the subfloor is uneven, and adjustments will be necessary.
Solutions for an Uneven Floor:
Minor Inconsistencies: If the floor has small variations in level (less than 3mm), these can usually be addressed with a floor levelling compound. Apply the compound to the low areas and smooth it out, ensuring that the surface becomes completely level and even. Once dry, the floor should be ready for the installation of your engineered wood flooring.
Major Unevenness: If you find that the floor has significant deviations, you may need to apply a full self-levelling screed over the entire floor. This involves priming the tiles first to ensure good adhesion, followed by the application of a self-levelling compound. The screed will level the floor, filling in any low spots and creating a smooth, stable base for the engineered wood flooring. Be sure to allow the screed to dry completely before proceeding with installation.
By ensuring your floor is level and flat, you’ll avoid potential issues with your engineered wood floor later on, such as instability, squeaking, or visible damage. Taking the time to get this right will ensure a long-lasting and professional finish.
3. Check for Moisture
A dry subfloor is absolutely essential when installing engineered wood flooring, as wood is a natural material that can expand, contract, or warp when exposed to moisture. Any moisture present in the floor can cause significant problems over time, leading to buckling, gaps, or even mould growth beneath the flooring. Ensuring that your subfloor is dry before installation will help maintain the integrity and longevity of your new floor.
How to Check for Moisture:
There are two main ways to check for moisture in your subfloor:
Using a Moisture Meter: The most accurate method is to use a moisture meter. This tool can detect the moisture content in the subfloor, helping you determine if it falls within the safe range for installing engineered wood flooring. Typically, a moisture level of less than 12% is acceptable, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific product you’re using.
Plastic Sheet Test: If you don’t have access to a moisture meter, you can use a simple plastic sheet test. Tape a square of plastic sheeting (about 30cm x 30cm) to the floor, ensuring the edges are sealed tightly with tape to prevent air from entering. Leave the sheet in place for 24 to 48 hours. After this time, check the underside of the plastic for any condensation. If moisture has accumulated, it indicates that the subfloor is damp, and you’ll need to address this before installation.
What to Do if Moisture is Present:
If your checks reveal the presence of moisture in the subfloor, it’s crucial to install a suitable damp proof membrane (DPM) before proceeding with the engineered wood flooring installation. A DPM acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture from rising through the floor and reaching your wood flooring. There are various types of DPMs available, so ensure you select one that’s compatible with both your subfloor and your flooring. Installing a DPM will safeguard your new floor from moisture damage and help ensure a long-lasting, stable result.
4. Consider the Floor Height
When installing engineered wood flooring over tiles, it’s important to keep in mind that adding a new layer of flooring will raise the overall floor height. While this may seem like a minor consideration, it can lead to potential issues that need to be addressed before starting the installation.
Potential Issues:
Doors: One of the most common problems is that the new floor height could interfere with door clearance. With the additional thickness of the engineered wood, doors may no longer swing freely or could catch on the new flooring. In this case, you may need to trim the bottoms of the doors to ensure they open and close properly. Be sure to check all affected doors, especially in high-traffic areas, to avoid any complications after installation.
Transition Strips: Another issue to consider is the need for transition strips at doorways leading into other rooms. When there is a noticeable height difference between the new floor and the floors in adjacent rooms, transition strips help to create a smooth, gradual transition between the two surfaces. These strips not only improve the appearance of the doorway but also prevent tripping hazards and ensure that the flooring is properly finished at the edges.
Skirting Boards and Fixed Elements: You should also assess any existing skirting boards, baseboards, or other fixed elements around the room. The added floor height may cause these elements to appear out of place, or they might need to be raised or removed to accommodate the new flooring. If the skirting boards are not compatible with the increased height, you may need to replace them or fit new ones to ensure a clean, finished look.
Considering these potential adjustments ahead of time will ensure that your installation goes smoothly and that your finished floor looks polished and professional. Planning for door trimming, transition strips, and skirting board modifications will save you time and effort later on.
The Preparation Process: Step-by-Step
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful engineered wood flooring installation over tiles. By following these essential steps, you’ll ensure a smooth, stable, and long-lasting floor that will stand up to the test of time.
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly
Before you start any installation, the tile surface must be completely spotless. Dirt, dust, grease, and grime can all interfere with the adhesive bond and the stability of your new floor. Start by giving the floor a deep clean, removing all debris and residues. A degreasing cleaner can be especially helpful, as it will break down any stubborn grease or oils that may have built up over time. Once the floor is clean, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Repair and Level
Next, it’s time to address any imperfections in the tile surface. As mentioned earlier, this step involves filling any cracks, fixing any loose tiles, and applying a levelling compound to grout lines and uneven areas. Any damaged or loose tiles must be repaired or replaced, and voids should be filled to create a stable, even base. For areas with noticeable unevenness, use a floor levelling compound to smooth out the surface and ensure the subfloor is completely flat. This step is crucial for ensuring the stability and durability of your engineered wood floor.
Step 3: Prime the Surface
After the floor is repaired and levelled, applying a primer is often necessary to ensure a strong bond between the tiles and the adhesives or levelling compounds you will use later. Priming helps create a uniform, adhesive-friendly surface, ensuring that the next layer adheres effectively and securely. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the primer and allow it to dry fully before moving to the next stage.
Step 4: Create a “Key” (for Glue-Down Installations)
For glue-down installations, it’s important to ensure the adhesive bonds well to the tile surface. If your tiles are very smooth or glossy, the adhesive may struggle to grip properly. In this case, creating a “key” on the tile surface can help improve adhesion. Light sanding or “scarifying” the tile surface will create a rougher texture, allowing the adhesive to grip more effectively. This step is particularly important for smooth, shiny tiles and can make a significant difference in the long-term performance of your engineered wood floor.
By following these preparation steps, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your new flooring, ensuring a smoother, more reliable installation process.
Installation Methods Over Tiles
When installing engineered wood flooring over tiles, there are two primary methods to choose from: floating installation and glue-down installation. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your preferences, the condition of the subfloor, and the level of permanence you desire.
Floating Installation
Description:
In a floating installation, the engineered wood boards are clicked or locked together and rest on an underlay, but they are not bonded to the subfloor. The boards “float” over the tile surface, with the underlay providing support.
Pros:
Easier and Quicker for DIYers: Floating installations are generally easier and quicker to complete, making them a great choice for DIY enthusiasts. The installation process requires no adhesive or nails, which means it’s less messy and can be completed faster.
Less Permanent: This method is ideal if you want a floor that can be easily removed later, as it doesn’t involve bonding the boards to the subfloor. This makes it a good choice for renters or those who anticipate needing to replace the floor in the future.
Extra Insulation: The underlay used in floating installations provides added soundproofing and thermal insulation, which can help make your space quieter and more comfortable, especially when installed over hard surfaces like tiles.
Cons:
“Bouncy” Feel Underfoot: Because the floorboards are not directly attached to the subfloor, the surface can feel a little more flexible or “bouncy” compared to glue-down methods. While this may not be an issue for everyone, some homeowners prefer a firmer, more stable feel.
Requires a Perfectly Flat Subfloor: For a floating installation to work properly, the subfloor must be perfectly level and flat. Any dips or high spots will affect the stability of the floor, so it’s important to address any unevenness before installing.
Key Points:
When opting for a floating installation, it’s crucial to use a high-quality engineered wood underlayment with an integrated damp proof membrane (DPM) to prevent moisture from damaging the wood. A good underlayment will also help reduce noise and improve thermal performance.
Glue-Down Installation
Description:
In a glue-down installation, the engineered wood boards are permanently bonded to the tile subfloor using a flexible wood flooring adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the subfloor using a notched trowel, and the boards are set down to cure.
Pros:
Solid, Stable Feel Underfoot: This method provides a more solid, stable feel underfoot, as the boards are directly adhered to the subfloor. This can make the floor feel more secure and durable, especially in high-traffic areas.
Excellent Sound Reduction: Glue-down installations are highly effective at reducing noise transfer, which is particularly useful in multi-storey homes or apartments. The adhesive provides additional soundproofing by bonding the boards firmly to the subfloor.
Highly Durable: Once glued down, the flooring is incredibly stable and durable. This method is less prone to shifting or movement, making it ideal for areas where a permanent, long-lasting solution is needed.
Cons:
More Complex and Messy: Glue-down installations require more preparation and expertise compared to floating floors. The process involves handling adhesives, which can be messy and time-consuming. It’s also harder to correct mistakes once the adhesive has set.
Rigorous Subfloor Preparation: Because the boards are bonded directly to the subfloor, proper surface preparation is critical. You’ll need to ensure the subfloor is perfectly clean, dry, and level before applying the adhesive, which can add additional steps to the process.
Harder to Remove: Glue-down floors are much more difficult to remove than floating floors. If you ever need to replace the floor, the process can be laborious and may cause damage to the tiles underneath.
Key Points:
When opting for glue-down installation, it’s essential to use a professional-grade, flexible adhesive designed specifically for wood flooring. A notched trowel should be used to ensure an even application of the adhesive, and it’s important to check the compatibility of the adhesive with both the wood and the tile subfloor to ensure the best possible bond.
FAQs
1. Can Engineered Wood Flooring Be Installed Over Underfloor Heating?
Yes, engineered wood flooring is generally suitable for use with underfloor heating, making it a great choice for homes with tiled floors and heating systems installed beneath the floor. However, it’s crucial to use the correct underlayment or adhesive specifically designed for underfloor heating systems. The underlay should be compatible with heat transfer to avoid any damage to the wood.
It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for both the flooring and the underfloor heating system. Failing to do so could lead to issues like warping, expansion, or cracking of the wood. Ensuring that the temperature of the heating system is regulated correctly can help maintain the stability of your engineered wood floor.
2. Can I Use Solid Wood Flooring Over Tiles?
While it’s possible to install solid wood flooring over tiles, engineered wood flooring is typically the preferred choice for this application. The main reason is that engineered wood offers greater stability compared to solid wood, especially in environments subject to moisture and temperature fluctuations (like over tiles or with underfloor heating). The layered construction of engineered wood helps prevent issues like warping and expansion, making it a more reliable option in such situations.
3. Why Do I Need an Expansion Gap?
It’s essential to leave an expansion gap (typically 10-15mm) around the perimeter of the room and all fixed objects, such as walls, cabinets, and door frames, when installing engineered wood flooring. This gap allows the wood to naturally expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Without this space, the wood could buckle, warp, or become damaged as it swells or shrinks. The expansion gap will be hidden by skirting boards or trims once the installation is complete, maintaining the floor’s aesthetic while allowing for natural movement.
4. When Should I Call a Professional?
If you are unsure about any of the preparation steps, especially when dealing with moisture issues, severe unevenness in the floor, or complex subfloor conditions, it’s advisable to consult a professional floor fitter. A qualified installer can ensure that all steps are carried out correctly, helping to avoid potential problems and ensuring a flawless result. Investing in professional help will save you time and stress, particularly if you’re unsure about handling issues like moisture or subfloor levelling on your own.
Ready to Get Started?
Installing engineered wood flooring over tiles is a fantastic option that can save both time and effort, offering a quicker, more cost-effective way to update your space. However, the success of the installation depends entirely on thorough preparation and a solid understanding of the process. By ensuring that your tiles are clean, level, and dry, and by selecting the right installation method, you can enjoy a smooth and durable floor that lasts for years.
If you’re ready to take the next step, browse Wood and Beyond’s wide range of high-quality engineered wood flooring options. You can even order free samples to see and feel the materials before making a final decision. If you have any questions or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team—we’re here to help you achieve the perfect result for your home.
