skip to main content

hardwood or laminate over existing flooring?

17 years ago

We have peel-and-stick vinyl tiles throughout the dining room and kitchen; these were laid over a concrete base. Some didn't stick as well as they should have plus over the years, several have slipped a bit so their "stickiness" was helped along with some flooring adhesive. We plan to DIY install new flooring though haven't yet decided on hardwood, engineered, or laminate. It sure would be a lot simpler if we could just float (or glue down, depending on what flooring we get) our new flooring over the existing flooring. What do you think, can we do that?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

floorman67
17 years ago
laminate over existing is fine ... just make sure to glue any loose tiles down so you dont get any weird crunchy sounds.

if you get engineered, remove the tile and adhesive and ensure it contains no asbestos (only a concern with flooring installed before 1979).

i dont recommend a solid hardwood in a glued application. It has roughly half the dimensional stability of engineered in regards to expansion and contraction with the changes in temp and humidity.

.
terriolsen2
Original Author
17 years ago
The tiles were installed about 8 yrs ago, so no worries re asbestos.

What does worry me is removing the adhesive! I visualize walking across the de-tiled floor, sticking to it with every step... yuck!

Any suggestions on how to remove the adhesive and what product(s) to use?

I'm curious: if the laminate can go over the tile, how come the engineered can't?

Also, since there's concrete below it all, will I need a moisture barrier layer either way -- whether the vinyl tiles are removed or not? Any suggestions on what underlayment to use?

Lots of questions, I know... thanks in advance!
Related Discussions
Hardwood over existing hardwood
Q
Comments (5)
"We installed hardwood over existing hardwood going in the same direction - although there was no subfloor, so pulling it up wasnt really an option. No problems at all." You had no subfloor? The hardwood was nailed every 16" directly to the joists? Did you do the work or did some contractor convince you that this was the situation? I Have not seen that in 40 years of remodeling old homes and will probably never see it. As I said before, TAKE UP THE OLD FLOOR!
...See More
Laminate Flooring over Hardwood Floors
Q
Comments (45)
I second the suggestion for the waterhog mats. I'll post where we purchase them if I can find the link - you can get custom sizes, colors, styles, etc. LL BEAN sells them too but they are very pricey IMO. We use them around our dogs water bowls too since they are sloppy drinkers. In addition to our entry way, we also use them in the back of our SUV's in the cargo area since we travel with our Boxers. Keeps the truck nice and clean and absorbs liquids. After my dog had surgery he peed in the truck on the drive home from the vets office (post-anesthesia, if I remember correctly) and I was thankful for that waterhog mat. Not a drop of urine on my upholstery; the waterhog captured all of it, and it was easy enough to clean -- I sprayed it down with a hose and some cleaning solution, left it out to dry and no residual smell whatsoever. They're awesome mats.
...See More
Cali Bamboo Installation over existing hardwood floor
Q
Comments (5)
Hi there! We're excited for your installation and happy you chose such a beautiful floor! Just to clarify a few things, the installation guide pasted above is for our cork flooring, not the solid bamboo, and they install a little differently. Our solid click bamboo flooring as well as our solid tongue-and-groove bamboo flooring is 100% warrantied to be glued down (as well as nailed down or floated). However, if you're planning to glue-down over the existing hardwood, it's true that you'll need to either sand off the existing finish or add a plywood subfloor on top of the current flooring. If you need any more details, you can find the appropriate installation guide below, or you can give us a call at 888-788-2254 and we'll hook you up with a bamboo installation expert! https://www.calibamboo.com/bamboo-floor-installation/ Best of luck! Can't wait to see photos!
...See More
Installing hardwood over laminate / sloped floor
Q
Comments (8)
@cheri127 Thanks Cheri, I think I have seen pictures of your beautiful kitchen on here before. All of the cabinet runs that have uppers are on the outside wall that has very little slope - the only cabs in an area with slope are a peninsula that has no upper cabs. The slope itself doesnt bother me (I have lived in old houses with more severe ones) but this is hopefully our forever home and I didn't know if it would make hardwood difficult / imposs impossible to install. trying to get a contract to come take a look at present, but just wanted an idea of what is possible / desireable in advance
...See More
jerry_t
17 years ago
First thing I would do is check the moisture content of the slab, it's possible that is why the adhesive failed. If it checks out ok you can float either a laminate or an engineered wood that is designed to float. Not all engineered woods can be floated.

You will need a 6 or 8 mil poly vapor barrier.
floorman67
17 years ago
" Any suggestions on how to remove the adhesive and what product(s) to use? "

flooring razor scrapers and alot of blades. We do not use adhesive removal product because they can have adverse reactions with the future adhesives if not properly removed 100% or neutralized. " I'm curious: if the laminate can go over the tile, how come the engineered can't? "

as jerry_t stated, some can if they are floated, but if glued they cant because the glue will be sticking to the tile, so it will only be as good as the tile that is installed. If you do glue over the tile and have a lose tile, or if some becomes loose in the future, the wood also becomes loose, becasue it is glued to the tile. This is why removal is important so it sticks to the concrete slab.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Laminate Floors: Get the Look of Wood (and More) for Less

See what goes into laminate flooring and why you just might want to choose it

MATERIALS What to Ask Before Choosing a Hardwood Floor

By Mitchell Parker

We give you the details on cost, installation, wood varieties and more to help you pick the right hardwood flooring

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Smooth Moves for Hardwood Floors

By Buckminster Green LLC

Dreaming of gorgeous, natural wood floors? Consider these professional pointers before you lay the first plank

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Hardwood Floors

By Bonnie McCarthy

Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Find out how to keep them that way

REMODELING GUIDES Transition Time: How to Connect Tile and Hardwood Floors

By By Any Design Ltd.

Plan ahead to prevent unsightly or unsafe transitions between floor surfaces. Here's what you need to know

FLOORS How to Paint Your Hardwood Floors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Know how to apply nail polish? Then you can give your wooden floors a brand-new look

GREAT HOME PROJECTS What to Know Before Refinishing Your Floors

Learn costs and other important details about renewing a hardwood floor — and the one mistake you should avoid

REMODELING GUIDES From the Pros: 8 Reasons Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget

By Erin Carlyle

We asked kitchen designers to tell us the most common budget-busters they see

KITCHEN DESIGN Using White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic Beauty

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Do you love perfection or patina? Here's how to see if marble's right for you

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Making Over a Rental for About $1,500

By Becky Harris

Fresh paint, new hardware, added storage, rugs and unexpected touches breathe new life into a Los Angeles apartment’s kitchen

Sponsored

39 Reviews

Ohio's Kitchen Design Showroom |11x Best of Houzz 2014 - 2022

More Discussions

What type of oak is this?

8

flooring help please

1

Coretec Hayes Oak Crackling Sounds

1

Polished or matte porcelain tile teen bathroom floor

4

Help - Hardwood floor issue

2