Can You Put Vinyl Plank Over Tile? When It Works and When the Tile Has to Go

A floating rigid core vinyl plank floor does not care what is under it as long as the base is flat, solid and dry. Well-installed tile is often a very good base.

Flat: no lippage (tile edges higher than their neighbors) beyond what the plank's instructions allow.

Solid: no loose or hollow-sounding tiles and no cracked tiles that move.

Grout lines: narrow lines are usually fine under a rigid core plank; wide or deep lines get filled with floor patch first.

Vinyl plank over tile raises the floor by the plank's thickness. Check that doors still swing, the dishwasher can still slide out, and the new floor meets the next room cleanly. A reducer or T-molding handles most changes in height at doorways.

Loose or cracked tile, a floor that is uneven, too much height at doors or appliances, or tile on a slab with moisture problems. Then removing the tile and preparing the slab gives a better, longer-lasting floor. Tear-out is priced with the measure.

We check the tile during the measure and tell you whether it can stay. Our own crews install vinyl plank for $1.75 per sq ft over a sound, level slab; tear-out, leveling and trim are quoted after the measure. Call Waco at (254) 332-2272 or Liberty Hill at (512) 355-5120.