hardibacker and tile over vinyl floor

Jonscheets · 04-30-2013, 07:48 PM

Im going to tile my small (approx 50sq ft) bathroom floor soon, and i currently have sheet vinyl resilient flooring in it now. i know that tearing up vinyl flooring is a pain in the ass, so id like to avoid it if possible. i would like to scuff up the floor, install the thinset/hardibacker over the vinyl and then thinset/tile on top.

i have read different opinions on this, but it seems like a lot of people have installed hardi and tile over resilient flooring with good results. the vinyl floor i have is not cushioned and seems like it is not only perimeter glued. the edges are peeling a tiny bit by the bath tub so i was going to cut out that small part and i figure the thinset base will fill the gap in before the hardibacker.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks a lot.

**oh'mike** · 04-30-2013, 07:56 PM

You are risking a lot --your time--materials and tile--to save such a small amount of work---

It's your house, but I would remove the vinyl and its underlayment---

jproffer · 04-30-2013, 08:02 PM

- You're probably going to void any warranties on the hardi and tile.

- It's not recommeded to lay tile over vinyl flooring.

But something that small, and if it's as "solid" as you say...I'd do it in my own house. If it fails, it fails...ya take it ("it" being the tile, hardi, and vinyl) up and replace the tile.

Nailbags · 04-30-2013, 08:40 PM

I would strip down to the subfloor, lay down 30 pound felt the Hardi backer then do two coats of Laticrete Hydro Ban on the floor. Use a Modified latex thin set tile and grout. Do it right the first time. because it will cost you double to make it right the second time.

JazMan · 04-30-2013, 11:09 PM

Jon,

You may not have realized it, but vinyl is usually installed over a 1/4" underlayment which can be easily removed, and it should be. Double check that's what you've got. You can have the 1/4" & vinyl removed in a short time.

That's the best way. As you mentioned the vinyl has curled near the tub, guess why? Right, because of water. That means the 1/4" ply may be in bad shape.

Having said that, sometimes leaving everything can work. But, most vinyl sheet flooring is cushioned. It's not real soft, but cushioned still. Removing the old will save you over 1/4" in height too.

Please do NOT install tarpaper as someone mentioned.

There is no approved method by any manufacturer or association to do that. If you need more specific instructions just ask.

Jaz

JetSwet · 05-01-2013, 08:16 AM

The 1/4" should really go as well..its too thin, its better not to do half the job for tile. Let us know what you have under 1/4" and Jazz is correct also about NOT using felt paper.