Q: Installing Hardwood/Bamboo/Cork over an existing Ceramic Floor

wassab

First off, I would like to say how fortunate and bless I am to come across a message board that dedicated in helping other DYIs.

We just moved into an old home and recently found that the ceramic floor in the galley kitchen and the hall way are slowly coming off. The first survey from a reliable contractor who also assessed our home prior to our purchase determined that this was cause by faulty lay down of the ceramics or the underlay was not locked down properly causing the two layer to move against each other and causing the grout to slowly coming off.

We originally thinking about replacing the entire floor with new ceramics or slate but since we have a toddler daughter and both my wife and I are getting older not younger, we are thinking about installing Brazilian HW or Bamboo or Cork flooring as alternative. This lead to my ultimate question to the board is that can I can I install hardwood over the existing tiles which were not set properly and/or are moving?

TIA.

KlintP

Solid hardwood that is nailed down cannot be installed over ceramic tile.

Engineered wood that is glued or floated can be installed over the tile, but I would not recommend it if the tiles are loose. You want to have a smooth, flat, solid surface to avoid future problems.

Why not just tear out the tiles? Installing wood over your tile will also make the floors a little higher and may not transation into other rooms properly.

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sdsester

I agree that you need to deal with the existing floor problems. If the tiles are popping loose and if you suspect their is a problem under the tile you should remove it. This is one company that offers instructions for gluing, nailing and floating their cork, wood and bamboo floors.

http://www.duro-design.com/

wassab

KlintP,

Thank you for your reply and direction to my question.

yes, we don't want to cut corner as we would like to do it right the first time and my question was only to seek alternative solution, if any.

It sounds like we will have to tear up the floor which is not a problem since it is only 200 sq ft coverage.

Thanx.

wassab

Thank you sdsester.

The site will help us with the step by step process.

sdsester

Glad you are thinking of using flooring from a renewable resource. It may even get you a tax credit. Bamboo and cork floors are really beautiful I think and the color choices nice. Think about putting a cork underlay under whatever you decide on and it will really quiet things and provide another layer of insulation. Will not cost much more if you only have 200sf.