A solid concrete base is the ideal foundation on which to lay a wood floor. However, where tiling has been set into a concrete floor, work to remove the tiles could disrupt the concrete foundations. In this scenario, raised wood floors or glued wood floors may be laid over tile. Prep work should include leveling any raised tile edges.
Laying Wood Floors Over Tiles – Prep Work
Whether you are planning to lay a raised wood floor over tiles or whether you are planning to install a glued laminate wood floor over tiles, there are some important prep work considerations to bear in mind.
- Level-off Any Raised Edges
Raised edges create pivot points. Where a piece of glued laminate floor is fitted directly on top of a raised edge, pressure from foot traffic or heavy furniture could create a ‘see-saw’ effect. Raised edges could also affect the the stability of raised wood floor foundations – which in this case would consist of a wooden lattice work fitted on top of the tiles (the gap between the tiles and the wood floor should be properly insulated to prevent any issues with damp). - Remove/Repair Damaged Tiles
The unsightly appearance of poorly grouted or damaged floor tiles may be the cause of wishing to install a wood floor (both as a cover up and as an upgrade). However, failing to deal with any imperfections in the tiled surface could result in later maintenance work where the wood floor begins to show signs of warping (or dipping where entire tiles are missing). Cracks in the tiles and significant gapping can result in moisture, rising damp, and mold. All of this could negatively affect the wood floor. Remove any loose tile fragments and replace with concrete mix. - Scuff The Surface (Glued Wood Floors)
When laying a glued wood floor, take the time to scuff the surface with a stainless steel wire brush tool. This will provide a more suitable surface to which the glue will more readily adhere.
Can I Install a Hardwood Floor Over Tile?
Realistically, the answer is no. This is because a typical hardwood floor installation involves nailing the selected wood floor to a prepared wooden subfloor. The subfloor is specially engineered to meet the minimum thickness required to take nails. Although an existing tiled floor could feasibly be prepared to support a wooden subfloor, the overall cost and long term investment associated with the installation of a hardwood floor usually dictates that full preparations should be made, including provisions for the removal of any obstacles (such as tiled floors).
Further Considerations – Glued Wood Floors
A common method of installing a laminate wood floor is to ‘float’ the connected boards on top of multiple layers that may comprise, for example, underfloor heat mats, underlay, and other specialist insulation. Where a wood floor is laid in such a manner, glue cannot be used to hold the boards in position.
Instead, added stability can be achieved by applying glue to the edges of the laminate boards as they are fitted in place.
Contact Us…
If you wish to lay a wood floor over tiles, speak to our expert team of wood flooring specialists today for instant advice and guidance. We can help you to understand your options, including the use of shims to help ramp a carpet up to the level of the new wood floor. Call 0161 641 9996 or visit the website homepage to request a callback.