Install new vinyl tile on top of old?

The flooring in our kitchen is vinyl tile and needs to be replaced. A rep from a home improvement company which is supposed to be the most reputable in town said the proper and accepted way to do it is to install one-half inch thick plywood directly over the old vinyl and then install the new vinyl flooring over the plywood.

Is he right about that? Why wouldn't it be better to remove the old vinyl and install the new vinyl directly over the underlayment or subfloor or whatever it's called?

I suppose he's right about installing new over old, but there's just something about installing new material on top of old, worn material that doesn't sit too well with me.

Also that half-inch plywood is going to raise the floor up half and inch. That means we will have to step up and step down slightly when entering and leaving the kitchen. No big deal, but it increases the likelyhood of tripping on the raised portion.

We would sincerely appreciate any advice or comments anyone might have.

Thanks in advance . . .

 

You should be able to use underlayment grade 1/4"plywood for the underlayment purposes. Half inch is overkill and VERY pricey in underlayment grade. The rise in the floor will be less than noticable and should not pose as a trip hazzard.