How to Install Vinyl Flooring Over Ceramic Tiling

faux-wood vinyl flooring
  • 15-30 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 1,000-2,000
What You'll Need
Vinyl
Self-leveling compound
Trowel
Utility knife
Straight edge
Pry bar
Caulk
Caulk gun
Tape measure
Seam sealer
Flooring roller
What You'll Need
Vinyl
Self-leveling compound
Trowel
Utility knife
Straight edge
Pry bar
Caulk
Caulk gun
Tape measure
Seam sealer
Flooring roller

Vinyl flooring offers a durable, beautiful alternative to other flooring types, and it's easy to install over a variety of subfloors. To install vinyl flooring over ceramic tiling, check out the guide that follows.

Step 1 - Prepare the Room

Before you can start installing vinyl over the top of ceramic tile, you must prepare the room. Use your pry bar to remove the baseboards from around the edge of the room.

Smooth out the Tile

Then, smooth out the ceramic tile before laying the vinyl. Ceramic tile has grout joints that are uneven, so if you were to install the vinyl over top, you would see the grout joints underneath the vinyl.

Use a self-leveling compound to fill in the grout joints. Give the compound time to dry before moving on to the installation process.

Step 2 - Apply the Adhesive

grey and white tile pattern vinyl

Next, apply adhesive to the floor. You can apply most vinyl adhesive with a trowel or roller, but you should look at your manufacturer’s instructions for specifics. Spread the adhesive out over the floor, so it is thoroughly covered and evenly distributed.

Once you apply the adhesive, allow it time to set up. The adhesive should be tacky to the touch, but it should not come off on your fingers when you touch it.

Step 3 - Lay the Vinyl

After the adhesive has been applied, install the vinyl flooring. Unroll the sheet of vinyl and spread it out over the room. Press the vinyl down into the adhesive as firmly as possible.

Step 4 - Roll the Vinyl

Next, roll the vinyl sheets with a flooring roller. Take the roller over the entire surface of the vinyl to remove any air from below the vinyl.

Step 5 - Attach Seams

If you have seams between two pieces of vinyl, cut the two edges with a utility knife and a straight edge. Once you put the two pieces of vinyl together, use the appropriate type of seam sealer to attach the two pieces to keep the seam from coming apart in the future.

Step 6 - Allow to Dry

Allow the vinyl a few hours to dry. If you wish, you can put a bead of caulk around the edge of the vinyl floor, so water cannot get underneath. Then, put your baseboards back. To upkeep your new look, polish the vinyl flooring regularly.