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How Do You Lay Floor Boards Over Tiles?

Published in Flooring Installation 3 mins read

The most cost-effective method for laying floorboards over existing tiles involves using ply sheeting to create a suitable subfloor.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Preparing for Installation

Before you begin laying the plywood, consider these important preparation steps:

  1. Clean the Tiles: Thoroughly clean the existing tile floor. Remove any dirt, debris, wax, or grease that could prevent proper adhesion.

  2. Assess the Tile Surface: Ensure the tiles are firmly adhered to the subfloor. Repair or replace any loose or damaged tiles. Level any uneven surfaces.

Laying the Plywood Sheeting

This step involves creating a stable surface for the floorboards.

  1. Select Plywood Thickness: Choose the appropriate plywood thickness based on the existing tile height and desired finished floor height. Consult with a flooring professional to determine the ideal thickness. A common starting point is typically 1/4" or 3/8" plywood, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

  2. Cut the Plywood: Cut the plywood sheets to fit the room's dimensions, leaving a small expansion gap (approximately 1/4 inch) around the perimeter of the room.

  3. Attach the Plywood:

    • Adhesive: Apply a suitable construction adhesive to the back of the plywood sheets.
    • Fasteners: Secure the plywood to the tile floor with nails or screws. Use fasteners appropriate for the subfloor beneath the tiles.
    • Stagger Joints: Stagger the joints between the plywood sheets to create a stronger and more stable subfloor.
  4. Sand the Plywood: Once the plywood is secured, sand down any unevenness or rough spots to create a smooth surface for the floorboards.

Installing the Floorboards

With the plywood subfloor in place, you can now install the floorboards.

  1. Acclimate the Floorboards: Allow the floorboards to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for several days before installation. This helps prevent warping or buckling after installation.

  2. Apply Adhesive (Optional): Some installations may benefit from applying a bead of construction adhesive to the top of the plywood before laying the floorboards. This can provide added stability and reduce noise.

  3. Secure the Floorboards:

    • Nailing: Use a flooring nailer to nail the floorboards into the plywood.
    • Gluing: Apply flooring adhesive to the tongues and grooves of the floorboards.
  4. Maintain Expansion Gaps: Remember to maintain expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room.

  5. Finishing Touches: Install baseboards or trim to cover the expansion gaps and create a finished look.

By following these steps, you can successfully lay floorboards over existing tiles using plywood sheeting, creating a beautiful and durable new floor. Consulting with a professional flooring installer is always recommended to ensure proper installation and long-lasting results.