Can I Lay Peel-and-Stick Tiles Over Existing Ones?

Significance

• The flooring underneath peel-and-stick tiles is important because tiles need a clean, solid and level surface on to which glue can adhere. If the adhesive on the back of the tile does not bond with the subflooring across the full area of the tile, there is a good chance the tile will lift up at the corners, or shift and create gaps between tiles.

Benefits

• Laying peel-and-stick tiles directly over another layer of peel-and-stick tiles saves the time and effort of removing old flooring. If the people who installed the original tiles glued them improperly, then by pulling them up, you risk damaging the subfloor. Leaving the old flooring in place reduces the chance of disturbing contaminants such as asbestos that only qualified professionals should attempt to remove.

Risks

• Layering floor materials carries the risk of building the floor up to the point that it interferes with opening and closing lower cabinet doors as well as entryway doors. You may create a tripping hazard between adjoining rooms that have floors at different heights. Leaving old flooring in place may prevent you from discovering and repairing structural damage.

Method

• Clean the floor and remove all paint, varnish, wax, oils, solvents and foreign matter. Remove pieces of the old tiles that are peeling up by cutting them off with a utility knife. Apply a self-leveling compound to the floor according to the manufacturer's specifications to fill in the old tile's crevices and depressions. Peel the paper backing from each tile only when you are ready to install it. Firmly press all parts of the tile in place against the floor.