- Sometimes yes, if the old floor is flat, solid, firmly attached and one layer thick.
- Never over carpet (except some specific carpet-tile products) or over anything soft or loose.
- Watch the height: doors, the dishwasher, stairs and transitions to other rooms.
- Older vinyl or mastic may contain asbestos. Covering it can be safer than scraping it, but test first.
Over what?
| Existing floor | Can you go over it? |
|---|---|
| Ceramic or porcelain tile | Often yes for floating floors, if it's flat and grout lines are filled. Check the height. |
| Sheet vinyl or vinyl tile (one layer, well-stuck) | Often yes. Never over cushioned or loose vinyl. |
| Hardwood (nailed, flat) | Often yes for floating floors. Consider refinishing it instead. |
| Laminate or click vinyl | No. It's floating itself, so remove it. |
| Carpet and pad | No. |
| Concrete | Yes, with moisture testing and a vapour barrier. |
The catches
- Height adds up. Doors need trimming, and the dishwasher may get trapped. Stair nosings and transitions to the next room can end up with a step.
- Flatness still matters. Old floors have dips too.
- Warranty: most makers list acceptable existing floors. Check yours.
- Hidden problems stay hidden: water damage, rot or squeaks under the old floor.
The asbestos question
Vinyl tiles, sheet vinyl and black mastic from before about 1990 can contain asbestos. In BC, a hazardous materials survey is generally required before renovating pre-1990 buildings. Covering intact material with a floating floor is sometimes the lower-risk option, but test first and follow the results. Before you remove old flooring.
Common questions
Can you put vinyl plank over tile?
Often yes, if the tile is flat, firmly bonded and the grout lines are filled so they don't show through. Check the height at doors and appliances and the flooring maker's approved subfloors.
Can you put laminate over hardwood?
Often yes, if the hardwood is flat and firmly nailed. But consider refinishing it instead. Hardwood is usually the more valuable floor.
Can you put new flooring over carpet?
No. Carpet and pad are too soft and will cause joints to fail. Remove carpet first.
Should you cover old vinyl that might contain asbestos?
Test it first. In BC a hazardous materials survey is generally required before renovating pre-1990 buildings. Covering intact material is sometimes lower risk than removing it, depending on the results.
Who's writing this: Rose and Thorn Flooring is a flooring company in Surrey, BC. We install floors for a living, so yes, we'd love to do yours. But nobody pays us to say nice things about a product, and we don't earn commission from any brand. If something here is wrong or out of date, text us at 604-716-4160 and we'll fix it.