Can I cover a basement floor of linoleum tiles with broken corners, with ceramic tile or a wood-look product?

[Susie Homemaker]

Are the linoleum tiles likely to have asbestos in them if they were laid down in 1966? Would I be able to take them up, if they have asbestos ingredients? I like ceramic tile because the basement is damp in the summer, but I have seen some nice light wood colored plastic product. i just want it to be easy, as it is just a basement. Thank yo for any advise.


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[Steve L]

It is possible that you have asbestos as such tiles were sold into the 80s.

First check here to see if you have asbestos:
http://www.asbestosresource.com/asbestos/tile.html

If the tiles you have ARE asbestos, then you have to decide whether you want to remove them or not. Asbestos is not a problem when sealed in, but if you take it up, you can make dust and then it's an issue. If they come up easily, however, you might consider removal.

If it was my job, I'd check first for anything even a bit loose and remove that only.

For installing ceramic tile, the cheap way is to use mastic to attach tiles directly over the "linoleum".

I believe that this may work fine, but I prefer to tile over backerboard if I can't go directly onto concrete. The backerboard will decrease the chance that tiles come loose.

So, best method is to install tile backer board first then thinset the tile to that. Get the 1/4" tile backer stuff to minimize height and then glue it down to the old linoleum using a quality mastic adhesive. If you are certain it's not asbestos, then you can score the linoleum first with very coarse sandpaper for increased adhesion. Do not sand asbestos, just wash it with ammonia (wax stripper) then TSP, which you can buy in the paint section of hardware stores.

Install the backerboard according to instructions, then install the tile on that.

Please see the links below for more explanation.

[Steven L]

yeah you should be able to take them up with no problem. If it is damp down there make sure you dont put any type of wood on the floors or you could end up having some problems in the future.

[Precious]

No, when laying ceramic or wood ya gotta take up the existing floor. That's actually gonna be a hard project, ceramic is so tedious and exact...I'd talk to someone at Home Depot or Lowes and find out exactly what needs to be done for somethin like that.

[IVY]

Laminate is a floating system. You'll be able to go right over the floor you already have. It's best not to upset thing you aren't sure of. Good luck!

[marvin A]

takem up. put them in contractor grade plastic bags. No bag to weigh more than 25 lbs. And put them out for the trash.
Now,,,putting down any floor product in a basement is a ''iffy'' situation because basement floors can get damp (the concrete). Water can seep through the concrete and loosen up what you put down.

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[denver80260]

YES... you could cover it with ceramic tile and/or wood but I would strongly recommend that you remove the old tile first.

If any of the existing tiles come lose in the future so does your new flooring.

It is not that hard to do and will ensure that you have a solid platform to start your new installation.

Also... if there is any kind of a moisture problem be sure you deal with it now. Then install the new flooring.

As far as the asbestos problem... it is likely that they could contain this material and should be dealt with accordingly. A very good face mask/filter should be used as well as gloves and long sleve clothing. A disposable uniform such as a painter would wear would be a good idea. Dispose of it after using.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT!!!

[shut hadach]

ceramic tiles

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[flyboy182]

Yes you can. I have done it many times. The thin set on back of tile is thick enough to cover any defects on the linoleum.

[DIY Doc]

I tile every day of my life, and pretty much know that an acceptable standard for anything containing asbestos is COVERING/Painting etc. as opposed to a DIY removal and remediation.

In your case, given that it's a basement, I'd stay away from hardwoods or laminates, and go with tile, BUT...
NOT directily on Lino. No offense to any who say it's OK,,, Lino is like Vinyl stock, not at all porous, not at all designed for thinset.

I'd sacrifice 1/2 inch in height initially to lay Concrete backer board. Not only will this aid in covering the Lino, but also a better substrate for tile. Certainly for budget concerns you may not have unlimited resources, but in an end result for anything long term you should consider investing. You can SEAL over the lino first if you feel some sense of more comfort and security. Add a vapor barrier, and assume that you should use exterior mortar and grout.

Obviously too, the concrete backer board will be installed into concrete, so you'll have to allow the proper method.

Once the substrate is secure, then the tile can proceed, and still in total, you lose less than 1.5 inches floor to ceiling, in height.

Steven Wolf
Just my 2 "sense"