Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become one of the most popular flooring choices for homeowners and businesses due to its durability, water resistance, and modern appearance. A common question we hear from customers is:
"Can I install LVP directly over my existing tile floor?"
The short answer is: Yes, but you need to do it correctly. Installing LVP over tile can save time and money, but improper installation can lead to costly problems down the road. In this article, we'll cover every aspect of installing LVP over tile, including the challenges, risks, and how to do it properly.
Why Install LVP Over Existing Tile?
There are several good reasons why people choose to install LVP over existing tile:
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Avoid the labor and mess of tile demolition
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Save time and cost
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Reduce dust and debris
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Less disruption to your home or business
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Avoid damaging subflooring during demolition
However, skipping tile removal doesn't mean skipping preparation.
The Biggest Challenge: Tile Unevenness (Lippage)
The #1 factor that determines whether you can install LVP over tile is how flat the tile surface is.
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Lippage refers to height differences between adjacent tiles.
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Industry standards recommend no more than 1/16 inch (about 1.5 mm) of variation for floating floors like LVP.
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Most manufacturers require the subfloor to be level and flat to 3/16" per 10 feet.
If your tile floor has uneven spots, high corners, or loose tiles, you risk:
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Planks flexing or bouncing
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Click-lock joints separating over time
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Visible dips and humps
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Premature wear and failure of the LVP
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Hollow sounds when walking
Simply put: LVP requires a flat, stable, and solid surface.
Types of Tile Conditions and What To Do
Let’s go over different scenarios you might encounter:
1. Perfect Condition Tile (Rare Case)
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Flat, even tiles
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No loose or cracked tiles
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Minimal grout lines
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Clean and dry
What to do:
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Clean thoroughly
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Install LVP directly over the tile with proper underlayment (if required by the manufacturer)
2. Slightly Uneven Tile (Most Common Case)
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Small lippage under 1/16"
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Some shallow grout lines
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Solid tiles without cracks or looseness
What to do:
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Fill grout lines and small dips with a floor leveler or patching compound
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Spot grind any high spots with a grinder
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Use a thin self-leveling skim coat to create a smooth surface
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Install LVP as usual once cured and dry
3. Moderate Unevenness (Problematic)
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Lippage of 1/16” to 1/8” or more
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Multiple high spots
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Some tiles slightly loose or hollow sounding
What to do:
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Remove and replace any loose tiles
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Use a grinder to lower high tiles
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Apply a thicker self-leveling compound to flatten the floor
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Allow full cure time before installing LVP
4. Severe Unevenness (Not Recommended)
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Loose, cracked, broken tiles
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Lippage over 1/8"
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Hollow tiles that may pop loose over time
What to do:
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Remove the tile entirely
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Inspect subfloor condition
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Repair subfloor as needed
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Install LVP on properly prepared subfloor
Underlayment Considerations
Most LVP products come with attached underlayment today. But if your product doesn’t, you may need:
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Thin foam underlayment for sound and moisture barrier
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Manufacturer-approved underlayment to maintain warranty
Important: Underlayment does not compensate for unevenness. Its job is not to "smooth out" an uneven surface.
Moisture Concerns Over Tile
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Most ceramic and porcelain tiles are moisture-resistant.
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However, check that the original subfloor is dry and not trapping moisture beneath the tile layer.
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Use a moisture meter if needed, especially in basements or slab foundations.
Other Important Tips for Success
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Transitions: You may need to trim doors, adjust thresholds, or install transition strips.
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Height considerations: Adding LVP over tile will raise the floor height. Check for clearance under appliances, doors, and cabinets.
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Adhesive vs Floating: Floating LVP is most common. Glue-down may be more forgiving on minor imperfections but requires a very clean and dry substrate.
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Manufacturer Instructions: Always follow your LVP brand’s installation guidelines to maintain warranty coverage.
Professional vs DIY Installation
While many DIYers attempt to install LVP over tile, it is highly recommended to hire a professional installer if:
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The tile is moderately or severely uneven
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You are unsure how to properly level the floor
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You want to ensure long-term performance and warranty coverage
Conclusion
Yes, LVP can be installed over existing tile, but careful evaluation and preparation are critical. Cutting corners on floor prep may lead to costly repairs, plank failure, and frustration later. With proper leveling, moisture checks, and careful installation, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of LVP without the headache of tile demolition.
If you’re unsure whether your tile floor is suitable for LVP, contact a flooring professional for an onsite assessment. A small investment in preparation ensures your floor looks great and performs beautifully for years to come.