I am remodeling my kitchen and it has an industrial tile on the floor now (similiar to school flooring). I would like to put ceramic tile in its place. is it okay to lay the ceramic right over top if the floor is in good condition? or do i have to remove the laminate before placing the ceramic?
Lift the laminate. You'll need a rougher surface to properly lay the ceramic tile.
If what you have now is all secure and super in place, then you could go over with ceramic. Make sure you have enough room to raise the floor (over refridgerators especially)... I put some links to the Tile Council of America website regarding tile over....pick your current floor (VCT? Terrazo?) Remember, what you put down will look as good as the substrate allows!
No ceramic floors need a level and stable subfloor. After removing the laminate, what's underneath? If it's a raised floor, you'll need to put down a layer of 3/4 inch plywood screwed down tight and level. Any uneveness in the subfloor will result in a cracked tile above.
Definitely remove the old flooring. Although you can lay ceramic tile over just about anything - some substrates are just not suitable. To prepare the floor - use a floor scrape and remove all the old laminate tiles and remaining glue. Once all the laminate is removed - you may want to go back over the floor with a hand scrape (a smaller razor scraper for floors and walls) to ensure all of the adhesive has been removed. Upon completion - sweep the floor - and start laying out your tile.
NO!!!! you gotta take up he laminate AND you gotta prep the floor before you lay the ceramic. I JUST did this in my bathroom.
