New bathroom flooring - lose tiles or lay on top?

[Disaster]

Apparently there are some good DIY'ers here, so....

 

I want to put a new floor in my bathroom which for some reason is tiled in 2 different styles. These are large tiles and textured.

 

Ideally I'd like to have black and white chequered flooring but this seems only to be available in vinyl, which my brother is trying to talk me out of.

If I go for this, would I have to prep the floor or take up the tiles?

 

What other flooring options are good for a bathroom?

 

Cheers for any help!

[elsiegee40]

It's hard work, but it's always better to remove the old tiles before laying new ones.

[Simcfc73]

I would always remove tiles when laying a new floor, you could lay on top but the edges will show through the vinyl unless you pour levelling compound on. A good base is essential.

 

Our bathroom was put in by some cowboy builders who have put tiles onto the floorboards which means a few have cracked already with the movement of the wood. We will be ripping it up and sticking vinyl down... you get what you pay for with vinyl so paying a bit extra for good cushioned stuff makes sense.... and its waremr than tiles.

 

I did a check pattern in my last houses kitchen, 2 different coloured ceramic tiles. Looked pretty good but you have to get your lines spot on.

[john]

If its Vinyl going down you will need a smooth flat surface for that to go onto so you will need to do something to it as you said you had textured. @elsiegee40 has the right suggestion of remove the old one and start again, self level the floor out to get it sorted and off you go, if you don't do the prep the new floor won't give it back well enough for you.

[plexer]

When you say vinyl do you mean individual vinyl tiles or stuff on a roll?

 

Ben

[Sunnyknight]

Get rid of the old tiles. Then, you need a solid foundation. Any ripples, and you won't be able to place the tile down correctly. The floor needs to be prepped with whatever you choose. Fleximats are great, but some people also choose screet? I'd ask the company you bought your tiles from for the correct appliant for your tiles.

 

Also, leave about 5mm or less in spacing. Will look lovely then!

[Mcshammer_dj]

I would take up the tiles, and then if going onto floorboards I would use marine Ply sheeting (ideally at least 6mm thick) screwed down evenly. Make sure you get the right adhesive (designed for wood_ and then lay your tiles.

 

I am currently doing this and have layed the ply and fixed. Will be doing all the tiling next week

[Disaster]

Thanks for the advice guys. Looks like I'll be taking up the flooring which, although is a complete chore means I can properly plumb in the bath and shower. Nothing is simple in this big ol' house I bought!

[Disaster]

When you say vinyl do you mean individual vinyl tiles or stuff on a roll?

 

Ben

 

Whatever's best...?

[elsiegee40]

When our bathrooms were done, the fitter lifted all the old tiles and then nailed hard board (one nail every few inches all over) to the floor to level it.

In the kitchen on a concrete base, he used a levelling compound.

[daveyboy]

Just a few pointers from an ex - floorlayer......

 

1) if its 'loose lay vinyl' - take it out of the packaging and try to lay it flat overnight.

2) if its 'loose lay vinyl' - cut slightly short around the edges (It does expand & contract with the temperature!) this will stop it 'bubbling'

3) Silicone seal the edges (white if your skirtings / tiles are white) or clear if not - this will stop water getting down the back AND cover up any cutting that is not as good as it could be!

4) unscrew the pan SLIGHTLY and tuck a little under. Most people will look at the front of the pan and notice any bad cutting!

5) Make sure the Stanley blade is razor sharp - and be really REALLY careful!

6) don't rush....Vinyl will tear easy!