Installing Hardwood Over Tile, Concrete or an Old Floor: What Works and What Doesn’t

In a lot of Overland Park remodels the first question is what to do with the floor that's already there. Removing tile or an old wood floor adds days and dust, so it's worth knowing when you can build on top. Over tile: engineered hardwood can often be floated or glued over ceramic or porcelain tile if the tile is well bonded, the grout lines aren't deep and the surface is flat within the manufacturer's tolerance. The catch is height: the new floor adds roughly half an inch or more, which affects door clearances, dishwasher removal under counters and the first stair step. Over concrete, common in basements and slab additions: solid hardwood isn't recommended directly on a slab, but engineered hardwood glued down or floated over a moisture barrier works well, after a moisture test of the slab. Over an old wood floor: new boards can go on top if the old floor is flat and tightly fastened, laid perpendicular to it, but squeaks and loose boards underneath have to be fixed first or they come back through the new floor. Over carpet: never. Carpet and pad always come out. When the old floor does need to go, or the subfloor needs leveling, see hardwood floor installation and engineered wood flooring.