Unpopular opinion: I don't always pull up old tile before putting down new vinyl plank

I was on a job in Phoenix last month, a kitchen floor with old 12x12 ceramic tile. The homeowner wanted LVP right over it to save money. I checked the tile for loose pieces, filled the grout lines with leveler, and started laying. Halfway through, a huge hollow spot appeared under a plank because the leveler didn't set right under the fridge. I had to pull up about 20 planks, mix a small batch of rapid-set patch, and redo that whole section. It added 3 hours to my day. Has anyone else had a patch fail like that over tile, and what do you use instead?

3 comments

3 Comments

hugoprice1mo ago

Yeah that rapid-set can be tricky over tile. I always use a self-leveling compound for the whole floor now, not just filling lines. It's more work up front but you don't get those random hollow spots later. Let it cure for a full day before you lay anything.

jade2261mo ago

Let it cure for a full day" is the real key. I rushed it once and the grout cracked everywhere. Now I wait two days if it's at all damp or cold.

black.laura18d ago

Ugh that hollow spot sounds like a nightmare. I had something similar happen when I tried to rush leveler under a heavy island. It's the worst feeling when you step on a plank and hear that empty sound. @jade226 is totally right about letting it cure, but even then you can get a bad batch or a spot that just doesn't bond right. Honestly I've started using a floor patch that's made for going over tile, it's a bit more expensive but it grabs onto the old surface way better.