Although modified thinset will bond to the vinyl floor covering it doesn't mean it will allow for a successful installation. The vinyl should be removed along with the 1/4" plywood underlayment.

Ceramic tile can be bonded to ceramic tile with a polymer modified thinset BUT your installation will only be as good as the weakest tile in the old installation.

We generally recommend that the underlayment be removed because the subfloor may mot be adequate to support tile; however if your existing vinyl floor was installed over an adequate subfloor using a full spread installation method then yes, it can be done if you use the proper installation products.

Layout - My husband is having trouble with the layout/cuts in the ceramic tile for our tub/shower area. There is an uncentered window in the primary wall. He keeps saying "no matter how I figure it, I still end up with 1/2" gap at the top of wall". Is there any way you can tell him what he's doing wrong? Thanks SOOO MUCH! Exterior Chimney - Do you have any information on tiling the exterior of a stucco chimney? Below freezing in winter.

Depending upon the type of system you have, it is usually possible to install ceramic over radiant heat floors. Some applications will require a membrane in between the tile and subfloor. Ask your contractor what is best for you. One of the rubs against ceramic tile is that it is cold and hard. There are floor heating systems available to make your floor more comfortable to the touch, but in terms of hardness, yes, ceramic is much like hardwood in that it doesn’t have much give.

It is better to remove the existing vinyl, but if it does not cause a transition problem from one floor to the next and/or if it does not cause a problem with the installation or removal of appliances and doors then it can be done. Keep in mind though that you may want to remove and raise your base boards so they have the proper reveal.

Yes. However, we recommend unglazed, frost proof tiles for outdoor use. Look for tiles with absorption rates of 0.5% or less.

When adhesive is applied over tile and the panels are adhered to the tile, the solvent in the adhesive is unable to dissipate through the ceramic tile as it would through drywall. Therefore, the only surface it can dissipate through is the plastic surround panel. This can cause the panel to soften or melt. It is also not recommended to install thinner panels over top of ceramic tile. Over time, the tile grout lines can become visible beneath the thin panels.

Some items in a property may be depreciable, but are not considered chattel or personal property and are therefore excluded from the checklist on purpose. Items that are permanently affixed to the property are not considered depreciable chattel property such as ceramic tile or wood flooring. In addition, some items that are considered chattel property otherwise, may not qualify based on where they are installed.

Ceramic tile flooring is not considered chattel property and is therefore not included on any Checklist. Wood flooring is another example of a non-chattel item. Items inside the building structure that cannot be removed without causing damage are not considered chattel. Since ceramic tile is installed using a cement product, removal would cause damage.

Yes! Use the bare floor tool or install one of our most popular options: the VacPan® automatic dustpan. It's ideal for removing debris from the kitchen, bath or mudroom. Simply sweep trash towards the automatic dustpan, touch the toeswitch and use the power of your Beam to instantly remove it. No more dustpans or stooping over to pick up swept debris.

Sheet vinyl has come a long way since the original patterns and colors. With the new imaging available many of the sheet vinyl patterns look very similar to ceramic tile or hardwood flooring.

Concrete Floors must not contain a sealer or finish of any kind. For installing below grade (below floor level, like in basements), we recommend Basement Proofer to prepare concrete floors. First, clean the sub-floor for any remaining dirt and grease. Tiles must be in the room of installation for at least 2 days to stabilize temperature. Never use polyurethane over vinyl tile.

Ceramic tile is a mixture of clays, molded into a shape and fired at high temperatures - resulting in a hard body. This hard body may be left untreated or it may receive a glazed wear layer. All the raw materials that go into making ceramic tile come from the earth, including the colors of the glaze.

Ceramic tile is a mixture of clays which have been shaped and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a hard body. Ceramic tile is made of two parts: the body, which is called the Bisque and the surface which is called the Glaze. Glaze colors are made from minerals such as gold, sliver, zinc copper, mercury cobalt and others.

Yes, Tesserae panels can be installed over any clean, sound and dry surface. Should your vinyl flooring have any loose areas, surface cracks or holes, these should be repaired to insure a smooth, clean and dry surface.

When the vinyl is firmly adhered to the floor and all contaminants and waxes have been stripped from the floor. If the vinyl is “cushioned,” it should be removed. Bear in mind that some older vinyl may contain asbestos, which can be dangerous if inhaled. In unsure, contact a professional.

No, tile installation is not recommended over gypsum products. The moisture in the setting materials will deteriorate the gypsum cement.

A.On the whole, it is not more difficult to install. There are exceptions of course such as the difficulties with thickness gauges, which takes more time in lying out and whether a complex pattern is being used. As for cost it is generally not more expensive except for time spent on laying out patterns and the thickness gauging again, at least for the tile contractors I have worked on projects with. The setting supplies and procedures are the same, but stone is heavier to work with.

No. Mastic is best used for wall tile, especially in high-humidity areas. For most floor installation, we recommend latex thinset.

Yes; our replacement bathtubs and basins as well as our bathtub and shower basin liners are fully customized to accommodate your current or created space.

If your original vinyl floor was installed using a full spread adhesive method, then you can apply an embossing leveler to the original vinyl to smooth it out and then install the new vinyl.

Yes. The Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (TAHPR) allow a person who has had the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) guidelines training to use those guidelines for flooring removal in leu of a license. The guidelines must be followed strictly.

Yes. It's very simple if you use the Armstrong Guaranteed Installation Kit, which guarantees Armstrong replace your floor and kit for FREE, if you make a mistake in cutting or fitting your floor.

We do not recommend Flexi-Flor® installations over other floor coverings. This type of installation is also not covered under our warranty.

Damp mop your flooring at least one time per week (more often for heavy traffic areas). Never use a detergent or soap, because it can dull the surface or promote the growth of mildew. Use protective mats – good quality entry and exit mats will help protect your ceramic tile from premature wear. They trap the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that would otherwise be tracked onto your floor.

A Miracle Method refinished bathtub or tile wall can easily last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. In fact, many of our customers have told us their bathtubs still look and feel great 15 years after being refinished.