Laminate flooring

[Doctorfern]

Hi - can anyone tell me if it is easy to lay laminate flooring over ceramic tiles? I am presuming that actually the tiles will give the laminate flooring a good base, as already level etc. Can it be laid directly on to the tiles, or do I need to place some thing in between.
Many thanks

[chas2008]

Cant see any reason why not, it would be the same as laying on concrete, will need a good underlay though to help insulation from the cold tiles

[Doctorfern]

sorry should have said I live in Spain so dont think I would need insulation - as most of the year it is not cold. So reckon I will lay directly on to the tiles.

Thanks for answering chas2008

[weeal]

I would imagine its not a good idea for the following reasons:

Laying laminate directly onto tile will be helluva noisy the laminate is like plastic - hitting off the tile with every footfall.

Where the grout lines are in the tiling might cause problems under the laminate, especially if its the thinner sort, and might crack as the grout lines will be a weak area.

[weeal]

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20 070821163459AAOvhec

Found a variety of answers on Yahoo for you ^

[chas2008]

the underlay also acts as a sound deadener & takes up some of the uneveness of the surface .
Its always wise to purchase quality laminate , dont be tempted by the cheap stuff you will regret it in the long run

[Doctorfern]

Thanks Chas 2008 & weeal. Totally confused now as to what to do - this was supposed to be a simple question lol.
Floors here in Spain are fully tiled over concrete. There are no grout lines as the tiles are completely flush with each other. Can see what you are all saying re noise though -so think now that the only way forward is to use underlay.
Floors perfectly level so thats a good start.
Re the yahoo info - most suggest lifting tiles - regret this is not an option here, huge 4 storey house - huge task to undertake. Reckon good quality underlay and good quality wood flooring is the answer.

Thanks again for your help x

[merejeans]

Hi docfern,
We have laid laminate over ceramic tiled flooring, tho' in England. We did put something to deaden the sound down first, otherwise I think it would have been quite clattery. Been down now 4 years and is still fine.

[snow.maiden]

Unfortunately, I've heard that it's pretty "old hat" now.

[chas2008]

Just treat it as any other floor, to be honest a tiled floor would probably be a better base to work on. Ive done a few floors , my own house and my daughters, i wouldnt think twice about it, come to think of it my son-in-law laid over quarry tiles with no problems ..All laminate should be on an underlay regardless of surface,as i said just use a quality underlay and laminate..I used something called QuickStep from floors 2 go, virtually scratchpoof, very impressed with it
ps I always pull of the skirting and replace after the laminate has been fitted..gives a far better finish..

[Twenty20]

Are you really sure you want to cover up ceramic tile flooring with laminate? Why? I think you might regret it. The laminate edges chip easily and it will lift if it gets wet e.g. from spills. A good quality wooden floor, something like oak flooring, is a different matter and can look good, but to be honest most laminate flooring just looks cheap. Is there something wrong with the tiles?