ᐅ Remove the tile floor or install parquet/vinyl flooring over it?

Created on: 13 Sep 2021 00:22

Hello everyone,

I raised this topic in another thread, but it seems more appropriate here. I wanted to get an idea of whether it’s feasible to install hardwood flooring over tiles (I wouldn’t do it myself, since I have no experience with this) or if the tiles need to be removed first. I have read that it is possible, but I’m wondering how the transition to the kitchen, which is tiled, or to the hallway works, and whether door trimming would need to be considered. Also, the tiles aren’t perfectly level—I haven’t measured, but there appear to be slight unevenness, and in the middle, the screed seems to have settled a bit (see photo).

What should I expect to pay per square meter (if the tile floor can stay)? I wouldn’t choose expensive hardwood; I’ve seen some nice options around 50 euros/m² (about 4.65 USD/ft²).

Also, upstairs we plan to replace the carpet with hardwood or vinyl flooring (I lean toward hardwood since it can be sanded). The carpet can be removed quite easily, but only the pile; underneath remains a layer (either adhesive or foam). Can flooring be installed over that, or does it need to be completely sanded off?

Thanks in advance and best regards,

Hubi

HubiTrubi409 Dec 2021 23:36

Now it’s starting to get more concrete. We will probably remove the tiles ourselves (own work), at least as thoroughly as possible. I already have one quote, and tomorrow I’ll visit the house again with another craftsman, who will also give me a quote. The first quote seems a bit high to me personally: leveling compound + laying parquet + materials (60 Euro per square meter (5.4 sq ft) for the parquet, wide-plank) = 130 Euro per square meter (5.4 sq ft) net, so pure leveling and installation costs = 70 Euro per square meter (5.4 sq ft). Isn’t that a bit much? Removing the tiles is not included, since I’m doing that myself. I had previously researched online and often found prices between 35 and 50 Euro per square meter (5.4 sq ft), but of course it probably varies regionally. What do you think? I’m curious what the floor installer will say tomorrow.

hampshire9 Dec 2021 23:41

HubiTrubi40 schrieb:

Isn't that a bit too much?

A professional has to expect that the subfloor will need extensive preparation if an amateur removes the tiles. In my opinion, the price is fair. Take a look at how you can define the handover process between you and the floor installer; there might be some room for adjustment.

HubiTrubi409 Dec 2021 23:56

hampshire schrieb:

A professional must expect that the subfloor will require intensive preparation if an amateur removes the tiles. In my opinion, the price is reasonable. See if you can define the handover point between you and the floor installer; then there might still be some room for negotiation.

What exactly do you mean by defining the handover? The possible grinding off of adhesive residues and any necessary repair of the screed is also not included yet. I think he is already making some concessions here. He will not lay the parquet himself anyway. He’s a jack-of-all-trades who works together with various craftsmen. For example, he lays vinyl himself, but a specialist floor fitter does the parquet. I just don’t know how much he still charges for the “coordination” here. Originally, he said he would do it himself. But I feel like it might be getting a bit too much for him.
Then I have to make a deposit when placing the order. About 10%, he said, even though 50% is shown on the quote. I also find that a bit strange. I’m used to paying for each completed phase. But I guess he wants to secure the contract firmly with that.

hampshire10 Dec 2021 09:50

#10

HubiTrubi40 schrieb:

What exactly do you mean by defining the transition? Possible sanding off of adhesive residues and potentially repairing cracks in the screed are also not included yet.

That is what I meant, for example.

Your description is also unclear regarding the further scope of work.

Here is a differentiation proposal with net estimated prices – almost off the cuff, just consider that Baden-Württemberg can be a relatively expensive area, with labor costs significantly above the average for the federal states.

Clean subfloor, prime, and fill up to 2mm (which might not be sufficient for your case) about 12 €
Additional filling work could be estimated by hours and shown separately or allocated to the square meter price, hourly rate 65 €
Filler (compound) per kilogram 2 €, if a lot of filling and leveling is needed, several kilograms per square meter may be required
Parquet price in your area 60 €/m² (60 €/sq ft)
Cutting and installation 40 €/m² (depending on the complexity of the area)
Skirting board per linear meter including cutting (for you?) 18 €/m

I don’t see that your service provider is trying to overcharge you; the price appears reasonable and plausible based on this evaluation.

minimini10 Dec 2021 11:34

#11

When I look at the list from @11ant, it matches our situation very well – however, cutting and installation are significantly cheaper, so we end up at just over €40/m² (just over $40/sq ft) for all the work.

apokolok10 Dec 2021 12:07

#12

What exactly needs to be filled on a floor?
Remove the tiles, depending on the condition sand a bit, then apply leveling compound, and the preparation is done.
Removing tiles is usually not rocket science; you can manage it in a few days with a reasonably good hammer, most of the work is hauling away the debris. Is the screed staying as it is?

ᐅ Remove the tile floor or install parquet/vinyl flooring over it?

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