Can I Install Bamboo over a Vinyl Tile on Plywood Floor

Often a confusing matter for many people, Installing bamboo over a vinyl tile on plywood floor is quite possible. Flooring companies often forget to provide a detailed information for such type of installation but that by no means makes it impractical or unwanted.

"Can I install bamboo over a vinyl tile on plywood floor?", I hear you ask. To make a long story short, the answer is both yes and no, but don't get confused! The reasons are a few and the solutions exact, as all is based on common sense more than anything else.

So, what's the long story? Well, the reason why you can install a bamboo floor over vinyl glued on a plywood subfloor is simple. The plywood acts as a perfect medium that provides shock absorption and increases the structural integrity of the whole base of the floor. The vinyl on the other hand is a perfect moisture insulation, something that any experienced builder knows well.

But? Yes, there's a "but" unfortunately. If your plywood is in top condition, no exposed nails, no loose or rotten boards, you're almost there. If your vinyl tiles are in top condition, glued uniformly, covering all edges well, without any sort of mildew or contamination, you're good to go! But what if that's no the case?

Fixing a vinyl floor to prepare it as sub-floor for that shiny new bamboo floor does not take much effort, but it does take a careful observation and approach. Are there deep gouges? Any cuts that go all through the vinyl? Any loose tiles or perhaps places that have sunk down in what looks like a shallow hole? Look for that to recognize problems with the plywood underneath, because if there's such a problem, you'd have no option but to remove the vinyl and fix the plywood.

If the plywood looks and feels OK, but the vinyl doesn't, there's still some things you can do. Using a flooring filler to cover irregularities is most often the choice, especially with beveled and textured vinyl tiles where it becomes mandatory. You must always aim to have as uniform and smooth surface as possible before laying down the bamboo floor.

And just in case you run out of options and end up removing vinyl tiles - please take precautions to avoid contaminating yourself and your house with possible asbestos fumes. It can't be stressed enough, despite it being mentioned all the time. The consequences can be grim, so take your time to test your old vinyl floor if you're not sure what it contains.

Visit the bamboo floor section on our AllAboutFloors.co.cc website to learn more about chosing, buying, installing and maintaining a bamboo floor.

Engineered and solid bamboo flooring guides, DIY tips, repairing and contractor advices, and much more! All at your finger tips at All About Floors.