Tips for updating small bathroom with 35 year old linoleum floors?

Can15376475
by Can15376475
We have two rather small bathrooms with 35 yr old linoleum floors. we want to replace with good quality stick down tiles or planks. I think we should remove the toilets, put down thin luan plywood and then put down the tiles or planks. Am I correct ? Please give me tips. Thanks

  6 answers
  • Becca Becca on Mar 25, 2018

    Thin luan is not the hest for bathroom floors. You should look for HARDI BACKER or rough cement board. This is best for under your new floors. It takes the mortar much better and stabilizes the floor better. Luan will be very problematic over time.

  • Jennyprrs Jennyprrs on Mar 25, 2018

    Hi! I have been a House flipper for years and have never removed the toilet. In fact if the old tile or flooring is in good shape meaning no tears or uneven places I clean it really good and tile right over it. If you are using peel and stick type since it’s a bathroom where warm moisture occurs it’s a good idea to put a thin line of liquid nails on the sticky part as you are laying them. This will help keep them in place for well. oh if you are planning to replace the toilet then I would lay the underpayment down before installing the new toilet hope this helps. Good luck!!

  • Linda Linda on Mar 25, 2018

    If the subfloor is sound you probably dont need the plywood. If floor is bouncy and not firm you should replace or repair any damaged areas with 3/4” plywood. Then you will be ready to install vinyl or wood flooring of your choice. If you choose ceramic tile you will need a cement board layer applied with mortar and screws before applying ceramic tile. Good luck!

  • William William on Mar 25, 2018

    If the linoleum is glued down well, smooth and stable no need for any underlayment. Just make sure it's clean. Then you can put down any flooring over it. Definitely remove the toilet before laying down the flooring. House flippers always look for cheap ways and tend to cut corners. You can even lay ceramic tile just use tile mastic instead of thinset Been a home builder/remodeler and had to correct other peoples cheap mistakes through the years.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Mar 25, 2018

    The best way to do it is to temporarily remove the toilet. You only have to cut around the one hole, and it will look much better with the tile/planks under the toilet, rather than having to fit the flooring around the toilet, also, if you ever want to change out the toilet, the chances of it having exactly have the same base are slim and none.