All FAQ

Installation on existing tiles (or parquet) ?

FAQs , Laying & fixing

Installation on existing tiles: It is entirely possible to install our natural stones or tiles on existing tiles or parquet (without removing them). However, it is essential to follow a certain number of steps to ensure that the installation of the new floor covering on existing tiles is successful.

We are not installers and are not familiar with your specific project. We always recommend consulting a professional (tiler, specialist installer in natural stone, etc.). Here, we will provide you with general guidelines.

Quality of the substrate and flatness of the existing tiles

Firstly, it's essential to check the existing substrate and its ability to support new paving or tiling. In the case of tiles, if more than 10% of them sound hollow, the entire floor should be removed. For parquet, loose boards need to be refastened.

Secondly, flatness must be verified. There should be no more than 5 millimeters difference under a 2-meter straight edge. Otherwise, a leveling compound will be required (for example, using Parexlanko's Solfibre product). Prime the substrate before laying the tiles.

Before applying a leveling compound or primer, joints and gaps should be filled, and the parquet should be sanded smooth and cleaned.

Beyond these two points, it's always important to ensure that the supporting structures are compatible with the new additional covering.

The specific steps for installing a new floor covering over existing parquet or tiles are as follows :

If the substrate is of sufficient quality (existing tiles and parquet properly fixed; flatness respected), the steps are as follows :

1/ Application of a bond coating (such as Proliprim by Parexlanko).

2/ Installation of an uncoupling membrane (Ditra by Schlüter Systems).

3/ Fixation of the new stone slabs using double-bonding with a flexible adhesive (such as Prolicrème by Parexlanko). Pay attention to smaller formats: maximum 1200 cm2 per slab.

4/ Grouting (using Prolijoint 542) while adhering to the DTU guidelines regarding width.

Depending on the project, consider expansion and control joints.