Can You Apply Stick-on Tile Over Concrete?

About Stick-On Tiles

• Standard stick-on tiles are thin squares with a decorative side that faces up and a layer of adhesive on the back. Manufacturers apply the adhesive to each tile and cover the adhesive with paper. Alternative tile types require the installer to apply a separate adhesive to the tile and the subfloor. Consumers owe their wide breadth of choices in styles in large part to advancements in computer imaging technology. Improvements in vinyl manufacturing techniques have increased the tiles’ longevity.

Adhesive

• The adhesive on the back of the tile forms a bond with the concrete subfloor and holds the tile in place. The tiles only stay in place if the adhesive bonds properly with the surface below it. The adhesive must make a tight seal during the installation process and it must maintain that contact throughout the lifespan of the tiles. Pressing each inch of the surface of the tile down firmly so that there are no gaps between the subsurface and the adhesive helps to ensure that the tile will not slip or produce air pockets.

Concrete Advantages

• Concrete offers several advantages as a subsurface for stick-on tiles; specifically, under ideal circumstances concrete is level, smooth and strong. To create the best conditions, clean the concrete thoroughly. Remove paint, stains and wax from the surface. Use a leveling compound to fill in cracks and depressions in the concrete. The goal is to have the adhesive stick to the concrete and not to the paint or any other substance that coats the concrete.

Concrete Disadvantages

• The key disadvantage of concrete is that it is a porous surface. Even after it is cured, concrete absorbs and releases moisture. Stick-on tiles are nonporous and cannot absorb moisture from a concrete subfloor. The moisture emanating up from the concrete creates a layer of moisture between the concrete and the tile and introduces many problems, including interfering with the bonding properties of the adhesive on the tile. Stick-on tile is inappropriate in rooms where the concrete routinely gets wet. In most cases, experience and observation will tell you that the concrete retains moisture; in other cases, call in professionals to test the moisture levels.