Does existing vinyl flooring have to be removed before installation of self-stick vinyl tiles?

I have a small bathroom in which I plan to install TrafficMaster self adhesive vinyl tile. There is existing vinyl coverning in the room (the kind that comes rolled up like carpet). Does this need to be removed, or can I just install my tiles over it? Is it best to remove the base trim in the bathroom as well?

Public Comments

1. I've seen them use the sticky tiles over linoleum on 'Designed to Sell' on HGTV. but The vinyl can't have any tears, rips, or holes in it or it will eventullay poke through the new stuff. Wash it good, rinse and make sure it is good and dry. Yes it's better to take the baseboards off because if you can't get a good fit up against the wall, it will hide any flaws and look neater.
2. In good practice - you should remove the old flooring. Although some people may lay new stuff over the old - the best results occur when a job is complete. The primary concern is the condition of the adhesive holding the old flooring - in which case - if it begins to come up - so does the new floor. In terms of baseboards - I would recommend taking them off - laying the new floor, and then replacing. This "extra mile" so to speak will ensure that any cutting flaws are hidden - giving the new floor a more seamless look. Good luck with the project
3. I would remove it. Will the door for example clear the new height of the floor? I hope you got some good self adhesive. I would worry about that stuff coming up exsp in a wet environment like a bathroom.
4. I would go ahead and remove the sheet vinyl and base board. If it's a small bathroom, it shouldn't take an hour to get it up. Start in a corner and just pull it up, once that's done there will still be paper backing on the floor. Just take that up with a razor scraper. Get it extra clean and put a primer on the concrete or wood floor, this is just a roll on application. This increases adhesion immensely. When your done nail base back up and recaulk the seam on top.
5. I would remove the old because if there is a print on the old vinyl, over time the imprint will show through the new..been there
6. I would highly recommend not using the the self-adhesive tiles anywhere unless you are selling your house in the near future. I've seen it so many times with those that in under a year they begin to seperate and look terrible because the dirt will stick to the adhesive in the cracks. Try a product called dura-stone. Its the same concept but it's a little bit thicker, but much, much more durable. Instead of the self adhesive you would apply it with a flooring trowel then apply just the same way as the others. As far as cutting it a table saw works great for complicated cuts and a score and break for the straight cuts. And yes take base boards/shoe molding off, tear out old floor to the best of your ability, and don't forget to use a hand saw to cut the bottoms of the door casings so the floor will slide underneath. And when finished caulk between tub and floor if you have one.
7. tried that the tiles only stick for about one year before they start popping up once one goes they all go shortly after
8. if it is down good and no holes clean it well and innstall your new tile but a bathroom floor is generally so small ide pick it up out of there for best results but sometimes its difficult to remove if glued heavily so your call also im not a big fan of the vinyl self stick i agree with the guy up above your better off with a stone tile last forever