Yes, you can lay bamboo flooring over tiles. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the tile surface is smooth, clean, and level before installation. Use an appropriate underlayment and follow manufacturer guidelines for a successful and durable bamboo flooring installation over tiles.

Tools and Materials Needed

Bamboo flooring
Underlayment suitable for bamboo flooring
Tape measure
Utility knife
Pry bar
Hammer
Spacers
Rubber mallet
Saw (jigsaw, circular saw, or miter saw)
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Vacuum cleaner

Step 1: Prepare the Tile Surface

Clean the tile surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or grease. Ensure the surface is dry before proceeding.
Inspect the tile for any cracks, loose tiles, or uneven areas. Use a leveling compound or patching compound to fill in any gaps and create a level surface if necessary.
Allow the leveling or patching compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Install Moisture Barrier (if necessary)

If the tile floor is in a moisture-prone area like a bathroom or kitchen, consider installing a moisture barrier to protect the bamboo flooring.
Lay the moisture barrier according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it covers the entire floor area. Secure the seams with adhesive or tape.

Step 3: Install Underlayment

Roll out the underlayment across the entire floor area, ensuring it overlaps at the seams by a few inches.
Trim the excess underlayment along the walls using a utility knife.
Secure the underlayment to the subfloor using double-sided tape or adhesive, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Acclimate the Bamboo Flooring

Bring the bamboo flooring into the room where it will be installed and allow it to acclimate to the temperature and humidity conditions for at least 48 hours.

Step 5: Layout and Planning

Plan the layout of the bamboo flooring, considering the direction of the planks and any obstructions in the room.
Use spacers along the walls to maintain expansion gaps of 1/4 to 1/2 inch around the perimeter of the room.

Step 6: Install the First Row

Start in a corner of the room and lay the first row of bamboo flooring with the grooved side facing the wall.
Place spacers between the planks and the wall to maintain the expansion gap.
Cut the last plank in the row to fit using a saw, leaving the appropriate expansion gap.

Step 7: Continue Installation

Begin the second row with the cut piece from the first row, ensuring the end joints are staggered for a more secure installation.
Lock the planks together by angling the tongue of each plank into the groove of the previous row.
Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the planks together if needed.
Continue installing the bamboo flooring row by row, cutting the last plank in each row to fit as necessary.

Step 8: Install Transition Pieces

Install transition pieces, such as T-moldings or reducers, at doorways or between rooms to create a seamless transition between different flooring surfaces.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Once all the bamboo flooring is installed, remove the spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap along the walls.
Clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.

Step 10: Enjoy Your New Floor