Hi all.
I need an answer to a question that I've gotten different answers to.
I want to install tile over an existing vinyl floor in my kitchen and need to know if I can install metal lathe over the existing floor and put down a scratch coat and then install the tile with thinset mortar or do I need to remove the vinyl and install over the plywood. The subfloor is 1/2" plywood and the vinyl is very secure. I am concerned that if I remove it I will not be able to get the paper backing off completely.

I've been told that it should be ok to do it this way. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi Anthony
No you can't install lath/scratchcoat over vinyl. That method isn't much good over anything .... least of all over vinyl and whoever told you that better re-educate themselves. The only thing that would be holding the tiles to the floor would be the staples holding the lath.

You can install over a (non-cushion) vinyl if you use a membrane such as Ditra ONLY if the vinyl is well bonded to the floor.

Tell us the size and spacing of your joists as well as the plywood sub-floor and size of room etc and we'll help you all we can.

Thanks for the reply. To answer your question the joists are on 16 inch centres and the plywood used as the subfloor is 1/2". Just wondering if rhino board would be better. Could I install the rhino board over the vinyl. My wife's concern is that there will be too much of a step between the hardwood floor and the new ceramic floor. If the rhino board can be used what would be the best way to install? Would I still need to remove the old vinyl or install directly over the vinyl, making sure that it is thouroghly cleaned?

Your subfloor is probably 5/8" thick or it should be. I don't know what to tell you about Rino Board as I haven't used it yet .... and probably won't, but that doesn't mean it won't do the job.

Bottom line is, there can be NO flexibility (bounce) to your floor. If there is, Rino board won't strengthen it. Neither will any other cement board product.
So before you go further with this project do some jumping around on your floor to see how solid it is.