Laying PVC over tiles in Spain: what you need to know before you start

Many homes on the Costa Blanca have an existing tiled floor. Those who want to renovate without demolition soon turn to PVC. PVC floors are therefore increasingly being chosen for renovations of homes and apartments on the Costa Blanca.

The question we are asked every day in our showroom in Altea:

“Can we simply install PVC over the tiles?”

The honest answer:
That depends entirely on the subfloor.

Why installing PVC over tiles seems attractive

PVC is:

• Thin in construction

• Warm underfoot

• Quiet in use
  

The idea of not having to demolish the existing floor is understandable. Less dust, less work, less disruption.

But with PVC, one important rule applies:

The subfloor determines the final result.

The greatest risk when installing PVC over tiles: grout-joint telegraphing

In Spain, we often see larger and deeper grout joints than in Northern Europe. When PVC is installed directly over tiles without leveling, these joints and tile edges will almost always remain visible. This problem regularly occurs in homes on the Costa Blanca where PVC floors are installed over existing tiled floors.

This is called telegraphing.

Important:
This usually does not develop only over time - it is often visible immediately after installation.

In addition, even small height differences between tiles can show through in the top layer.

What appears flat to the eye is often technically not flat enough for a PVC floor.

Temperature differences in Spain

In the Mediterranean climate, indoor temperatures can rise considerably in summer. PVC reacts to temperature and can therefore expand or deform when the subfloor is unstable. This is an important reason why installing PVC over tiles in Spain requires extra attention.

Cheaper or thinner floors can:

• Expand more

• Deform more quickly

• Cause problems with click-PVC connections

That is why, in many cases, we recommend a glued (dryback) PVC floor on a stable, level subfloor. In homes on the Costa Blanca, we therefore often find that leveling is necessary before installing a PVC floor.

When is leveling necessary?

In many situations, leveling is not a choice but a technical necessity before a PVC floor can be installed.

Leveling is necessary when:

• Tiles have height differences

• Joints are deep or wide

• The subfloor is not completely flat

• Damaged or hollow-sounding tiles are present

• When you choose glued (dryback) PVC

PVC follows the subfloor. Every unevenness will eventually show through in the floor.

A leveled subfloor provides:

• A sleek final result

• Optimal adhesion

• Less stress in the material

• A longer lifespan

• Lower risk of complaints

Leveling increases the initial investment, but prevents problems and corrections later.

For homes on the Costa Blanca with existing tiled floors, leveling is therefore often a necessary step before installing a PVC floor.

Is Jumpax an alternative to levelling?

In certain renovation situations, a pressure-resistant underlay such as Jumpax® can be an alternative to wet levelling.

Jumpax consists of cross-bonded panels that create a stable base for glued PVC flooring.

Jumpax may be suitable when:

• The tiled floor is completely secure

• There are only minor unevennesses

• Wet levelling is not desired

• The room needs to be back in use quickly

Advantage: no drying time as with levelling compound.

Important to know

Jumpax does not correct major height differences.

• Deep joints often need to be filled first

• Differences in level remain visible if they are not prepared

• Loose tiles must always be repaired first

Jumpax also raises the floor build-up, which affects doors, skirting boards and floor transitions.

In situations with greater unevenness, full levelling remains the most stable solution.

How much does PVC over tiles cost approximately?

The total investment in a PVC floor over tiles consists of several components:

PVC flooring (material)

Depending on the brand, wear layer and design.

Levelling or underlay

Depending on the condition of the subfloor.

Skirting boards and finishing

Skirting boards, transitions, door trimming and finishing determine the end result.

Labour

Preparation, installation and finishing ultimately determine the floor's durability.

Anyone who only looks at the PVC price per m² gets an incomplete picture. The subfloor and installation determine most of the final quality.

Our advice for homes on the Costa Blanca

Every home is different. Apartments, villas, new builds and renovations all require a tailored approach.

We always assess:

• Stability of the existing floor

• Levelness of the subfloor
  

• Use of the room

• Budget and expectations

Sometimes PVC can be installed directly over tiles.
Preparation is often necessary.

A good floor starts with a good subfloor.

Unsure about your situation?

Are you considering PVC over your existing tiled floor?
Visit our showroom in Altea or send us photos of your current floor for an initial assessment.

We provide honest, technically sound advice tailored to your home and the climate on the Costa Blanca.

Port of Altea supplies and installs PVC flooring, carpet, custom-made rugs, curtains and window coverings throughout the Costa Blanca, including Altea, Benidorm, Calpe, Jávea and Alicante.

Related articles:

• Click or glue-down PVC flooring: what is the best choice in Spain?
• PVC: the floor that can handle almost anything — and fits perfectly in every home

• Can a PVC floor withstand water?

• Herringbone PVC flooring over tiles in La Nucía