If you’re considering a floor remodel, one question might pop up early: Can I install new flooring over my existing floors? The answer is—it depends. While many modern flooring materials like laminate, vinyl, or even some types of hardwood flooring can be installed over older surfaces, it’s not always as simple as laying one layer on top of another.
At Northern Colorado Carpets, we’ve guided thousands of homeowners and businesses from Cheyenne to Denver and Estes Park to Greeley through floor updates. Whether it’s carpet over concrete, hardwood over tile, or luxury vinyl over old vinyl, each installation has its own set of rules, challenges, and best practices.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important things to know about installing new flooring over existing floors—what to look for, when it works, and how a professional flooring contractor can help you avoid costly missteps.
TL;DR – Installing Flooring Over Existing Surfaces
- Yes, you can often install flooring over older flooring—but not always.
- The existing floor must be level, clean, dry, and in good condition.
- Consider floor height, thresholds, and door clearance.
- Hire an experienced flooring contractor to ensure safety and long-term durability.
No Matter the Reason, New Floors Can Be the Change You Are Looking For
Sometimes you just need a change. Maybe your current carpet is outdated, or your tile is cracked and cold. Maybe you’re prepping a rental property or upgrading your dream home. Installing a new floor—whether it’s hardwood flooring, LVT, or laminate—can breathe new life into a space.
But before you pick the perfect planks or tiles, you’ll need to answer a key question: Should the old floor come up first, or can we go right over it?
The answer depends on a few factors—and we’re here to help you weigh the options.
Ensure Your Old Floor is Not Severely Damaged
One of the first steps in your flooring update is assessing the condition of the existing floor. If it’s in poor shape, installing over it can cause more problems than it solves.
Warning Signs You Should NOT Install Over Existing Flooring:
- Loose or cracked tiles
- Warped, uneven, or rotted wood
- Excessive squeaking or shifting
- Mold or moisture damage
For example, if you lay new hardwood flooring over buckling vinyl, the new floor will follow the same shape—and that means dips, noise, and instability.
In these cases, removal is a must. But if the surface is stable and sound, you may be in luck.
Consider the Following: Level, Cleanliness, Soundproofing, Moisture
If your current floors pass the first test, the next phase is evaluating conditions that affect installation and long-term performance.
Here’s what needs to be checked:
1. Levelness
Your subfloor (or existing floor acting as subfloor) must be flat within 1/8” over 6 feet in most cases. Uneven surfaces cause gaps, squeaks, and structural issues.
2. Cleanliness
Dust, grime, adhesive residue, or oils can affect how new materials bond—or worse, lead to slipping tiles or curling planks.
3. Soundproofing
In multi-story homes or commercial spaces, underlayment may be necessary to reduce sound transfer between floors. That can add additional height.
4. Moisture Control
This is especially important when laying wood or laminate over concrete or old vinyl. Excess moisture can warp new planks or create a breeding ground for mold.
Professional installers use moisture meters and underlayments to assess and control these risks—ensuring your floor remodel lasts.
Remember: You Are Adding Height to the Floors; Plan Accordingly
Even when the install goes smoothly, one factor often gets overlooked: added height.
Installing one flooring type over another adds 1/4” to 3/4” of thickness—possibly more when underlayment is included. This can:
- Interfere with door swings
- Affect baseboard and trim alignment
- Create awkward transitions between rooms
Tips for Managing Floor Height:
- Trim or adjust doors so they swing freely
- Add reducers or transition strips between different flooring heights
- Plan ahead if layering flooring in only one area of a connected space
These small adjustments can make a big difference in how your new floor looks and feels. Our seasoned flooring contractor team can help you evaluate thresholds, fixtures, and flow between rooms.
Tired of the Old Flooring Look? Our Flooring Experts Can Help You Change That
Installing new flooring over existing surfaces can be a smart, cost-effective way to refresh your home—if it’s done correctly. From evaluating subfloor conditions to managing transitions and moisture, the details matter.
At Northern Colorado Carpets, we bring over 40 years of experience to every floor remodel we complete. Whether you’re updating your kitchen with hardwood, refreshing your living room with luxury vinyl, or replacing carpet in a rental property, we’ve got the expertise to make it seamless.
We proudly serve Fort Collins and surrounding communities—from Cheyenne to Denver and Estes Park to Greeley—with trusted service, quality products, and results you’ll love.
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