Considerations

• Weight is important. The tile will require its own backing and adhesive in addition to the weight of the tile.
  
  There must be no possibility of flex. The old, dried adhesive will have to be absolutely smooth to prevent the tiles from shifting.
  
  There can be no moisture. Vinyl backing is porous and will absorb moisture.
  
  

Majority Viewpoint

• Remove the vinyl backing and glue residue to assure a strong bond.
  
  An underlayment such as Hardiboard is needed unless the subfloor is concrete. Expansion and contraction of other materials create spaces that eventually will cause movement and breakage of tiles.
  
  Use a vapor barrier to prevent grout moisture from leaching into the backing, not only during the drying process, but also when washing the tile floor.
  
  

Minority Viewpoint

• It is possible to lay the tile on the vinyl backing, but only if it is on a concrete subfloor, and not intended to last more than a few years.