Most ceramic tiles are laid over a wooden subfloor, except for those on the ground floor of a house with a slab foundation.
I will add to the answer above by saying that you will need to use a polymer-modified thinset morter when installing ceramic tiles over wood. Most tile-setting morters available today are "modified", but check to be sure, because regular morters are designed to be used over concrete and will not adhere properly to wood.
Also, if the floor area is large and there is more than a tiny bit of flex in the floor, you might end up with cracked tiles, especially if you or your family or guests are heavy. To avoid this, it might be necessary to build up the thickness of the floor by adding another layer of 3/4" plywood, or by using the older method of wire mesh and concrete over the existing wood (in which case you would not need a modified morter).
Yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. You will regret it later. Tile needs a cement base to adhere to. A wooden base is not good for ceramic tiles. I have seen tile floors where people have tiled over the wood. The tiles are loose, cracked and unlevel. The grout is coming out and water seeps through the floor.
I would get advice from a professional. I suspect that the cement backed board (plaster board?) would crack and turn to powder under the flexing as people walk across the floor.
Tiles used on floors tend to be thicker than wall tiles. Also, floor tiles are subjected to flexing as people walk over them. Therefore, if floor tiling a wooden floor, use a flexible cement adhesive and grout designed to give and take without cracking.
I have tiled over cork tiles with ceramic tiles and it worked fine in a bathroom, around a bath. If the current tiles are really well fixed it should be fine.
It is possible but I would not reccomend it. If possible remove the old tile before laying the new tile. If you want to avoid removing the old tile you can lay a cement board over the old tile before installing the new tile.
That would depend on whether they are ceramic tiles or more vinyl tiles.
Can you and should you are two different things. You could, but you wouldn't be happy with your results. It's always best to remove all old floor covering prior to installing new ceramic tiles. Whether you buy expensive tile or find cheap ceramic tile for sale, you always want a clean and solid surface to start with.
nope
Yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. You will regret it later. Tile needs a cement base to adhere to. A wooden base is not good for ceramic tiles. I have seen tile floors where people have tiled over the wood. The tiles are loose, cracked and unlevel. The grout is coming out and water seeps through the floor.
I would get advice from a professional. I suspect that the cement backed board (plaster board?) would crack and turn to powder under the flexing as people walk across the floor.
Yes. You should use a good quality underlay with it though to reduce the noise of the laminate knocking on the tiles.
I have seen them painted, and they look awful. And, if it's on the floor, the paint will generally wear off.
I have heard that metal tiles are the best for supporting heavy weights. I would recommend metal tiles over ceramic, as the ceramic tiles would probably crack easily.
Tiles used on floors tend to be thicker than wall tiles. Also, floor tiles are subjected to flexing as people walk over them. Therefore, if floor tiling a wooden floor, use a flexible cement adhesive and grout designed to give and take without cracking.
You shouldn't. You need a surface that will allow the adhesive to make a good bond to. There are different types, read the instructions for the one you buy and apply it to the recommended sub floor.
Ceramic. Ceramic.
I have tiled over cork tiles with ceramic tiles and it worked fine in a bathroom, around a bath. If the current tiles are really well fixed it should be fine.