Yes, you can install a laminate floor system over existing hardwood floors. Just be sure that the existing hardwood is pretty smooth or the hump in the floor will transfer through. You must use a vapor barrier over your existing hardwood to reduce sound as well as moister transfere between two floor systems. Be sure to let your new floor acclimate to your room temp. for at least 48 hrs. this is especially important if you are installing floor in the winter.
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Nowadays, "hardwood" is a generic term used for any type of wood flooring. Woods such as pine are considered soft woods but are still used as "hardwood" flooring. In my experience any floor that has finished wood covering the surface is a hardwood floor. The term is used more loosely today. 50 years ago, a "hardwood" floor meant maple, in almost all cases. Today, man-made laminate "wood" might be called a "hardwood" floor, but flooring that is actual pieces of wood will almost always be called a "hardwood" floor. The "finish" floor in most construction nowadays is plywood. The flooring - wood, vinyl, carpeting, whatever - is put down over that.
Laminate wood flooring is a highly durable, cost-efficient alternative to traditional hardwood floors. Scratch, fade and stain resistant, laminate wood flooring never needs to be replaced or refinished. Laminate flooring is a composite material with several layers that make it strong and attractive. Available in a wide variety of colors, plank widths and wood styles, laminate flooring is versatile and will add style and class to any decor. Easy to install with a simple click joint or locking system, laminate floors don't require glue or nails and can be fully installed over an existing floor in a matter of a weekend.
Yes. You should use a good quality underlay with it though to reduce the noise of the laminate knocking on the tiles.
Yes you can as long as you are not concerned about damaging the underlying floor. If the floor is old and the finish in unimportant to you, you are fine. If you are looking at steam cleaning an area rug which is on a hardwood floor, that's a definite no-no and the as the water and steam can stain or buckle the hardwood.
No, ceramic tile needs a firm subfloor, without movement, and one not prone to moisture. Laminate is none of those.