Can a floating plank floor go over broken ceramic if tile fixed?

Question

I have a very large room where about 8 tiles popped and cracked badly (see below). One floor contractor says he can do a floating vinyl plank floor over it after replacing the broken tiles and leveling the floor. He also said that, if I want the tile off, he can do that too. Another contractor says the tiles have to be taken off no matter what and then replaced with the plank flooring. Of course, the tearing down option is twice the price. Which one is right? The contractor with the "leave tiles in/floating option" also explained he would trim door bottoms and jambs for the proper fit if we did the floating floor. I appreciate any comments. Thank  you.

Jim K. · Answer

Kelly has a point. Unless the rest of the tile is solid and that's the only trouble spot, and that would take some technical knowhow to determine (AND is unlikely), the wisest long-term solution is usually to bring the tile up and start again. What the second contractor is proposing sounds pretty good, but could easily lead to an iffy installation down the line in 3,4,5 years.

Virginia Perez-Santalla · Answer

Thank you. The installation of vinyl plank flooring has to be done in two adjacent rec-rooms totaling 820 sq.ft. approximately. From your comments, I gather bringing the tile up is the only option. However, the installer that says it can stay if repaired seems very positive about it. He would make more money from bringing it up so why do you think he gives me the option not to do it?

Kelly DeWinter · Answer

Once tiles start popping it will continue, remove them and save yourself future headaches