That concrete mortar floor is an excellent base for your new laminate floor once you dress it up. Allow me to share a story. A friend of mine bought an older home in the town where I live.

Much to my surprise, I found a concrete mortar bed under the tile. I’m assuming I must remove the mortar and add more wood sub-flooring on top of the existing plywood subfloor.

In short, troweled-in-place mortar is a backing that adds strength and smoothness for tile. A mortar bed can be built to work over a waterproof layer, such as in a shower.

Much to my surprise, I found a concrete mortar bed under the tile. I’m assuming I must remove the mortar and add more wood sub-flooring on top of the existing plywood subfloor.