It’s a question we encounter quite regularly – can you tile over tiles? Home and business owners often want to avoid removing old tiles, saving them time and money.
The short answer is – yes, you can tile over existing tiles. This is only if the original tiles are clean, stable and free of damage.
Careful assessment and preparation is necessary so that the result is not only attractive, but can stand the test of time.
The first requirement is that the existing tiles are secure. If the current tiles are solidly fixed, free of cracks, and have no signs of water damage, tiling over them might be a practical option. If there are loose or damaged tiles, this can compromise the new layer. The issues of an unstable and uneven surface can then arise.
Does it make sense in time and money terms? In some cases, removing old tiles can be more trouble than it’s worth. Not only can this be a labour-intensive job, it can also be quite messy. When you tile over existing tiles, not only do you reduce demolition work and speed up the renovation process; you also cut down on waste disposal costs.
So, the key takeaway is that tiling over stock or custom floor tiles may be a convenient choice for bathrooms, kitchens or floors where the existing tile base remains in good condition.
Now for the caveat. A potential problem with tiling over existing tiles is that it can hide dampness, mould, or structural movement. These problems may worsen over time, so it isn’t helpful to mask them. The answer is to inspect the existing surface thoroughly before starting.
Also note that; extra thickness of a second layer may affect clearances for doors or other fixtures; and that another tile layer may push floors nearer to their load limits in some properties.
So to wrap this up, we’ll leave you with some key preparation steps for tiling over tiles.
Check for damaged or loose tiles, clean off grease, dust, and soap residue to ensure strong adhesion.
This means roughening the glossy tile surface using sandpaper or a grinder, helping the new adhesive bond effectively.
You should apply a bonding primer between the old tiles and the new adhesive.
A high-quality, flexible tile adhesive designed for tiling over non-porous surfaces gives you even coverage and a secure hold.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
