Can You Tile Over Tile? 4 Things You Should Know Before Tackling This Project

• If your home can support excess weight and the existing tiles are in good condition, you can consider tiling over tile.
• You should tile over tile to save time and money and it can also be an eco-friendly approach.
• Make sure to prep your surface and choose the correct adhesive and layout.

If you’ve been putting off a tile project because you don’t want to rip out the old tile, we get it. Removing tile isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a physically demanding job that yields a lot of heavy waste material, which can be difficult and expensive to dispose of. What if we told you you don’t necessarily have to remove the old tile before installing the new tile?

Below, we’ve answered whether you can tile over tile and explained what you need to know before you attempt it.

Can You Tile Over Tile?

Yes, you can tile over tile—most of the time. The biggest determiner of whether you can tile over tile is if the home’s framework can support the excess weight of the additional tile and if the existing tiles are in good enough condition.

The condition of the existing tiles is one of the most crucial considerations when attempting to tile over tile. If they aren’t properly adhered to the substrate, you will only create a future problem by putting more tile on top of them.

To check your tile’s adhesion, tap each tile with a small piece of wood or similar object to ensure it is still properly adhered to the substrate. If the tile sounds hollow when you tap it, it likely is no longer adhered and must be fixed before moving forward.

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Reasons Why You Should Tile Over Tile

So, we’ve established that you can tile over tile, but should you? While it may seem like a silly idea to those who have traditionally removed tile before installing new tile, there are actually several benefits to tiling over tile. Here are some reasons you should consider tiling over tile:

• You can save time. One of the most time-consuming parts of tiling a space that already has tile is removing the old tile. By simply placing the new tile on top of it, you eliminate this step entirely.
• You can save money. Tile isn’t inexpensive to dispose of. Most individuals have to haul it to a special landfill to discard it, which will charge you by weight.
• It’s an eco-friendly approach. Because you’re avoiding the use of the landfill, leaving your old tile installed and tiling over top of it is a more eco-friendly approach.
• It’s easier. Removing tile is often extremely difficult and labor-intensive.
• You eliminate potential substrate damage. Removing old tile often results in damage to the substrate, which must be repaired before the new tile can be installed.

What to Consider

While there are numerous benefits to installing tile over tile, there are a few things you should consider before attempting it. Take measurements to ensure the additional height of the floor won’t affect things such as appliance and door clearance, and that it won’t pose as a tripping hazard.

The process of installing tile over tile varies slightly from the traditional tile installation process.

• Surface Preparation: Once you’ve visually inspected the existing tile to ensure it is in good enough condition to support the new tile, you must thoroughly clean it using an all-purpose cleaner.
• Choosing the Right Adhesive: For most tile-over-tile installations, traditional thinset mortar will do. However, it’s worth taking the time to consult a tile professional about the tile you’re tiling over to ensure you’re using the proper adhesive. In some cases, epoxy mortar may be necessary, which is recommended for professional use only, as it cures very quickly and can be difficult to work with.
• Tile Layout and Design: Your tile layout and design won’t change whether you’re tiling over a substrate or tiling over a tile. You should still measure the room and factor in the width of each tile plus the width of your grout line when calculating your tile needs, then buy 10% more.
• Grouting and Sealing: The process of grouting and sealing tile doesn’t change based on what’s below the tile. Apply the grout as usual then, once it’s fully cured, apply the grout sealant.