Starting a tile renovation project can be exciting and challenging, especially when deciding whether to install new tiles over existing ones. This method has gained popularity due to its potential to save time and money, but it comes with some considerations.
This post will cover the pros and cons of tiling over existing surfaces and provide a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful installation. If you’re looking for a practical solution to refresh your space without the mess of demolition, this guide will help you weigh your options and get started on the right foot.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Installing tiles over existing tiles can save time and money and reduce mess, but it has pros and cons. Benefits include faster project completion, lower labour costs, and avoiding demolition mess.
However, challenges like increased floor height, weight issues, and adhesive difficulties must be considered. Before proceeding, inspect and repair existing tiles, sand and clean the surface, and follow a step-by-step guide for applying adhesive, placing tiles, and grouting.
Pros Of Tiling Over Existing Tiles
1. Time-Saving
Tiling over existing tiles can significantly reduce the time needed to complete a project.
Removing old tiles is often labour-intensive and can take several hours or even days, depending on the area’s size and the removal’s difficulty.
By skipping this step, you can shorten the project’s timeline.
- Less downtime: You won’t have to shut down an area like the kitchen or bathroom for an extended period.
- Quicker project completion: Perfect for people on tight schedules or needing a rapid renovation.
- Less demolition mess: Tiling over existing tiles avoids the dust, debris, and noise of removing tiles.
2. Cost-Effective
Avoiding the cost of tile removal can make tiling over existing tiles a more affordable option. Tile removal may require professional labour or equipment rentals, which can be costly.
- It saves on labour costs. Tile removal often requires hiring contractors or handymen, which increases overall project expenses.
- Avoids waste disposal fees: You don’t have to dispose of the old tiles, which can incur costs for dumpster rentals or disposal services.
- Less material required: If the existing tiles are in good shape, there is no need for underlayment or new subflooring materials.
Cons Of Tiling Over Existing Tiles
1. Height Concerns
Adding a new layer of tiles will increase the overall height of the floor or wall. This can pose several problems, especially in spaces requiring precise height, like doorways, appliances, or cabinetry.
- May require door adjustments: Doors may need to be shaved down or rehung to accommodate the extra height.
- Cabinetry and appliances: Built-in furniture, like kitchen cabinets, may no longer fit properly under countertops.
- Trip hazards: The raised floor height could create an uneven transition between rooms, leading to potential trip hazards.
2. Weight Issues
The added weight of another layer of tiles can create structural concerns, especially on walls or floors not designed to carry such additional loads.
- Risk of floor sagging: The extra weight in older homes or structures may strain floor joists or subfloors, causing them to sag or weaken.
- Damage to walls: If tiling over existing wall tiles, drywall or plasterboard may not support the added weight, leading to cracks or failure.
- Structural assessment: Before proceeding, assessing whether the existing surfaces can handle the additional weight may be necessary.
3. Adhesive Challenges
Not all adhesives are suitable for use on polished or glazed surfaces, such as ceramic or porcelain tiles.
The bond between the new adhesive and the old tiles may not be strong enough to ensure a long-lasting installation.
- Limited adhesive options: You may need to invest in specialised adhesives formulated for bonding to glossy surfaces, which could increase the cost of materials.
- Surface preparation: To ensure proper adhesion, you may need to roughen up or prime the existing tiles, adding an extra step to the process.
- Risk of tiles coming loose: Without proper bonding, tiles may loosen over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Tiling Over Existing Tiles: Step-By-Step Guide
If you’re considering installing tiles over an existing tile surface, it’s important to follow a clear step-by-step approach. Proper preparation, attention to detail, and patience will ensure a durable and professional result.
Below is a detailed guide on ensuring the process is done correctly and additional tips to make the installation smoother and more efficient.
Step 1: Gather The Necessary Tools And Materials
Before starting the tiling project, you must have the appropriate tools and materials. Being well-prepared prevents delays and helps you maintain focus throughout the installation process.
Here are some of the essentials:
- Tiling adhesive: Opt for a high-quality adhesive designed for tiling over existing tiles.
- Electric sander or hand scrubbing tools: Ensure the surface is adequately prepped for the new tiles to adhere properly.
- Trowel: A notched trowel will help you apply the adhesive evenly.
- Grout: Choose a grout that matches the type and colour of your new tiles.
- Wooden spacers: These ensure consistent and even spacing between tiles.
- Vacuum cleaner: This is used to clean up dust and debris after sanding.
- Cleaning supplies: Mild detergent and sponges for cleaning the existing tile surface.
Additional tools you might need:
- Level: To ensure that the tiles are installed evenly.
- Tile cutter: This is for cutting tiles to fit around edges and corners.
- Rubber mallet: Tap the tiles into place without damaging them.
Step 2: Inspect And Repair The Existing Tiles
The first critical step is inspecting and repairing the current tile surface. Any damage or unevenness in the existing tiles will affect the final result of your project.
Here’s what you should look for:
- Check for loose tiles: Loose tiles can lead to uneven pressure, which may cause the new layer of tiles to crack or shift. To detect loose tiles, tap each one lightly with a wooden mallet. Any tile that sounds hollow or moves needs additional adhesive or replacement.
- Repair or replace damaged tiles: Before proceeding, tiles that are chipped, cracked, or broken must be repaired. Remove and replace individual tiles to ensure a smooth base for the new installation.
- Subfloor inspection: If multiple tiles are loose, it may indicate a problem with the subfloor. In this case, further repairs may be necessary before continuing.
Step 3: Sand And Smooth The Surface
After ensuring that all tiles are securely fixed, it’s important to smooth out any imperfections. A properly prepared surface is key to a successful tile installation.
- An electric sander removes bumps, grout build-up, and old adhesive from the surface to create a flat and smooth area.
- Scuff the surface: Even if the tiles seem smooth, lightly scuffing them with sandpaper can improve the adhesive’s grip on the old tiles. This creates a rough texture for better bonding.
- Care around edges: Ensure that corners and edges are smoothed properly, as these areas can often be uneven or sharp.
Step 4: Clean The Surface Thoroughly
Once the tiles are sanded, cleaning the surface is essential. Dust and grime can interfere with the adhesive and compromise the integrity of the new tile installation.
- Vacuum the area: A vacuum cleaner removes fine dust particles after sanding.
- Use a strong detergent: If the grout between the existing tiles is particularly dirty, use a strong or specialised tile cleaner to clean it thoroughly.
- Allow the surface to dry: Ensure the surface is completely dry before applying adhesive, as any moisture can weaken the bond.
- Inspect grout lines: Make sure the grout lines are clean and free of debris, as dirt in these areas can affect the adhesive’s ability to bond.
Step 5: Dry Lay The New Tiles
Before applying adhesive, it’s a good idea to dry-layout the new tiles. This step lets you plan the placement and identify potential issues before permanently setting the tiles.
- Arrange the tiles in position: Dry laying the tiles helps ensure proper alignment and reveals any areas where cuts may be needed.
- Plan cuts and adjustments: Mark areas where tiles need trimmed to fit along edges or around obstacles such as doorways or pipes.
- Check for symmetry: Pay attention to tile alignment, especially when working in a room with a focal point, such as a central floor design or feature wall.
Step 6: Apply The Adhesive
Now that you’ve inspected, repaired, sanded, and cleaned the surface, it’s time to apply adhesive. Proper adhesive application ensures that the tiles will bond firmly to the surface.
- Apply the adhesive evenly: Use a notched trowel to spread adhesive on the existing tiles and the underside of the new tiles. Spread the adhesive in straight, parallel lines.
- Avoid over-application. Excess adhesive can cause tiles to shift or create an uneven surface once they are set.
- Work in small sections: Apply adhesive to small sections at a time to prevent it from drying before the tiles are placed.
Step 7: Press And Secure The New Tiles
Once the adhesive is applied, place the new tiles on the surface. This step is critical for ensuring the tiles bond well and remain level.
- Press tiles firmly into place: Ensure each tile is pressed evenly, applying consistent pressure across the surface.
- Use wooden spacers: Place spacers between the tiles to maintain even gaps for grouting later on.
- Allow adhesive to set: After pressing the tiles down, give the adhesive time to set. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, this can take up to 24 hours.
- Check tile alignment frequently: Use a level to ensure that tiles remain even throughout the process.
Step 8: Grout The Gaps
Once the adhesive is fully dried, grout is applied between the tiles. Grouting fills the gaps and provides strength and water resistance to the tile installation.
- Mix the grout: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the grout to the correct consistency.
- Fill the spaces: Use a grout float to press the grout into the gaps between the tiles, ensuring all gaps are filled.
- Clean excess grout: Wipe away excess grout from the surface of the tiles with a damp sponge, ensuring no residue is left to dry.
- Seal the grout: Consider applying a grout sealer to protect against moisture and staining, especially in high-traffic areas or places prone to spills.
Conclusion
Tiling over existing tiles is a viable option to save time and money while minimising the mess and disruption often associated with tile renovation. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
While you can benefit from quicker project completion and cost savings, issues like added height, weight, and potential adhesive challenges must be considered. If you decide to proceed, following the step-by-step guide will help ensure a successful installation with long-lasting results.
By properly preparing the surface, selecting the right materials, and paying attention to detail, you can achieve a refreshed and modern look for your space without the hassle of demolition.
FAQs About Tiles
What Are The Limitations Of Tiles?
Slippery: Since tiles do not absorb water, wet cleaning keeps them moist for longer, making them slippery. Even otherwise, even the best tiles slip. Hard surface: The hard surface makes it hard for the residents to stand on tile floors for a long time.
What Makes A Good Quality Tile?
A good-quality lot of tiles will have tiles that are the same size or extremely close to the same size. Small grout lines are preferred. If the tiles vary in size, larger grout joints are necessary to compensate for the different-sized tiles.
What Causes Tile To Fail?
Moisture. Moisture may affect the finished appearance of your installation by causing efflorescence, which results in salt deposits on the surface and in the grout lines. The tile may cause efflorescence, but the concrete substrate and the mortar usually cause the condition.
What Tiles Are Better For Flooring?
Known for their unprecedented strength, durability, affordability, and longevity, porcelain floor tiles are one of our most recommended kitchen, living, and bathroom tiles! They are made from dense clay fired at high temperatures and available in many beautiful options, such as stone and wood.
What Material Is Used For Fixing Tiles?
To effectively adhere the tiles to the floor, you will need an adhesive material. One type of adhesive material is thin-set. It is made from a mixture of cement, water, and fine sand. There are two types of thin-set: modified and unmodified.
