Flooring
How to lay tiles over tiles. Learn how make your tile-over-tile tiling project work well. Find out about tiling over other surfaces, as well. Read more.
Yes. You can definitely lay tiles over tiles. However, this doesn’t mean that your already tiled wall doesn’t have to be prepared for the new tiling work.
People decide on this step when their old tiles are outdated, worn out or they simply get bored by them and want some change. Since tile removal is not a cheap project, some people opt to just place new tiles over the old ones.
This tiling work is best done by a professional tiler. They will know if the tiles you already have on the walls are good enough and if the wall itself is strong enough to support more tiles.
Calculate the surface that you want to tile over and check the cost of tiling with the local tilers. Get quotes based on your precise project from Australian tiles on Service Seeking.
Is It OK to Tile Over Tile?
Yes, but only if your existing tiles can take it. Let’s look into the steps of such tiling work, so you know what it involves and whether your tiler is giving you a fair estimate.
1. Check the existing tiling
If you are laying a new tile layer over the old one because the old ones are broken or in a very bad shape, you may want to reconsider this decision. Such state of tiling can indicate an underlying issue that will not disappear just by laying a new layer.
Furthermore, for the tiles to be able to bear more tiles, they should be in good shape. To check the shape of those tiles, use a rubber hammer and gently tap tile by tile. If there is a hollow sound, it means that the tile is broken or that it has glued off.
Image source: howtospecialist.com
2. Replace and remove wonky tiles
When you locate all the tiles that are wonky, broken or cracked, you need to replace them. It is challenging to remove an individual tile without damaging the surrounding ones. Also, check for holes and cracks that should be filled.
All this work is one of the reasons why this tile over tile work is not always recommended. It can easily turn into a tiling work that is just as challenging as the completely new tiling.
3. Level out the surface
Now that all your tiles are healthy, it is time to level out the surface. There should be no irregularities and all the tiles need to be in line. Use the lever to determine if that is the case.
Grind down the imperfections and sand the tiles. You will need a strong sander for this. Also, check the grout while leveling the surface. All the mouldy grout needs to be replaced, or it will turn out to be a big problem for the new tiling as well.
Image source: tileandgroutcleaningcompany.com
4. Clean the wall
When all the sanding and all the grinding is done, you will be left with a lot of fine dust. All that has to go so that the adhesives can properly stick to the tile surface. Use hot water or cleaning products to remove all the dust, dirt, semaining sealers and everything else that can stand between the tiles and the adhesives.
5. Do your tiling
Once the tiles are dry, it is time to mix the glue and apply it. Lay the new tiles over the old tiles just like you would if it was any other surface.
Can You Waterproof Over Existing Tiles?
Yes, it is possible to waterproof over existing tiles. However, not all tilers will agree that by doing this, you will get entirely waterproof tiling. This is what people usually ask when they consider laying tiles over tiles. They are worried if they will be able to get a waterproof tiled area.
There are two types of waterproofing existing tiles:
- Applying the sealer to the grout
- Replacing the grout
If you want to apply the sealer to the grout in hope to make it waterproof, you will find many product on the market. However, you need to know that their effects are somewhat limited. It will definitely make your tiles more water resistant, but never 100% waterproof.
Another option is to remove all the grout from in between the tiles. Once you have it all out, fill the space where the grout was with silicone sealant. You can use urethane based sealant, as well.
Can You Lay Ceramic Tile Over Linoleum?
It is not advisable to do tiling work over the linoleum, especially if the linoleum is old. There are cases when the linoleum is absolutely flat and it sticks to the underneath concrete perfectly, but that is rarely the situation. Tiling is all about having a flat and even surface, and linoleum is just not that type of surface.
Can You Lay Ceramic Tile Over Vinyl Flooring?
Yes, it is possible to lay ceramic tile over vinyl flooring. A lot of people aren’t aware that the linoleum and vinyl are not the same material. While linoleum is a natural material, the vinyl is synthetic.
You can do your tiling over vinyl if the vinyl flooring is positioned firmly on the concrete base. If that flooring is not prone to blotches and imperfections, you can scrub down all the grease, dirt and dust and then do your tiling.
To be absolutely sure that the vinyl flooring will be a good base for the tiling, simply use a backer panel over it and then place the tiles on the backer panel, just like you would if there was concrete underneath them.
This special tiling work is difficult to estimate when you don’t know all the circumstances around it. That is why it is important that you talk directly to the tiler who will estimate the quality of the surface and whether your tiling can be done.
Get quotes for your specific tiling work from the esteemed Australian tilers. Don’t stop at only one quote. Ask for at least three or more of them to make sure you are paying a fair amount of money for your tiling.