Tile is one of the most widely used and versatile floor and wall materials around. It’s commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, hallways and other areas where a slick surface will do well. Can you tile over tile? It is the thing about tile that many people don’t know (or assume incorrectly) is whether it’s possible to remove an existing tile installation and replace it with a new tile installation using the same tiles.

Is it possible to tile over tile?

To answer this question, let’s first look at what exactly “tile installation” is. Tile installation refers to the process of setting ceramic tiles on a wall or floor surface. The resulting surface can be smooth, regular or rough depending on the type of tile used.

Can you tile over tile? How?

Tile installation is one of the most efficient ways to cover a surface and protect it from wear and tear, especially in areas where there’s lots of human or water traffic. And because tile installation is so reliable, many people assume that it’s impossible to change the tiles without having the whole thing be somewhat of a mess. Read also: Fix a Leaking Bathroom Tile

But in reality, tile is one of the easiest materials around to replace and it’s not difficult to install tiles right on top of tiles. Just make sure that you start this kind of project with clean and dry tiles; if there’s dirt or moisture underneath the existing tiles, this will create an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth.

Step 1

The first thing you have to do when tiling over tiles is pulled the old tiles off. This will be difficult because there are different kinds of tile adhesive materials nowadays, but you should be able to get the job done with enough force. You’ll need to get a strong grout-removing solvent that will allow you to dissolve the existing adhesive material without too much trouble. This solvent should also help peel off the tiles themselves once all of it has been dissolved.

Step 2

Once you have completely cleared off the old tiles, ensure that the underlying surface is dry and clean. If it’s not, then you should use a cleaning solvent to get rid of any dirt and debris that might be there. Once the underlying surface is completely dry and clean, lay down some mesh tape in key areas such as around doorframes, corners and at places where walls meet staircases or cabinets.

Step 3

Mix your tile adhesive or mortar using a hoe or trowel, making sure to use the correct ratio of cement to sand for this kind of project. Use enough water to spread easily on both the surface where the new tiles are going to be installed and under the mesh tape you have laid down in Step 2. Once the adhesive mixture is ready, spread it evenly on both the surface and under the mesh tape using a trowel.

Step 4

Lay down your tiles one by one, making sure that they’re pressed fully against each other for maximum adhesion to take place. Once you have laid down all of your tiles, clean off the excess adhesive material that might have oozed out onto adjacent surfaces. Let it dry completely before leaving the surface overnight to ensure that all moisture has dissipated and that no new tile adhesive residue will form if you step on or touch it again.

Finally,

Can you tile over tile? It is possible to install tiles right on top of tiles. Just make sure that you start this kind of project with clean and dry tiles; if there’s dirt or moisture underneath the existing tiles, this will create an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth.