Everything You Need To Know About Putting Tile Over Tile

You've been wanting new tile for a long time now, but the thought of having to rip up the old tile is not only daunting but stressful. It's a time-consuming process, and we understand that as a homeowner looking to renovate your home, you want to stay within budget and go down the road with less resistance. All those things have led you here and made you ask the question, "Can you tile over tile?"

So, is the answer as simple as the question? That is what we are going to explore in this blog. Below, you will get answers to whether you can even tile over your existing tile, what the benefits of doing so are, if it's possible, and what challenges you will face during the process. Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville is ready to take you into the world of home improvements.

What Does It Mean to Put Tile Over Tile?

You might already have existing floor tile, and to save yourself the extra time of ripping up the existing tile, putting tile over tile means exactly what the title suggests. It is the process of layering a new set of tiles over what is already there. While it seems simple enough, it's not always as simple as putting it into terms like that.

Some situations do not allow for this type of workaround, meaning you will need to remove the old tile and then install new tile to upgrade and refresh the look of the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere else that tile should go.

The Benefits Of Putting Tile Over Tile

There are a few reasons outside of saving time that you will want to install your tile over existing tile in your home. Some of these include:

• Cost-Effective: Removing tile adds to the overall bill; whether you are having wall tile or tile floors removed, it can be an extra bill that may not be in the budget when you're looking to install tile that can refresh your home.
• Little Disturbance: We understand that remodeling can come with a lot of disruption to your home. Removing the original tile adds to this disruption and can be frustrating for you to listen to the removal and have your home more like a construction zone than your personal sancutarty.
• Substrate Integrity: Under your tile, there is something called substrate, which is the concrete or cement board that your tile is set on. In some cases, the adhesive is so strong that it is better to leave the current tile in place to not disrupting the substrate.

What Is the Ideal Circumstance to Put Tile Over Tile?

There is nothing wrong when putting tile over tile, but the circumstances have to be right. The factors that you want to look for before installing new tile yourself or having a member of our local Hendersonville handyman team install your tile are pretty straightforward to determine.

The first factor is that you want to ensure that the current tile is even. When you put new tile over old tile, you will want to ensure that everything is even prior to putting down grout. If you notice loose or damaged tiles that are currently there, you will want to remove the existing tile. Without doing this step, it can create future cracking and damage.

A specific adhesive will be required to ensure that your old tile and new tile bond well. You will have a high-strength adhesive that is designed for this exact reason. Making sure that you have the right adhesive will also prevent future issues and ensure a long-lasting bond.

The last factor will be to consider whether you have porous tile or non-porous tile. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are ideal when putting tile over tile. Natural tiles are porous, and it takes a lot of prep and having a deep understanding of how to seal those tiles properly which should be done by an expert, like a member from the Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville team.

On the flip side of this, if those factors aren't present, it goes without saying that you should not install tile over tile. When you lay tile, especially on top of other tile, you want to ensure that the conditions are right so that you don't have to break your budget on getting a tile repair that you might not have needed otherwise. You will also want to consider avoiding natural stone tiles and installing ceramic tile instead.

Steps Taken To Install Tile Over Tile

Whether you're planning on doing it yourself or having a professional provide you with a tile service, some steps are followed regardless of what route you choose.

Clean the Area

You will want to thoroughly clean the surface where your new tile will be installed. Make sure to navigate in the nooks and crannies of your grout and flooring. Any dirt or grime that is on the surface will affect the quality and tile adhesive.

Prepare the Surface

This is where you will want to get out the sander and sand down your tile to ensure a smooth surface and quality installation with the new tile on top of the old tile. Once the sanding is complete you will want to wash down the surface again.

Apply the Primer

Here, you will want to apply a thin layer of bonding adhesive. Make sure that you apply an even coat that covers the surface evenly. Once complete, make sure it is dry before moving forward to the next step.

Lay the Tiles

You get to move on to the next step, and trust us, it's probably the funniest. You get to add the new layer of tile! Make sure that when you place them, you not only make sure that everything lines up as it should, and that the tiles are firmly in place. Use spaces to make sure that everything is even and there is enough space for your grout lines.

Grout and Complete

Now that everything is set in place and the adhesive has dried, you can grout and seal the tile. The last step will be to inspect the tile to make sure that a quality job has been done.

Our Final Thoughts On Can You Tile Over Tile: Contact Mr. Handyman Today!

To answer your questions, yes, you can tile over tile. Whether you're looking to put in a new backsplash, shower tiles, or add a ceramic tile floor to your front entrance way, it is possible to save yourself some time and money and tile over an existing set of tile.

If you don't want to tackle this home improvement project on your own, the team at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville is happy to help you! While it is possible to tile over tile, in some situations it's best to remove the existing flooring and make way for new tiles.

Whatever route you decide to go down, our team of professionals is here for you. Call us today!