Can You Re-tile Over An Existing Tile Floor?

Question

I have a tile floor in a basement bathroom. These are small 2 inch tiles and I would like larger 8 by 8 inch tiles on the floor. Do I need to remove the old tile or can the new tile be laid right over the old tile? The subloor is concrete slab.

Answer 1

I work for a tile and stone setting materials manufacturer, and one application we love to see if tile over tile, especially over concrete slab. Here's what you need to do:

- First, inspect the original tile and grout joints for cracking, loose tiles, oil/grease spots and "efflorescence" (salts from original grout or thinset that have migrated to the surface at the grout joint). Each sympton can be repaired, if necessary, but will involve some work.
- When the surface is prepped and ready, use a polymer-modified thinset. This is a must; the best guarantee of preventing future bonding issues. This thinset is easily identified by its price-- it's most expensive. But it saves you labor and provides peace of mind.
- Grout: the vast majority of tile complaints center on the grout application. The best solution is to use an epoxy grout, available at your local Lowes (not in Home Depot). Epoxy grouts are 100% solids, have better flexibility (preventing future cracking), are guaranteed color-consistent and are nearly stain-proof.
- Use a 100% silicone caulk for all expansion and control joints (if applicable).

Each of the products I've listed are available with a Microban anti-microbial agent, which prevents mold... a must-have if this is a basement, kitchen or bath application.

The big three setting-materials manufacturers (I work for one of them) are:

- Laticrete
- Mapei
- Custom

Visit these companies' websites for on-line Technical Service and technical data sheets. Our company provides a 100% residential systems warranty when using the specified products.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hey There!

I was just browsing around on Yahoo Answers and came across this question of yours.

From experience, I would personally pull up the existing tile - or else you could have very long-term problems.

This will also help the value of your home when you want to re-sell.

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Answer 3

If down secure you sure can but there are a few extras you have to do. First the top tile must be clean ,dry and oil free.You must use an extra strong this set, at least stronger than you normally would. Third and very important. You must allow at least 1 extra day for the thin set to dry before any foot traffic. I like to do 2/3 days if possible. If you don t let them dry, they ll seem hard but the thin set bond can break w/o you knowing and he tile will fail at a later date. If you have any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there. GL

Answer 4

You could if that is what you really want to do. You will need to spread a layer of leveling cement over them to give you a nice flat surface to work from.

Answer 5

take up the old...just that simple and if no underlaymen such as hardy backer underneath install some. over laying with a filler is only going to give you headaches and cracks in your grout lines soon after doing it, if installing over the old.

Answer 6

I would go through the work of taking the old up.