is it ok to tile over old tiles?

Question

it's taking ages to get the old tiles off and it's pulling the plaster off the wall.

Answer 1

This is acceptable and if you ask in a DIY store they will tell you how,only trouble is ,after doing it several times your bathroom becomes a hell of a lot smaller.

Answer 2

If they put tiles over a regular sheetrock wall, then they were installed incorrectly to begin with! You need to get a good backing of cement board to adhere your tile to. It won't mold & mildew like a regular plaster or sheetrock wall will! You should also consider your foundation in doing this. Can it take all that extra weight that you will be adding on top of the old tile work? Do it right & you'll have far less headaches in the future. Are you using a chisel & a hammer to remove the tiles? It takes time. I suggest getting a sledge hammer & knocking it all out & starting over with the correct backing on your walls. This way your new tile job will be a thing of beauty & pride in knowing that it was done correctly!

Answer 3

If you are using large 1ft square tiles, and your friend did a bad job on the the mosaic tiles I wouldn't suggest doing it. The weight of the tiles may loosen the the smaller tiles causing the larger tiles to fall. This could be dangerous in a shower or bathtub area. The tiles may shatter leaving sharp little shards of tile everywhere, including in the flesh of anyone nearby. I was going to put 16 x 16 tiles in my shower area, and a contractor said I better be sure the wall above the shower is secure because if one came loose and hit me in the head it would not be good. I went with little 1 x 1 tiles on the ceiling with larger tiles on the wall. Whatever you put up is only going to be as secure as what's behind it. Just my opinion, but for safeties sake, I would remove the old tile and start over. Remember, there is never enough time or money to do it right the first time, but there is ALWAYS enough time and money to do it over!!!

Answer 4

Only if the old tile is still tight and you do not mind having the seam that will appear at the top and sides. Get some dry ice with cloves on and hold the ice against the tile, the cold will make the cement brake off easier. lots of luck!

Answer 5

Yes, and remove the plaster if that is what it is or the sheerock if that what it is and install 1/2 concrete board underneath, so the wall tiles have something to stick to.
The concrete board comes in varying sheets, smaller than regular pllywood, and is easy to cut by using a chalk snap, and a razor knife

Answer 6

You can tile over tile, best not to, but if you are you need to sand paper old tile so new tile has best chance to stick to surface. Desco floors makes an epoxy like compound that trowels on like cement and can be applied to walls or floors, sets up like tile and is water proof.

Answer 7

Yes it is ok to tile over old tiles.

Answer 8

Ponder this: will the softset grab the slick surface of the ceramic tile already on the wall.....NO it wont unless you attach a wire mesh over everthing else, so it has something to old onto......The right way is always the best way....The right way is to strip the walls bare....anyone can rig something together....Thats why the pros cost.....Because they are craftsman of there trade......could cost alot of money in the long run to save pennies now....Your choice your house.....a home is and investment....Would you put a 50.00 paint job on a 50,000.00 car?

Answer 9

Yes it is, I have done it. But you must buy the right tile glue for the job. Any good DIY store will help you, good luck.

Answer 10

Yes, you can sucessfully tile over existing tiles, make sure that they are grouted well with a waterproof grouting.