When you’re thinking about renovating a space, like your bathroom or kitchen, you might wonder if it’s possible to tile over existing tiles. From our experience, the simple answer is yes, you can tile over tile. However, knowing it’s not always the best option for every situation is important. Tiling over old tiles can save you time and effort, but you’ll need to be aware of potential challenges like the condition of the existing tiles, weight limits, and long-term durability. This article will guide you through everything you need to consider before deciding whether this approach is right for your project.

Table of contents:

• Why you might consider tiling over existing tiles
• Important considerations before tiling over tiles
• Can you tile over the floor tiles?
• Pros and cons of tiling over tiles

Why You Might Consider Tiling Over Existing Tiles

There are several reasons why you might want to tile over your current tiles instead of removing them. First, it can save you a lot of time and effort. Removing old tiles is labour-intensive, messy, and may even damage the surface underneath. If the old tiles are still in good shape, tiling over them allows you to avoid this hassle and move forward faster with your project.

Another advantage is that you already have a flat, smooth surface to work with. If your current tiles were installed properly, they provide a solid base for new tiles. This can make the new installation easier and ensure a clean, polished finish.

Finally, tiling over tiles can help protect delicate surfaces beneath, especially in older homes. For example, removing old tiles might damage soft stone or wood, leading to costly repairs. In such cases, laying new tiles on top can be a safer and more cost-effective solution.

Important Considerations Before Tiling Over Tiles

Before tiling over your existing tiles, there are a few crucial factors to keep in mind. First, check the condition of your current tiles. They must be strong enough to support the new ones. Tapping on the tiles can help determine if they’re hollow, which indicates weakness. Any loose or damaged tiles should be removed, as they won’t provide a stable base for the new layer.

Next, consider the weight limit of the surface. Adding a second layer of tiles increases the weight on the wall or floor, which might cause structural issues. If your tiles are on a plasterboard wall, for example, there’s a limit to how much weight it can support before it starts to warp or crack. It’s important to confirm whether the wall or floor can handle this extra load.

For walls, this issue is particularly important. Wall tiles are generally thinner than floor tiles, making them more prone to damage under extra weight. You’ll also need a specialised adhesive for tiling on walls, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms. Make sure to select an adhesive designed for tile-on-tile applications to prevent the new tiles from slipping.

Lastly, the surface on which you will install the tiles should be completely clean — no dirt or grease. So if all these considerations are met, you can tile over tile.

Can You Tile Over Floor Tiles?

When it comes to tiling over floor tiles, the process is generally less risky compared to walls. This is because floors are designed to handle weight better, so the risk of the tiles falling off or causing structural damage is much lower. However, there are still important things to consider before proceeding.

One of the biggest concerns is the height that will be added by the new layer of tiles. If you tile over existing floor tiles, the extra height might affect door frames, and baseboards, or even cause a trip hazard. It’s important to measure the height carefully and ensure that adding another layer of tiles won’t interfere with doors or create uneven surfaces.

Another key point is the type of adhesive you use. While the weight is less of an issue on floors, you’ll still need to use a high-quality adhesive, preferably a polymer-modified one, to make sure the tiles bond well. Additionally, make sure the old tiles are clean and in good condition to avoid any issues with the new layer adhering properly.

Considerations for Tiling Over Floor Tiles:

• Height Issues: Measure the height difference to avoid door interference or uneven flooring.
• Adhesive Quality: Use a high-strength adhesive, ideally polymer-modified, to ensure a solid bond.
• Surface Preparation: Just like with wall tiles, ensure that the existing tiles are clean and free of grease or dirt.

Pros and Cons of Tiling Over Tiles

Ok, so you can see that it is possible to actually tile over tiles. It’s not an impossible task for sure. But one of the most important questions you should also ask yourself is, “Is it really worth doing it?” So before making your final decision, we think it is important to weigh the pros and cons of tiling over your existing tiles. 

Pros:

• Saves time. Removing old tiles can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Tiling over them allows you to skip that step, speeding up the process significantly.
• Preserve the substrate. In older homes, removing tiles can damage the surface underneath, such as wood or soft stone. By tiling over the existing layer, you avoid the risk of damaging the substrate.

Cons:

• Added height. Tiling over existing tiles increases the floor or wall height, which could interfere with door frames, and baseboards, or create a trip hazard.
• Risk of cracking or detachment. If the original tiles are loose, hollow, or damaged, the new tiles may crack or shift over time. In the end, you will end with a costly repair.
• Weight issues. Adding a second layer of tiles increases the weight on the surface. For walls, in particular, this could lead to structural problems if the surface isn’t strong enough to handle the extra load.

So in short, on the one hand, you have some time and resource savings, on the other hand – risks that can turn into costly repairs. Making the final decision is only up to you. It all depends on your wishes and the specific case. As we wrote earlier, tiling over existing tiles is possible, but not in all cases.

Final Word

Deciding whether to tile over existing tiles depends on a few important factors. If your current tiles are in good condition, the surface is strong enough to handle the added weight, and the height difference won’t cause issues, tiling over tiles could be a practical and efficient choice for your project. It saves time, reduces mess, and helps protect delicate surfaces underneath.

However, if the old tiles are damaged, or hollow, or you’re concerned about weight limits and height, it might be better to remove them before starting a new installation. If you’re unsure about the best approach for your specific situation, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional.