How to Install Tile over Tile

If you feel that the tiles in your home look clumsy and old, then installing tile over tile is the best and easiest option. Removing old tile yourself can cause potential damage to the wall or flooring; however, if done properly, it is an easy job. But before you start retiling, make sure that the old tiles are not loose and are in good shape.

Step by Step Procedure

•  Step 1 – Aesthetic Considerations

Installing tile over old tile is easy, but permanent fixtures may look sunken if you proceed without removing them. The level of floor raises and then the baseboard and door trim may have to be done to adjust to the new floor level.

• Step 2 - Sand Old Tiles

If you find any old tile or grout line loose, then fix it by re-attaching. Next, you need to sand the old tile to remove wax or any other spilling on it. Sanding also makes the old tiles rough so that the new tile adheres to old tile strongly. You must follow step 3 only if you are fixing tiles over tiles on floor. If you are fixing tiles on walls, then you can skip the third step.

• Step 3 – Clean and Level

Dust the floor and rinse it thoroughly to remove the sand dust. Apply a floor leveler the entire area of the floor. Let the leveler fill in the grout line and ensure the floor level is uniform. You can use a flat leveling board to make the floor level more uniform.

• Step 4 –Purchase

The leveler must be left to cure for at least 24 hours. The time in between can be used to purchase required items like tiles, mortar and other essential items. You should measure the area to be tiled accurately so that you can decide the size and number of tiles required.

• Step 5 – Prepare the Mortar

Before you proceed further, first lay out the tiles on the cured leveler and see how it looks. Try to set the tiles in a different manner if you see highly visible spots or if the pattern formed is clumsy. Mark the center tiles and corner tiles at their back and remove them. Now, mix the latex or epoxy additive in smaller quantities as per the instructions of the manufacturer. Using the mortar, apply the latex to the floor or wall.

• Step 6 – Install the Tiles

Start fixing the tiles in small sections. After fixing the tiles, allow them to settle strongly on the adhesive. After 24 to 48 hours of this you can fix the grout line according to the directions. Generally the grout has to be mixed with a certain amount of water or bonding agent and applied with a trowel. Wipe the floor to remove excess grout. Grout should also be left for at least 24 hours to settle before using the floor.