Can I lay ceramic tile over existing ceramic tile?

A common question when laying tiles is: Can I lay ceramic tile over existing ceramic tile in my kitchen/bathroom? Well, the answer to that question is yes and no. I don’t think it’s the best way to install ceramic tile, but it can be done. It all depends on the state of the current tiled floor.

So you have to ask yourself: is my current tile floor in good condition? Ceramic tiles need a good bond with the material below. If your current floor is still adhered to the subfloor and there are no hollow sounds (lack of thinset underneath), then you can lay the new ceramic tile on top. You will need to make sure that the current floor is clean before proceeding. Use a scrub brush and cleaner to remove grease and grime before attempting to lay ceramic tile. After cleaning the tile, you’ll want to try scraping down the existing tile and grout. This will help the new mortar adhere to the old tile. Adding tile on top of an existing floor will raise the level of your floor, so you’ll probably need to trim door frames. You can compensate for raised flooring in transition areas by purchasing a new sill plate.

If you decide to remove the current ceramic tile, be very careful. The first tool you will need to obtain is safety glasses. This will help prevent debris from getting into your eyes. Removing the tile will be different depending on your subfloor. If you have a wood subfloor and the previously installed tile was laid over a cement backer board, consider yourself lucky. I find this easier than removing tiles set in concrete. I’m not trying to salvage the backing board, I’m just starting to remove some tiles with a wide flat chisel and hammer. Once you expose part of the board, try putting this and the tile together. I have found that it is easier to remove the backing board and replace it with new material.

I hope this article helps solve the common question of “Can I lay ceramic tile over an existing tile floor?”. Remember to take your time during floor preparation.