Can you place new ceramic tile over old ceramic tile?

Question

We have old ceramic tile (almost 40 years old). It is white and honeycomb shape. It is actually in very good condition, but outdated. We were wanting to put new ceramic tile in. We were told we could just put the new on top with the application of thinset. We are a little leary about doing this. Has anyone heard of this?

Answer 1

If this is in a bath or kitchen where wetness might be a factor, then doing this is not a good idea. Many older homes do not have the waterproof backer board that they should. I have run into this in my home re-dos and I just rip it all out, put in the waterproof backer and tile over it with the new ceramic tile. Then I never have to worry in the future about mold or mildew problems.

The other problem with just tiling over the old stuff is that the thickness of the new tile + the thinset will bump everything out until it is a logistics nightmare. The faucets and/or shower for the tub might have to be remounted. And, if it's on the floor, then the bottom of the doors will have to be sawed down so they clear the much thicker floor depth.

In my opinion, whoever is suggesting doing this just wants to do a quick and dirty job and avoid the work involved with a really good re-tile.

Good luck!! : /

Answer 2

If the current tile is still in good condition you should be ok to install over it.  I personally would take the time to remove it.  Depending on the subflooring underneath the tile you may have additional work.  For plywood subflooring its recommended to install backerboard before laying the tile.  Since it sounds like it is an older house if it is actual solid wood flooring I have seen people lay 1/2 inch plywood on top, then 1/4 inch backerboard, and finally the ceramic tile.  This is to help prevent shifting due to  contraction, expansion of the solid wood.  Hopefully its concrete underneath, in this case you would just want to make sure its level.

Answer 3

you need to pva them and then tile as if they were not there

Answer 4

You can but I would not recommend it if you plan and staying where you are. You would have to make sure the old floor is 100% secure....I would personally rip up the old stuff prep your floor really good and start from scratch....spend the extra time in doing it right.....plus you have to worry about height differences with doors and transitions.....and so on.....good luck

Answer 5

I've done it under my gas stove and in front of it..........so far so good and it looks very nice.........but I'm like you if it's in a traffic area..........I think that I would take it up......and do it right........but..............mine as been down  years already and people like to stand in front of the stove in the winter, so who knows.........it's working

Answer 6

if the existing ceramic tile is in good sound condition, then just make sure you use a multiflex thinset (ultraflex II from lowes is a good product.) to adhere the new tiles.  there is nothing wrong with tiling this way.  we do it all the time.  keep in mind that the height in your doorway(s) is raised up even higher, so depending on what joins the tile in the doorway, there will be a step up.