I want to re-tile my toilet & bathroom. is it easier to tile over or rip them up?

Question

i have small tiles on my toilet floor & one course high, there is also a small drainage hole in the corner of the floor.

1. Is it possible to tile over existing? (Any info. appreciated!)

2. Which option is easier & more viable? cost effective?

3. Is there anyone who will cut tiles for me? company?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

If you do put tiles over the top you have to put feather finish over your old tiles.Feather finish is like concrete you put over the top of your old tiles. Make sure its spread even & the grout in the old ones is covered.Once you do that you should be able lay your new tile without anything showing through.

Answer 2

Is it possible?  YES.  Is it the BEST solution?  NEVER.  

Tiling over is easier and more cost effective, but it will prevent having a level and more stable base to prevent cracking or sponginess.  Tearing it up definitely adds cost, but the main advantage would also be something you may not think about.  You can see what the sub-flooring looks like.  Does it need repair as well?  If you are spending good money on the project, you might as well verify the sub-floor looks good otherwise you might end up tearing it up a short while down the road to fix the problem.  

If you get the change, watch Holmes on Homes on the Discovery Health channel.  He fixes shortcuts like this all the time and this is one of those instances where the fix down the road ends up costing more than doing it right the first time.

Answer 3

It is best if you don't tile over. Any grooves,ridges,chips in the old tile will cause the new tile to break and crack. In the long run,it is better and cost less to do the job correct in the first place. As for cutting tile,you might call your local hardware store and ask if they know of anyone who will do it. It really isn't that difficult to do. I know they rent tile saws. Byee

Answer 4

Tear it up.

Answer 5

1. no

2. rip it up

3. no, rent a saw

Answer 6

Hi,

Yes, you can tile over old tiles, but you will need to degrease and prime the tiles beforehand.

I personnally would want the old tiles removed, it'll add a days labor (depending on bathroom size) if you don't want to do it yourself. There is a possibility of having to patch up the wall also if you have them removed, so possible added cost there also of a plastering if you can't or won't do the patch up. Owners are usually more careful when pulling off the old tiles.

For the quotes you have to compare like for like, so I'd get quotes for just labor and materials for the actual installation. It doesn't really matter who buys the tiles, I'd personally buy them myself and I think the Handyman would prefer the client to buy these items (so they would be satisfied with the finished job).

Get quotes and then decide what you want to do - all the work or part.

You can cut tiles yourself.  

You don't need a registered plumber for the work that you require, so maybe look at a Handyman as rates are likely to be a bit lower.

Handyman labor costs depend on where you are in the country. More important is that you want the work to be LEVEL.  Ask for references, talk to past clients, do your homework.  

If you have someone do work - write up a contract and don't pay them off until you are satisfied. If you are going to do the work all yourself, you'll have to be satisfied :).

Online how to directions:

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/tile...

Answer 7

You can only tile over if the old tiles are sound.  If they are loose, pull them all up, as you will probably have to replace some rotten sub-floor.  

If they are fine but you just want to change the color/style, save yourself a lot of work and mess and tile over them.

Answer 8

It is best to tear it up, if you try to tile on top of it, you will run into problems later with water getting in between the tiles, and rotting away your floor beneath.  If you tear it up, it is fairly easy to lay the tiles down.  Also, if you measure your tiles you can go to most any home improvement store such as Lowes or Home Depot, and they will cut them for free if you purchased from them.   It's very cheap if they do not do it for free if you did not purchase tiles from them.

Answer 9

hello it is so much better to tear it all out and start from scratch that way you wont have to worry about any problems with the tile and it will look better too thanks