Ceramic tile over existing (full mud) ceramic? - DIY Chatroom

rjniles · 05-07-2007, 06:15 PM

I have a bathroom with a full mud job ceramic tile on the floor only. The tile is in great shape but is a butt ugly color. Existing tile and mud is over plywood subfloor. I would like to avoid ripping out the tile and installing new tile backer board. Why can't I place new tile over the existing tile? I know I have to consider the additional highth at the threshold and will have to extend the toilet flange, but this is a lot less work than ripping out the old tile. Any reason not to do it? Any particular adhesive required other than standard latex modified thinset?

MattCoops · 05-12-2007, 12:49 PM

So long as the tile is structurally sound and free of cracks you can tile over existing tile.

**Floorwizard** · 05-17-2007, 01:00 AM

it's better to start from scratch instead of depending on the existing tile, but it sometimes is only a small risk.

MattCoops · 05-17-2007, 10:08 AM

TCA says you can install tile over tile so long as it is structurally sound and no cracks.

**Floorwizard** · 05-17-2007, 01:12 PM

I totally understand that.

My point is that most DIY'ers have a tough time determining a good substrate.
That is a good rule for pro's to live by, but may turn into a mess for the DIY'ers.

if you bounce a golf ball on the tiles from a low height, you can hear to see if there is a hollow sound, which may indicate that tile is not fully secured.
That is one of many pointers that can be used.

KUIPORNG · 05-17-2007, 03:04 PM

how tough the job it is really to rip off existing tiles... in terms of man-hour per 100 sq. ft... any idea? I mean include scatching the surface and clean up until a true plywood surface is seen? I hate my kitchen tile so much and like to know this...

**Floorwizard** · 05-20-2007, 12:21 PM

it is one of the most time consuming things to deal with in flooring.
They make expensive machines just for this type of work.

LoneStarGuitar · 12-24-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florcraft

it is one of the most time consuming things to deal with in flooring.
They make expensive machines just for this type of work.

home depot also rents those machines rather inexpensively!
I had about 400 sqft of linoleum and nasty tile to remove.. old VCT. Ugh.
Rented a stripping machine for i think around 60 bucks. Took three hours (including a BS break 'cuz I have helpful, but snooping neighbors.)

Now they are somewhat heavy and a bit unwieldy, but it did the job.