[knharper]

I have received conflicting advice about remodeling my pink and green very 50s bathroom. I am thinking of removing the wall tiles and then using 3/8 cultured granite panels around the bathtub. Standard size; walls and ceiling quoted about $1500 for materials. However, a tile guy says I should replace the old tile with new tile, that I'd save a lot of $$. Another guys says that the wall tile is set in 4" mud and will be very difficult to get out. Any way to know who is right?

 

[Just Bill]

If the tile is over drywall, everything should be removed down to the studs. Then build back up using hardibacker or cement backer board. If it is a mud base(you can usually spot a mud base job easily, the tile sticks out about 1/2" instead of the usual 1/4"), you could chip off the old tile, but LOTS of work. And be careful not to crack the base. Removing a mud base is also difficult and messy.

 

[knharper]

If it is on a mud base, can I just tile over the tile?