Before you start laying tile on tile, there are a few important things to consider. When you plan to redesign a room, you need to decide on the best method. Many people believe that gluing tiles to tiles is the way to go. However, there are a few factors to consider before using this technique. To help you orientate yourself better, we have first put together the most important advantages and disadvantages. We will also show you in our instructions how you can install it correctly with a few easy-to-follow steps.
Laying tiles on tiles – useful tips
Tiling over old tiles is usually a much easier and cheaper solution than tearing down the existing tiles and re-laying the floor or wall. An equally important advantage is the fact that this method can also save you a lot of time. You don't have to invest any time in pulling up the existing tiles, so the tiling job can be done much quicker. This approach is cost-effective and can save you a lot of money.
When you glue tile to tile, you don't have to worry about the cost of hiring workers to remove old wall or bed surfaces. If you do this yourself, you also don't have to think about renting heavy stripping machines that are mostly required to remove the tiles.
Disadvantages
However, laying tiles in this way also has some disadvantages. This includes the floor height, which can become a problem as the flooring can become too high. This may then block doors or cupboards that match the old flooring before re-tiling. When installing flooring, there can be a large climb from the outside into your bathroom, which can create a risk of accidents.
Before using the method for this tiling, you also need to take accurate measurements. Removing doors and adjusting the doors to the correct height of the newly tiled floor can eliminate this problem. Alternatively, you can lift the tile on the bathroom door so that both surfaces are flush with the rolled tile.
Inspecting the existing tiles is very important to ensure that they adhere well to the substrate. Tiles that adhere well do not sound hollow when tapped. The best way to check this is to tap the back of a screwdriver to make a slight noise. If the tiled area is free of up to 95% of hollow noise, you can easily lay tiles on tiles there.
However, if the area sounds hollow, you will need to pull out and replace the material there before starting the new tiles. Additionally, if your existing floor is also uneven, your new tiled floor will be too. For this reason, make sure the existing surface is leveled before proceeding with tiling.
Installation instructions
If your tiles are dated and looking a little lackluster, it can really affect the feel of your home. Most people dread re-tiling because it often means you have to remove all of the old tiles first. However, this does not always have to be the case. So instead of removing the old tiles, you can often update them with tile on tile.
This essentially means laying a new layer of tiles over the old one. Don't worry if you're not sure howTile over old tiles. In this article we will go step by step. However, if you're not entirely sure you want to tackle the project yourself, you can hire a professional tiler instead.
New coating over old tiles
To determine whether your floor or wall is a good candidate for refinishing, you also need to consider the condition of the old tiles. Are these in relatively good condition or have they been completely degraded over time? If these are structurally in good condition and mostly still intact, your floor is a great option. On the other hand, if they are mostly chipped, broken, cracked or loose, it is best to remove them completely. While it might seem like you're worried about the old tiles, the old level is key to the structural integrity of the project.
Regardless of whether you want to retile tiles on tiles or retile a wall, your cladding needs, above all, a stable base. If the old tiles are in poor condition, the new coating will not adhere properly. In the case of a floor, both layers of tiles could lift. If extensive chips and cracks are present, the top layer of tile may actually weaken over time due to the pressure of daily use.
Why should you retile?
If the process seems daunting, don't avoid reassembly. Keeping your tiles in tip-top shape is important for both aesthetic and practical reasons. If your ceramic or other materials in the home tend to break, chip, or become loose, they can not only become unsightly but also cause further damage. For example, if you tile a bathroom floor or bathroom walls poorly, it can lead to water damage.
Damaged tiles that literally lift your floors or walls provide perfect access for moisture. Water and steam from your shower can also easily hide behind these tiles. If this occurs, moisture will continue to build up, endangering the plaster behind the tile and drainage. It can even lead to mold growth. So if you find that your tiles need repairing, you should consider this as your top priority.
Which rooms are suitable for this?
The kitchen and bathroom are by far the most popular rooms for tiling in your home. In these rooms, the aesthetics and practicality of the tiles go together perfectly. Both the kitchen and the bathroom are typically exposed to significant amounts of moisture when cooking or showering. While other materials such as paint or wood can blister or warp due to moisture absorption, tiles are less likely to be affected. Although these still need to be maintained and occasionally resealed depending on the type, they are still the most moisture-repellent option.
Step 1: Choose the right tool
The first step of any such project is gathering tools and supplies. To make this part of the process easier, we've put together a handy list of the most commonly used tools and supplies youneed for your renovation. Once you've gathered all of these supplies and any other than your project-specific tools or supplies, you're ready to get started.
- Rubber mallet or mallet
- New tiles
- Tile adhesive
- Sandpaper or an electric sander
- Vacuum cleaners and cleaning products
- Float or spatula
- Spacer
- mortar
- Spirit level
Step 2: Repair the old tiles
Before you can lay down your new tiles, you must first repair any damaged old pieces. So if one of the tiles has chipped or come loose, you need to fix it. At first this may seem counterintuitive as you will end up with a brand new tile floor covering the old one. However, repairing the old tiles and ensuring they are set correctly will provide a solid base for your new layer of tiles.
Are your old tiles cracked? Then you have to repair them too or even replace them completely. Otherwise, the pressure from people walking on the new layer of tiles will not be evenly distributed. This can ultimately cause your new tile layer to chip as well. Aside from chipping, you should also firmly attach loose tiles. You can easily find loose tiles by tapping the surface with a mallet. If you hear a hollow sound, it is likely that it needs more glue.
Step 3: Distribute the old tiles
Now that you have secured each tile and there are no more chips, you can even take them out. For this part of the process, use an electric sander to smooth out any unevenness. Compensating ensures that errors are not carried along during installation.
After all, you don't want your new floor to be as uneven as the old one. Even if the old tiles are all flat, you should rub them with a piece of sandpaper. Rubbing your tiles with sandpaper can roughen them up. When the adhesive is distributed, it sticks better. The end result is a layer of tiles that is strong and secure.
Step 4: Remove dirt and dust
After you sand everything down, there will be a lot of dust flying around. When you apply the glue, this dust can be easily trapped for many years. So you should remove it before you start laying. The easiest way to remove this dust is with a vacuum cleaner.
While it is possible to remove some dust with a broom, a vacuum cleaner is far more effective. If the grout in your old tiles is particularly dirty, you can easily remove it with a strong cleaning agent. After rubbing off the old dirt, wipe down your old tiles with water. This will remove any remaining cleaning agent and make bonding easier.
Step 5: Dry lay first
This is a simple step that you shouldn't skip. Dry laying allows you to find the best location for your tiles before permanently gluing them in place. All you have to do is lay out the arrangement you prefer on the old tiles. This way you know exactly how you want to spread them well before applying the glue and letting it dry.
Step 6: Use the tile adhesive and mortar
Now that your tiles are touched up, scuffed and cleaned and you know exactly where to put them, it's time to apply your adhesive. In this step you should cover the backing you want to lay with the adhesive. The float or a spatula will help you cover the back effectively. Also apply a layer of adhesive to the old tiles. Then smear the glue in one direction. The panels will adhere better if the glue is smeared in one direction in parallel lines without swirls.
Step 7: Push the tiles down
Once you've applied the adhesive evenly, it's time to lay your tile on tile. Make sure each tile is properly aligned before placing it down and sliding it into place. Then, when you add the new tiles, wooden spacers are used to ensure the spacing between each tile is the same. Once you're sure the tile is in the right place, press firmly to position it.
Now the waiting game begins. After laying everything out, you need to wait patiently for them to set. The adhesive can take anywhere from 24 hours or more to set. To find out how long it will take for your adhesive to set, please read the instructions on the packaging. Don't rush this process. It's important to leave your tiles alone while they set. Otherwise it could result in an uneven position.
Step 8: Create joints between the tiles
As soon as the adhesive is firmly underneath, you can start grouting. To press in, use the tip of the mortar board to apply a straight line between the gaps. If you get the grout on your tiles, clean it immediately. Otherwise, grouting could leave a permanent and unsightly layer behind. To clean it up, a damp cloth is sufficient. Once the mortar is solid, you can consider your project complete. Now you can just sit back and relax and enjoy your new tiles.
