DIY Advice

How to tile over existing tiles: expert advice from Porcelain Superstore

Can you tile over tiles?

The short answer, according to the experts at independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore, is yes.

And the long answer? Yes – but with caution!

Abbas Youssefi, Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “We would always advise homeowners to remove any wall or floor tiles before applying their new ones. But it’s not always possible.

“Tiling over tiles can be a more attractive option for those working to a tight budget and an even tighter timescale.”

For homeowners who want to take this route, there are a few things to bear in mind. Here Abbas shares his expert tips:

Firstly - ASSESS

• You’ll need to ensure the existing tiles are soundly fixed to the floor or wall, that there’s no cracked tiles, and they’re completely clean. Grease, dirt and dust can affect the adhesive bond, causing new tiles to come loose. Your new tiles will only be as good as the old tiles they’re fixed to.
• Gently tap each tile - if it sounds hollow it may come loose, causing problems further down the line. You’ll need to remove and re-fix this tile first.

Secondly - PREPARE

• Next, give the surface of the tiles a clean - sugar soap diluted in warm water is perfect for this.
• Before applying adhesive, prime the surface of the tiles with a suitable primer.

For wall tiles

• You’ll need to determine the substrate that the original tiles are bonded to. Skimmed plasterboard has a relatively low weight limit (approximately 20kg per square metre) so it may not be able to take the weight of an additional layer of tiles.
• Unskimmed plasterboard and tile backing boards can take more weight.
• If you’re only tiling part-way up your walls, you’ll need to consider how to finish off the tiles. A normal tile trim won’t cover both the old tile and the new tile edges - we’d recommend a painted timber moulding

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For floor tiles

• If your floor isn’t completely flat, you can pour over a layer of self-leveller. This will give you a perfectly flat and stable base to tile onto.
• We recommend using a flexible porcelain tile adhesive.
• You’ll need to make sure there’s enough clearance between the new level of your floor and door openings, furniture, etc - so your doors don't get stuck!

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Porcelain Superstore’s handpicked tile collections combine colour and pattern to bring statement surfaces to all spaces.