Can I put new tile over old tile?

I have been asked whether new tile can be installed over existing tile several times. It always seemed like a bad idea to me and I have always removed the old tile and tile backer before installing new tile.

Recently, I was in a bathroom where new ceramic tile had been installed over old ceramic tile. When I touched the tile to see how well it was holding up, one tile fell right off the wall.

Below is the spot on the wall where the tile fell from. Another tile was also missing.  Closer inspection revealed more loose tile.

Okay, so in the case of ceramic tile: “Can I put new tile over old tile?”

Big negative, don’t do it.

Still some may consider tiling over natural stone tile.  I don’t recommend this either because the surface will be too uneven and your tile will not lie flat whether you are installing wall tile or installing floor tile. So in any case if you are remodeling an area with existing tile it is best to remove the old tile, the old backer, plumb the framing, and start over.

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To contact this Fairbanks, Alaska remodel/renovation contractor call 978-3344 or message me on Facebook.