Tile Installation: How To Tile Over Existing Tile - The Family Handyman

Skip to main content 17 Modern Tile Installation Tips for DIYers What Is Drain Tile? Here's What To Know About Drain Tile Installing a Tile Countertop and Backsplash, Step by Step How To Tile a Shower How to Tile a Bathroom Floor 5 Ways To Patch Tile How to Tile a Backsplash How to Grout Tile: Grouting Tips and Techniques Shower Tile Layout Tips for Remodeling Your Bathroom How To Install Carpet Tiles How To Paint Bathroom Tile Luxury Vinyl Tile Installation How to Grout Tile Can You Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles? What You Need to Know About Peel-and-Stick Tiles 13 Tile Tips for a Better Bathroom 8 Laundry Room Tile Design Ideas How to Layout a Tile Floor Home House & Components Parts of House Tiles

Can You Tile Over Tile? How to Tile Over Existing Tile

By Family Handyman

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Feb. 02, 2025

You can lay new ceramic tile right over old tile if you use the methods we show you here.

Introduction

You can lay new ceramic tile right over the old, using the prep techniques we show here. It avoids the time-consuming, messy tear-out process.

If your old ceramic tile is worn or dated, you can lay new tile right over the old, and avoid the huge job of tearing out the old tile. In fact, pros do it all the time. But this assumes that the floor underneath is solid (concrete) and that there are no cracks in the existing tile (indicating underlying problems in the concrete).

Tools Required

• Angle grinder
• Belt sander
• Dust mask
• Notched trowel
• Safety glasses
• Shop vacuum

Materials Required

• 80-grit sanding belts
• Ceramic tile
• Thin-set mortar with latex fortifier

Project step-by-step (4)

Step 1

Check the Surface

• Make sure all the tiles are solidly bonded to the floor by tapping them lightly with a wood mallet or a chunk of 2×4.
  • Note: A hollow sound is an indication that a tile is loose.
• Remove and reset any loose tiles with thin-set.

Step 2

Grind Off the High Spots and Clean the Tiles

• Lay a 4-foot level on the old tile and mark any high spots.
• Grind them down using a right-angle grinder with a masonry wheel.
• Sand all the tiles with a belt or orbital sander (80-grit) to scratch any surface glazes.
• Remove any moldy or loose grout with a rotary tool or carbide scraper.
• Vacuum the tiles and clean with detergent and water to remove dirt, sealers and wax.
• Rinse the surface with clear water and let it dry.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Do It Right, Do It Yourself! Step 3

Spread Adhesive

• Spread a flat layer of thin-set on the back of large tiles for better adhesion.
• If you spread an area of thin-set on the floor instead, use a larger-notch trowel.
• Whichever method you use, always comb the adhesive in one direction (no swirls).

Step 4

Set the Tile

• Press the tile onto the floor thin-set and slide it perpendicular to the combed lines.