Can You Tile Over Existing Tiles?

Yes, you can tile over existing tiles, provided the old tiles are firmly bonded, flat, clean and dry. It saves time, mess and removal costs, but it raises the surface height and adds weight, so it is best suited to sound walls and stable, level floors. If any tiles are loose, damp or cracked, remove them first.

When should you remove the old tiles instead?

Strip them out if you find loose or cracked tiles, hollow patches, damp, or an uneven substrate that would telegraph through. Removal is also the better option where extra floor height would clash with doors, thresholds, radiators or a bath panel. Our guide on removing ceramic and porcelain floor tiles covers how.

Tile over tiles or remove them: which is better?

How do you tile over existing tiles step by step?

1. Check the old tiles. Tap each one, and repair or remove any that are loose or damaged.
2. Clean and degrease. Remove soap scum, grease and limescale, then rinse and dry.
3. Key the surface. Lightly abrade glossy glazes so the adhesive can grip.
4. Fill and level. Fill grout lines and dips with a levelling or patching compound.
5. Prime. Apply a bonding primer made for non-porous surfaces.
6. Fix the new tiles. Use a flexible adhesive and a notched trowel, working from a level starting line.
7. Grout and seal. Once cured, grout, clean down and seal where needed.

Can you tile over tiles in a bathroom or kitchen?

Yes, walls are the easiest place to do it. In bathrooms and kitchens, make sure the old tiles are free of damp and that any waterproofing is intact. In wet areas such as showers, a failing substrate is a bigger risk, so be cautious. Fixing a new porcelain wall and floor tile over sound ceramic is a popular update.

What are the risks of tiling over tiles?

The main risks are poor adhesion, extra height and weight, and hiding an underlying problem. Use a primer and quality flexible adhesive, and consider thinner porcelain to keep the build-up down. Very large tiles need a flat base, so you may need to level the surface first. For choosing sizes, see our large floor tiles.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tile over tiles in a bathroom?

Yes, in many cases. Wall tiles in good condition can be tiled over in a bathroom provided they are firmly bonded, flat and free of damp. Floors need extra care because of the added height and the need for a waterproof, stable base.

Can you tile over floor tiles?

Yes, if the existing floor tiles are fully bonded with no hollow or loose areas and the floor is level. Allow for the raised floor height at doors, thresholds and appliances.

What do you need to tile over existing tiles?

You need a degreaser, a suitable primer or bonding agent, a flexible rapid-set or standard cementitious adhesive, and levelling compound for any uneven areas. A notched trowel and fresh grout complete the job.

Can you tile over glazed or glossy tiles?

Yes, but glossy surfaces must be keyed first. Clean thoroughly, lightly abrade the glaze and apply a primer designed for non-porous surfaces so the new adhesive can grip.

When should you remove old tiles instead?

Remove them if they are loose, cracked, hollow-sounding, damp or uneven, if the walls cannot bear the extra weight, or if the added floor height would cause problems at doors and fittings.

Is it cheaper to tile over tiles?

Usually yes. You save on removal labour, skip and waste costs, and avoid repairing the substrate, although you will still pay for preparation materials and primer.

Ready to update your space? Browse our porcelain tiles, porcelain floor and wall tiles and large floor tiles.