Makeover Your Home with the Easiest Do-It-Yourself Method: Installing Tile Over Tile

Installing tile over tile is a great way to refinish an old, unsightly surface and give a new, fresh look to any room. When done correctly, it adds a layer of beauty and protection over existing tile and helps you to avoid the inconvenience, time and cost of removal and replacement.

Before completing the job, however, there are several steps you’ll need to take to ensure that the new tile adheres properly and the floor remains level.

First, check the existing tile thoroughly for any loose grout or loose tiles. Reattach any that are coming loose, or re-grout the area if needed. Once you’ve repaired any issues, lightly sand the existing tile to ensure that the new tile adheres properly.

Second, dust and rinse the area to remove any dust and debris. If you’re tiling a floor, this is a good opportunity to apply a floor leveler to the entire area. Make sure that the leveler fills in the grout line, and use a flat leveling board to help make the floor more uniform. Leave it to cure for at least 24 hours.

Third, measure the area accurately to decide the size and amount of tiles required. Place the tiles without adhesive and adjust the orientation, if needed, so that any highly visible spots or awkward-looking patterns are avoided. Remove the center tiles, and the corner tiles, and write down the orientation of the tiles on the back of each one.

Fourth, mix the latex or epoxy additive as per the instructions of the manufacturer, adding it to the mortar. Start in a corner, if you’re laying tile on the floor, and begin fixing the tiles in sections, starting with the corner tiles. If you’re tiling a wall, you can start at the top. To make sure the tiles adhere properly, try not to move them around and cover with thick tile adhesive.

Fifth, once the tiles have had a chance to settle in, prepare the grout. Generally the grout should be mixed with a certain amount of water and a bonding agent, and applied with a trowel. Allow the grout to settle for 24-48 hours, then wipe the area to remove any excess grout.

Finally, once the grout has settled and the floor has dried, apply quality grout sealer to the grout lines to protect them from staining and scratching.

Knowing how to install tile over tile properly is the key to success in any home improvement project. By following these steps and using quality materials, you should have an even, beautiful surface free of any bumps or lumps that will be sure to last.