Before you can install new ceramic tile over existing ceramic tile, you’ll need to do some surface preparation.
The first step is sanding the old tile with 100-grit paper to rough up the surface.
Next, apply a bonding primer to the surface.
To fill the grout joints in the old floor, mix up a floor-leveling compound. This material is a relatively thin liquid when it goes on, so it will flow into the low places and level itself.
Trowel it over the old tile to fill in the grout joints so that once it’s dry, you have a completely flat, level surface across the whole bathroom.
From this point, the process is much like any ceramic tiling. Chalk layout lines along the longest dimension of the room and begin applying thinset mortar with a notched trowel. The thinset acts as glue to secure the tiles to the floor.
The chalk lines and plastic spacers help maintain straight lines and consistent spacing.
Once the tiles are in and dry, apply the grout with a rubber float before we clean off the excess material, revealing our new finished tile floor.
Further Reading
- Flooring Options for Your Bathroom
- Bathroom Renovation: From the Eighties to Modern
- How to Remove and Replace a Damaged Ceramic Tile
Applying a new ceramic tile over the existing tile floor is amazing and wakes up the diy initiative. I am curious whether the new floor will be too elevated for a door jam to remain flush with the adjoining, carpeted bedroom. What do you think? What sort of clearance is needed?
Hi, Susan!
This is a concern — there are tapered thresholds that address this concern but it depends on the individual situation as to how well they work.
Good luck!
Can I lay tile over a vinyl floor?
How do you deal with raising the toilet “ring” that was level with the existing tile? Is there something you can buy that connects to the old ring to raise it up 1/2″ so that way the toilet can be secured via bolts (that is my main concern that the bolt hole will be too low once the new tile is over the old tile.
Sure, Laura! Here’s more information: https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-tile-over-existing-vinyl-floors/
Please tell me if I can wallpaper over existing paintable wallpaper, if not how do I remove the already painted paper.
You can wallpaper over existing wallpaper, if there are no flaws on the existing wallpaper, it’s smooth and not loose.
Here’s more information: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/hang-new-wallpaper-over-old-wallpaper-91229.html
And here’s how to remove wallpaper: https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-remove-wallpaper/
Good luck!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Really good advice!
I always find videos are so much easier yo follow than reading guides.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for sharing this video on how to install ceramic tile, I will try this style for my drywall. Thanks for the guide.