Tiling Over Tiles: Why We Don’t Recommend It for Your Bathroom Renovation
When planning a bathroom renovation, homeowners often look for ways to save time and money. One question that regularly comes up is: Can I tile over existing tiles? The short answer is yes, it’s technically possible. But at The Bathroom Guide, we don’t recommend it, and here’s why.
This post breaks down the pros and cons of tiling over tiles, what you need to consider before going ahead with it, and why removing your old tiles is usually the better long-term choice.
The Case For Tiling Over Tiles (Pros)
Let’s look at the reasons why some people choose to do it:
1. Saves on demolition and removal costs
Skipping tile removal means fewer labour hours, less dust, and no need to dispose of heavy waste.
2. Quicker turnaround time
If your existing floor is in excellent condition, tiling over it can speed things up. There’s no drying time needed after jackhammering or leveling the substrate.
3. May protect waterproofing
Some renovators assume that by not removing the tiles, you’re not disturbing the existing waterproof membrane. But this can be misleading, more on that below.
The Risks of Tiling Over Tiles (Cons)
While the idea of tiling over tiles sounds appealing at first, the risks often outweigh the benefits.
1. You’re tiling blind
There’s no way to inspect the condition of the original waterproofing membrane or what’s going on underneath. If there’s hidden water damage, movement in the slab, or even hairline cracks, you won’t know until it’s too late.
2. Compromised waterproofing
In older homes, the existing waterproofing may not meet today’s standards. Tiling over the surface without addressing this can lead to water ingress, swelling, and eventual failure of your new tiles.
3. Adds extra height to your floor
Tiling over tiles can raise your floor level by 10 to 20mm or more, which may affect door clearances, step heights, or drainage falls. This is especially important to get right in bathrooms or wet areas.
4. Reduces adhesion
Even with the right primers and adhesives, tile-on-tile applications rely heavily on the strength of what’s beneath. If one tile lets go, it can compromise the bond of the new tile above it.
5. Doesn’t solve underlying problems
If the old tiles are hiding mould, leaks, or movement in the subfloor, you’re simply masking the problem. And that can cost you more to fix down the line.
Why We Recommend Removing Tiles First
At The Bathroom Guide, we strongly recommend removing your existing tiles and redoing the waterproofing from scratch. It gives you peace of mind, a stronger and more durable foundation, and better long-term performance from your renovation.
Tiling is one of the most expensive parts of your bathroom. Once it’s done, it’s hard and costly to fix. Cutting corners here often leads to regrets later.
If You Still Want to Tile Over Tiles, Do This First
If you’re set on tiling over existing tiles, here’s what to check:
Get a qualified tiler to inspect the current surface and test for drummy tiles
Confirm the existing waterproofing is intact and compliant
Use the correct tile primers to promote adhesion
Ensure your total finished floor height works with your doors, thresholds, and drains
Accept that warranties may be limited and some trades may not want to take the risk
Tiling over tiles might seem like an easy win, but in most bathroom renovations, it’s a short-term solution that carries long-term risk. If you're already investing in a new bathroom, it’s worth doing it right from the ground up.
💻 Book our Bathroom Layout & Design Service here to get expert guidance, floor plan feedback, and help figuring out whether a hob-free shower is the right move for your home.
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