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I have 1,200 sq ft of 12"x12" cream-colored porcelain tiles in my house.
I'm considering replacing these tiles with 6"x24" porcelain tiles that look like wood planks.
I'm thinking that the new porcelain tiles can be laid right over what's currently there, especially since the current tiles are all level and in great condition -- and since the new tiles are a different shape (so no worry about grout lines on top of other grout lines).
I know the doors may need to be shaved a bit, but are there any other concerns about laying the new tiles on top of the old ones instead of removing the current tiles?
I wont be doing it myself but, before I ask a flooring company (whose answer might be based solely on financial issues), I thought I'd check with you knowledgeable people here. Thanks so much!
The main reason- adhesion.
Just because the first layer is good doesn't automatically mean the second will be.
Then there's the raised floor issue- trip hazard at transitions, cutting doors as you mentioned, along with what will turn out to be minuscule baseboards if you don't raise them. And if your adding tile at cabinets the toe- kick gets a bit tight also.
Usually a porcelain tile floor that is grease and oil free, and is leveled properly will be a fine substrate for a new tile floor. TCNA (Tile Council of North America) shows a cut drawing (architectural section) of the approved method for tile over tile (Method TR 712) Most good mfr's of setting materials, like Laticrete, Mapei, and Custom Building Products also have thinset mortars that are appropriate for the job.
Thanks so much, Streamer. I had just about decided not to get the new tile because no way am I going to have the current tiles torn up -- too much dust and junk in the air.
But now I'm hopeful that maybe the guy I got to lay the current tiles can look at the project and be honest about whether it can be done. He's a perfectionist and did an awesome job of making sure all the tiles were level and that the end tiles were all the same size -- it took him four weeks, working every day (and many nights), to do it. So I think he'll be honest about whether he could do it without any concerns about adhesion.
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