tile over existing tiles or remove and tile on screed

[ashhorner]

Hi,

I've been getting quotes for tiling my kitchen floor - approx 28m2 currently tiled with ceramic tiles on concrete / screed base. These are solid and seem well fitted.

The existing tiles are perfectly good, we are just replacing them because they were the standard tiles fitted when built and not to our taste.

I'm getting conflicting views from the tilers who are quoting as to whether to take out the existing tiles or simply tile over. Some have said that it will be a huge job to take out the tiles, to the point where they will only quote on a day rate...which puts all the risk on to me.

Others have said that it should be fine to take the tiles out and level if needed.

I'd like the job done properly but at the same time, if it saved a decent amount of money then I don't mind either route. I'm not too concerned with the floor level rising.

I would appreciate any advice as to best practice in this situation.

Thanks,

Ashley

 

[hmtiling]

If the tiles are sound then the easiest/cheapest option would be to prime with a product which provides a mechanical key like TM prime+grip or mapei eco prim, level if necessary then tile

 

[Ttt1601]

Personally I don't tile on tile as a general rule, if cost is an issue, have you thought about removing the tiles yourself and just asking a tiler to SLC and tile. It's what I suggest to my customers, I charge my full day rate whether I'm doing skilled work or just something like a rip out. Or find a cheap labour price for the rip and removal of waste, then get the tiler in

 

[Italy]

If the tiles are sound then the easiest/cheapest option would be to prime with a product which provides a mechanical key like TM prime+grip or mapei eco prim, level if necessary then tile

same

 

[SJPurdy]

Consider that if tiling over tiles then you will have extra tile height in doorways and if you are leaving in old kitchen units then the worktop level will effectively be reduced by the height of the tiling (back ache and appliances may not fit underneath).

 

[ashhorner]

thanks for the replies.

Yes, I am more than happy to rip the tiles out myself, am I very wary of biting off more than I can chew as I have no idea if it will be straightforward (and take a weekend) or be incredibly difficult and take a week (which I don't have as I work full time).

looks like either approach will be fine...need to give it some more thought