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REPLACING A MOSAIC TILE FLOOR

stanleyj2 | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 4, 2002 03:51am

I plan to remodel a mosaic tile bathroom in a 100 year old house.  The current floor is octagonal mosaic tiles set on a mortar bed.  There is one small crack that runs parallel to the floor joists that I believe occurred many years ago when the toilet was relocated from a separate room to this room.  I have owned this house for ten years and the crack has not widened nor spread.  Do you think that is is possible to tile on top of the existing mosaic tile or should I tear everything out.  You know the preferred answer!

 

Thank you!

Reply

Replies

  1. Scooter1 | Oct 04, 2002 09:42pm | #1

    Stan you are very fortunate to have such an old mosiac. They are very rare.

    First comment: Those old flat mosiacs are rare and wonderfull. Do you really want to tear it out?

    Second Comment: If you do need to replace it, please consider getting identical mosiacs which can be had through special order. Designs in Tile and Mission Tile here in California have them and/or can make them for you. The new ones at Dal Tile are not historically correct (they have beveled edges).

    Third Comment: Yes, you can easily tile on top of the old tile. You will need a shower drain extension and a toilet flange extension.

    Fourth Comment: I don't think the crack will affect the tile on top much, and you may add an antifracture membrane like Laticrete Blue 92 on top of the crack for added insurance.

    Regards,

    Boris

    "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927

    1. LisaWL | Oct 04, 2002 11:11pm | #2

      Those old floors are indeed beautiful, and worth restoring.

      "A completed home is a listed home."

    2. stanleyj2 | Oct 05, 2002 01:48am | #3

      Boris:

      Thanks for the info.  The only reason that I intend to replace the tile is because whoever moved the toilet from a separate room to the bathroom that I am remodeling did a poor job.  Someone in the past tore out a large section to install plumbing for a toilet and filled the area in with concrete that is very visible.  I would have loved to leave all the tile work as it was originally.  Fortunately, I have another bathroom with the same tile that is still intact and does not need work.  I will utilize the source that you gave for octagonal mosaic tile. 

      Thanks again!

      Stan

    3. sailr | Mar 29, 2003 10:35pm | #4

      Hi,

      Regarding restoration of old mosaic tile floors. I have a classic black and white pattern in my bathroom that was set in concete 60 years ago. We'd love to keep it, but it just looks so dingy. Any suggestions on an abrasive cleaning process that might restore it, especially the white?

      Thanks !

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