Replies

1. 
   wallyo | Jul 20, 2009 05:28pm | #1

   Any thing can be done the question is should it be done. More cons then pros I would stay away from it. Biggest con is unless you did it the job you do not know how well the existing tile is bonded. Then you have added height for a floor, added weight for a wall etc. I would
   not even think of it.

   Wallyo

1. 
   UkeJoe | Jul 20, 2009 07:31pm | #2

   All very good points which I also thought of. The unknown of the first installer, even though the existing tile is over twenty years since being originally installed.

   The floor height would in most instances be a negative. as now you have to cut the bottom of existing doors, cut around the toilet base or get longer bolts to secure to floor, etc., etc.

1. 
   wallyo | Jul 20, 2009 08:13pm | #3

   All that said if I had to do a tile over tile (i.e. had no choice) I probably would have not as much fear with a floor as I would a wall. A floor is not going to fall anywhere. But keep in mind the more tile and mortar the more stress on a joist system. Some here have posted of mudset beds of tile 1 1/2" thick add another layer that is a lot of weight. If I remember right I ran into some tile guys at a supply house that were retiling a meat packing floor. They were setting tile over tile due to the fact the first tile was set with epoxy mortar on concrete. Next to impossible to get up short of a jack hammer.Wallyo

1. 
   UkeJoe | Jul 20, 2009 08:34pm | #4

   Good points. Thanks for your input.

2. 
   woodhak | Jul 20, 2009 08:52pm | #5

   I have tiled over tile and have had no problems with it. Used thinset right over the existing tile. the added floor thickness was only about 3/8" which did require under cutting the door but the toilet went in with a single wax ring with the plastic spout. the added weight is minimal but the existing tile and floor structure was / is rock solid.  

1. 
   wallyo | Jul 20, 2009 09:43pm | #6

   In your situation does not sound like a problem, I am talking that 1950's bath floor with 1.5 to 2" concrete and tile , then to add more on top of that combined with the cast iron tub and the 2-3 joists that have been hacked up by the plumbers over the years.Wallyo