Replies

1. 
   suburbanguy | May 12, 2019 08:58am | #1

   I'm not a tiler but I have read that it can be done. The glaze on the tile must be scored with a grinder and you must use modified thinset, not regular thinset (as I recall reading a few years ago). Tiling is not a regulated trade, so the individual skill level is quite variable. Furthermore, any handyman can call himself a tiler when out of work. So for this unusual job, I would suggest doing a lot of reading on the various manufacturer's websites (and watch their videos) about applications/conditions/best practices/installation restrictions and techniques, etc. I specified Mapei products on an unusual tiling job in my own home, and would highly recommend their products. Yes, I spent hours and hours (did I mention hours?) reading and ended up knowing more than most tilers. Google is your friend and good luck.

2. 
   tfarwell | May 12, 2019 10:23am | #2

   I've done a lot of tiling, and I would never attempt it. All the time researching, worrying and trying to end up a good result is way longer than getting a hammer and tearing it out. Start with a clean slate.

3. 
   Mike_Mahan | May 13, 2019 01:47am | #3

   I've done a lot of tile. Only once have I done tile over tile. I used epoxy thin set.

4. 
   sawdust_steve | May 13, 2019 11:24am | #4

   I've done it and it works just fine. Take a diamond blade on an angle grinder and scuff up the tile a little to give the thinset something to tooth into. You are going to need a new threshold at the door and you will need to plane down the undercut to allow for the height difference. You may need an extra wax ring on the head other than that no big deal.

   I did two bathrooms this way 18 years ago and both still look great.

5. 
   user-441604 | May 13, 2019 12:44pm | #5

   Thanks to all that responded. Steve: I'm only considering this for the walls. I"ve got a lot of wall surface - maybe 200 sq feet. Did you use regular thin set? How much of the tile surface do you estimat tht you scored?

6. 
   sawdust_steve | May 14, 2019 12:33pm | #6

   I did not do walls I did floors, but I think you will be okay doing the walls over. What size/format tile do you have on the walls? The smaller sizes have more grout which allows the thinset to bond better. Just make sure to grind something into each tile and you will be okay.

7. 
   user-441604 | May 14, 2019 11:28pm | #7

   Sawdust_Steve. The walls are a pattern of 12x12, 6x6, and 6x12 tiles.

8. 
   sawdust_steve | May 15, 2019 09:27am | #8

   Give them a good rough up. Or just remove the tile.