tile over tile or remove tlies or combo ?

**fad** · 13-09-2009

I've just been to see a job where the client has suggested tiling over tiles. This may be a good idea as the tiles have been put straight onto plasterboard and as I understand taking the tiles off are likely to damage the plasterboard. This is in the bathroom. There are 2 walls to be tiled. However, the gap between the taps and the existing tiles is 20mm. So I'm not sure if tiling over the tiles on that wall is an option. Would it be an option to tile over on one wall and strip the other back to plasterboard and repair as necessary ?
Also I suppose it would be best to sand the existing tiles to prepare the surface for adhesive ? The existing tiles are 15cm square ceramics and the new ones will be 30cm square so I don't think there's a weight issue. Any advice most appreciated.

**garythetiler** · 13-09-2009

the best advice is to remove old tiles and reboard , tiling over tiles is possible if the tiles are sound but why risk the chance of future problems, good luck gary

**Alan.P** · 13-09-2009

Tiling on top of tiles is never a good idea for lots of reasons, weight, how well the original tiles are fixed etc, yes you would more than likely destroy the plasterboard but it will be a better job once replaced.