Tiling a kitchen

[maggiebee]

I want to re-tile my kitchen with mosaic type tiles. Already tiled with 6" square tiles. Would it be better to remove existing tiles, or can I put new tiles on top? Just want an easy life lol

[Zacs-Master]

If you have any electrical sockets, switches within the existing tiling it would be better to remove the existing. Also consider how junctions with other finishes would look.

[nungate]

I believe it is possible to tile over tile, but personally I'd take off the old ones first. It can be very therapeutic taking a hammer and chisel to old tiles, I'e done this more than once. Great for venting the old frustrations!

[maggiebee]

Thanks folks - in my heart of hearts I knew it would be better to take the old ones off - it was just the thought of all that dust. Hammer at the ready for tomorrow.

[Zacs-Master]

Be carefull that your Walls aren't 'dot and dab' (gap behind plasterboard) as a hammer will damage the plasterboard!

[rowanwitch]

the best surface to tile over is tiles apparently you may have to bring sockets forward but it should b eay enough

[buildersmate]

"the best surface to tile over is tiles apparently"
Sorry Rowan but that just isn't true.

[beso]

I would have thought glazed tiles would be a very poor surface to adhere the glue for another layer.

[The Builder]

I don't want to start a fight................... but I just wanted to say that over-tiling can be a perfectly good way of going about it. Perhaps not exactly the "best" way, since it will depend on just how solid the existing tiles are.

It's one of those contentious issues where nobody is either "right" or "wrong". Merely a matter of personal choice.

Beso......... the glaze actually makes no difference at all with modern adhesives. In fact, on many occasions, I've plastered over existing tiles which rock solid and difficult to remove. With PVA and Carlite "Bonding Plaster", the result is as good as any other regular plastering applied directly to wall surfaces.

[maggiebee]

Zacs-Master, that's what I'm worried about. Will be tiling on plasterboard which has a gap behind for bathroom pipes. Maybe tiling on top of existing tiles would be the best bet.

[razza]

I tiled on top of tiles,incidentally with mosaic tiles,been on years no problems.

[The Builder]

Ah, Maggie ............ ripping tiles from plasterboard ................ I wouldn't even try. :o(

Either remove the p/board and tiles complete, board over the tiles (with screws), or tile over ............ no problem, I assure you.

[content123]

Hey! Maggie Bee,
Why don't you call Tiles Porcelain Ltd, these are guys great and will surely help you to find the the best solution. you can reach them ... http://www.tilesporcelain.co.uk/