Install Shower Floor Tile Over Existing Tile

We are installing a dreamline corner shower base in an existing bathroom.

Install shower floor tile over existing tile.

Save time by setting several tiles at once. We wanted to install over the existing tile floor for a much cleaner look. Purchase a tub surround kit compatible with your existing tub from your local home improvement store. The installation instructions tell you to apply enough bedding material mortar to support the entire bottom of the base.

Tiling over an uneven surface will give you less than stellar results so level out any globs of dried grout with a sander and secure loose tiles with fresh tile adhesive before beginning the project. Removing existing tile before installing new tile is recommended however sometimes old tile can be very difficult or almost impossible to remove. This assumes that the floor underneath is solid concrete and that there are no cracks in the existing tile indicating underlying problems in the concrete. Installing tile over tile however does have some downsides also.

In our project we set the tile for the wall opposite the shower door first. These kits are not only easy to install but they also look nice and seal the area behind them from water. If the existing shower is correctly installed there is no way that the tiles on the floor of the shower can be level as pitch from the walls to the drain is required for the water to drain. On the ceiling and floor of the shower we used 2 x 2 tiles and on shower walls 2 x 4 tiles.

These include the floor height which can become an issue as it could make the tiled over floor become too high and possibly block doors or cupboards that are in line with the old flooring prior to the re tiling job. If your old ceramic tile is worn or dated you can lay new tile right over the old and avoid the huge job of tearing out the old tile. In fact pros do it all the time. Before you start setting tile take some measurements and see how the tiles will all lay out image 1.

If the original tile is still in excellent condition then it is possible to install tile over tile but the proper steps must be taken in order to complete the project correctly.