Laying floor tiles over existing tiles

[Ratter]

I have a kitchen floor with ceramic tiles which are sound but we just don't like them.

Firstly, is it ok just to tile over the top - and if so, what preparation would be required?

Secondly, there is an area under units which wasn't tiled last time but has older tiles about 6mm or so lower. What is the best thing to use to build up the level?

I should point out that the whole kitchen is being refitted anyway and there is a substantial run of units which will not be in the same place in the new design.

 

[gcol]

Firstly, is it ok just to tile over the top - and if so, what preparation would be required?

Providing they are sound then this is fine. Just make sure they are very clean and dry.

Secondly, there is an area under units which wasn't tiled last time but has older tiles about 6mm or so lower. What is the best thing to use to build up the level?

So am I to understand that there'll be 3 layers of tiles when you've finished? You can raise the level with self levelling compound.

I should point out that the whole kitchen is being refitted anyway and there is a substantial run of units which will not be in the same place in the new design.

If I were you, I'd rip the lot up and retile the lot.

 

[Ratter]

Thanks for the fast reply.

Having excavated a little, it would seem that there are not two layers of tiles, just two different sorts of tile.

Therefore, I am inclined to go with the screed and retile idea because it is a largeish area of 20-25 m2 and domestic harmony is already frayed by this project. Removing everything and starting from scratch (although probably more desirable) might well end in too much marital disharmony

Would there be any difficulty is doing the tiling in phases?

 

[gcol]

Would there be any difficulty is doing the tiling in phases?

Nope, should be straight forward. You'd be as well to use an adhesive suitable for use with porcelain tile though - this adhesive is designed to be used with surfaces with low porosity (like the surface of a tile).