Quarry Tiles

[Flo 21]

We are in the process of renovating our house and we've already had to remove alot of the quarry tiles and have the floor screeded. We've just decided to lay a slate floor in the Kitchen and wondered if anyone knows whether we would have to remove the quarry tiles in there (because we haven't yet) and if not want you use to lay the slate on top?

Many thanks

Flo 21

 

[dphomes]

No. You are relying totally on the perfect adhesion of the covering below and while your new floor maybe stuck good and fast, if the one below is not 100% then you may have problems. Also think of the issue of raising the floor level this may cause problems for internal doors and kitchen units.

If you insist on doing it, then make sure that the original surface is absolutely stuck down, with no loose hollow and no cracked tile. Prepare the surface well by scrubbing any grease or dirt, remove any loose or flaking material. Scratch surfaces with a wire brush (an attachment on a drill is ideal).
Coating old tiles of undiluted pva adhesive is a good idea as well, and make sure the joints of the new tiles are staggered with the joints of the old. It maybe worth tiling without the skirting. You may wish to hide any tile cuts and imperfections later.

Ideally work from the ground and remove the quarries and screed if needed.

To remove existing quarry tiles there is little option but to get stuck in with a hammer and bolster chisel. Wear good gloves and goggles, as splintered quarry tiles can be very sharp indeed. An electric chisel can be hired from tool hire centres...Please do not expect to have a perfectly flat floor when you have finished with one of these!!