Floor Tiles FAQ

We all know that redoing a bathroom can be a big job, but also net some real benefits. The bathroom will look better, the value of the house will be enhanced if we decide to sell it, and we will enjoy relaxing in the new bathroom at the end of a hard day.

Many people considering this type of work have asked questions meant to cut back on the amount of work or on the cost of the renovation.

This hub will answer some of the most common questions pertaining to ceramic bathroom floor tiles.

The answer to this question is a conditional yes. 

You must first ensure that the existing floor tiles are level and that they do not sound hollow when tapped. 

Clean the existing floor with a grease cutting cleaning product to remove all traces of soap, wax or anything that might have been on the tiles.

Use a thin-set mortar with a latex additive. Latex or epoxy mortars will perform better when installing tile over tile. Mix your mortar and apply it according to manufacturer's instructions.

You can use a technique known as double gluing to ensure a better bond. 

Take the ultimate thickness of the new floor in relation to adjacent floors, doors and furniture that might cause problems. 

Yes if you take a few steps to prepare the area carefully. 

If any floor boards are loose, they should be fixed before applying the mortar. If the boards are damaged use an underlayment. Glue and screw the underlayment in place, using construction adhesive like PL400 and wood screws every six inches.

Additionally you can use use an uncoupling membrane between the tile and the old floor. It will create some insulation and prevent the tile from whatever movement there is in the floor below and thus prevent cracks.

No, you must first resolve all humidity problems before laying tiles. Even if you use tiles that are not porous, you can count that the glue will not hold in a humid environment.

If the room is less than 20 feet, you don’t need expansion joints. For larger rooms you will need to plan for an expansion joint as tiles may expand or contract with temperature and humidity fluctuations. You should also think about having an expansion joint around the room. A space of about ⅓” will work and be covered by the molding.

Yes there are tiles specially rated for outdoor use. If you live in an area where the winters can be harsh you should buy tiles that are rated for frost.

Do not use very light color tiles outside as they will reflect a lot of glare. Avoid very large tiles as they are more susceptible to dilatation in the summer heat.

Ensure a very careful installation as to draining, waterproofing and stability.

This is really a question of aesthetics. A smaller tile will accentuate an entryway. A large tile in a larger room will give a very contemporary look, and an illusion of larger space. You can also mix sizes for interesting visual effects and styles.

Today's trend is also to mix sizes colors and textures, as seen in this shower, where a large tile was used on the walls and a small mosaic type tile on the floor.