Install Shower Floor Tile Over Existing Tile

Save time by setting several tiles at once.

Install shower floor tile over existing tile. We are installing a dreamline corner shower base in an existing bathroom. As much as i dispise pre mixed thinset for any application as a tile professional for 15 years i must strongly advise you to not give out advice to. Installing a tub surround over old shower tiles is one of the fastest ways to brighten up a bathroom. On the ceiling and floor of the shower we used 2 x 2 tiles and on shower walls 2 x 4 tiles.

Purchase a tub surround kit compatible with your existing tub from your local home improvement store. 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 our project we set the tile for the wall opposite the shower door first. 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.

Removing existing tile before installing new tile is recommended however sometimes old tile can be very difficult or almost impossible to remove. Installing tile over tile however does have some downsides also. The installation instructions tell you to apply enough bedding material mortar to support the entire bottom of the base. It s a straightforward process that requires isolating the old tile with a waterproofing membrane removing the old drain cover and setting a new grate over the existing drain.

We wanted to install over the existing tile floor for a much cleaner look. 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. In fact pros do it all the time. These kits are not only easy to install but they also look nice and seal the area behind them from water.

Before you start setting tile take some measurements and see how the tiles will all lay out image 1.