Do I need to remove old grout before installing new tile?

• <div><p>No, you don’t need to remove the old grout before installing new tile over existing tile. In fact, the old grout helps fill in gaps between tiles, creating a more even surface for the new layer. However, it's important to ensure that the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-clean-tile-and-grout.htm">grout is clean</a>, solid, and free of cracks or crumbling areas. Damaged grout should be repaired or replaced before proceeding. Cleaning the surface thoroughly and filling any low spots will help the new adhesive bond properly and ensure a smooth, stable installation.</p></div>

Is it better to tile or use a tub surround?

• <div><p>The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.</p><p>Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tile-installation-cost.htm">tile installation cost</a> is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.</p></div>

Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Thousand Oaks, CA

There are 59 highly-rated local ceramic tile pros.

TRUSTED BY THOUSAND OAKS, CA HOMEOWNERS

4.6
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184
Verified ceramic tile services reviews

Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Thousand Oaks, CA

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Thousand Oaks, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Ceramic Tile Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Thousand Oaks, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Ceramic Tile Service needs.

Last update on October 05, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
It was a joy to work with Moshe and his team. He was quick to respond to me and all of my requests. He kept the project moving forward at a good pace. I learned a lot from him and hope we cross paths on another project in the future. He has integrity and stands by his work. It’s rare to find...
Construction Masters
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Reviewed in September 2025
From start to finish, John and his team were amazing. This project included moving walls, rerouting plumbing and drains. The quality of the finished product was amazing. I would definitely work with John again on our next remodeling project.
Coastal Kitchens & Baths Inc
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Reviewed in September 2025
Technician was very curteous, prompt and professional. I won't hesitate to call for future flooring requirements.
CALIFORNIA DESIGN FLOORS
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Reviewed in July 2025
Had a great experience with Styles In Tile installing tile flooring in our master bath. Jamie was quick to return my calls and texts, his crew did wonderfully skilled work, but even more, they were very personable and helpful with answers to my questions. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them again.
Styles In Tile
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Reviewed in August 2025
Excellent, efficient, superior work. My floors haven’t looked this good in a decade. Highly recommend!
Mister Shine Marble Maintenance
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Reviewed in March 2025
Matt is very skilled and professional. He cares deeply about getting things done safely and accurately and pays great attention to details.
Ameriproj, Inc.
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Find Ceramic tile pros in Thousand Oaks

Always Improve Flooring

Always Improve Flooring

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

113 local quotes requested

Flooring business since 2002. Licensed,bonded and insured. Installation, sales, refinishing, repairs, stairs, stain, buffing, leveling, tile floors, shower, backsplashes. And much more. Professional and responsible crews.

"I am writing this review out of sheer gratitude and happiness! Juan and his crew truly went above and beyond on the existing highly glossy, aged yellow floors. They managed to convert them into a modern, extra matte , almost blonde finish without sanding, merely removing the polished surface and buffing out scratches and marks, creating a flawless, stunning finish! I’m struggling to find words to express my joy and a fraction of the cost of all other quotes AND the next day before Labor Day, so much more, important to finish with job complete in a few hours!!!! Please 🙏🏻"

Leila A on September 2025

"I am writing this review out of sheer gratitude and happiness! Juan and his crew truly went above and beyond on the existing highly glossy, aged yellow floors. They managed to convert them into a modern, extra matte , almost blonde finish without sanding, merely removing the polished surface and buffing out scratches and marks, creating a flawless, stunning finish! I’m struggling to find words to express my joy and a fraction of the cost of all other quotes AND the next day before Labor Day, so much more, important to finish with job complete in a few hours!!!! Please 🙏🏻"

Leila A on September 2025

Valley Carpet One

Valley Carpet One

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

96 local quotes requested

We are here to help you with your flooring projects. Our showroom has been recently been remodeled to create an even better shopping experience for you. As always, thank you for your patronage during our 50+ years of serving the flooring needs of customers like yourself in the San Fernando Valley & beyond, and we hope we can continue to be of service to you. Family-owned & Locally-operated since 1973. First "Carpet One" store in the San Fernando Valley, and a member since 1990. Licensed and bonded. CSLB #432146.

"The workers were on time, courteous and very neat. They cleaned up and left everything pristine. Carpet One was professional and caring. They came to the house, measured and advised. Wonderful personal service."

Suzanna K on August 2021

"The workers were on time, courteous and very neat. They cleaned up and left everything pristine. Carpet One was professional and caring. They came to the house, measured and advised. Wonderful personal service."

Suzanna K on August 2021

Royal Oak Flooring, Inc

Royal Oak Flooring, Inc

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

70 local quotes requested

Specializing in Traditional and Modern Hardwood Floor, Luxury Vinyl Plank, and Engineered Flooring Installation, Sanding and Refinishing. Family Owned and Operated, Royal Oak Flooring, Inc has achieved a level of excellence unmatched in the flooring industry. CSLB Licensed and Bonded #1043907

"Laurie and David are gems. They and their team make sure that you feel appreciated as a customer and their quality of work cannot be beat. I would absolutely recommend them and use them again."

Ashley K on May 2022

"Laurie and David are gems. They and their team make sure that you feel appreciated as a customer and their quality of work cannot be beat. I would absolutely recommend them and use them again."

Ashley K on May 2022

Byron's Flooring

Byron's Flooring

Customers say: Quality work

82 local quotes requested

17 years of experience

Byron's Flooring Offers: new installations of prefinished and unfinished wood floors. Repairs. Solid hardwood flooring. Engineered wood flooring. Stairs. Complete sand down and refinishing of solid hardwood floors and engineered wood floors. Epoxy concrete Flooring, Vinyl flooring. Laminate flooring. Cork Resilient flooring. Linoleum flooring. VCT flooring. Carpet tile flooring. Garage concrete epoxy flooring. Base molding installation & Crown molding installation. Now offering at no cost, Dust Less Service. My primary business phone number is (310) 740-0403 email address [email protected]

"This guy I the best. Worth every penny. My floors had holes and were shaking. My mom is in a wheel chair so this is not acceptable. Not only did he reinforce and level the floor he also recommended the right type of flooring. He truly went above and beyond. I would give him 10 stars it I could. ✨️"

Amos J on April 2023

"This guy I the best. Worth every penny. My floors had holes and were shaking. My mom is in a wheel chair so this is not acceptable. Not only did he reinforce and level the floor he also recommended the right type of flooring. He truly went above and beyond. I would give him 10 stars it I could. ✨️"

Amos J on April 2023

Styles In Tile

Styles In Tile

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 99% of Angi customers

47 local quotes requested

I'm Jamie. I've been building relationships for 30 years in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley's performing quality work with integrity. I specialize in custom residential tile, stone, glass and mosaic tile installation for Kitchens, bathrooms, Walls, Counters, Interior and exterior flooring. Providing free Itemized proposals. I treat your home as if it were my own, always clean at the end of every day. Jobs are done start to finish without jumping to other jobs. Unfortunately there are many unscrupulous contractors out there, as such I do not accept deposits on my jobs. I am so confident in my work that I only accept payments for work performed. My job is to make your home project go smoothly and quickly with minimal stress. Allow me to make your project beautiful! Proud Super Service Award recipient for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

"Had a great experience with Styles In Tile installing tile flooring in our master bath. Jamie was quick to return my calls and texts, his crew did wonderfully skilled work, but even more, they were very personable and helpful with answers to my questions. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them again."

Michael C on July 2025

"Had a great experience with Styles In Tile installing tile flooring in our master bath. Jamie was quick to return my calls and texts, his crew did wonderfully skilled work, but even more, they were very personable and helpful with answers to my questions. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them again."

Michael C on July 2025

Arthur's Remodeling

Arthur's Remodeling

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

225 local quotes requested

Arthur's Flooring is a complete Flooring Store that is family owned and operated. We are a fully licensed and insured Contractor that specialize in Wood floors, Vinyl floors and Laminate floors. We are experts in tile installation of Ceramic Tile, Porcelain Tile, Glass Tile, Marble Tile, Granite Tile and other Natural Stone Tile. Bathroom remodeling experts that know how to make your dreams come true. Give us a call today for a free estimate.

A&S Floor Covering

A&S Floor Covering

Customers say: Quick response

25 local quotes requested

15 years of experience

WE TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY with Excellent We continue to offer high quality professional flooring installation, sales, and services for homeowners and businesses in and around the Canoga Park, CA area. With over 30 years of professional experience and expertise, we can always assure our current and future customers that their project will be completed on time and on budget.Service. FREE in home estimate, Samples to your home, and professional installation. We welcome you to visit our showroom.

"The technicians did a great job on stretching the carpet in 2 of my bedrooms. Thank you Serj for wanting to help me with a small job. I really appreciated it."

Felicia S on June 2023

"The technicians did a great job on stretching the carpet in 2 of my bedrooms. Thank you Serj for wanting to help me with a small job. I really appreciated it."

Felicia S on June 2023

Carpet Time, Inc.

Carpet Time, Inc.

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

48 local quotes requested

Carpet Time, Inc. is family owned and operated since 1989. Our professional and courteous installers are employees of Carpet Time, Inc. and have been with us for over 15 years. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority! With 25 years of experience in residential and commercial flooring, we truly are your flooring specialists! We Offer FREE In-Home Estimates and also have a Showroom to Visit at Your Convenience.

"Carpet Time was awesome! They were great at communicating with me, they got me the perfect flooring, and they installed in a timely manner."

Abigail P on August 2024

"Carpet Time was awesome! They were great at communicating with me, they got me the perfect flooring, and they installed in a timely manner."

Abigail P on August 2024

The Magic Tile Company

The Magic Tile Company

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

146 local quotes requested

The tile and grout leak proofing specialist. Call us today for cleaning , repair and shower pan leak service. All veterans get 15% off

"Simon and Steve completed a complex retiling project with professionalism.They were punctual,polite and kept the disruption to a minimum."

Nancy N on July 2025

The tile and grout leak proofing specialist. Call us today for cleaning , repair and shower pan leak service. All veterans get 15% off

"Simon and Steve completed a complex retiling project with professionalism.They were punctual,polite and kept the disruption to a minimum."

Nancy N on July 2025

Eagle View Remodeling - Ventura County

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Eagle View Remodeling - Ventura County

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

138 local quotes requested

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! Specializing in Painting, Flooring and Ceramic Tile services, we guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today! Visit our website at https://eagleviewremodeling.com/.

"Amir and his team did a great job with replacing our entire roof."

Todd M on March 2025

"Amir and his team did a great job with replacing our entire roof."

Todd M on March 2025

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Showing 1-10 of 213

Ceramic Tile questions, answered by experts

No, you don’t need to remove the old grout before installing new tile over existing tile. In fact, the old grout helps fill in gaps between tiles, creating a more even surface for the new layer. However, it's important to ensure that the grout is clean, solid, and free of cracks or crumbling areas. Damaged grout should be repaired or replaced before proceeding. Cleaning the surface thoroughly and filling any low spots will help the new adhesive bond properly and ensure a smooth, stable installation.

The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.

Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while tile installation cost is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.

When choosing tiles for a shower floor, avoid highly porous tile materials, like those with a water absorption rating over 7%. Don’t use non-vitreous tiles, or tiles fired at low temperatures, because they will absorb more water. If you use a highly porous tile in the shower, the tiles can wear down faster, meaning they’ll need to be replaced much sooner.

Altering the layout of your bathroom will make a big difference as moving or adding plumbing quickly inflates your total bill. While you can recoup more of your cost (in home value terms) by adding a bathroom, rearranging the layout won’t affect your home’s sticker value. However, strategic placements that allow more light or better flow may increase buyer interest.

Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they’re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they’ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.

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