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You can technically install tile over tile, but we don’t suggest it. Installing tile over any surface that isn’t a completely flat and prepared subfloor will result in a shoddy overall job, uneven flooring, tiles that don’t adhere, extra weight, gaps, cracks, and room for moisture and dirt to enter. For the best results, only install new tile on a flat, sanded surface like subflooring or concrete that is prepared for tile.

If you have asbestos tile and would rather tile over it than remove it, or if your existing tile is completely flat and bonded tightly to the floor, you may be able to tile over existing tile. But experts recommend thinking twice before you do.

No, you don’t technically need a cement backer board for a wall tiling project, but not using it risks disastrous moisture damage. Cement is naturally water-resistant, whereas drywall soaks it in, which can lead to warping or mold growth. Always use a backer board treated with a waterproof membrane for bathrooms and other chronically damp areas to ensure complete tile shower waterproofing.

You can use sanded or unsanded grout for a shower pan, but sanded grout isn’t the best option for shower walls. For those areas, you’ll want to use unsanded grout, which works well on vertical surfaces and is less likely to slump than sanded grout. Alternatively, you can use epoxy grout for shower walls.

A quality shower tiling project is a bathroom upgrade that can increase resale value. Bathroom remodels have the highest return on investments for any home update. Tiling a shower won’t offer the potential 70% ROI that a full bathroom remodel involving upgrading fixtures, installing storage, and a complete room retile will. However, you can expect an average return of 55% to 60% for this refresh.