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>

Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Wapello, IA

Q: What types of tiles are available?

• <div><p>Options include clay, concrete, and slate tiles. Each offers unique durability, aesthetics, and costs.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to tile a shower?

• <div><p>Most professional shower tile installations take between six and eight hours, depending on the size and complexity. Most projects get completed in a single workday. DIY-ing the project takes around three to four days or roughly 16 hours. However, this will vary based on the skill level of the person completing the work.</p></div>

Q: What tool do you use to score tiles?

• <div><p>There are a few different tools you can use to score tiles. Manual tile cutters or tile scribes work well for scoring in straight lines. Tile nippers are one of the best options for scoring because they can make small and irregular cuts that larger tools may not be able to handle.</p></div>

Q: Why should tiles be installed or repaired professionally?

• <div><p>Professional installation ensures a uniform, durable surface, and proper sealing, and guarantees workmanship quality, preventing future issues linked to water damage or instability.</p></div>

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

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;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>

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Wapello, IA

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Wapello, IA 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 Wapello, IA 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 January 29, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Yes he got project done
Muscatine Plumbers
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Reviewed in May 2025
Matt did a great job! I am impressed by the whole operation!
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2024
They were very efficient eager to please the customer. Excellent work even though they were thrown a few curves. Highly recommend.
STC Construction LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
It was super easy go get ahold of Hoekstra Electric. He came the next day to replace our security light on our shed. It's really high up in the air and my husband doesn't like heights. So it was really nice being able to call someone local to get the job done so fast.
HOEKSTRA ELECTRIC LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Over a long time, Tim Kelly and his crew have always been there for us, no matter what we needed, or when. They stay with the job until it's right, and charge fairly. We've used them for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning, both installation and repair. Always topnotch.
Kelly Heating Cooling & Plumbing
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Reviewed in December 2023
Very pleasant to work with. Made sure they were on the same page I was. Great job of cleaning up!!
4our Seasons Tree Service
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Reviewed in September 2023
They were very knowledgeable and organized. They found the problem quickly and fixed it immediately. They were very professional.
Waack and Sons Home Improvement
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Reviewed in August 2023
Services were completed within the given timeframe. Excellent customer service, excellent follow through, excellent guidance in choosing materials for the job.
All Star Home Services
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Reviewed in November 2022
The quality of work was very good and quick.
Forrest Painting
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Reviewed in September 2021
It was very expensive for 13 hours of work. I am glad to have it done though. "Downpayment" was asked for and I paid for the paint as well. Overall not cost effective for anyone on a fixed income. Very friendly.
Handy Services, Installations
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Find Ceramic tile pros in Wapello

KL NELSON HARDWOOD FLOORS

4.2(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair+1 more

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"KL Nelson ans Son arrived on time to install the hardwood floors that we purchased from LL Flooring. He did a perfect job and was polite and explained the detail."

Repairing floorboards and recarpeting stairs

Hardwood Flooring Sales and Installation Project

+27

Response time6 days

Response rate100%

Recommended by72%of homeowners

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Spenser and Tyler helped me get my basement finished- including building a custom hidden library. Would recommend, will definitely be using them for my next project."

Response time2 days

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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The Finished Formula LLC

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Looking to elevate your space, with flooring that actually lasts? Look no further, The Finished Formula LLC is open for business, serving the Quad Cities and surrounding areas!\nAt The Finished Formula LLC, we bring quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and reliable service to every project from demo and floor prep to the final install. Whether you’re updating one room or transforming your entire home, we make the process smooth, professional, and stress-free!

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair+1 more

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great service and done on time"

Response time6 hrs

Response rate95%

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair+1 more

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"The design was totally useless to me. I was extremely disappointed.
"

Recommended by55%of homeowners

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

"Nick and Matt did a good job on my siding repair. They were quick in getting a quote to me and then found the materials for the job quickly too. Friendly and very responsive."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Nissi Marble & Granite, LLC

4.0(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They are super personable, quick and professional"

Response time3 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jason Lee Morris

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of stone and tile services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in ceramic, porcelain, and a variety of natural stone tile installation. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - RepairTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair- For Business

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of stone and tile services that are customized to each individual project. We specialize in ceramic, porcelain, and a variety of natural stone tile installation. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships, and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time4 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Glassberg Flooring

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Wapello, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Work hard, fast, make the homes look beautiful

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 22

Ceramic Tile questions, answered by experts

Options include clay, concrete, and slate tiles. Each offers unique durability, aesthetics, and costs.

Most professional shower tile installations take between six and eight hours, depending on the size and complexity. Most projects get completed in a single workday. DIY-ing the project takes around three to four days or roughly 16 hours. However, this will vary based on the skill level of the person completing the work.

There are a few different tools you can use to score tiles. Manual tile cutters or tile scribes work well for scoring in straight lines. Tile nippers are one of the best options for scoring because they can make small and irregular cuts that larger tools may not be able to handle.

Professional installation ensures a uniform, durable surface, and proper sealing, and guarantees workmanship quality, preventing future issues linked to water damage or instability.

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 Wapello, IA homeowners’ guide to ceramic tile services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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