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>

How long do porcelain tiles last?

• <div><p>Porcelain tiles can last 60 years or longer. With high-quality tiles and proper installation, your porcelain tiles may even outlive you, making them well worth the initial investment.</p><p>To help your porcelain tiles last longer, you should clean and maintain them regularly. You don’t need any harsh chemicals to get the job done. Rather, use a cloth, hot water, and mild detergent. And don’t forget to learn <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-clean-tile-and-grout.htm">how to clean floor tile grout</a>, as that’s just as important as tile maintenance.</p></div>

What is the best tile for a bathtub surround?

• <div><p>Bathrooms are naturally moisture-rich environments, so choose a durable, water-resistant tile for your tub surround. Porcelain and ceramic are two popular options that are also quite affordable. Glass is another good option that’s also low-maintenance—you just need a glass cleaner like you would use on the bathroom mirror. Natural stone tile is porous, but it’s still a viable option if you choose it in a glazed version.</p></div>

Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Dubois, ID

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>

Q: How do you finish the edges of a tiled hearth?

• <div><p>If the hearth ends against a wall, you can use a tile cutter as you normally would. However, if the edge of your hearth ends with no surface pressing against it,you may want to look into rounded tiles. These give a smooth edge to your hearth and make sure cut edges aren&rsquo;t visible. You can also see if the tile you have has pieces that have been glazed or rounded on one edge. You&rsquo;d then cut the tile and place it normally, with the cut edge facing inward. </p></div>

Q: How long can tile sit without grout?

• <div><p>You can let the tile sit without grout. Don&rsquo;t panic if there&rsquo;s a delay between installing the tiles and grouting. A substantial stoppage isn't a problem, provided you keep the tile surface clear of dust and debris. Also, avoid walking over less stable ungrouted floor tiles as they are more prone to premature cracking and shifting. </p></div>

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Just Right Homes, LLC

5.0(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

"We wanted to extend our laminate flooring throughout our first floor. JRH worked quickly, got our old carpet removed, and installed the laminate, meshing into the existing laminate perfectly."

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Snake River Case & Mill, LLC

2.9(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were very responsive to our design and changes. They delivered and installed a quality product. We've been using Snake River Case & Mill for years. They are our goto for anything cabinet related!"

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Timmys Tile and Paint

4.9(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Tim did a great job at a reasonable price!"

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

"It was great. K.C. was fast and does wonderful work. He was efficient and got back to me promptly whenever I had questions."

+11

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Chaud Company Plumbing Services LLC

4.7(

)

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

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Credit card accepted

"Showed up before I was off of the phone.
Diagnosed the problem and solved it before a tear fell from my
face about having to call a plumber on a Monday!
"

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Kitchen Tune-Up Idaho Falls Region

4.8(

)

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

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were very good on first two appointments. The second appointment they were late but called to let us now when they were coming. they never gave me the promised quote or design so I found someone else. It all sounded good but they just didn't seem to want to do a $14,000.00 job."

Recommended by100%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 Dubois, ID 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 Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Dan and his crew were very professional in the entire backsplash tile project. He is a good communicator using both texts & phone calls. His emailed estimate was clear & they got right on this small job and did excellent work. They were thorough in their clean-up and we are confident in recommending them far & wide? my wife is VERY happy with the results & that makes me very happy!"

Response time2 days

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Honey Badger Exteriors

4.9(

)

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

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

"Quick, efficient, on time, clean-up. Answered my request on day one, gave me an estimate, arrived on time, and were gone. I like them, so should you. Thanks"

Response time20 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Sebastian Tile, LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Dubois, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

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Showing 1-10 of 16

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.

If the hearth ends against a wall, you can use a tile cutter as you normally would. However, if the edge of your hearth ends with no surface pressing against it,you may want to look into rounded tiles. These give a smooth edge to your hearth and make sure cut edges aren’t visible. You can also see if the tile you have has pieces that have been glazed or rounded on one edge. You’d then cut the tile and place it normally, with the cut edge facing inward.

You can let the tile sit without grout. Don’t panic if there’s a delay between installing the tiles and grouting. A substantial stoppage isn't a problem, provided you keep the tile surface clear of dust and debris. Also, avoid walking over less stable ungrouted floor tiles as they are more prone to premature cracking and shifting.

Porcelain tiles can last 60 years or longer. With high-quality tiles and proper installation, your porcelain tiles may even outlive you, making them well worth the initial investment.

To help your porcelain tiles last longer, you should clean and maintain them regularly. You don’t need any harsh chemicals to get the job done. Rather, use a cloth, hot water, and mild detergent. And don’t forget to learn how to clean floor tile grout, as that’s just as important as tile maintenance.

Bathrooms are naturally moisture-rich environments, so choose a durable, water-resistant tile for your tub surround. Porcelain and ceramic are two popular options that are also quite affordable. Glass is another good option that’s also low-maintenance—you just need a glass cleaner like you would use on the bathroom mirror. Natural stone tile is porous, but it’s still a viable option if you choose it in a glazed version.

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