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 Montezuma, KS

Q: Can you lay tile and grout the same day?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s not a good idea to lay tile and grout on the same day. The adhesive or thin-set that sticks the tiles to the surface needs plenty of time to dry before you can grout. Wait for 24 to 48 hours, depending on moisture levels in the space. The tiles can become misaligned and more prone to damage if you don&rsquo;t wait.</p></div>

Q: What can I use instead of tile spacers?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re out of spacers for your tile installation, you can use pennies. Each time you place a tile, stick the pennies around the edges (on the sides and the corners). Like working with spacers, you&rsquo;ll want the same amount of space around each tile before they set. </p></div>

Q: What is the best adhesive for ceramic tile on concrete?

• <div><p>Thinset mortar is the best adhesive for ceramic tiles on concrete. It is easy to work with and has a slower dry time than mastic or epoxy mortars. This longer dry time gives the installer more time to adjust tiles, which is especially useful for DIYers who may not have tile installation experience. It can also be built up to help level any depressions or gaps in the concrete subfloor.</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>

Q: What do you put down under ceramic tile?

• <div><p>The underlayment determines a ceramic tile&rsquo;s sturdiness, and a cement board or backer board works best. Be sure to tape the joints when using these materials, and consider laying it on top of a layer of thin-set for more stability.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Montezuma, KS

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Montezuma, KS 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 Montezuma, KS 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 November 17, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
These guys are hard to come by nowadays. They went over and beyond the contract. The wall in my bathroom was not level and when I asked them to install these 3 panel vanity mirrors it was not as straight and level as it should be because of old wall. So they fixed the walls without charging me....
KC Pro Remodeling
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Reviewed in January 2024
Mike installed ceiling tiles in our kitchen and bathroom. He also completed a list of odds and ends jobs that needed done in the house. I was so impressed with his communication before, during, and after the work as well as his professionalism. I have another project in the work and have...
MLP Home Services
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Reviewed in March 2020
This is the company to hire! My tile foors and grout were pretty bad but in a couple of hours they were sparkling! The owner was great - written price before he began, no surprises, and couldn't have been nicer. I highly recommend Fancy Floors!!
Fancy Floor
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Reviewed in July 2017
It was a $140,000 remodel and they worked 3-4 months. The reviews are all true, until adversity comes and things begin to significantly change. What used to be true during the first part of the job was no longer the case. Recommended for a small, finite job. Randy sincerely wants to do what's...
Remodel Masters
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Reviewed in April 2014
When we ordered they said 4 - 6 weeks which would work out great for our planned vacation. We were going to remodel our master bathroom while on vacation. They called the week before our vacation and said the cabinets were in. The next week, Monday, I called to schedule a pick up. I was then...
Kitchens Baths & Unfinished Furniture
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Reviewed in September 2013
Jon and Scott delivered as promised. Jon bids the jobs and handles the business dealings while Scott does most of the work. Both gentlemen were very nice and very easy to deal with overall. We purchased the tile through a reputable tile shop and because we used JMS we obtained a very good...
JMS Tile
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Reviewed in May 2012
We started off by purchasing the Angies Big Deal from AA Contruction, for a remodeled kitchen. We knew going in that the space we had was twice the size of the specifications in the coupon deal, and that we wanted several upgrades, which would increase cost. After consulting with Allan, who...
AA Construction & Remodeling L.L.C.
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Reviewed in February 2011
It went very well. The work took 2 days and one additional day to seal the grout. They did a great job. They left everything neat and clean each day. The carpet was installed in 2 rooms and on stairs and the tile was installed in one room and down a hallway. Everything was matched up well and...
TYRER WHOLESALE FLOOR COVERING
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Reviewed in February 2010
Dan's professionalism is rated right up there with the quality of his work. He answers his phone calls promptly and is very pleasant on the phone. He explained his procedures clearly and responded for a bid without delay. He was fast,efficient and cleaned up afterwards. He cleaned our...
Victory Cleaning Systems, Inc.
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Find Ceramic tile pros in Montezuma

Flooring Specialists

No reviews yet

Flooring Specialists

No reviews yet

Here at Flooring Specialists we give you our most detailed and accurate work to provide you with long lasting tiled flooring at competitive pricing!

Granite Gold Inc.

5.00(

)

Granite Gold Inc.

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Granite Gold is a third-generation family of stone care experts, dating back to the 1950s. Co-founders and cousins Lenny Sciarrino and Lenny Pellegrino grew up in the family business, manufacturing, installing and restoring stone surfaces. Their mission is to help homeowners easily protect their stone surfaces through safe, do-it-yourself care and maintenance products, and protection plans to safeguard against accidental damage. Granite Gold brand stone-care products are available nationwide at Bed Bath & Beyond, Lowe's, The Home Depot, Walmart, major grocery and hardware stores, and Amazon. Visit https://www.granitegold.com/store-locator/. The Granite Gold Granite & Quartz Protection Plan and Granite Gold Cabinet Protection Plan are sold nationally through independent installers; ask yours to include the plan with your installation.

B&D Contracting Services

4.00(

)

B&D Contracting Services

4.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

12 years of experience

We are a general contracting company that specialize in basement, kitchen, and bathroom remodels. We also do stucco repairs! FREE 3D RENDERING with any remodel!

Jla Construction LLC

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Jla Construction LLC

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Remodeling

Options Unlimited LLC

4.67(

)

Options Unlimited LLC

4.67(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

General Contractor

The T.I Group LLC

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The T.I Group LLC

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23 years of experience

When your space needs a modern look, turn to the team at The T.I. Group LLC and Structural Designs. We offer a variety of home improvement and commercial construction services. From bathrooms to landscapes, we transform your space. With more than 20 years of experience in the business, we are your source for a job well done. Our mission is to provide complete customer awareness of the complete project. We take pride in performing a great job, and we guarantee your satisfaction.

DR Customs

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DR Customs

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

Here at DR Customs we offer quality work at a fair price. We are local, family owned business and we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction. Whether you need custom cabinets, home addition, or handyman projects fixed around the house. DR Customs is the right choice. Call us today for an estimate 620-255-1095

Ameri-Pride Painting & Restoration

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Ameri-Pride Painting & Restoration

No reviews yet

33 years of experience

we have 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ALL AREAS residential and commercial

Downtown Brown's Furniture

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Downtown Brown's Furniture

No reviews yet

75 years of experience

Retail Furniture and Flooring

COMPLETE FLOOR COVERING, INC

No reviews yet

COMPLETE FLOOR COVERING, INC

No reviews yet

28 years of experience

A complete floor store with all the latest floor coverings, area rugs, unique framed wall prints and floor cleaning products backed by exceptional customer service. We have access to many reputable installers. Please contact us at (785) 823-2800 for details!

Showing 1-10 of 21

Ceramic Tile questions, answered by experts

It’s not a good idea to lay tile and grout on the same day. The adhesive or thin-set that sticks the tiles to the surface needs plenty of time to dry before you can grout. Wait for 24 to 48 hours, depending on moisture levels in the space. The tiles can become misaligned and more prone to damage if you don’t wait.

If you’re out of spacers for your tile installation, you can use pennies. Each time you place a tile, stick the pennies around the edges (on the sides and the corners). Like working with spacers, you’ll want the same amount of space around each tile before they set.

Thinset mortar is the best adhesive for ceramic tiles on concrete. It is easy to work with and has a slower dry time than mastic or epoxy mortars. This longer dry time gives the installer more time to adjust tiles, which is especially useful for DIYers who may not have tile installation experience. It can also be built up to help level any depressions or gaps in the concrete subfloor.

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 underlayment determines a ceramic tile’s sturdiness, and a cement board or backer board works best. Be sure to tape the joints when using these materials, and consider laying it on top of a layer of thin-set for more stability.

The Montezuma, KS homeowners’ guide to ceramic tile services

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

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May 13, 2025May 13, 2025
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May 5, 2025May 5, 2025
How to Remove Bathroom Tile in 8 Steps
Learn how to remove bathroom tile with this step-by-step guide so that you can finally finish the bathroom reno of your dreams.