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 Franklin, ME

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 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: Can I tile over the existing tiles in my bathroom?

• <div><p>Yes, you <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-you-tile-over-tile.htm">can tile over tile</a>. However, the original tiling job must be clean, flat, and free of damage, such as mold or mildew. Removing existing tiles is time-consuming and expensive, so it might make sense to skip this step.</p><p>Remember that when you tile over an existing layer, your walls or floor will get that much taller, so it might not work, depending on your door height.</p></div>

Q: Does a shower pan go under tile?

• <div><p>Yes, your shower pan goes underneath your tiling and helps prevent excess water from seeping into the floor. Without the shower pan under your tile, water will seep through the grout and into the flooring. This will eventually lead to mold growth and serious water damage that could cost thousands of dollars to fix. </p></div>

Q: How long does ceramic tile flooring last?

• <div><p>Ceramic <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-tile-flooring-last.htm">tile flooring lasts</a> 75 to 100 years if you take care of it properly. To make sure your ceramic tiles last decades, regularly clean the grout and tiles, reseal the grout every year, and fix any chips or cracks as soon as possible. You&rsquo;ll also want to choose high-quality ceramic with a tile grade of 1 for the longest-lasting tiles.</p></div>

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Find Ceramic tile pros in Franklin

C&R Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

C&R Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

8 years of experience

C&R Carpet Cleaning & Restoration proudly serves its customers with pride, integrity and attention to the details that matter most to you. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, customer service and ability to make a lasting impression. This is one of the many things that sets us apart from the rest. We are locally owned and operated. Give us a call today!

"Great company to work with! Can't say enough about how prompt and professional C&R Carpet Cleaning is. Highly recommend!"

Karen B on June 2023

"Great company to work with! Can't say enough about how prompt and professional C&R Carpet Cleaning is. Highly recommend!"

Karen B on June 2023

Wights Custom Carpentry

4 Marshview Lane

No reviews yet

Wights Custom Carpentry

4 Marshview Lane

No reviews yet

9 years of experience

Fully Insured builder with experience in tiling, remodeling, siding, new construction decks or re-habs of existing, interior or exterior projects of any size. Servicing in or around Mount Desert Island.

A.S Needed

42 Hathaway Road

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A.S Needed

42 Hathaway Road

No reviews yet

3 years of experience

Our team brings a wealth of experience in various trades, ensuring quality service from day one. We are deeply passionate about providing top-notch service to our customers. Our commitment to excellence drives us to do the job right the first time, every time. With a diverse skill set ranging from auto mechanics to home construction and everything in between, we pride ourselves on being a jack of all trades. Whatever your needs may be, we have the skills and knowledge to tackle them efficiently and effectively. Choose A.S Needed for reliable, passionate service delivered by skilled professionals who are dedicated to exceeding your expectations.

coastal artisan cabinetry & furniture

67 American Ave

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coastal artisan cabinetry & furniture

67 American Ave

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

Custom kitchen cabinets and furniture and furniture repair. Epoxy resin tables. Shelving. Bookcases. Cutting boards, charcuterie boards. Drink flights.

P.R. Professional Builders

No reviews yet

P.R. Professional Builders

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

Greeting! We are professional, commercial concrete workers by trade looking to bring our experience skills and knowledge to your upcoming home projects. With experience in foundation footings and walls, stairs, slabs and various forms of repair work we can deliver your project on time and on budget. Our skills include: - Measurement and layout - Rebar planning and placement - Building formwork - Pouring and finishing concrete - Striping of formwork - Repairs on existing concrete structures We are well versed in abstract problem solving and would deeply appreciate your business. There is no job to big or too small, contact us today for your initial consultation!

Hall tile

694 Brighton Rd

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Hall tile

694 Brighton Rd

No reviews yet

40 years of experience

Installation of ceramic,porcelain, marble tiles. Residential and commercial. 35 years experience. Design consultation. Servicing new england.

Brackett's Property Service

No reviews yet

Brackett's Property Service

No reviews yet

9 years of experience

Brackett's Property Service is a full-service property management and maintenance company. We have been in business since 2016 but have over twenty years of experience. The services that we offer include, but are not limited to; property management, carpentry, painting, landscaping, spring/fall clean up, lawn mowing/maintenance, and earthwork. We believe in quality work done at reasonable rates with top notch customer service. When you choose Brackett's Property Service you find all your needs covered with just one call.

Granite Gold Inc.

12780 Danielson Ct

5.00(

)

Granite Gold Inc.

12780 Danielson Ct

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.

Masonry, chimney repair, fireplaces, carpentry, woodworking, cabinet making, remodeling, home building, barns, foundation work and repair, flooring, hardwood flooring.

Showing 1-10 of 36

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 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.

Yes, you can tile over tile. However, the original tiling job must be clean, flat, and free of damage, such as mold or mildew. Removing existing tiles is time-consuming and expensive, so it might make sense to skip this step.

Remember that when you tile over an existing layer, your walls or floor will get that much taller, so it might not work, depending on your door height.

Yes, your shower pan goes underneath your tiling and helps prevent excess water from seeping into the floor. Without the shower pan under your tile, water will seep through the grout and into the flooring. This will eventually lead to mold growth and serious water damage that could cost thousands of dollars to fix.

Ceramic tile flooring lasts 75 to 100 years if you take care of it properly. To make sure your ceramic tiles last decades, regularly clean the grout and tiles, reseal the grout every year, and fix any chips or cracks as soon as possible. You’ll also want to choose high-quality ceramic with a tile grade of 1 for the longest-lasting tiles.

The Franklin, ME 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

Paige Bennett
•
Jun 3, 2025Jun 3, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Install Travertine Tiles? [2025 Data]
The cost to install travertine tile depends on materials and the size of the project. This guide to travertine tile cost will help you budget accordingly.
Samantha Hawrylack
•
May 13, 2025May 13, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Seal Grout? [2025 Data]
Sealing your grout goes a long way toward extending its life span. This guide breaks down the cost factors for sealing grout, including size, materials, and labor.
Taylor Freitas
•
Oct 17, 2025Oct 17, 2025
How Much Does Tile Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Tile varies dramatically in price, but there’s something for every budget. This guide will help you plan for tile installation costs, no matter the project.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
May 30, 2025May 30, 2025
How to Grout Peel-and-Stick Tile: A DIY Guide
Knowing how to grout peel-and-stick tiles can help you achieve a high-end look on a budget. This guide will show you how to do it.
Dan Simms
•
May 7, 2025May 7, 2025
How to Regrout a Shower and Make It Look Like New
Want to breathe new life into your old shower? Use this guide on how to regrout your shower to get the tile looking as good as new again.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
May 8, 2025May 8, 2025
Why Is My Grout Falling Out? 5 Causes and Tips to Fix It
Loose grout can cause loose tiles, mold, and slipping hazards. This guide breaks down common causes of loose grout in your kitchen or bathroom, and how to fix it.