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>

Should I replace the toilet or tile first?

• <div><p>When working on your bathroom floor tiling, you should always tile the floor first and then refit the toilet afterward. This has both practical and visual advantages—the tile will have a better seal, and the installation will look cleaner.</p><p>On the other hand, when you try to cut the tiles to fit around the toilet, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. It’s a lot more work, it’s hard to be precise, and mistakes or miscalculations can lead to future moisture damage to the tiling, grout, and subfloor.</p></div>

Is it better to tile or use a tub surround?

• <div><p>The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.</p><p>Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tile-installation-cost.htm">tile installation cost</a> is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.</p></div>

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TRUSTED BY WHITE CLOUD, MI HOMEOWNERS

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in White Cloud, MI

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in White Cloud, MI 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 White Cloud, MI 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 December 06, 2025

Find Ceramic tile pros in White Cloud

Advanced Flooring Design

4.98(

)

•Approved Pro

Advanced Flooring Design

4.98(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

112 local quotes requested

Advanced Flooring Design is the #1 source for all your flooring needs! We specialize in all natural wood flooring, laminates, tile, carpet, & vinyl plank installations. insured & with over 20 years of experience in the industry, we guarantee the highest quality! In addition, a lifetime installation warranty is our promise to all our customers! We also offer free in-home estimates that will allow you to meet us personally. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to assist you with your next flooring project!

"Joe did a phenomenal job tiling my unique shower. He went above and beyond making sure his finished work went beyond my expectations. "

Michelle H on November 2025

"Joe did a phenomenal job tiling my unique shower. He went above and beyond making sure his finished work went beyond my expectations. "

Michelle H on November 2025

Rc roofing&remodeling

No reviews yet

Rc roofing&remodeling

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Roofing remodeling tile, flooring, trim, work siding and more

Unified building solutions

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Unified building solutions

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3 years of experience

handyman services, general contractor and interior/exterior remodeling.

Century

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Century

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32 years of experience

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Century Flooring is the trusted resource for commercial flooring services and products throughout Michigan. Our clients include architect and design firms, general contractors, real estate developers, corporations, facility managers manufacturer representatives, and residential home owners. As a leading commercial flooring contractor, we delight our customers with expert advice on flooring and installation choices and installing a wide variety of interior finish products. We also specialize in and provide commercial janitorial and residential cleaning services.

KJA painting pros LLC

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KJA painting pros LLC

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8 years of experience

Interior and exterior painting. Also several different areas in the industry. Such as: wood flooring restoration, tile, wall paper removal, power washing, deck staining and sealing, gutter cleaning,

Sunshine homes

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Sunshine homes

No reviews yet

7 years of experience

Always strive to do better than you yourself can do. It is our goal that you be able to enjoy your remodel process, instead of having a less than happy relation ship with those "guys" you wish you had never called. We will remain focused on your job befor beginning new ones.

Need help with your home remodeling project? Countryside Tile & Stone can help. We specialize in residential tile installations ranging from back-splashes and floors to tub surrounds and custom showers. Email us at [email protected] or call Kodi at 616-232-0129

"Extremely pleased with the work done. Would highly recommend."

LORI S on August 2019

"Extremely pleased with the work done. Would highly recommend."

LORI S on August 2019

phillips flooring

1.00(

)

phillips flooring

1.00(

)

specializing in all hard surface flooring installation needs. As a professional installer I can help you determine the right product for your installation needs. Done right the first time all work warrantied. Insured with 15 years experience in commercial and residential we offer A+ quality work at competitive affordable rates. Tile floors, custom walk in tile showers, hardwood, laminate, vinyl click lock, lvt and more. Free estimates. Ask about our veterans discount.

"He is a *** offender"

Theresa C on February 2021

"He is a *** offender"

Theresa C on February 2021

Ravenite carpet and tile cleaning

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Ravenite carpet and tile cleaning

No reviews yet

9 years of experience

Truck mounted hot water/steam extraction carpet and tile cleaning

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Showing 1-10 of 61

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.

Uniform spacing between tiles is important for a professional and clean appearance. To achieve this spacing, tile spacers should be placed between the tiles and left in place until the mortar hardens and the tiles are secure. You can use X-shaped spacers vertically in between the tiles and laid flat at the corners.

When working on your bathroom floor tiling, you should always tile the floor first and then refit the toilet afterward. This has both practical and visual advantages—the tile will have a better seal, and the installation will look cleaner.

On the other hand, when you try to cut the tiles to fit around the toilet, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. It’s a lot more work, it’s hard to be precise, and mistakes or miscalculations can lead to future moisture damage to the tiling, grout, and subfloor.

The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.

Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while tile installation cost is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.

Deciding between using a shower pan or tile will likely come down to the shower’s design. You can learn how to install a shower pan liner, but it has a standard look similar to most other showers, though there is some flexibility for material and color choices. Tile, on the other hand, can be customized and is set directly into the shower base. However, a shower tile floor is more difficult to install than a shower pan.

The White Cloud, MI 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 14, 2025May 14, 2025
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How Much Does Tile Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
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Aug 14, 2024Aug 14, 2024
Can You Paint Shower Tile to Refresh the Look of Your Bathroom?
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Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
7 Tips to Choose Tile Trim and Edging for Your Home
You've figured out which tiles you want, but what about the details? This guide will help you figure out how to choose tile trim that will best suit your home.