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>

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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 is the best way to attach ceramic tile?

• <div><p>Ceramic tile adheres best with premixed adhesive or mortar. If you&rsquo;re installing the tile in an area with moisture, such as a bathroom or kitchen, opt for waterproof adhesive, and if you choose mortar, make sure it&rsquo;s thick because that is the easiest to work with and ensures the tiles will sit flat.</p></div>

Q: How many shower niches do I need?

• <div><p>The number of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/your-tile-shower-needs-niche.htm">shower niches you need</a> (or want) depends on the size of the shower and how many bathroom products you plan on storing. If you keep it simple with just soap and shampoo, the one shower niche will probably do the trick. But if you&rsquo;re adding scrubs and soaks, you may need to think about installing two or more.</p></div>

Q: Can you install tile over tile?

• <div><p>You can technically install tile over tile, but we don&rsquo;t suggest it. Installing tile over any surface that isn&rsquo;t a completely flat and prepared subfloor will result in a shoddy overall job, uneven flooring, tiles that don&rsquo;t adhere, extra weight, gaps, cracks, and room for moisture and dirt to enter. For the best results, only install new tile on a flat, sanded surface like subflooring or concrete that is prepared for tile.</p><p>If you have asbestos tile and would rather tile over it than remove it, or if your existing tile is completely flat and bonded tightly to the floor, you may be able to tile over existing tile. But experts recommend thinking twice before you do.</p></div>

Q: Can tile installation be a DIY project?

• <div><p>Tiling can be DIY with the right tools and skills, but challenges like ensuring evenness and appropriate adhesion often warrant professional handling.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Hill City, MN

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Hill City, MN 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 Hill City, MN 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 13, 2025

Reviewed in January 2023
John responded quickly to my phone call and was very prompt with looking at the concern of asbestos tiles. He was ver professional and knowledgeable with the abatement process! Would highly recommend John!
JMAX Specialty Contracting, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2017
Beautiful work on our hardwood look tile floor and baseboards on our living, dining, and kitchen. Looks like we hoped.
Bothwell Remodeling
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Reviewed in February 2017
I would recommend staying away from this company. They didn't install the roof correctly and it started leaking within weeks. They would not come find the leak, rather told me to stand outside with a garden hose, water the roof all over, and then run inside to see if I could pinpoint the leak....
Quarve Contracting, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2014
It went picture perfect. Words to describe Anton and his team: Artistic Perfectionist Professional NEAT Timely Responsive Speedy Adorable (does that count) Craftsmen Considerate Polite Team Not only is Anton a skilled craftsman he is also artistic and a top notch...
Anton's Floorcovering LLC
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Reviewed in July 2013
Dean initially came out and did a thorough work up of what would be required to install drain tile, poly sheeting, seal a crawl space and install a radon mitigation system to lower radon levels that we had tested at 6.5 pCi/L to below 4.0. Included in the bid was to install a new sump pump...
Kirchner Siding and Window Inc
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Reviewed in February 2010
I felt the price was very reasonable. When they were cleaning up, they forgot to put some of the tile in the ceiling back up, but they came back right away and fixed that.
John Kivel Electric
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Reviewed in September 2009
Zolie and Mark came out and believed our budget could be kept to $12,000 and that if all items were in stock could be completed within a few weeks. We loved their suggestion of white subway tile and their quote of $12,000, which was almost half the cost of quotes we'd received from other...
On Time Contractors Inc
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Reviewed in April 2004
INSTALLED A DRAIN TILE SYSTEM FOR THE BASEMENT. WILLING TO DO MOST OF THE PREP WORK, WHICH IS A BIG PLUS. ACTUAL SYSTEM PUT IN WORKS WELL. PRIOR TO THE INSTALL WE HAD A LOT OF WATER LEAKING ALL OVER THE BASEMENT. HAVE NOT HAD A DROP SINCE. THEY DID BREAK A TOILET DOWNSTAIRS, THOUGH, WHICH THEY...
G Gardner Concrete & Waterproofing Inc
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Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Hill City, MN

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Hill City, MN

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Matheson Flooring LLC

Matheson Flooring LLC

Northland Construction Services

Northland Construction Services

Northwoods Contracting LLC

Northwoods Contracting LLC

Dennis Burks Tile and Stone works LLC

Dennis Burks Tile and Stone works LLC

J. Garza Carpentry & Remodel

J. Garza Carpentry & Remodel

Vern's Carpet

Vern's Carpet

Granite Gold Inc.

Granite Gold Inc.

Chem Dry of the Lakes

Chem Dry of the Lakes

Johnson Tile Installation LLC

Johnson Tile Installation LLC

PINE RIVER CARPET

PINE RIVER CARPET

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