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>

Is it better to cut tile wet or dry?

• <div><p>Generally speaking, it is better to cut tile wet when using a fast-moving wet saw to reduce dust and chipping. However, tile can be cut dry when using just about any cutting tool. Dry cutting will result in a bigger mess and may increase the risk of chipping or cracking, but if you’re just making small cuts, dry cutting is a safe and viable option. Cutting dry also means you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-clean-tile-and-grout.htm">apply tile grout</a> sooner, so it’s better for rushed projects.</p></div>

Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Alstead, NH

Q: Is it better to use a shower pan or tile?

• <div><p>Deciding between using a shower pan or tile will likely come down to the shower&rsquo;s design. You can learn <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-install-shower-pan-liner.htm">how to install a shower pan liner</a>, 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.</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: 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>

Q: Is it cheaper to regrout or retile?

• <div><p>Regrouting is cheaper than retiling, and it involves less work. Grout is available in a wide range of colors, making it a cost-effective way to improve the look of any tiled area in your home.</p></div>

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Find Ceramic tile pros in Alstead

Fitzpatrick Home Inspection

Fitzpatrick Home Inspection

Customers say: True professional

15 local quotes requested

5 years of experience

Fitzpatrick Home Inspection is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business. I work with my son and we also do decks, floor installs ,floor repairs, water damage repair/replace, tile floors, back splashes and showers. Vermont licensed, #143.0134024

"I hired this company tell help with an insulation project. Joe arrived when he said he was going to, he is an extremely hard worker, and the job was completed in a timely manner! 100% recommend. I plan to hire this company again in the Spring for a deck building project and I?m really looking forward to having Joe back. He is kind, reasonable and I have nothing but good to say about him and his work."

Dawn B on October 2024

"I hired this company tell help with an insulation project. Joe arrived when he said he was going to, he is an extremely hard worker, and the job was completed in a timely manner! 100% recommend. I plan to hire this company again in the Spring for a deck building project and I?m really looking forward to having Joe back. He is kind, reasonable and I have nothing but good to say about him and his work."

Dawn B on October 2024

The Handyman Company

The Handyman Company

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

26 years of experience

Need Help? if its broken, cracked, or rotted we can fix it. Offering homeowner, landlord and business maintenance, and repair services. From foundation to roof we can help. Roof repair, window and door installations, tile, hardwood, laminate flooring, kitchen & bath remodeling, foundation crack repair, basement waterproofing, drywall repair, assembly service, TV mounting service and so much more

"This company is fantastic. They went above and beyond what was required for a small project that I didn't have the time to do myself. It's so difficult to find good people to do these jobs, so I was really grateful for the fast, reliable, and high quality service. I would hire them again in a heart beat. They got right back to me when I initially made the request for service, and even though they said they were busy, they went out of their way to accommodate my request in a short span of time. They also communicated consistently and reliably when I messaged them about the project. This company gets my highest endorsement."

Lucy S on April 2021

"This company is fantastic. They went above and beyond what was required for a small project that I didn't have the time to do myself. It's so difficult to find good people to do these jobs, so I was really grateful for the fast, reliable, and high quality service. I would hire them again in a heart beat. They got right back to me when I initially made the request for service, and even though they said they were busy, they went out of their way to accommodate my request in a short span of time. They also communicated consistently and reliably when I messaged them about the project. This company gets my highest endorsement."

Lucy S on April 2021

Legs Hard Surface Restoration, Cleaning & Consultation, LLC

240 Franklin Street Unit 2

Legs Hard Surface Restoration, Cleaning & Consultation, LLC

240 Franklin Street Unit 2

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

12 local quotes requested

Legs Hard Surface Restoration, Cleaning & Consultation, LLC is your locally owned and operated restoration and cleaning company. We have state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning products that is 10x more efficient than most products out there. Just give us a call and we'll come out and do a free estimate, even a free demo if you'd like! We are certified experts in natural stone & tile repair and cleaning.

"Job was to cut 4 sides of existing countertop, to and replace under-counter sink with drop-in sink. My wife and I are very happy with the results. Communication was great; price was reasonable; work was accomplished as agreed, in a timely manner; kitchen was left clean. Great job! Thanks!"

Rick B on September 2025

"Job was to cut 4 sides of existing countertop, to and replace under-counter sink with drop-in sink. My wife and I are very happy with the results. Communication was great; price was reasonable; work was accomplished as agreed, in a timely manner; kitchen was left clean. Great job! Thanks!"

Rick B on September 2025

Dumbsheep LLC

121 True Rd

No reviews yet

Dumbsheep LLC

121 True Rd

No reviews yet

6 years of experience

Dumbsheep LLC specializes in Home repair, Home improvement, and anything related. Services include: Rot repair Framing Drywall Kitchen/bath remodel Deck construction landscaping Interior/Exterior painting and more. Colossians 3:23

Tall oaks custom contracting

No reviews yet

Tall oaks custom contracting

No reviews yet

We specialize in custom remodeling inside and outside of your home. From bathroom remodels kitchen remodeling swapping out doors windows new flooring. We custom build a variety of different size sheds that are priced under big competition in the area. Also custom garages as well. I've been in the field for over ten years along with my employees there isn't any area we are not familiar with. We take pride in our work as well as our fair pricing because as we all know nothing is cheap these days. Please feel free to contact me and let's make your next project an affordable pleasant one

ALN Handyman Service

246 Marcy Hill Rd

No reviews yet

ALN Handyman Service

246 Marcy Hill Rd

No reviews yet

18 years of experience

Owned and operated a home remodeling and construction business. Provided quality and affordable solutions based on client need and specifications. Experience in additions, decks, garages, sheds, carpentry - frame to finish, siding, basement and attic finishing, rot repair, flooring (wood, ceramic), roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, stairs, door and window replacement, drywall, light electrical, handyman services.

Glidden Flooring Installations

No reviews yet

Glidden Flooring Installations

No reviews yet

Glidden Flooring Installations does all things floors. From carpet restrech to all installation and now polyaspartic! With over 13 years experience we know floors. Quality, professional, and pride into every project. Check out our before and after photos on our Facebook page: Glidden Flooring Installations.

Robinson Custom Masonry and Remodeling

No reviews yet

Robinson Custom Masonry and Remodeling

No reviews yet

4 years of experience

We are a small, family-owned, second generation masonry business located in Lempster, NH. Services include but are not limited to chimney, tile, and stone work as well as kitchen or bathroom remodels.

Salvos unlimited flooring

365 Pembroke St

No reviews yet

Salvos unlimited flooring

365 Pembroke St

No reviews yet

30 years of experience

At Salvo's Unlimited Flooring, Inc., our goal is to not only help you design and build your dream floors, but to make the process easy and enjoyable for you. We are a full-service flooring installation company with a wide range of experience. We can help you with all phases of new home construction or remodeling: finding the correct flooring for your home. Our excellent reputation and long list of satisfied clients attest to our superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, clear communication, honesty and integrity.

TrueNorth Carpentry

859 Clay St

No reviews yet

TrueNorth Carpentry

859 Clay St

No reviews yet

6 years of experience

TrueNorth offers any and all home improvement/ remodeling services with the focus being on quality. If you are ready to do a full remodel of the kitchen, or looking to add tile to the bathroom, or a deck to the backyard TrueNorth is happy to be there for you. Free estimates and friendly service.

Showing 1-10 of 42

Ceramic Tile questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Generally speaking, it is better to cut tile wet when using a fast-moving wet saw to reduce dust and chipping. However, tile can be cut dry when using just about any cutting tool. Dry cutting will result in a bigger mess and may increase the risk of chipping or cracking, but if you’re just making small cuts, dry cutting is a safe and viable option. Cutting dry also means you can apply tile grout sooner, so it’s better for rushed projects.

Regrouting is cheaper than retiling, and it involves less work. Grout is available in a wide range of colors, making it a cost-effective way to improve the look of any tiled area in your home.

The Alstead, NH homeowners’ guide to ceramic tile services

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