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 marble and granite pros in Beatty, NV

Q: Why not use silicone instead of grout?

• <div><p>Silicone caulk shouldn&rsquo;t be used in place of grout because each material serves its own purpose. Thanks to its flexibility, silicone caulk is good for sealing around the perimeter of tiled floors, where movement and expansion might occur. However, grout is more durable, making it a better option for the joints in between tiles, which need to withstand constant weight and foot traffic.</p></div>

Q: Can I lay tile directly on a plywood countertop?

• <div><p>You can lay tile directly on a plywood countertop, but if it&rsquo;s a high-traffic surface in a kitchen, it&rsquo;s better to add a moisture-resistant base. Plywood is susceptible to moisture, so if dampness seeps through from the surface around the sink or where you prep food, it can cause the plywood to warp, leading to grout damage, cracked tiles, or mold growth under the surface. </p></div>

Q: What is heavier, granite or quartz?

• <div><p>Granite is heavier than quartz, since it has a higher density. Quartz is made up of engineered stone, which is why it tends to weigh less than granite. Most granite countertops are &frac34;-inch thick and weigh about 13 pounds per square foot.</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: 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>

There are 0 highly-rated local marble and granite pros.

Find Marble and granite pros in Beatty

A & J Marble Dreams

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

A & J Marble Dreams

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

368 local quotes requested

Let me start by saying our customers needs and dreams come first to us we pride ourselves in seeing a smile on a client on a daily basis as we walk in to make there dream home a reality anything you can dream off we make it happen we work and specialize in all material quartz marble granite quartzite dekton porcelain ceaserstone onyx and much much more feel free to ask as many questions as you like we are available to our clients on a 24/7 bases and we will always make time to have any emergency meeting the client requires hope to make you dream home come to life . Kitchens bathrooms fireplaces full backsplash bbq all custom quality work.

"Martin and his crew did an excellent job. We are so pleased with the outcome! They were all so nice and very professional."

Patty K on September 2025

"Martin and his crew did an excellent job. We are so pleased with the outcome! They were all so nice and very professional."

Patty K on September 2025

Three Brothers Home Services

5841 E CHARLESTON BLVD

No reviews yet

Three Brothers Home Services

5841 E CHARLESTON BLVD

No reviews yet

7 years of experience

Since 2018, we have been working hard to make customers happy. Our mission is to make everything possible and throughout our experience, change even small problems into a great solution. Our goal: make places a better place to live. Our prices are accurate, competitive, and perfect for your pocket. Give us the opportunity to serve you and help to accomplish any project you have in mind.

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.

Bella's One On One Interior Designs

1.00(

)

Bella's One On One Interior Designs

1.00(

)

23 years of experience

We have 14 wonderful workers at our business and we've been in business since 2002.

Surface Link

4200 Lafayette Center Drive

3.86(

)

Surface Link

4200 Lafayette Center Drive

3.86(

)

Customers say: True professional

28 years of experience

Surface Link specializes in repairing, restoring and modifying countertops and upgrading or replacing sinks, in commercial and residential settings, all over the United States and Canada. Replacing a countertop can be costly and timely — Surface Link offers a low cost alternative to restore your countertop to like-new condition in less than a day. Why choose Surface Link over another company? At Surface Link, we focus exclusively on repairing countertops (Corian, Granite, Quartz and Solid Surface) and installing or upgrading new sinks. Currently, Surface Link is the Certified Warranty Inspection and Repair Service Agent for several manufacturers throughout the country, such as DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, LG Hausys HI-MACS, LG Hausys Viatera, Formica Solid Surface, LivingStone, Caesarstone, Gemstone and many more . Our goal is to help to restore your countertop back to its original condition. Why replace your countertop? Surface Link can repair it for a fraction of the cost!

"It took a lot of phone tag to finally get the technician to our house, but once here he was efficient and professional and did an amazing job. The chip was in the edge of a white quartz countertop, very difficult to match perfectly, and the repair is absolutely invisible. Not the lowest bid, but worth the price."

JURGEN G on October 2018

"It took a lot of phone tag to finally get the technician to our house, but once here he was efficient and professional and did an amazing job. The chip was in the edge of a white quartz countertop, very difficult to match perfectly, and the repair is absolutely invisible. Not the lowest bid, but worth the price."

JURGEN G on October 2018

Brazilian Direct

1076 Kile Cir

5.00(

)

Brazilian Direct

1076 Kile Cir

5.00(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

WE do NOT do installation! Mill Direct - National Wholesaler Distributor Hardwood Flooring & Decking. 17 years ago, we started with a simple goal: to offer the finest exotic Brazilian hardwood floors available, online. We are an innovative flooring company that offers honest, knowledge-based, outstanding personalized service delivered with integrity and respect.We believe an informed customer is a happy customer. Our team of specialists, with over 45+ years of combined experience, is here to help you make the best decision for you and your project. We offer only the highest quality of hardwood products for the best available price, and no seconds or odd lots, allowing you to buy with confidence. We offer total value of the highest quality product coupled with outstanding service based on integrity providing assistance and support before, during, and long after the sale. We warranty our products and stand behind them. We work directly with the largest and best mills globally, giving us unmatched access to the highest quality and volume of flooring stock while other companies may be limited. We care about our customers and our community while minimizing any negative impact on the environment. Experience You Can Trust Brazilian Direct Ltd. Exceeding Customers Expectations Nationally for 12 years. Mill Direct - Premium Exotic Hardwood Flooring, Lumber and Decking. ------------------------Best BBB in the Industry after 1years! Better Business Bureau - Brazilian Direct Ltd. Accredited BBB with A+ after 10 years. (QUALITY Matters) Since registering our business with BBB 12 years ago (Brazilian Direct Ltd. has been BBB accredited since 8/19/2004) Brazilian Direct Ltd. has an A+ rating with BBB. ----------- http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/manufacturers-and-producers/brazilian-direct-ltd-in-quakertown-pa-75001117

Marble and Granite questions, answered by experts

Silicone caulk shouldn’t be used in place of grout because each material serves its own purpose. Thanks to its flexibility, silicone caulk is good for sealing around the perimeter of tiled floors, where movement and expansion might occur. However, grout is more durable, making it a better option for the joints in between tiles, which need to withstand constant weight and foot traffic.

You can lay tile directly on a plywood countertop, but if it’s a high-traffic surface in a kitchen, it’s better to add a moisture-resistant base. Plywood is susceptible to moisture, so if dampness seeps through from the surface around the sink or where you prep food, it can cause the plywood to warp, leading to grout damage, cracked tiles, or mold growth under the surface.

Granite is heavier than quartz, since it has a higher density. Quartz is made up of engineered stone, which is why it tends to weigh less than granite. Most granite countertops are ¾-inch thick and weigh about 13 pounds per square foot.

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.

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.

By submitting this question, I acknowledge and agree that Angi may publicly display my name, city, state, and question on the website for professionals and others to see.

The Beatty, NV homeowners’ guide to marble and granite services

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

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
New quartz countertops can give any kitchen a facelift. Find out quartz countertop costs, including quartz slab prices and the cost of installation.
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Jan 8, 2025Jan 8, 2025
How Much Do Soapstone Countertops Cost? [2025 Data]
The cost of soapstone countertops varies primarily based on the size of the installation area, the color of the stone, and the type of edging.
Jill Harness
•
Mar 25, 2025Mar 25, 2025
How Much Do Porcelain Countertops Cost? [2025 Data]
The cost of porcelain countertops is affected by many factors, primarily the material's type (tile or slab) and finish, as well as your counter’s size and shape.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Apr 21, 2025Apr 21, 2025
Marble vs. Granite Countertops: Which Material Is Better?
Choosing a countertop material is a big decision. We break down the pros and cons of marble vs. granite countertops to help you decide.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Apr 3, 2025Apr 3, 2025
Engineered vs. Natural Stone Countertops: Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?
Are you weighing engineered stone vs. natural stone countertops? Both offer many of the same benefits, but there are differences in price, durability, and appearance.
Catherine Hiles
•
Oct 3, 2025Oct 3, 2025
Pros and Cons of White Quartz Countertops
White quartz is durable, attractive, and low maintenance. Learn about the pros and cons of white quartz countertops to decide if they’ll work in your kitchen.