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>

Why are large tiles harder to install?

• <div><p>Larger tiles can be difficult to install because they’re heavier and bulkier than their smaller counterparts, which makes them harder to haul around and put in place. Plus, if you don’t install the tiles correctly, they could crack or break. For these reasons, it’s best to hire a professional for large-format tile installation. </p></div>

Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Arcade, NY

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 much does it cost to tile a shower?

• <div><p>On average, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-tile-a-shower.htm">tiling a shower costs</a> between <b>$1,800 and $5,000</b>, with most people paying around <b>$2,700</b>. The price of this project depends on multiple factors, including the kind of tile you choose, the size of your shower, and labor rates in your area. If you decide to tile your own shower (instead of hiring a professional), it&rsquo;ll likely cost <b>$800 to $1,400</b>.</p></div>

Q: Why are large tiles harder to install?

• <div><p>Larger tiles can be difficult to install because they&rsquo;re heavier and bulkier than their smaller counterparts, which makes them harder to haul around and put in place. Plus, if you don&rsquo;t install the tiles correctly, they could crack or break. For these reasons, it&rsquo;s best to hire a professional for large-format tile installation. </p></div>

Q: How long do tiles last?

• <div><p>Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they&rsquo;re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they&rsquo;ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.</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 Arcade

Nickel City Property Maintenance

4.91(

)

•Approved Pro

Nickel City Property Maintenance

Customers say: Super punctual

29 local quotes requested

5 years of experience

Nickel City Property Maintenance is a locally owned and operated out of Arcade N.Y! Our company values honesty and integrity in aspects of our business. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today at (716)258-2100

"I am extremely happy with Nickel City Property Maintenance. Nick, the owner, diagnosed the problem and explained to me in detail what needed to be done to correct it. He provided a fair estimate for the job and followed that up with an emailed written contract. Nick returned at the scheduled time with the proper equipment and materials and completed the job in a professional and expeditious manner. After the job he cleaned everything up and removed the discarded materials. I highly recommend Nickel City Property Maintenance. Mark B. "

Mark B on November 2025

"I am extremely happy with Nickel City Property Maintenance. Nick, the owner, diagnosed the problem and explained to me in detail what needed to be done to correct it. He provided a fair estimate for the job and followed that up with an emailed written contract. Nick returned at the scheduled time with the proper equipment and materials and completed the job in a professional and expeditious manner. After the job he cleaned everything up and removed the discarded materials. I highly recommend Nickel City Property Maintenance. Mark B. "

Mark B on November 2025

Steffan Hampshire Contractor

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Steffan Hampshire Contractor

Customers say: Quality work

17 local quotes requested

1 years of experience

Here at Steffan Hampshire Contractor, I pride myself on my professionalism, as well as my ability to complete every job to the homeowner's total satisfaction. I never leave a job unfinished, or a homeowner not 100% satisfied with my level of service. I handle general contracting and remodeling work in Nunda and the surrounding areas - Call today!

"Stephen did an awesome job! Worked alone, some of the time-but I was very happy with my new metal roof- "

Cindy S on February 2025

"Stephen did an awesome job! Worked alone, some of the time-but I was very happy with my new metal roof- "

Cindy S on February 2025

BOYD Improvements LLC

No reviews yet

BOYD Improvements LLC

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

BOYD Improvements LLC is my owner/operator business that I take great pride in supplying my customer's with the quality customer service they expect when they hire us to complete the project they need done from start to finish! With Free Estimates and competitive pricing we are sure to complete the work that needs to be done correctly and in a timely fashion. Check out our Facebook Page for recent jobs completed. Thank You!

Gregoire Development

No reviews yet

Gregoire Development

No reviews yet

5 years of experience

A local contractor for any and all building needs. Fair value and exceptional service are our highest priorities. Over a decade of experience in large scale commercial and residential building, we have the knowledge and expertise for even the most difficult projects.

J.E.D. Building & Remodeling

5.00(

)

J.E.D. Building & Remodeling

5.00(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

"It went good Nice work Looks great"

Bruce C on March 2023

"It went good Nice work Looks great"

Bruce C on March 2023

Cross Town Construction

4.86(

)

Cross Town Construction

4.86(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Cross town construction can meet all your needs big or small. We build and repair homes from the ground up. From foundations to roofs and everything in between. We strive in being the complete package to save you time and money.

"Great,he does great work."

John H on March 2023

"Great,he does great work."

John H on March 2023

Calumet Pro

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Calumet Pro

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Best Work For The Best Price

Front Line Services

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Front Line Services

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Free onsite estimate

My name is AJ Hartzell, I opened Front Line Services in 2019 with the sole mission of helping people with tasks they need help with or just feel safer having a professional accomplish. Were a Military owned and operated company with Honesty and Loyalty as our foundation!

C. L. Construction

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C. L. Construction

No reviews yet

C. L. Construction is a small family run general construction company with 10 years of experience. From roofing and siding to interior remodel we've got you covered.

American Material Processing, Inc

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American Material Processing, Inc

No reviews yet

12 years of experience

We currently have 11 employees and growing. Offer 30 days payment terms.

Showing 1-10 of 42

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.

On average, tiling a shower costs between $1,800 and $5,000, with most people paying around $2,700. The price of this project depends on multiple factors, including the kind of tile you choose, the size of your shower, and labor rates in your area. If you decide to tile your own shower (instead of hiring a professional), it’ll likely cost $800 to $1,400.

Larger tiles can be difficult to install because they’re heavier and bulkier than their smaller counterparts, which makes them harder to haul around and put in place. Plus, if you don’t install the tiles correctly, they could crack or break. For these reasons, it’s best to hire a professional for large-format tile installation.

Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they’re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they’ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.

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 Arcade, NY 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.
Angi
•
Aug 15, 2025Aug 15, 2025
How Much Does Grout Repair Cost? [2025 Data]
Discover the average cost of grout repair, key price factors, and tips to save. Get expert advice to plan your grout repair project with confidence.
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.
Taylor Freitas
•
May 28, 2025May 28, 2025
Standard Tile Sizes: Find the Best One for Your Tile Installation Project
From mosaic tiles to planks, tiles come in a huge range of sizes. Not sure which one you need for your project? Let’s review the most common tile sizes.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Aug 19, 2024Aug 19, 2024
What Is Epoxy Grout and When Should You Use It?
Epoxy grout is a durable, resin-based grout that’s easy to maintain. It’s pricier than cement grout, but it could be ideal for your tile installation.