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 ceramic tile pros in Eldorado, OH

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: Can you put tile directly on drywall?

• <div><p>Yes, but you should only put tile directly on drywall in smaller areas that don&rsquo;t experience excess moisture. For example, a small kitchen tile backsplash could work, but installing tile directly on the drywall in a bathroom or other chronically damp area is not a good idea. Either way, a cement backer board is a far more reliable solution, as drywall is susceptible to moisture and can warp or cause your tiles to crack.</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: Do you tile over hot mop?

• <div><p>You cannot tile directly over hot mop waterproofing because tile requires a smooth, solid surface to adhere properly. Additionally, the shower bed pan needs to be raised and sloped toward the drain to prevent water from pooling. However, you can hot mop and apply a sloped mortar bed over the top (to which the tile can then be adhered). </p></div>

Q: What lasts longer: tile or laminate?

• <div><p>Tile will almost always last longer than laminate flooring, regardless of the type of tile installed. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/why-you-should-choose-tile-your-remodel.htm">Porcelain tile </a>can last for 75 years or more with proper care, and even less durable ceramic tile will last for 60 years or more, provided they&rsquo;re installed by a tile professional. On the other hand, laminate flooring has an average lifespan of around 20 years, and you might only get 10 to 15 years out of low-cost laminate flooring. As such, tile will add far more value to your home than laminate.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Eldorado, OH

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Eldorado, OH 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 Eldorado, OH 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 May 31, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Tammy Kelly was great to work with. She listened to my needs and gave the project a thorough review even asked questions I wouldn’t have thought of. She provided design input and put the floors I was considering into a virtual view I’ve posted both I consider in the pictures. In the end I...
Refloor - Cincinnati
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Reviewed in April 2023
Did a great job clearing trees and brush in addition to searching for field drain tile. Would use again.
Dirt X Construction & Excavating, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
He was very professional and efficient! Floors look great! Will hire again for future services!!
M & F Home Restoration LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
Dani was highly recommended by a friend when I needed my home painted. She was easy to work with and provided great customer service. She did our kitchen cabinets, stucco living room, fireplace, stairway, and bathroom.
DK Painting
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Reviewed in November 2020
They have done all kinds of different work for me from painting, flooring, drywall, tiling, landscaping, electrical, and many others.They are very honest, if they can not accomplish what you have asked them to do they will tell you.
S U I O, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
Hiring CBR Services was one of the worst mistakes, and certainly the most expensive (over $9,400) mistake, I’ve ever made. They were contracted through a large, reputable local plumbing company to remodel two bathrooms. I should have been suspicious when, during the demo of the master bathroom,...
CBR Services
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Reviewed in November 2019
DB Plumbing was absolutely perfect in all areas: quality, service, and price! They remodeled our bathroom in a special time limit for us (hubby having surgery). Communication was excellent, returned phone calls and texts within minutes. The crew was fantastic, friendly, on time, going above and...
DB Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2017
My project was to completely upgrade an older bathroom which had not been remodeled since the mid-70's. The bathroom had no tile in it. Just the basics with a fiberglass shower, vinyl flooring, and drywall. There was some water damage to the lower drywall in a few places. Nathan worked...
True Tile
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Reviewed in March 2017
I am amused at Mr. Caldwell’s simplistic response to the damage done to my property. What he has failed to address are the following points as follows. Whereas the pickup of the load went OK, the unsupervised delivery the next day was marred by bad behavior from some of his crew and bad...
Hardesty Moving and Storage- North American Lines
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Reviewed in June 2015
April, 2014 we signed a contract for a complete custom kitchen remodel. The job included removing walls, replacing flooring, new cabinets, counters, backsplash, new gas line, new vent line for range hood, removing existing lights and installing new LED can lights and pendant lighting. The agreed...
Kitchens By Design
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Find Ceramic tile pros in Eldorado

JW Home Solutions

4.9(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"R&J Masonry was excellent! Fast, efficient and quality work. I needed repairs for a section of my driveway that had cracked and was sinking. R&J inspected the property immediately and fixed it within a day, answering my questions and going above and beyond. I’d recommend them for jobs of any size."

Response time1 day

Response rate95%

39 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Tri State Complete Home Repair and Maintenance

4.5(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair+1 more

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent work. Very efficient. Solved a problem with the cabinet drawer."

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by52%of homeowners

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Empire Today - Dayton

2.9(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1959

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Floors look great and holding up well Personal knowledgeable and easy to taps to and access"

53 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by63%of homeowners

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Pineda Pineda Flooring, LLC

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair- For Business

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

\n \n \nPineda Pineda Flooring, LLC is your go to for commercial flooring in the Columbus, Ohio area.

Response time10 mins

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Joseph Gawlikowski

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

Approved

Im a veteran with 20+ years experiance in flooring & general construction. I cover the Dayton,Ohio and surrounding area's. I believe in doing quality work that last years past expectations.

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Morales Painting & Cleaning, LLC

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

At Morales Painting & Cleaning LLC, excellence is our commitment. We take pride in delivering top tier painting services, specializing in both interior and exterior projects. From flawless drywall installations to meticulous repairs, power washing, and transformative kitchen and bath remodeling, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your needs. Whether it's a one-time deep clean or recurring maintenance, our dedication to exceeding expectations shines through in every task we undertake. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we guarantee every client leaves with a smile. At Morales Painting & Cleaning LLC, we're not just a company – we're your partners in achieving excellence.

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair+1 more

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

"I worked with Jessica at the Beavercreek location. I had very little time to choose, order, and schedule an install before we moved in and Jessica handled every detail for me. She helped me find the appropriate product for my needs and budget and scheduled the install for the exact day I needed (only two weeks out from when I ordered). The installers were professional, timely, and very good at their jobs! We are thrilled with the final outcome and will definitely return to the Beavercreek Carpet Store for all our future flooring needs.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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KC Tile Home Improvements

4.9(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

"He is very conscientious in helping with project. It was a very complicated layout but he took the extra time to make sure it was done right."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Tyler's Tile and Flooring Co.

5.0(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Tremendous job on the tile work, works in silence! He very excellent craftmanship. Highly recommend him!"

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair+1 more

Serving Eldorado, OH and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"The painters showed up on time, and finished my kitchen in less time than they estimated. It looks so much better!"

Response time10 mins

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 63

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.

Yes, but you should only put tile directly on drywall in smaller areas that don’t experience excess moisture. For example, a small kitchen tile backsplash could work, but installing tile directly on the drywall in a bathroom or other chronically damp area is not a good idea. Either way, a cement backer board is a far more reliable solution, as drywall is susceptible to moisture and can warp or cause your tiles to crack.

Ceramic tile adheres best with premixed adhesive or mortar. If you’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’s thick because that is the easiest to work with and ensures the tiles will sit flat.

You cannot tile directly over hot mop waterproofing because tile requires a smooth, solid surface to adhere properly. Additionally, the shower bed pan needs to be raised and sloped toward the drain to prevent water from pooling. However, you can hot mop and apply a sloped mortar bed over the top (to which the tile can then be adhered).

Tile will almost always last longer than laminate flooring, regardless of the type of tile installed. Porcelain tile can last for 75 years or more with proper care, and even less durable ceramic tile will last for 60 years or more, provided they’re installed by a tile professional. On the other hand, laminate flooring has an average lifespan of around 20 years, and you might only get 10 to 15 years out of low-cost laminate flooring. As such, tile will add far more value to your home than laminate.

The Eldorado, OH 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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How Much Does Tile Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
Ceramic Tile Flooring Pros and Cons: Could This Be the Tile of Your Dreams?
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•
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