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Your floors should be completely level for tile, otherwise you risk damaging the tiles in the future. When there are even small gaps or hills in the subfloor beneath the tile, this puts more pressure on the tile when you walk around on the floor. With repeated traffic, the tiles are at risk of cracking, and you’ll have to deal with tile repairs sooner than if the floor was completely level.

You can technically install tile over tile, but we don’t suggest it. Installing tile over any surface that isn’t a completely flat and prepared subfloor will result in a shoddy overall job, uneven flooring, tiles that don’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.

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.

When choosing between porcelain and ceramic tile, the best option depends on your specific needs, budget, and project application. Porcelain tile is generally more durable, denser, and harder than ceramic, making it a good choice for busy, high-traffic areas. It also offers superior moisture resistance, making it ideal for moisture-retaining spaces. However, porcelain is typically more expensive, and its hardness can make it brittle, potentially causing it to crack if a heavy object is dropped on it. In contrast, ceramic tile is a more budget-friendly option with lower material and installation costs. It is softer and easier to work with, making it a great choice for DIY projects. While not as durable as porcelain, ceramic is still a quality material suitable for many home applications, particularly small, decorative projects.

How long painted tiles last ultimately comes down to the quality of the paint job and how much wear and tear the tiles get. It’s possible the paint job will only last about six months if the tiles are in a high-traffic area and they weren’t properly cleaned, sanded, and primed prior to painting and sealing. Well-painted tiles in a low-traffic area should last at least a year.