Can You Tile over quarry tiles?
Quarry tiles are a popular choice for flooring because they’re durable and affordable. But can you tile over quarry tiles? The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to tile over quarry tiles and the benefits of doing so. We’ll also give you some tips for choosing the right tile for your flooring project. So if you’re thinking about tiling over your quarry tiles, keep reading!
So, can you tile over quarry tiles? The short answer is: Yes, of course! Tiling over quarry tiles is not only possible but fairly easy to do, especially if you follow all of the following steps: Prepare the floor, lay out the tiles, level them, seal the grout, and grout the tiles.
Let’s go through this blog post to answer your question in-depth.
What Problems Will I Encounter If I Tile Over Quarry Tiles?
Although we can tile over quarry tiles, one of the biggest problems people encounter when tiling over quarry tiles is that they don’t allow room for expansion.
Quarry tiles are made from concrete, so they are very hard and have a lot of weight. This makes them durable but it also means that they can’t expand or contract with changes in humidity, which can cause your tiles to pop up or become uneven.
Another problem you may run into is grout lines that are inconsistent. Since quarry tiles are hard and flat, it’s difficult to get grout joints that are even. When your new tile floor is finished, you may notice big spaces or slight inconsistencies between the joints of your tiled surface.
Quarry tiles can also be difficult to cut, so if you need to modify the layout of your quarry tiles at all, it’s important that you use a diamond saw blade or wet saw with a carbide-tipped blade.
Tiling Over Quarry Tile Is Expensive?
Tiling over quarry tiles is much cheaper than removing your existing flooring and tiling from scratch. Even though you’re saving money, there are still some drawbacks to choosing this option.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to hire a professional tile setter as well as purchase special grout. You may also want to invest in a floor leveling compound, which is used to even out uneven places on the floor.
And don’t forget about the cost of materials; make sure you budget enough money for adhesive and grout.
5 Benefits of Tiling Over Quarry Tiles?
There can be a number of benefits from tiling over quarry tiles.
- The first benefit that comes to mind is giving your room a nice clean look.
- Secondly, many people have been able to help stop the damage from cracks and chips as quarry tile flooring was laid on top of the old quarry tile flooring.
- Some homes may suffer from humidity and moisture damage due to the quarry tile. If this is something that you are experiencing, then tiling over your quarry tiles could be a way for you to fix the problem and aesthetically improve your room as well.
- One of the most important benefits of tiling over quarry tiles is that doing so will make it easier to clean up any spills or stains that happen to mar the beauty of your new tiles. Because of this, you will want to make sure that you prepare the surface properly before putting down your new tiles.
- Last but not least the most obvious benefit is the price; tiling over your existing floor is far cheaper than tearing it out and starting from scratch. You’ll also save time since you won’t need to do any demolition or move any furniture.
Probably the best thing about tiling over quarry tiles is that you can choose to keep your old flooring.
If you have beautiful, antique quarry tiles that are in excellent condition, tiling over them will allow you to keep them while still giving your room a new look.
How Do I Tile Over Quarry Tiles?- A Step-by-step Guide
1. Prepare The Floor
Preparing the Floor Tiling over quarry tiles is very similar to tiling with normal ceramic tiles, but there are a few key differences.
Before you start tiling, make sure your floor is smooth and even. Remove any furniture or other objects from the room, then use a leveling compound to ensure that your floor surface is completely flat. Once your floor is ready, sweep it to remove all dust and debris.
2. Lay Out the Tile Next
Use a grout float or sponge to spread an even layer of adhesive across the entire floor surface. As you work, make sure there are no bubbles in the adhesive; if any appear, pop them with a needle.
After you put down the adhesive, lay your tiles in a brick pattern with full tiles next to each other and cut tiles in the middle of the room wherever necessary to create a symmetrical look (if necessary).
3. Grouting and Cleaning
Grout and Clean Once all of the mortar are dry, it’s time to grout! Use a grout float to smooth the surface of your tiled floor. When you’ve finished, clean up any excess grout on the tiles with a wet sponge.
Remove all of the residues by rinsing your sponge in clear water and wiping until dry (you may need to repeat this step more than once).
4. Protect and Maintain Your Floor
Once you’re finished with the grouting, it’s time to protect your floor! To keep your new tiled floor in great condition, sweep or vacuum it regularly.
You can also mop your new tile floors with a damp mop using warm water and a mild detergent. And don’t worry about making any accidental spills; your new floor is completely waterproof!
What Is The Best Type Of Tile To Use If I Want To Tile Over Quarry Tiles?
To tile over quarry tiles, all you need is a tile that’s compatible with your subfloor. So if you have plywood or OSB, any type of ceramic or porcelain tile will work just fine.
Keep in mind that not all types of porcelain are suitable for tiling over quarry tiles though. For example, porcelain mosaic tiles are sold with an adhesive backing that would be difficult to install over quarry tiles.
What Type Of Adhesive Should I Use To Tile Over Quarry Tiles?
Quarry tiles are heavy, so it’s important that you use an adhesive that’s strong enough to hold down your quarry tiles.
If you’re tiling over wooden subflooring, you can use either a tile-setting adhesive or mastic. You’ll need to use a mastic or epoxy adhesive for concrete subfloors.
Conclusion:
When it comes to tiling over quarry tiles, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Make sure your floor is clean and smooth before you start, and use a good adhesive to hold the tiles in place.
You can also choose from a variety of tile types that will be compatible with your existing flooring. And don’t forget to sweep or vacuum your new floor regularly to keep it looking its best!
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you in the next article!
