Now that we are settled in our new home, we have begun looking at the ugly green tile surrounding our see-through fireplace……They are ceramic tiles….We are thinking of covering the tiles with sandstone tiles or something similar….Is this advisable or should we just tear them up and start over?
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I'm not a tilesetter, just a remodeler. I don't think there is any product that will give an adequate bond over tile. My first reaction is take them out, and retile with the product you like.
"he...never charged nothing for his preaching, and it was worth it, too" - Mark Twain
That was our first reaction, too......The color is this really ugly institutional green! Thanks.....
Carole....tiling over them is certainly an option. They'll need to have the finish roughed up a bit to improve the bonding.
What may cause some headaches is covering the exposed edges of the old in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
If its my own home, or cost isn't too great a concern, I'd opt to remove the existing. Better job all around.
Remodeling Contractor with no ties to the Glass City
Thanks......They are 12x12 tiles and we were thinking of maybe getting some larger sandstone tiles and covering them......Our budget is pretty tight right now, but I think you and Huck's suggestions are good......
Forgot to mention, that we can get saltillo tiles here real cheap......We are close to Mexico, you know:).......Also, there are many, many places that sell this product and they do warn about laying them down on existing tiles....The beauty of these tiles made in Mexico is that they are laid out in the sun to dry and often little critters walk over them leaving their footprints......
...they do warn about laying them down on existing tiles....
Then I wouldn't take any chances. The money saved now, by not removing the existing, may mean very little down the road.
...they are laid out in the sun to dry and often little critters walk over them leaving their footprints......
Ah yes....I've seen them. Beautiful.
Remodeling Contractor with no ties to the Glass City
Well, I'll pass this along to my husband, who by the way is going to do all the work.....:) thanks for your input..They are beautiful tiles......
I hate to be negative, but why is it beauty to have footprints across tile, but horrible to have footprints across your newly poured concrete driveway or sidewalk? ;-)
If you put saltillo tiles down be sure to seal them.....alot.....and often.....or they will quickly get not so beautiful in a high traffic area.I have them in my house; I learned this the hard way.
I have heard this from several people.....A good friend has them here and he has to have them professionally cleaned and sealed....Expensive!Thanks, dug....But, but they are beautiful.....:)
Stop!
How old are the tiles?
Some "green tiles" (I think GRuehl???sp??) from 1910-1930 are very valuable.
No, this house was built in '95 and, believe me, they are ugly........
You could potentially put a layer of backerboard right over them.
Edges are a bit tricky depending upon layout, but could be overcome with spacers and tile pieces that wrap.
We are going to do one small space at a time......Maybe then, we will figure out what works and what doesn't.......Thanks so much for your input.....