Tile Over or Tear Out? The Pros and Cons of Tiling Over Existing Tiles

The Tiling Dilemma: Over or Out?

When planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation in Sydney, one of the most common questions we receive is whether it's better to tile over existing tiles or tear them out completely. It's a fair question—each approach has distinct advantages and limitations that can significantly impact your project's cost, timeline, and final results.

At Ace Tiling Sydney, we've worked on thousands of tiling projects across Sydney over the past 15 years, giving us extensive experience with both methods. In this comprehensive guide, we'll examine the pros and cons of each approach, helping you make an informed decision for your specific situation.

Can You Legally Tile Over Existing Tiles in Australia?

Yes, tiling over existing tiles is permitted under Australian Standards AS 3958.1, provided certain conditions are met. The existing tiles must be:

• Firmly fixed to the substrate with no hollow spots or drummy tiles
• Structurally sound with no cracks or significant damage
• Thoroughly cleaned and properly prepared
• Compatible with the specified tile adhesive system
• Able to support the additional weight without exceeding structural limitations

Additionally, waterproofing requirements must still be satisfied, particularly in wet areas like bathrooms. This can be challenging when tiling over existing surfaces, as you cannot fully assess the condition of the original waterproofing membrane.

Advantages of Tiling Over Existing Tiles

1. Significant Cost Savings

The most compelling advantage is cost reduction. Removing existing tiles typically adds $600-$1,200 to a standard bathroom renovation in Sydney, depending on the size and complexity. This includes:

• Labour costs for demolition ($40-$60 per square metre)
• Disposal fees (skip bin hire averages $350-$450 in Sydney)
• Substrate preparation after removal

2. Reduced Project Timeline

Tiling over existing tiles can shorten your renovation timeline by 1-3 days, depending on the area size. Bypassing the demolition phase means:

• No waiting for debris removal
• Less substrate preparation time
• Quicker progression to the actual tiling stage

3. Minimal Mess and Disruption

Tile removal is notoriously messy and disruptive. Dust particles can spread throughout your home despite precautions. Tiling over existing tiles significantly reduces:

• Dust and debris generation
• Noise pollution from jackhammers and demolition tools
• Potential damage to surrounding fixtures or structures

This makes it particularly attractive for occupied homes, apartments with strict noise regulations, or situations where minimal disruption is essential.

Disadvantages of Tiling Over Existing Tiles

1. Floor Height and Clearance Issues

Adding a new layer of tiles increases your floor height by approximately 10-15mm, which can create several problems:

• Reduced door clearance (doors may need to be cut or rehung)
• Uneven transitions between rooms
• Step height issues at entryways
• Potential plumbing adjustments for toilets and floor wastes

2. Waterproofing Uncertainties

Perhaps the most significant concern with tiling over existing tiles in wet areas is the inability to properly assess and address waterproofing issues. Problems include:

• No way to visually inspect the underlying waterproofing membrane
• Difficulty ensuring compliance with current Australian Standard AS 3740
• Potential liability issues if water damage occurs later
• Limited insurance coverage for waterproofing failures in overlay situations

3. Additional Weight Load

Multiple layers of tiles add significant weight to your floor structure. This can be problematic in:

• Older homes with timber subfloors
• Upper-level apartments with load restrictions
• Areas with already questionable structural integrity

A standard ceramic tile installation adds approximately 20-25kg per square metre. For larger bathrooms, this can mean several hundred additional kilograms of weight.

4. Potentially Reduced Lifespan

Tiling over existing tiles may not provide the same longevity as a complete replacement. Issues include:

• Reliance on the integrity of the original installation
• Potential for transmitted cracks from the underlying surface
• Risk of delamination if adhesion fails

Advantages of Removing Existing Tiles

1. Proper Substrate Preparation

Starting from scratch allows for thorough substrate assessment and preparation, ensuring:

• Complete evaluation of the underlying structure
• Proper waterproofing application to current standards
• Correction of any substrate defects before tiling
• Optimal adhesion for your new tiles

2. Superior Professional Result

Complete removal typically delivers a higher quality finish with:

• Better consistency in surface levels
• Proper floor waste gradients for drainage
• No height transition issues between spaces
• Ability to address any hidden water damage or mould issues

3. Long-Term Peace of Mind

While initially more expensive, complete removal provides:

• Comprehensive warranty coverage
• Assurance of proper waterproofing
• Confidence in the structural integrity
• Potential insurance benefits (many policies have limitations for overlay tiling)

Disadvantages of Removing Existing Tiles

1. Higher Cost

The primary drawback is increased cost. For a standard Sydney bathroom (5-7m²), removal typically adds:

• $600-$1,200 in direct demolition costs
• $350-$450 for waste disposal
• Additional substrate preparation costs

2. Longer Project Timeline

Complete removal extends your renovation timeline by:

• 1-2 days for demolition
• Additional drying time after substrate preparation
• Extra waterproofing curing periods (typically 24-48 hours)

3. Significant Disruption and Mess

Tile removal is undeniably messy and disruptive, creating:

• Considerable dust and debris
• Noise pollution from demolition equipment
• Potential for damage to adjacent fixtures
• Extended periods without use of the space

When to Consider Tiling Over Existing Tiles

Overlaying may be appropriate when:

• The existing tiles are in excellent condition with no hollow spots
• The current installation is less than 15 years old
• No water damage or leaks are present
• Floor height increase won't cause door or transition issues
• Budget constraints make removal prohibitively expensive
• The area is not a primary wet zone (like shower floors)
• Minimal disruption is essential (e.g., in occupied homes or apartments)

When to Remove Existing Tiles

Complete removal is recommended when:

• The existing tiles have hollow spots or are damaged
• There's any evidence of water damage or leaking
• The waterproofing is over 10 years old
• You're planning a long-term renovation (15+ years)
• The structure can't support additional weight
• Door clearance or height transitions would be problematic
• You're renovating shower floors or other critical wet areas
• Insurance or strata regulations require proper waterproofing certification

The Importance of Professional Assessment

Every tiling project is unique, and what works for one situation may be inappropriate for another. Before making your decision, we strongly recommend having a qualified tiler assess your specific circumstances.

At Ace Tiling Sydney, our assessment process includes:

• Comprehensive inspection of existing tiles (moisture levels, adhesion, hollow spots)
• Evaluation of floor heights and door clearances
• Assessment of structural limitations
• Review of waterproofing requirements based on the Australian Standards
• Discussion of your budget, timeline, and tolerance for disruption

Based on this assessment, we can recommend the most appropriate approach for your specific situation, ensuring you make an informed decision that balances cost, quality, and longevity.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Project

There's no universal answer to whether you should tile over existing tiles or remove them first. Both approaches have legitimate advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed against your specific circumstances, budget, and priorities.

For short-term renovations or non-critical areas with limited budgets, tiling over existing tiles can be a practical solution that saves money and reduces disruption. For long-term renovations, wet areas, or situations where proper waterproofing is critical, complete removal generally delivers superior results despite the higher initial cost.

Whatever approach you choose, working with experienced, licensed Sydney tilers ensures your project meets Australian Standards and delivers the quality and durability you expect from your tiling investment.

For a personalised assessment of your tiling project, contact Ace Tiling Sydney today to arrange a consultation with one of our expert tilers.