Frequently Asked Questions

We are very cautious to meet customers query and for this we are listing some common questions about tiling:

1. Can tiling be done over old tiles, or should it be removed?

You can tile over old tiles, but first you need to check that the existing tiling is securely bonded to the background, then clean and degrease the tiles. Walls have an ability to hold a certain weight, if the weight limit is exceeded the tile and the substrate (background e.g. plaster) may collapse. In order for the adhesive to bond more effectively you will have to roughen the surface of the tile then remove the dust. Cover the tiles using the appropriate primer so that they bond more effectively with the existing tiles.

2. Can tiling be done on a wooden floor?

Yes, provided that they are capable of carrying the extra load. Wooden floors have movement in them, this needs to be reduced otherwise it will move the tiles and they will gradually loose adhesion to the floor. Wooden floors should be secured to the floor using screws. Firstly I would recommend overlaying the floor with marine grade plywood boards (15mm minimum), screwed at 200mm centers. Then you should apply one or two coat of primer (dependent upon product) to the wood and allow to dry (it will depend on the adhesive you are using as to whether this is necessary). Then I would recommend solid bed fixing the tiles with cement based flexible adhesive. The floor must be fully dry before grouting (see instructions on the product packaging). Then we would recommend using cement based wide joint grout with added flexibility.

3. Can wall tiles be used on the floors?

No, they are not strong enough to be walked on, they are generally not thick enough and the glaze is different, and not suitable for the floor. Keep an eye out whether the tiles which are on the wall are porcelain or ceramic, because you can use porcelain wall tiles on the floor as they are strong enough, it’s just ceramic tiles you need to be wary of.

4. How easy is to fix mosaic tiles on the floor?

Mosaics tiles aren’t the easiest of tiles to fit on the wall or the floor.

5. Can Porcelain or ceramic Tiles be used outside?

Unfortunately not, ceramic tiles are only designed to be used indoors due to the tiles not being frost proof. On the other hand you can use porcelain tiles as they have the right ingredients to with stand the frost. If you are laying porcelain tiles outside you will need to use acrylic primer on the floor before hand, once that has dried (leave for about minimum of 12 hours), use flexible rapid (never use ready mix adhesive, always use powdered)

6. Why are porcelain tiles more expensive than ceramic tiles?

Because you are getting a superior product. Porcelain tile requires the finest natural ingredients and a rigidly controlled manufacturing process that utilizes the most advanced processes and technology.

7. Can tile go over concrete?

Tile, porcelain and natural stone can go right over concrete although a waterproof anti-fracture membrane is highly recommended. For our jobs, we install the membrane when we do concrete jobs.

8. What are the biggest mistakes people make in tiling?

Using non-professional tilers, failing to seal tile, forgetting about changes in space due to size.

9. How much does tiling cost?

Price depends upon the surface, the time involved in setting up the job, tiling, and grouting. Wainscoting, recessed spaces, multiple types of tile, and working around existing appliances can mean greater time, which means greater cost. The tile itself is a significant cost, too.

10. What if my floor is not level?

Not to worry. We apply a mud bedded made of sand & Portland mix to guarantee a floor will be flat & level before tiling.

11. Will tiling affect the height of my floor or opening of my shower?

Yes. Tile can add fractions of inches to spaces, and with green board (waterproof drywall used in showers), you can lose up to an inch. This may not sound like much but it can increase the height of floors, which can affect vanity and lighting placement. Tiling can also affect the size of shower doors. C&D Tiling can help you with these issues when you plan your tiling job.

12. How often should I seal grout?

A sealer should be applied 72 hours after the grout has been put in (i.e. once it's 'cured'). For the jobs we do, Pacific Tile can apply this or you can apply it yourself; it takes about 20 minutes to an hour depending upon size of the room. After the initial application, you should re-apply sealer every year or two.