Limestone over existing ceramic tiles - advice

Jonnyo · Jul 1, 2009

Can anyone please help.

I am wanting to lay new limestone tile over existing ceramic in my kitchen. The ceramic tiles are laid on a stable slab so weight and movement is not an issue. The existing tiles are slightly textured ceramic. The area is approximately 12 sqm with a step up at the entrance from sitting room and doorway out to garden Having stripped out the kitchen cabinets, the tiles stop short underneath. I would like to tile wall to wall and I am thinking of using Pietra Bianca 405 x 405 limestone (Stone Tile Sales; Limestone Tiles, Natural Stone Flooring.).

Can anyone please recommend products for the following:

1. cleaning / preparing existing tiles
2. self levelling compound to level off where the floor is not tiles under the cabinets (approx 8mm)
3. adhesive
4. grout
5. seal

I am a project manager and pretty hands on but it may be that I will get a tiler in to do the job so if you are local to me (Chesham, Bucks) please feel free to send me a private message.

Plan attached (I think)

Many thanks.

diamondtiling · Jul 1, 2009

Can you remove the existing tiles? your limestone might cause you level problems at doors etc, I use a bosch drill with a 80mm chisel attachment to remove old tiles, its a fairly rapid job to do and the chisel action cleans the floor of adheshive etc as you go. Are the old tiles cracked in any way? If you tap them do they sound hollow? they may be dot and dabbed down meaning lots of voids, not a good surface to tile over.
If you do not want to do this then use a latex self leveller reinforced with grit sand if needed for the area where tiles are missing, dont forget to bond all surfaces first.
Use white flexible adhesive to fix your tiles over the old floor, you could seal the limestone prior to fixing with lifhofin stainstop or colour enhancer, your local tile shop will stock this. I always seal after fixing because i keep my tiles clean, have a bucket and sponge with you and clean off all adhesive as you go. Use a 10mm notched trowel. Throughly clean the tiles with water after fixing, when dry seal with two coats of your preferred sealer, use flexible grout. Grout the tiles when the sealer is dry, use limestone or ivory grout, the choice is really yours, when the grout is dry you can apply two more coats of sealer, use a small gloss roller to apply the sealer but wipe away any bubbles or foam as you go, open the windows for ventilation or you might start seeing pink elephants. Observe all the usual health and safety requirements, use goggles when cutting.

:welcome::welcome::welcome:

Jonnyo · Jul 1, 2009

Thanks for the advice. You are no doubt right that it would be best to remove the existing tiles. I will give it a go. I don't think they are dot and dabbed as they appear to be very solid with no hollow sound to any area. Where the tiles have not been laid under the cabinets you can see where the adhesive has been feathered out and it appears to be a solid bed. With regard to bonding the slab, would you use pva or a specialist product.

Also, are there any specific brands you would recommend for the adhesive and grout. The supplier who I was going to buy the tiles from sells Larson products which I have not come across before. I would normally use BAL when working on commercial projects.