Reader question: Can you tile over an existing floor?

Q: I would like to change the tile floor in my kitchen, and extend the tiled area to a hallway. I was advised that it is possible to "tile over tile" in the kitchen, and to build up the floor under the new area to be tiled. Is this a good idea?

- Louise

A: I checked with my friends at Lakeshore Home Maintenance (you can follow them on Twitter, too), and they say this isn't an easy yes or no situation.

It can be done, but not in every instance. An existing tile floor can be tiled over so long as it's stable.

How do you know if it's stable? Any signs of cracking tiles or broken grout means it's a no go. If you tile over an unstable floor, you'll end up having the same issues again with your new tiles.

If you're looking to tile over other flooring types, it too needs to be in good condition. Squeaks in the floor are a sign it needs to be stabilized before tiling.

And, if you are considering tiling over existing flooring, it's important to remember that you're adding upwards of half an inch to that floor - creating a step up into the kitchen, or the need to build up the adjoining floors.

In this case, building up the hall floor so it's level to the kitchen would mean a "step down" to rooms off the hallway, as their unchanged floors would be at least half-an-inch lower.

Hope that helps!