OT- tiling and thinset question

Re: OT- tiling and thinset question

Lee Schierer in McKean, PA

I have never tried that. In my mind it would be a bad idea to try to put down new tile over an old uneven substrate. There would likely be divots and ridges. Grinding it down smooth would be pretty labor intensive which would make the cost savings questionable. By not removing the old thin set you would be adding addition height to the floor which would impact transitions to other floors and any doors.

For the cost of materials and labor, even if you do the labor yourself could be wasted effort.

Lee

Re: OT- tiling and thinset question *LINK*

Dustmaker Mike

Just got done doing the kitchen floor. I tried a 7 inch angle grinder and one of theses grinding wheels. It took the thinse off but put off some dust we bought a shield and hooked it to a shop vac. After I bought the second one I decided it was easier to use a SDS and a chisel to just take up the old backer board. I was traveling at the time so my wife did all the work. t took here three weeks to clear our kitchen and dinning room floor. We then used to wheel to level the left over thin set. It is a dirty dusty job make sure you wear an approved mask for Silica. Have 5 gallon buckets avaiable and a place to dump the waist.


Wheel

Re: OT- tiling and thinset question

Don Evans

If it is a wall, like in bathroom shower. I would remove the drywall and repair it and go from there. Easier and much quicker!

Floor of course is a different story, depending of several things in this case I still might consider replacing from ground up so to speak.

I think in both cases, however, removing all of the old set is necessary for a good job.

Just my opinion.

Don

Re: OT- tiling and thinset question

Tom Norton

The project in question is as follows. A vertical wall of cinderblock with Wonderboard attached with thinset. Then thinset was applied over the Wonderboard with a notched trowel. The old material , slate, has been removed. All substrate is sound and firm. My thought is to skim coat with thinset then apply the new material,a rustic stone, small irregular panels so a perfectly flat surface is not critical.

Re: OT- tiling and thinset question

Don Stephan

If the surface is not flat, when a skim coat of new thinset is applied and the surface material pressed in, there may not be continuous good contact of the old surface, the back of the new surface, and the thinset.

Customer support for the new thinset should be able to advise if new will bond well with old. If not, an added layer of backer board could be screwed through the existing into the original wall material.