A: By and large, placing a new tile over an old tile is not a great idea. First, you are assuming the subfloor is in good shape, and that the existing floor joists are capable of handling the weight of the first floor, let alone the second layer.

Second, you will need to bond the new tile to the old surface. Whether you set a layer of concrete backer board over the exisiting tile, or tile directly over the old tile, you will need to use an epoxy mortar to bond the new and old surfaces. Epoxy products are a particularly unforgiving product with a short working time and are impossible to clean up once fired.

If these factors don't slow you down, the next step is to compensate for the additional floor height: remove the base, cut down the door casing, cut down the door(s), remove the toilet, and add an additional wax ring. Finally, prepare a transition strip between the new floor height and the floor leading to the bathroom.

Given the amount of work involved, I would suggest that removing the existing tile and replacing it is more cost effective and will produce a better result.

A professional tile setter could have both bathrooms done in three to five days. And, you would have a guarantee to go with your new floors.

This information is brought to you by Dave Bowen of Western Pacific Construction in Denver, Colorado.

To locate a professional to replace the tile properly, please visit Home Advisor, type "Install Tiling" into the search box, submit a service request and be matched with the ideal service professionals in your area.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com