Yes, you can lay tile over existing tile floors (or a backsplash). Although it’s generally best to pull up your old flooring, you can simply place tiles on top if your existing floor is in good condition.

Before you start, examine your tiles carefully for mold, cracks or unevenness. Provided none of these is an issue, you can begin laying your new tiles. 

But if this is your first time laying tile — or if you want to ensure that the job is done right — save time by hiring a tiling professional near you. 

If you’re laying a new tile floor, you’ll likely need an assortment of tools and supplies, including (but not limited to):

• Tile
• Tile adhesive
• Tile trim
• Tile spacers
• Underlayment
• Sealer
• Caulk
• Level
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Trowel
• Carpenter’s square
• Grout
• Sponge
• Tape measure
• Etc.

If you don’t have all of the tools, equipment and skills necessary to lay tile in your home, consider hiring one of the best tile contractors in your area.

Depending on the pro’s expertise, the size of the project and its complexity, the time it takes to lay the tile will vary. For some projects, it may take a few hours to lay tile while others will require several days of work. 

When planning a tiling project for your home, get free estimates from the best tile contractors near you and ask them how long it would take them to complete your job.  

Ceramic and porcelain are some of the more popular types of tile, but there are a few differences: 

Consult with a top tile contractor near you and get free estimates on how much installing tile will cost you. 

Having a tile floor may increase your home’s value, but it might depend on the type of tile you install and the trends in the real estate market.

Chat with your realtor or a real estate expert to figure out what types of home repairs and remodeling projects you should tackle before you put your home on the market. It might make sense to add new tiles when renovating your kitchen or bathroom, for example. 

If you decide to include new tiling in your home remodeling project, contact the best tile installation pros near you to get free estimates.

There are many different types of tile to choose from, and they all have unique benefits when it comes to aesthetics, longevity, durability and safety.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are often popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they are water-resistant, making them a go-to choice for floors and backsplashes. Marble tile is also a great choice for kitchen and bathroom floors, and granite tiles are popular for countertops. 

Consult with a tile installation professional to figure out what type of tile you should install in your home.

Dirt, mildew and grime can make your grout lines look downright tragic. If you have the ability, DIY tile and grout cleaning is definitely doable. Your main obstacles are time, project size, availability of the right materials and effort. Your first step in tile and grout cleaning is making sure the surface area is cleaned of basic dirt and buildup and wiped down. Be sure not to use a bleach-based cleaning agent, which could react dangerously with the vinegar used in later steps.

Depending on the delicacy of your tile and grout, it may be wise to start with water and friction before proceeding to a cleaning solution. In the shower you can spray the area while brushing gently, or use a spray bottle filled with warm water on countertops or floors. If water won’t do the trick, try a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar, and repeat the gentle brushing motion. This combination should begin to lift dirt and grime from the grout. For additional tile and grout cleaning power, baking soda applied directly to grout lines and sprayed with your water vinegar solution can help suds off sticky grime. If your DIY cleaning solutions aren’t doing the trick, store-bought sprays and pastes may have more cleansing power. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and enjoy your sparkling clean grout.

Tile and grout cleaning supplies include:

• Old standard or electric toothbrush
• Stiff bristle brush
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Commercial grout cleaner

The national average cost for tile and grout cleaning ranges from $190 to $250. Pros may charge a flat fee or by the square foot. Rates can vary depending on the type of tile and grout you have (more delicate tiles may mean specialized products or careful handwashing), how dirty your tile and grout are, and what part of the country you are in (regional labor rates and costs to do business affect costs). For example, one floor cleaning company charges 75 cents per square foot for tile and grout cleaning for projects that permit cleaning by machine. Another company may charge $30-$50 per hour for hand-cleaning of tiles. Companies often charge a minimum fee for services to ensure their business expenses are met when they accept a job, no matter how small. In addition, a tile and flooring cleaning professional may charge added fees, such as $25 or more, to move heavy furniture or appliances.

If you need tile and grout cleaning and don’t have the time or mobility for scrubbing your entire house on your hands and knees, it’s time to turn to the pros. Tile and grout cleaning professionals have industrial-grade machines designed for the sole task of cleaning the porous materials of grout and tile.

Typically, a cleaning pro will come out to assess the job and provide you with a quote. Often they charge per square foot (for example, 75 cents per square foot), with higher prices or an hourly rate for areas that will need hand cleaning. The national average cost for tile and grout cleaning ranges from $190 to $250.

Once onsite, the pros thoroughly clean the area by wiping or sweeping down and then vacuuming up any dry dirt. Next a chemical tile cleaner is sprayed over the surface, causing dirt to loosen and adhere to the spray; the industry term for this is “suspension.” The pros then clean the floor with professional-strength machines, which often use a combination of steam, brushes and vacuum to loosen, agitate and lift entrenched dirt. Your floor is then rinsed, removing all the spray.

Usually a small room can be cleaned in under an hour. Applying a sealant afterward is recommend and will also affect cost.

Porcelain tiles are more durable and have a longer lifespan than ceramic tile. If you're installing flooring in an area with high traffic or lots of heavy furniture, porcelain tiles will look better for longer. They’re also very easy to clean and maintain. Porcelain is also very water-resistant and can hold up in places like bathrooms and rooms with jacuzzis, hot tubs, or swimming pools. 

But if the cost is your top priority, ceramic tiles are often more affordable. Ceramic tile prices start as low as $0.45 or $0.50 per square foot, and porcelain tile starts at $3 per square foot.