tile on tile action?

[tonyboy]

I am planning to tile the kitchen floor 5m x 5.5m. The floor is already tiled and I don't want to take up the old tiles as I know getting the floor level again will be near impossible. Is it okay to tile over the old tiles with new ones?...and will I need to use any bonding agents etc apart from floor tile adhesive?
The current old tiles a ceramic and the floor underneath is concrete block and beam. The tiles I hope to use are a neutral colour either travertine or limestone.
I would really appreciate any advice and help, in order NOT to make a costly mistake. Thanks

[wine~o]

I'v never tiled over tiles on a floor..but can see trouble ahead..any doors to the room will need removing and shaving back, the thresholds will be slightly stepped..
Far better to rip up the old tiles IMHO..
if you can lay your hands on an SDS drill with rotostop, will make the job easier.
Levelling afterwards shouldn't be a major problem.

[DIY_Johnny]

It’s pretty straightforward Tony, taking up existing floor tiles. As Wine~o rightly said a cheapo SDS with roto stop and tile chisel will rip through the job. You can get a 5 or 6kg for £40 and you can get the tile chisel for £8 on ebay. You will have the lot up in 30minutes for a 3m x 4m room. Any residue left over can be removed with the SDS easily I faffed about with club hammer and bolster chisel at the start but was taking too long and making a mess.

Self levelling compound and a decent primer will take any defects out and make a great surface for tiling. I got it right first time and I’m no pro

[tonyboy]

Thanks guys! What is the best way to apply the self leveling compound and can you recommend a good brand, as well as, a decent primer?
Finally, will the dark concrete floor underneath be okay to take travertine or limestone tiles?...due to the colour of the concrete staining through.

[Colour Republic]

No it won't but you must use a White cement based adhesive and be sure to seal those tiles before during and after!


Edit: I mean no the slc won't stain through, not no you cant tile it