How to Tile Over Previously Stained Concrete

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Things You'll Need

  • Disc grinder

  • Extension cord

  • Vacuum

  • Tape measure

  • Cement board

  • Powder fastening gun

Tiling can be done over stained concrete with proper preparation.

Concrete, such as a patio or a basement, can be stained to finish the floor. Once the concrete is stained, it should not be tiled because the thinset will not adhere properly. However, you can work around this problem by using one of two methods. You will need to either restore the concrete so it is close to its original condition or cover the stained concrete with a material such as cement board before tiling over it.

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Restoring the Concrete

Step 1

Clear all of the furniture and accessories off of the concrete floor.

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Step 2

Plug in the disc grinder using an extension cord. Set the grinding wheel on the concrete, and then pull the trigger. Move the disc grinder in a circular motion to remove the layer of stain.

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Step 3

Go over the entire surface of the concrete with the grinder to remove the stain.

Step 4

Clean the floor with a vacuum, and then begin the process of laying the tile.

Attach Cement Board

Step 1

Measure the width and length of the concrete floor with a tape measure. Multiply the width by the length to determine the square footage. Use this measurement to determine how many sheets of cement board you will need.

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Step 2

Place a sheet of cement board onto the concrete floor and secure it with the powder fastening gun. Place a .22 shell into the chamber of the fastening gun, and then insert a nail into the barrel.

Step 3

Set the fastening gun at a 90-degree angle to the cement board, and then pull the trigger. Place a nail every 2 feet along the perimeter of the cement board.

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Step 4

Repeat laying down cement boards and fastening them until you have covered the stained concrete floor.

Step 5

Begin the process of laying the tile.

Tip

Apply the tile, just like any other tiling job with thinset and a trowel, once the flooring has been prepared.

Warning

Eye protection and a face mask should always be worn when grinding concrete.

Do not hold the grinder in one place because you can cut a deep gouge into the concrete.

Wear ear protection to prevent hearing damage when using the powder fastening gun to fire the nails into the floor.

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