Should we retile over old ones or replace them in Hong Kong

We are re-tiling our 1 year old bathrooms and have been told it will save time and labour costs if, rather than removing the original wall tiles, we simply crack them and cement new tiles over the top. Is this common practice, or will we end up replacing the tiles again in five to 10 years?

Unfortunately, this is common practice in Hong Kong, although if existing tiles are in a good condition and securely fixed, the new tiling should last as long as the style does. Usually contractors will remove loose or damaged tiles and patch up the gaps with spreading or tile cement. The existing tiles are not cracked as such, but scored about a quarter of an inch deep at Incremental Intervals using a hand-held angle grinder. This gives the adhesive something to bond with.

The main advantage of tiling over existing tiles is, as you mention, the substantial amount of time, cost and effort saved. However, the downsides include the gradual reduction of room size; the difficulty accessing pipes,wires buried in the original surface [a big problem in the event of a burst pipe or damaged wire ]: and the difficulty in getting a solid fixing when attaching bathroom accessories to the new tiles.

Where possible, I would recommend removing the original surface and tiling from scratch.

How Much Does Retiling a Bathroom Cost in Hong Kong?

Cost is usually the deciding factor, so let me give you some real numbers. These are based on current Hong Kong market rates as of early 2026:

• Tiling over existing tiles (labour only): HK$40-70 per square foot. This is the cheaper option because it skips the demolition and surface preparation work.
• Full strip and retile (labour only): HK$70-120 per square foot. This includes removing old tiles, preparing the wall surface, applying waterproofing membrane, and tiling from scratch.
• Tiles themselves: HK$8-50 per square foot for standard ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles run HK$20-80 per square foot. Imported designer tiles from European brands can easily exceed HK$100 per square foot.
• Waterproofing membrane: HK$15-25 per square foot when professionally applied. This is essential for shower areas and should extend at least 1.8 metres up the wall.
• Grouting: Usually included in the tiling labour cost. If you want epoxy grout instead of standard cement grout, expect a surcharge of HK$10-20 per square foot.
• Waste removal: HK$500-1,500 for a typical bathroom demolition. Old tiles, cement, and debris need to be bagged and removed, which in high-rise buildings means carrying everything down to the skip.

For a typical Hong Kong bathroom of roughly 40-50 square feet, a full strip and retile with mid-range tiles will cost approximately HK$8,000-15,000 all in. Tiling over existing tiles for the same area might come in at HK$4,000-8,000. The saving is real, but as I explained above, it comes with compromises.

What Are the Risks of Tiling Over Old Tiles?

I have been doing this work in Hong Kong long enough to have seen the consequences of tiling over old tiles many times. Here are the specific risks you need to understand:

• Weight loading on walls: A double layer of tiles plus adhesive adds significant weight. In older Hong Kong apartments, internal partition walls are often lightweight block or even stud walls that were not designed to carry this load. I have seen tiles separate from walls in sheets because the wall itself could not bear the combined weight. This is particularly risky in buildings over 30 years old.
• Reduced room size: Each layer of tiles and adhesive adds roughly 12-15mm to every wall surface. In a Hong Kong bathroom that is already compact, losing 25-30mm from each wall means your room shrinks noticeably. Doors may not close properly, shower screens may not fit, and vanity units may need trimming.
• Hidden problems stay hidden: The original tiles may be concealing damp patches, cracked waterproofing, corroded pipes, or even mould growth. Tiling over the top locks these problems in and makes them much harder and more expensive to fix later.
• Accessory mounting difficulties: When you try to mount towel rails, mirrors, or cabinets on double-layered tiles, you need much longer fixings to reach the solid wall behind. Standard wall plugs may not grip properly through two tile layers plus adhesive.
• Future plumbing access: If a pipe behind the tiles develops a leak, the plumber now has to hack through two layers of tiles and adhesive to reach it. This doubles the repair cost and the mess. Given that concealed pipe leaks are common in older Hong Kong buildings, this is a serious consideration.

There is also the building management angle. Some Hong Kong building management companies and deeds of mutual covenant (DMC) documents specify requirements for renovation works, including restrictions on adding weight to walls and floors. Before starting any tiling work, check with your building management office about their renovation guidelines and any required deposits or permits.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Retiling a bathroom is not a DIY job in most cases. It requires proper waterproofing, precise tile cutting, and knowledge of how Hong Kong building structures work. Here is when professional help is essential:

• Any job involving waterproofing: Shower areas and wet zones need a properly applied waterproofing membrane before tiles go on. If this is done incorrectly, water will penetrate behind the tiles and cause damage to the building structure. Getting waterproofing wrong can also affect the flat below yours, creating a liability issue.
• When removing old tiles reveals wall damage: Crumbling plaster, cracks, or signs of water damage need proper repair before new tiles can be applied. A professional tile repair person will know how to assess and treat these problems.
• If grouting is failing across the bathroom: Widespread grout failure often signals moisture problems behind the tiles. A professional can determine whether you need localised repairs or a full retile.
• For any plumbing modifications: If you are retiling anyway, it is the perfect time to move tap positions, upgrade shower valves, or replace corroded pipes. This work must be done by a licensed plumber before the tiles go on.

My strong advice: get at least two or three quotes from different contractors, and make sure each quote specifies whether old tiles will be removed or tiled over. The cheapest quote often means they are planning to tile over, which may not be what you want. Ask to see examples of their previous bathroom work and check references. For more bathroom renovation guidance, visit our complete bathroom section.

Last updated: March 2026