Can I tile over wood paneling?

Question

I'm looking to tile the remaining portion of my kitchen and I was wondering if you can safely tile over wood paneling? The paneling is in great shape, and I use the SimpleMat from HD as the adhesive. Does anybody have experience with this?

Will Barnard · Answer

The consensus is correct, do NOT tile over wood paneling. Even IF the adhesive works, the cost of it is more than the demo of the wood paneling. Simply remove it and problem solved.

Henry LiChi · Answer

Can you, sure... Should you, no.  That's the short answer.  It is about proper construction and quality over time.  Thinking short term and quick fix, yes it will save you money and time.  Thinking long term, the wood paneling can warp, peel, or rot, resulting in the dismantling of your tiles.

Valerie Hiscoe · Answer

Was it my imagination or did you ask for advice.

Vic Stezin · Answer

Absolutely and diffinatively NOT. I have been in construction for 35 years and am giving you good advise. Do not do that.

Izet Hajrovic · Answer

Tile over wood panel is not a very good idea... I never had experience with that or know anyone who has, but still why would you do that, isn't it easier to remove wood panels and then do the tiles..? I recommend guys over at panelsforwalls.com, especially their hexagon tiles for wall decoration, its great.

I attached a link too. https://www.panelsforwalls.com/product/hexagon-tiles/

Cheers

Samantha Klein · Answer

@Valerie Hiscoe I was giving my experience with the SimpleMat and that I've had no problems with it, I can obviously see that tiling over wood paneling is not a good idea so I thanked everybody for replying, what's your question implying?

Samantha Klein · Answer

Thanks everyone, I used the SimpleMat a year ago and the tile are holding up very well, I've had no problems.

Jassem A. · Answer

I would hope it would work considering that stuff costs over $2 a square foot. It appears to be some kind of canvas with some kind of super glue on both sides. Some kind of quality mastic would probably do just as good of a job and cost way less.

Tom Jr. Sterl · Answer

Let's say that the miracle adhesive in this Simple Mat is everything it claims to be which it might.

1) Any adhesive or glue needs to be applied to a porous surface to give the glue something to bite into.  This means using rough sand paper to give the wall a texture for adhesion.  Also make sure that as much dust is shop vac'd from the wall as possible so you are not gluing your Simple Mat to loose dust.

2)The surface must be inflexible like sheet rock. Very rigid.  If this surface can flex the tiles will eventually pry themselves off no matter how you glue them on.

It might work there are many amazing new adhesives but you need to follow the basic rules especially with an "easy way out" product like this.

Can I tile over wood paneling?

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