Investor · Monroe, WI · Member since 2015 · 691 posts · 610 votes
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?
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.
That doesn't sound like a good idea to me - I have absolutely no experience with Simplemat, but the key to tile work is the foundation ... if the tile is set on a backing that has any "flex" to it, the grout lines will crack quickly and eventually the tile will seperate from the backing... all because i am assuming there will be flex in the paneling .... if simplemat is a very rigid product that you screw to the wall over the paneling - then that is a different story
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.
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.
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.
@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?
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.
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/