Can a Tile Backsplash Be Added Even if a Partial Backsplash Exists?

Plan the Design

• The new backsplash should be planned before you go shopping for materials. Obviously, adding tile to the existing backsplash requires much less tile than tiling over, but it also can be done with regular mastic and grout. Tiling over existing tile requires extensive surface preparation, and you may have to invest in a belt sander and enough tools and materials to build a temporary bracing system. The new tile won't adhere to the existing tile until the mortar is set, so bracing is essential to prevent slippage. Of course, if your existing backsplash is wood or laminate, you can tile over it normally.

Depth Difference

• Old tiles and other backsplash surfaces may not match the thickness of modern tiles -- this means there will be a definite difference in profile between the two areas. The difference is even more pronounced if you tile over existing tile and continue up the wall. In some cases, this can be incorporated into the design to provide a nice three-dimensional element, or the use of skinny border or accent tiles at the divide can disguise the difference.

Borders

• If your existing backsplash has a bullnose border, it's best to remove that row before installing additional tiles to avoid a strange grout line. Even if the border is done with regular tiles and grout edges, it's worthwhile removing it, especially if it runs along the sides of the backsplash in addition to the top. This helps integrate the new tile into the existing design. Otherwise, it will be obvious that you just slapped additional tile around what was already there. Do a new border with the new tile, or use decorative wood trim for a more custom look.

Colors

• It's best to choose tile that complements, rather than matches, your existing backsplash. Matching tile color is notoriously difficult, and even purchasing the same tile from the same manufacturer doesn't guarantee a perfect match unless the tiles are from the same lot. The color may be off by the tiniest shade, and you may not notice until it's installed. If you're tiling over the entire area, color isn't an issue; but if you're planning to tile around a non-tile backsplash, it becomes trickier because wood and laminate surfaces are difficult to match in terms of texture and surface.