Can I Put Stucco on Ceramic Tile?

Adhesion

• One of the primary reasons you cannot use stucco over ceramic tile is that tile does not provide a surface to which the stucco can bond. Just as you should never install a new ceramic tile layer on top of another ceramic tile layer, you cannot install stucco in normal conditions on top of the tile because the mud base that stucco is created from cannot won’t stick more than a few days to the tile. Once the initial bond cures, it will simply fall off the tile.

Breathing Room

• Another aspect of stucco is that it needs room to breathe during the curing process, otherwise known as the hardening. Since ceramic tile is a glazed product, it is non-porous, which means it does not allow for a flow of air. This means the only way stucco has to dry is from the top up, which can lead to prolonged drying periods that can lead to mold and other issues in the long run. This is increased in humid parts of the world.

Lathe

• Wire lathe is another important element of stucco installations, and provides a supportive base for what is known as the scratch coat, or the brown coat. This is the initial layer of stucco installed. The wire lathe needs a surface to which it can be stapled, nailed or otherwise attached, and ceramic tile does not provide this. Since tile doesn’t work with staples or nails, you cannot mount the wire lathe on top of the tile.

Warranty

• Above and beyond anything else is the warranty. Two kinds of warranties are associated with installations: manufacturer warranty and installer warranty. Trying to install stucco over tile will not only void the manufacturer and installation warranties, but it will also void the warranties for the tile installation as well, which means you are causing dual issues for your home if you attempt to do this.