Can Wainscoting Be Glued Over Ceramic Tile?

Troweled Adhesive

• If you are working with a ceramic tile surface that is in good condition with tight grout joints that are flush with the surface of the tile, you can use the trowel method to glue your wainscoting material over the tile. You need to use the appropriate size notch, based on the type of material you are installing, as well as the right kind of glue to stick to the tile and to the finish material. Otherwise, you trowel the glue on and install your new wainscoting as you please.

Dot Method

• For older ceramic tile installations that have wider joints that may not be flush with the surface of the tile, you will need to use a dotting method to install your new wainscoting. Basically, you apply the adhesive in small 1- to 2-inch dollops every 6 inches or so across the face of the tile where you want to install your wainscoting. You then press the new material into place on top of the adhesive.

Silicone

• The strongest adhesive you can use is silicone, which is rated to work with just about every type of material used in home construction. If you want to ensure that your new wainscoting will adhere to the face of the tile without fear of it coming loose over the years, silicone is the way to go. While you can use other types of glues and adhesive as long as they are rated for tile, the best choice will always be silicone-based products, due to the adhesive strength of the material.

General Adhesives

• All-purposes general adhesives such as those you can find in any home improvement store are generally effective for use with installations over ceramic tile. You need to read the tube of adhesive to ensure that it is rated specifically for ceramic, but most general adhesives will bond with tile. The adhesive also needs to work with your finish material, whether it is wood paneling, plastic sheeting or recycled tin.