Can Ceramic Tile Go Over Cinder Block?

Integrity of the Wall

• The integrity of the block wall is of primary importance in determining whether ceramic tile can be applied to the surface. If any of the blocks are loose or have crumbled sections, they will need to be fixed with concrete or another block to provide structural stability for the tile installation. Water damage needs to be repaired and the entire surface checked for cracks due to excessive movement. Anti-fracture membranes should be installed to increase the stability of the block wall.

Skim Coating

• While tile can be applied directly to the face of cinder block walls, the surface needs to be covered with a skim coat of thin-set mortar. Skim coating is the process of coating an installation surface with a thin layer of thin-set mortar. In the case of block walls, skim coating fills voids created by the joints between blocks, creating a completely flat surface for bonding the mortar bed.

Thinset Mortar

• Once the skim coat has dried, the preferred method for adhering tile to a block surface is with thin-set mortar, the type of which depends on whether you are installing manmade tiles or natural stone tile. All mortars are rated for use with concrete blocks.

Mastic Adhesive

• While not applicable in every situation, mastic adhesives can be used with select manmade tiles and natural stones such as slate. Similar to thinset mortar, mastic adhesive requires that the block wall be covered in a skim coat of thin-set mortar before adhesive is applied.