Proper Subfloors For Ceramic Tile

Unsuitable subfloors for tile.

Proper subfloors for ceramic tile.

Installing over wood. Subfloors to avoid for tile installations are those that tend to flex expand contract or warp. Chipboard cushioned vinyl flooring particle boards of any type oriented strand board osb interior grade plywood tongue and groove planking and hardwood floors are unsuitable substrates for direct installation of ceramic tile. The experts show how to install the subfloor in a bathroom.

Wood building materials contract and expand at different rates from natural humidity and exposure. With ceramic tile you also need to limit the deflection between joists which is a function of the subfloor thickness and how it is installed. The dry product is mixed with water to a liquid consistency and poured on. Any excessive movement will loosen the tile and pop the grout.

For example base flooring layers need to be firm flat and deflection free for ceramic tile or natural stone. In the end you need to have a level stable foundation that your tiles can rest on. If you are planning on building an interior non load bearing wall you need the strongest subfloor possible. Proper preparation of the subfloor is critical to the success of your ceramic tile installation.

Pourable self leveling products help to flatten and level a wood subfloor or a concrete slab before the tile is installed. Unsuitable subfloors must be replaced or covered with a suitable underlayment. Cement based backer board. Concrete subfloors are relatively simple to prepare for tiling while wooden subfloors need a bit more care and effort.

It is generically called cement board or backer board or it can also be referred to by one of the common brand names such as densshield hardiebacker and wonderboard. Heavy objects such as cast iron tubs refrigerators and clothes washers need strong flooring. Adding inch plywood to 5 8 ply will give you a. Preparing a subfloor is an essential step for installing floor tile it provides a level surface that will allow the tiles to properly stay in place.

It sounds like your joists are well within the acceptable limits of l 300 so your main concern is the deflection of the subfloor between joists. Here s a list of no go subfloors. To install ceramic tile over wood the wood surface must be structurally sound enough to support the weight of the tile. It ensures that the tiles remain stable and will not crack due to floor movement or changes in floor pressure.