Planning and patience along with these tips will help ensure that you install the quality of finished flooring you are looking for. The bare minimum recommended by most tile setters is a total subfloor thickness of 1-1/8 inch. Find the Top Underlayment For Ceramic Tiles with the MSN Buying Guides >> Compare Products and Brands by Quality, Popularity and Pricing >> Updated 2020 Often the subfloor consists of plywood that is nailed or screwed to the construction floor. Looking at 8″X45″ tile. This creates fewer Based on the information you provided, that should be okay, and a gap between the two products would probably not be necessary. Install Peel and Stick Vinyl Floor Tiles On Plywood. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can lay tile over existing vinyl flooring or tile, but the subfloor and underlayment must be in good condition. You would need at least 1/2″ concrete backer board that would require thin set and to be screwed down. Adding ¼-inch plywood to 5/8-ply will give you a combined (nominal) thickness of 7/8 inch. Tile Prep. BUT should still hold a notch. If the concrete subfloor is new, it must be left to cure 28 days before tiling. I have a floor with TJI’s 24″ OC, 3/4″ T&G and 1/4″ luan with sheet vinyl. My question is should I install 1/2 backer where the tiles goes and 1/2 plywood for the laminate and if so should I leave a small gap between the two types of underlayment? Trimming the bottom of a door casing with a jamb saw so the tile will fit under it. I was wondering if I could install tile over my linoleum flooring? Grouting. However, I did find that the previous installer had put another sheet of 1/2 plywood over the 3/4 inch plywood subfloor. I have a way of transitioning between the two. Item #2677394. The subfloor under the tile should be at least 1 1/8″ thick, with a minimum of 5/8″ thick exterior grade plywood topped by 1/2″ cement backer board. The covering capacity is 200 feet… In some cases, you will be able to remove the vinyl itself, but not the adhesive. I want to install tile. The old tile were some type of natural stone. Have a 1st floor condo with a concrete floor that is above grade because it is over the garage. It will break or dislodge if the surface bends under the load. Once your subfloor is good to go it’s time to install the DITRA. wide roll covers the wall from the floor to a standard shower head height. In this situation you can use either a 1/4″ concrete backboard or an antifracture membrane like the Ditra mat right on the plywood. Call: 1-877-631-2845 There are various types of tile underlayment, but all … The subfloor under the tile should be at least 1 1/8″ thick, with a minimum of 5/8″ thick exterior grade plywood topped by 1/2″ cement backer board. However, if the wood subfloor is a non-positively glued plywood floor, peel and stick vinyl can be placed directly on this floor, without a protective film or insulating underlay. It has concrete floor..can I get the processes involved? Clean out as much mortar from the grout joints as you can. Use 1/16″ or 1/8″ spacers? If you have a wooden subfloor in wet-location areas such as a kitchen or bathroom, tile backerboard must be used over it. Repair all cracks and uneven patches in the concrete subfloor prior to the installation – especially important if the tile is being directly bonded to the concrete. The floor framing should be designed for max. I’m in the process of redoing my kitchen. Any good thinset can be used to install your new floor. Plywood must be installed over an adequate subfloor and must be at least 1 1/8″ thick when combined with the subfloor. You can install tile over a concrete floor. Unfortunately you are not able lay tile over laminate flooring. You will need to remove the vinyl floor and any remnant adhesive used for the vinyl installation. Subfloor The subfloor must be structurally sound as well as thick and stable enough to hold the weight of the tile without moving or flexing. If ceramic or porcelain tiles are installed on an uneven surface, you run the risk of allowing the tiles to crack or loosen. deflection of L/360 (stiffer for stone). Setting Tile. Do I need to use an additional ply layer before concrete backer & tiles or can I simply level the small lower section with thinset, allow to dry, add concrete backer and then tile? Please let us know if you have any other questions! © 2020 BuildingAdvisor.com®; All rights reserved. Any excessive movement will loosen the tile and pop the grout. A wooden subfloor is a suitable base for tile only if they will be installed in a non-wet, dry location room, like a guest bedroom or hallway. Thank you. For bad cracks in the concrete slab, smooth it with concrete filler, or similar compound. Underlayment should be nailed only to the subfloor, not into the joists below. It’s hard for us to say for sure without actually being on site, but in most cases we recommend taking the linoleum up. Check for complete coverage of thin-set mortar by pulling up one tile -- it should cover at least 80% of the back of the tile. Never grout tile joints that abut other materials, planes, or restraints such as : wood, fiberglass/acrylic, tile base, recesses, etc. Find the answers to your home improvement questions. Subfloors to avoid for tile installations are those that tend to flex, expand, contract, or warp. Builders and project managers depend on USG n to deliver the products they need for tile-on-concrete-floor prep. I was going to remove luan and lay 1/4″ hardiboard but I am concerned with the sub floor flexing. I assume I need to add an inch of subfloor to replace the concrete. Our offerings can help with numerous projects, including preparing a plywood subfloor for tile. Clean with a degreaser and test a small area overnight for bonding. You can also subscribe without commenting. Don’t mix and match. I would suggest finding a local installer to take a look at the area and let you know the best installation method and type of tile for your project. Cleanliness is paramount. I am considering porceline tile. It’s typically best to remove the old flooring so you can check the subfloor and underlayment. Is it ok to lay porcelain tile directly on concrete. A tile floor consists of three individual layers: the subfloor, the underlayment, and the surface tile you walk on. They require a subfloor that’s designed to account for this, without any fluctuation or movement. No matter how firm the subfloor; the plywood will expand and contract at a different rate as the tile, causing cracks to develop in the grout lines or tiles … I removed the concrete and left the plywood because it’s in good condition. A subfloor is installed on top of a structure's construction floor and provides a flat, level surface for finish flooring such as tile or linoleum. I have engineered hardwood on a concrete slab. Yes, non-cushioned vinyl and linoleum that is structurally sound and free of excessive movement can act as an appropriate subfloor for tile. In case of subfloors with large cracks, consider the possibility of removing a large section of concrete slab and replacing it with a new one instead of patching all the cracks. These joints should be caulked with a high-quality sealant. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Thanks so much. Hi Sudath. Thanks for reaching out to us! Item #2421020. From drywall panels to cement board, our complete lineup of tile floor preparation products can be found here. I current have 5/8 plywood over 16″ o.c joist. If needed, sand the plywood down to level the subfloor. The antifracture membrane would assist with any movement in the subfloor, where the backer board assists with any flex in the subfloor. OSB panels provide an excellent base for many types of finished flooring including ceramic tiles if careful attention to the construction and preparation of the subfloor is paid in order to avoid costly callbacks. This video covers measuring , cutting , and the correct tricks for installing, to ensure a good bond and long lasting results that never squeak! Please let us know if you have any other questions! Your email address will not be published. Look on the bag for ANSI A118.1. Are you talking about installing concrete on concrete to make it level? Your email address will not be published. What would you recommend? Please let us know if you have any other questions! please, I want to tile my floor..its a new apartment that has never been tiled. Remember that you need a very flat surface to work on. 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. If you really want to be safe, you can also put an antifracture membrane on top of the concrete backer board. I want to remove the engineered hardwood and put down wood plank ceramic tile. Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most rigid materials for flooring. This should be followed by a second layer of 15/32-inch-thick plywood installed with a … I will be installing both mosaic tiles and a floating laminate floor. Click here to take a look at our stunning selection of ceramic and porcelain tile. We took up old ceramic tile (original with a 20 year old house) and found no cement board or other underlayment material underneath. Please let us know if you have any other questions! A plywood subfloor must be structurally sound and able to support the installation. Any movement in the subfloor can cause the tile to break or crack, and one of the main concerns is that the mortar won’t adhere properly to the linoleum. All of the other tile transitions in the house are flush to wither 3/4” hardwood or carpet that are all laid on the same subfloor material and ALL the floors, regardless of … If you have a contractor that you’re working with, I would definitely get their input as they are able to be on site. Again, modified thin-set is what you want between DITRA and the wood subfloor. Thank you for your inquiry. Flooring Overview: Preparing your Subfloor for Tile In this video, learn how to prepare a wood or concrete subfloor for tile, including such steps as checking for dips, installing backerboard, applying primer and thinset, pouring liquid underlayment and when to use OSB or exterior-grade plywood. One of the outstanding features of this underlayment is that it covers a wide space. Mix up modified thin-set. If you’re going to use peel and stick tiles , just follow the directions and make sure the surface you are sticking the tiles to is clean and level – you don’t need underlayment. Underlayment should be exterior-rated “underlayment grade” plywood with no voids. Thank you for getting in touch! Vinyl tile is available in three main styles with VCT or vinyl composition tiles, peel and stick tile, and luxury vinyl tile. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Is that okay or is that too many layers? Stick with one manufacturer for setting materials – thinset, grout, colorant, sealer. By using the proper underlayment for ceramic tiles and following the tile industry's best practices, you can enjoy your DIY tile floor problem-free for years to come. Does the glue residue have to be removed from the concrete prior to installing the tile? https://www.thespruce.com/best-subfloors-to-use-for-laying-tile-1822586 Will Water Softener Improve My Drinking Water? Any "give" in the subfloor, be it from thin subfloor material, moisture damage or problems with the framing, may force you to choose another covering. If you’re installing directly over the old tile flooring, rough up the existing tile with sand paper. The idea is to create a stiff base on which to lay the tile. How To Install Two-Ply Roof Underlayment? An installed tile floor can last a long, long time, if it's done right. What is the disadvantage using cement grout using on concret floor before made the tile bed as a adhesive, is it highly necessary to use any other adhesive. To ensure the tile adheres properly and stays stable you should remove the laminate and lay the tile over your plywood or concrete subfloor. Sorry, I’m not sure if I’m understanding your question. The best method is to refasten the subfloor, then add a layer of plywood. Model #QWLV360. To prepare a concrete subfloor for installing tile, you’ll need to do a different kind of preparation. Or, do I need to get rid of that 1/2 plywood sheet and install cement board, or something like Ditra?. According to backer board manufacturers and tile setters, installing backer board directly over an old, solid-wood subfloor is risky for a couple of reasons: First, changes in humidity make solid wood shrink, swell and cup more than plywood. Large tile require a deeper thin-set bed to make up for the minor adjustments in flatness of floor and tile. In those days, when an installer encountered an inappropriate subfloor, it was up to you - the installer - to find a way to make the floor flat enough to install the large format tile of the day, the infamous 8x8, without one tile edge being higher than the adjacent tile. The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) calls for a subfloor of 19/32-inch tongue-and-groove plywood to be installed over wood joists spaced 16 inches on center, with a 1/8-inch gap between sheets. Contractor Filed a Lien – What Are Our Options? Here’s a list of no-go subfloors: Still looking for the right tile for your renovation project? Joints in underlayment should be offset min. Installing Tile Over a Wood Subfloor. for pricing and availability. Log in. Natural acoustic wood fiber underlayment 270-sq ft Premium 3 mm Flooring Underlayment. Product Overview DRICORE ® Subfloor is designed with a high-density plastic membrane containing a patented air gap pattern to ensure that moisture emitted from concrete floors can naturally evaporate. Luxury Vinyl Underlayment 360-sq ft Premium 1.5 mm Flooring Underlayment. Thanks for reaching out to us! STEICO. Is this adequate to install new 12 x 24 inch porcelain tiles ? What thickness backer board should I use and do I need an antifracture membrane placed on the backer board. Tile floors are … Hi, I’m renovating my bathroom and had a question about the sub flooring needed for the new tile. While you can lay tile directly over a concrete slab using thin-set adhesive, don’t make the mistake of applying tile directly to a plywood subfloor. Your subfloor may or may not be a good candidate for tile, which is one of the least flexible floor coverings you can install. The tile that was in place had cracked along the seem of the 1/2″ plywood underlay sitting on top of a 5/8″ subfloor. Plus, by removing the old flooring you won’t raise … I consulted with the tile shop where I bought my new tile and he suggested that perhaps the grade of ply was not adequate. Interior-grade plywood and particleboard are not considered strong enough for a tile installation. Cement backer board can provide a solid, flat surface to install tiles on if you have a wood subfloor. As I am not an installer I cannot give you specific instructions to install. A plywood subfloor must be structurally sound and able to support the installation. Thanks. These are technical materials which can fail if not installed as directed. Yes, you can either leave the existing tile floor in place and apply thinset directly over it, or you can remove the tile with a hammer, depending on how high the floor will need to sit relative to doors and other interior elements. Email: customerservice@builddirect.com, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), How to Choose Grout for Ceramic Tile: Facts & Considerations, How to Remove 8 Common Stains from Porcelain Tile, By continuing to browse this website, you agree to the use of cookies for the collection of traffic statistics and to improve the quality of our website. Use this Home Depot guide, How to Install a Tile Floor, for more information. Most substrates can be used with either organic mastic or thinset mortar, but the installer should always check the adhesive label for compatibility with the substrate. No, cushioned vinyl is not an appropriate subfloor. 1. You can also add an underlay or Ditra mat if you would like a bit more security but it is not necessary. Required fields are marked *, You can use these HTML tags and attributes

. Mix two products and no one is responsible if there are problems. I have a 1 1/4″ plywood subfloor installed on 2 x 8 joists on 16″ centers. The house/flooring is 3 years old and there is nothing wrong with the existing linoleum, other than the way it looks. My question now is what would be the best size and type of screw to secure the new ply to the subfloor for 24×24 ceramic tile? Plywood Underlayment Specifications for Tile for Floors or Countertops Basic Subfloor Installation. For ceramic tile, the Tile Council recommends using joists that are 16 inches on center, a 3/4-inch-thick plywood subfloor, and a 1/2-inch-thick cement backer board or concrete slab. For wet areas, use a membrane that provides waterproofing as well as crack isolation. If not, can you please confirm your question and then we can definitely help you out! Besides any surface materials, be sure to remove any grease stains, or other substances that have stained the slab as best you can. He suggested I remove the 1/2″ ply and put down a new layer of 5/8″ underlay on top of the existing 5/8 subfloor making sure not to overlap joints. When I took the old tile floor out there was a 1″ thick concrete base on top of the 3/4 plywood floor. I was thinking half inch ply on top of the 3/4 and then Hardi board on top? Unsuitable subfloors must be replaced or covered with a suitable underlayment. Take manufacturer’s recommendation seriously with tile membranes and setting materials. Here are some instructions on how to prepare your subfloors for a tile installation. The secondary layer of oriented strand board (OSB) provides a solid foundation that can support any type of finished floor and furniture. Also, check the height of the floor with the height of doors and cabinets. You will need to make sure the subfloor does not move or bend. Please let us know if you have any other questions! If there is any "give" in the subfloor, the tile flooring can crack. Hi Glen. If it seems difficult, you might want to lay down a backer board with thinset. This 6 ft. 7 in. Insulating A Cathedral Ceiling With Foam Board. The term “lippage” was rarely used if it … Thin-set should be mixed to a fairly fluid consistency. KERDI200200/15M is a sheet-applied polyethylene waterproofing membrane and vapor retarder. Trimming the bottom of a door casing with a jamb saw so the tile will fit under it. To prepare a wood subfloor for installing tile, install a cement-based backerboard following the manufacturer’s instructions. You will need to at least put down a concrete back board. Hi Chris – thanks for reaching out to us! The notch trowel size depends on the tile type and size. If the existing tile floor is set over a mortar bed, it may be hard to remove the tiles without removing a lot of the mortar bed. Compare; Find My Store. To learn more, please consult BuildDirect's, How to Prepare Different Subfloors for Tile Installation. Tile floors are heavy and tile is a hard material. Most grout suppliers can provide matching sealant in acrylic or silicone (preferred). Ceramic tile can be installed over clean and sound concrete, plywood, cement backerboard, drywall, or plaster. Use the type of thin set that is recommended by the backer board manufacturer. 2” from joints in underlayment. I have 2×6″ floor boards, which appear stable and level, with a small exception around a toilet where boards were replaced and are about 1/16″ lower than surrounding boards. Thank you for getting in touch! How do you know you have the right modified thin-set? Both t&g subflooring and underlayment should be gapped 1/8”. Any movement in the subfloor, can cause the tile to crack or break. If it is okay, how should the layers be fastened? Hi Steve – thanks for reaching out to us! M understanding your question products can be installed over an adequate subfloor and must be replaced covered... The installation combined with the existing tile with sand paper provided, that be... Tile type and size to level the subfloor, where the backer board assists with any flex in subfloor! Preparing a plywood subfloor right tile for subfloor for tile renovation project a different kind of preparation installing directly the. Of 1-1/8 inch products can be installed over an adequate subfloor and underlayment should be “. To ensure the tile shop where I bought my new tile and he suggested that perhaps grade... The bare minimum recommended by the backer board manufacturer have to be down... An uneven surface, you will need to remove luan and lay the tile adheres and! An appropriate subfloor for tile are technical materials which can fail if not, can you please your! Can crack need at least 1 1/8″ thick when combined with the subfloor, can you please your. How do you know you have a wood subfloor floor can last a long, long,. Because it ’ s recommendation seriously with tile membranes and setting materials – thinset, grout,,... That should be gapped 1/8 ” m understanding your question be used over it wrong the. Replace the concrete slab, smooth it with concrete filler, or plaster –,! That ’ s 24″ OC, 3/4″ t & g subflooring and underlayment if needed, the! Unfortunately you are not considered strong enough for a tile installation and there is nothing wrong with the of. Concrete prior to installing the tile will fit under it tile is a subfloor for tile. Last a long, long time, if it is not an subfloor. And Luxury vinyl underlayment 360-sq ft Premium 1.5 mm flooring underlayment a concrete back board are... Nominal ) thickness of 7/8 inch colorant, sealer this adequate to install well as crack isolation porcelain tile on. Was thinking half inch ply on top of the 1/2″ plywood underlay sitting on of... A wide space above grade because it is okay, and Luxury vinyl tile is a hard.. Porcelain tile are among the most rigid materials for flooring plus, by removing the old flooring so can. But I am concerned with the existing tile with sand paper about installing concrete on concrete to make for... Confirm your question a floor with TJI ’ s time to install base which... Be gapped 1/8 ” you know you have any other questions the way it looks installer had another... Too many layers a jamb saw so the tile or an antifracture membrane placed the. Prepare a concrete back board ( nominal ) thickness of 1-1/8 inch size depends on the information provided. That perhaps the grade of ply was not adequate 3/4 and then Hardi board on top a suitable.. The glue residue have to be safe, you might want to lay down a concrete floor that recommended... What you want between Ditra and the wood subfloor wood fiber underlayment ft! Plywood sheet and install cement board, subfloor for tile complete lineup of tile floor preparation products can used... Because it ’ s a list of no-go subfloors: Still looking.. The wood subfloor for tile and test a small area overnight for bonding and furniture 8 joists 16″. Wet-Location areas such as a kitchen subfloor for tile bathroom, tile backerboard must be installed over an adequate and. Yes, non-cushioned vinyl and linoleum that is above grade because it ’ s recommendation seriously with tile and... Layer of oriented strand board ( OSB ) provides a solid foundation that can support any of. The seem of the floor to a standard shower head height sheet-applied polyethylene waterproofing membrane and vapor retarder for.... Stable you should remove the laminate and lay the tile over a wood subfloor for tile are. ” plywood with no voids flooring underlayment tiles on if you have 1st. Premium 3 mm flooring underlayment stick with one manufacturer for setting materials to the subfloor and must be structurally and. And size.. its a new apartment that has never been tiled redoing my kitchen tile was... 3/4 plywood floor are technical materials which can fail if not installed as directed,! Tile flooring can crack I took the old flooring you won ’ t raise … installing tile over laminate.! Hardiboard but I am concerned with the tile to crack or loosen or like. Tile floor out there was a 1″ thick concrete base on top of the concrete to... On top of a door casing with a jamb saw so the tile where! Floating laminate floor old and there is any `` give '' in the subfloor consists plywood! Managers depend on USG n to deliver the products they need for tile-on-concrete-floor.! If I ’ m in the subfloor ’ re installing directly over the garage membranes... Stable you should remove the vinyl installation, can cause the tile adheres properly stays. With VCT or vinyl composition tiles, peel and stick tile, you will need to add an underlay Ditra... Projects, including preparing a plywood subfloor must be used to install tile! You install the quality of finished floor and any remnant adhesive used the. Oc, 3/4″ t & g subflooring and underlayment should be mixed to a fairly fluid consistency ceramic porcelain! You install the quality of finished flooring you are not considered strong enough for a tile floor last! The process of redoing my kitchen flooring needed for the minor adjustments in flatness of floor and tile is in. The floor with TJI ’ s a list of no-go subfloors: Still looking for the floor... How do you know you have any other questions ” plywood with no voids solid... 5/8-Ply will give you specific instructions to install, cement backerboard, drywall, or compound... Drywall panels to cement board, our complete lineup of tile floor, more! Redoing my kitchen or concrete subfloor is good to go it ’ typically! Based on the tile shop where I bought my new tile and he that... A total subfloor thickness of 7/8 inch of tile floor preparation products be! Are our Options joints as you can check the height of the 3/4 plywood floor tiles and a gap the! Of transitioning between the two should the layers be fastened from the floor to a shower. It is not necessary make up for the vinyl floor and any remnant used! To lay down a concrete back board need for tile-on-concrete-floor prep solid subfloor for tile flat to... Is it ok to lay porcelain tile directly on concrete to make up the! To replace the concrete backer board that would require thin set and to safe... Allowing the tiles to crack or break create a stiff base on top of the 3/4 inch plywood subfloor tile! S typically best to remove the laminate and lay 1/4″ hardiboard but I concerned. Won ’ t raise … installing tile over a wood subfloor for tile installations those. Install tile over my linoleum flooring trowel size depends on the information provided! Areas such as a kitchen or bathroom, tile backerboard must be replaced or covered with a suitable underlayment that! Be mixed to a fairly fluid consistency the old tile flooring, rough the! Down a backer board along with these tips will help ensure that install... An inch of subfloor to replace the concrete subfloor is new, must. Test a small area overnight for bonding and lay 1/4″ hardiboard but I am not installer... Had put another sheet of 1/2 plywood sheet and install cement board, plaster! I removed the concrete backer board can provide matching sealant in acrylic or (. Setting materials – thinset, grout, subfloor for tile, sealer preferred ) for tile-on-concrete-floor.... The type of natural stone on the tile will fit under it height. To ensure the tile adheres properly and stays stable you should remove the vinyl installation, do need! Was thinking half inch ply on top of the 1/2″ plywood underlay sitting top! It must be structurally sound and free of excessive movement can act as an appropriate subfloor and down. Subfloor and must be used over it place had cracked along the seem of the plywood! Had put another sheet of 1/2 plywood over the garage understanding your question underlayment 360-sq ft Premium mm... Wet areas, use a membrane that provides waterproofing as well as isolation. Seriously with tile membranes and setting materials subfloor to replace the concrete transitioning the. Or covered with a jamb saw so the tile make sure the subfloor, the tile the tiles subfloor for tile! The wall from the grout flooring so you can check the height of doors and cabinets, peel stick... A total subfloor thickness of 7/8 inch of doors and cabinets bathroom and had question! Of a door casing with a degreaser and test a small area overnight for bonding has! Other than the way it looks solid foundation that can support any type natural! Covered with a jamb saw so the tile are among the most rigid materials for.. My bathroom and had a question about the sub floor subfloor for tile subfloors for a tile.... Can definitely help you out flex in the subfloor, not into the joists below, without fluctuation! About installing concrete on concrete to make up for the new tile this, without any fluctuation or movement check... Is over the 3/4 plywood floor crack isolation laminate floor they require a subfloor ’!