How To Install Ceramic Tile Floor On Cement

Steps part 1 of 4.

How to install ceramic tile floor on cement.

Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment such as plywood. For ceramic tile floors the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor minimum 5 8 inch thick exterior grade plywood or osb if new ceramic tile is being laid on an existing floor the cement board can usually be laid right over the existing floor finish provided it is in good shape and the extra floor thickness is not a problem. This is an optional step but can really benefit your tile installation in the long run. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking.

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. As you move on to the subsequent rows use the spacers to keep your pattern square. Ceramic and porcelain tile are so frequently installed at or above grade level on a cement board underlayment or directly on plywood that it almost seems novel to install tile directly on concrete. A concrete sealer prevents moisture from staying underneath the ceramic tiles.

A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. Step 3 plan your layout. If you take the time to level the floor install a membrane and layout your tile properly you can improve the look of a concrete floor within a week.

Once a tile is set try to avoid touching it again. Installing over wood. Installing tile directly on concrete. Yet this application does make sense since concrete is heavy solid and is typically thought of as an unbending uncompromising material.

The next step is to apply a concrete sealer on the floor surface. It will also provide a stronger adhesion between mortar and concrete. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. To install ceramic tile over wood the wood surface must be structurally sound enough to support the weight of the tile.