How To Install Ceramic Tile Floor Over Plywood

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.

How to install ceramic tile floor over plywood.

Tile floors are an attractive functional option for kitchens bathrooms laundry rooms and entryways. A number of different types of substrate are used for tile including plywood. But a number of precautions must be taken to ensure a successful installation. Installing a tile floor in any of these rooms will give you an easy to clean waterproof floor that holds up against weather and wear.

The plywood will expand and contract at a different rate as the tile causing cracks to develop in the grout lines or tiles over time. As the plywood or osb expands the ceramic won t. No matter how firm the subfloor. While most floor tile these days is installed onto a layer of cement board or similar backerboard it is possible to lay tile directly over plywood.

If your tile floors are worn or chipped or you re simply ready for an upgrade follow this guide to learn how to install a tile floor yourself. Laying tile over a plywood subfloor can be a bit tricky but if you take the time to prepare the sub floor properly you can enjoy a new tile floor that will last for a lifetime. Regular seasonal humidity shifts are significant enough to make the average 10 x 10 wood subfloor floor expand or contract as much as 1 2. To install ceramic tile over wood the wood surface must be structurally sound enough to support the weight of the tile.

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. This guide will show you how to prepare your subfloor for a tile installation project to ensure that it s fit to support ceramic or porcelain tile. Plywood and osb expand and contract with humidity and temperature much more than ceramic tile. Installing over wood.