How To Install Ceramic Tile Under Plywood Subfloor

Use intervening layers of two sheets of plywood.

How to install ceramic tile under plywood subfloor.

Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. Lay the tile flat and then with mild pressure slide the tile 1 4 inch back against the thin set ridges then slide it back into place. Planning and patience along with these tips will help ensure that you install the quality of finished flooring you are looking for. Secondly i would never tile directly over the plywood as this video seems to imply is acceptable.

Bc plywood over the old subfloor using construction adhesive and driving 1 1 4 in. Install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions. You can have 5 8 osb and 19 2 oc joists and it still works. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking.

Mix your thinset according to the instructions on the bag. It should be completely covered with thin set. With the plywood in place install the backer board as you normally would. Need to install a subfloor.

Screws every 6 in. I ll either use 1 4 inch cement backerboard or a proprietary product like schluter ditra. While tile can be laid on plywood do not install tile directly onto the plywood subfloor itself. The coach demonstrates how to install a 3 8 plywood subfloor in a bathroom.

The plywood adds stiffness and stability to the floor. There are tile companies that actually use 3 4 exterior rated plywood as their standard substrate with a quality modified thinset. Add a layer of 1 2 in. Always follow the manufacturer s installation.

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. Put the first test tile onto the thin set bed. Once you have filled the space place the sheet down onto the thinset. If you want to know why it s because it pretty much doesn t matter what the subfloor is under that plywood.

In my experience tile applied directly to plywood will be a short lived installation and more likely to encourage rot in areas near a tub or shower. Pull the tile up and check the back of the tile.