How To Install Subfloor Porcelain Floor 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.

How to install subfloor porcelain floor tile.

A number of different types of substrate are used for tile including plywood. First changes in humidity make solid wood shrink swell and cup more than plywood. Always follow the manufacturer s installation. 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.

I m often asked by homeowners if it s possible to lay down new tile over an existing tile floor. 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. Planning and patience along with these tips will help ensure that you install the quality of finished flooring you are looking for. But a number of precautions must be taken to ensure a successful 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. You ll see how to complete each step and work the required tools such as trowels manual snap cutter wet saw and tile nipper. 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. Installing ceramic floor tile to a plywood sub floor has unique challenges beyond that of installation on a concrete floor.

Plywood or osb flakeboard can expand and contract at too high a rate to be a stable foundation for tile.