How To Lay Ceramic Tiles On Floorboards

In today s post we re taking you through everything you need to know about laying tiles on floorboards so you can ensure a smooth durable and crack free finish.

How to lay ceramic tiles on floorboards.

Covering floorboards with ceramic tile is like covering any other type of flooring except for the floor preparation. Tiling floorboards with wood effect tiles offers a variety of benefits over natural wood including being more durable and easier to maintain and keep clean. 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.

Backerboard does not shrink or expand when it comes into contact with water mortar and grout both contain water. Installing over wood. As well as regular upkeep wood flooring often needs annual sanding and re sealing to maintain its quality. The safest most prudent course is to install tile on top of a cement backerboard such as durock wonderboard or hardiebacker.

When you re ready to lay the tile you ll need to start from the exact center of the floor and lay the tile in lines toward either wall leaving a small space between each tile. For older homes that have old floorboards laying carpet or tiles over the floorboards is a popular solution for creating a fresh. In most circumstances porcelain and ceramic tiles just need regular cleaning. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches.

If you have items in the way like radiator pipes or bath pipes you ll need to drill holes in those tiles ahead of time so they can fit in place. 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. It s a common misconception that tiles and floorboards don t mix and while they might not be the best of pals with a little diy know how they can get along harmoniously. Cement backerboard is made for tiling.

October 24th 2018 by simon. With any home renovation updating the flooring is always a consideration. It is important to start with a clean level surface. Laying tile over a plywood subfloor can be tricky but if you prepare the sub floor properly your tile floor will last for a lifetime.

Plywood substrate alternatives. Install ceramic tile over a subfloor that s no less than 1 1 8 inches thick. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of.