Inspect your subfloor and correct any dips, cracks or uneven places that will cause your tile to buckle or not install properly. If you have a plywood or OSB subfloor, install a water-resistant cement backer board as your underlayment. Concrete subfloors typically don't require backer board.
You can't, however, lay tiles directly over wooden floorboards, as the flexibility of floorboards makes them susceptible to movement, which could cause tiles and grout to crack and break. There is no need to concrete over the boards or rip them up before tiling, however, you will need to use plywood or backer boards.
Tile is best laid over a cement based underlayment. Concrete board or ``Hardy Backer'' is a good choice. This underlayment should be screwed down and screw indents filled with leveler or embossing compound.
To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.
You can fix tiles to concrete, wooden floorboards (provided you use an ultra-flexible adhesive) and even on existing floor tiles, but you must make sure the surface is in good condition and correctly prepared. It needs to be even, flat, dry and free from damp, and the correct adhesive must be used.
A cement board is often the best choice due to its robust moisture resistance and ability to support the weight of the tiles. This foundational layer is key to preventing water seepage that could otherwise lead to mould growth and structural issues.
The golden rule when installing tiles is install on a concrete floor where possible and always ensure it's level by applying a levelling compound beforehand – watch this video to find out exactly how.
Install an intervening sheet of thinner plywood on top of the subfloor plywood. Do not install tile directly on the plywood subfloor itself.
Cleaning Other Types of Tile Flooring
Avoid cleaning products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acidic substances. Do not use vinegar or chemicals on granite or marble tile floors.
The distinguishing feature of DITRA is the existence of free space created by the configured channels on the underside of the matting. The free space provides an escape route for excess moisture and vapor that could otherwise cause damage to the tile layer above.
Inspect your subfloor and correct any dips, cracks or uneven places that will cause your tile to buckle or not install properly. If you have a plywood or OSB subfloor, install a water-resistant cement backer board as your underlayment. Concrete subfloors typically don't require backer board.
Can you tile on plywood? Yes, but various considerations need to be made first. If the floor consists of sheets that do not support each other, it is necessary to ensure that each edge is fully supported underneath.
Tile over a self-leveled subfloor? Yes you can, according to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA)! Make sure you install an uncoupling membrane underneath your tiles to counteract any movement in the floor.
Backer board is the most favored tile underlayment option when installing ceramic or porcelain tile. It comes in rigid panels that contain a blend of cement, fiberglass, and sometimes crushed glass particles.
A well-prepared floor provides a level and stable surface for your tiles, preventing cracks or shifts over time. It also guards against moisture damage, a common cause of mould and mildew growth. Before starting the tiling process, it's crucial to thoroughly clean the floor and check for uneven areas or cracks.
Thinset (also called thinset mortar, thinset cement, dryset mortar, or drybond mortar) is an adhesive mortar made of cement, fine sand and a water-retaining agent such as an alkyl derivative of cellulose. It is usually used to attach tile or stone to surfaces such as cement or concrete.
Starting at one point on the baseline, measure and mark 3 feet (or another unit) along it. From that same starting point, measure 4 feet perpendicular to the baseline and mark this point as well. Measure between the two points you just marked. If the distance is 5 feet, your lines form a perfect 90-degree angle.
Blanks: The two blank tiles may be used as any letters. When playing a blank, you must state which letter it represents. It remains that letter for the rest of the game.
“The 1/3 offset tile pattern is installed where the edge of the tile is shifted by a third in each row, rather than a half, which is found in a traditional brick lay pattern,” Becca says.
Plywood may be the more budget-friendly option, but it is less moisture-resistant and stable than cement board. Cement board is better for areas with movement, water exposure, and subfloor imperfections, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. But plywood is an acceptable choice if your subfloor is dry and stable.
Glass mat gypsum board is a better choice. Sheets of glass mat gypsum are made from water-resistant silicone-treated gypsum, reinforced on both sides by fiberglass mats. DensShield is one common brand. It is easier to cut than cement board, it is mold resistant, and it has a built-in moisture barrier.
Fiber Cement Board
Fiber board is recommended for floor tile installations as the make-up of the board helps adhesives to bond with the board itself. Fiber cement board is most commonly available in 1200×800 sized sheets and in 12mm and 6mm variants.