Tile Over Cement Board Floor

Install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions.

Tile over cement board floor. They also require a 3 4 inch subfloor where tile size exceeds 12 inches. The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn t break down or expand or warp if it gets wet. Installing over wood. I know it seems like a smooth surface and it seems like it may fix some of the issues with the concrete floor but don t do it.

Concrete is usually a good subfloor on which to install ceramic tile. Step 1 measure the area. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. 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.

To install cement board on floors cement board manufacturers mandate a 5 8 inch plywood subfloor or osb underlayment. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. It has to be rock solid before you lay the 1 2 in. This guide will teach you how to properly lay cement backerboard and use mortar to secure and level your subfloor before installing tile.

5 steps to a sound ceramic floor. Here are the basics of how to install tile over cement board. Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations but particularly for floor tile. Prepare a solid squeak free subfloor one of the keys to a long lasting tile installation is the underlying subfloor.

Cement board also provides an additional layer over a plywood or particleboard subfloor adding stiffness to the tile. For ceramic tile floors the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor minimum 5 8 inch thick exterior grade plywood or osb if new ceramic tile is being laid on an existing floor the cement board can usually be laid right over the existing floor finish provided it is in good shape and the extra floor thickness is not a problem. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Installing cement board over a concrete subfloor.

However a homeowner may need to raise the floor slightly before installing tile and lack the experience or time to install a mortar bed. This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall. Once the cement board is in place you are ready to install the tile. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water.

Placing cement boards over the concrete subfloor is an excellent way to create a solid and smooth subfloor. Manufacturers also recommend bonding cement board to floors with a 1 4 inch polymer modified thinset coating. In order to install tile over a wood floor you will need to cover it with cement board.