How To Install Ceramic Tiles On Plywood

A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches.

How to install ceramic tiles on plywood. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. Here are the basics of how to install bathroom tile on plywood. Start by measuring the room. 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.

We have our large kitchen and hallway that was originally covered by 12 x 12 ceramic tiles on top of 3 8th inch plywood. Step 1 measure. Cement backerboard is made for tiling. Install ceramic tile over a subfloor that s no less than 1 1 8 inches thick.

A poor ceramic installation will delaminate from the subfloor split at the grout lines or worse crack directly across the tile. Laying tile over a plywood subfloor can be a bit tricky but if you take the time to prepare the sub floor properly you can enjoy a new tile floor that will last for a lifetime. Plywood substrate alternatives. Get the dimensions of the room and then multiply them to get the square.

This process is not complicated but you will need to be willing to do some work. To install bathroom tile over plywood you ll have to follow a series of steps. The safest most prudent course is to install tile on top of a cement backerboard such as durock wonderboard or hardiebacker. 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.

Backerboard does not shrink or expand when it comes into contact with water mortar and grout both contain water. The floor tiles became loose cracked and ugly looking over about 2 decades of use. Now the entire flooring of ceramic tiles needs to be torn out and replaced.