How To Install Ceramic Tile Floor On Cement

If you take the time to level the floor install a membrane and layout your tile properly you can improve the look of a concrete floor within a week.

How to install ceramic tile floor on cement.

Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment such as plywood. The next step is to apply a concrete sealer on the floor surface. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches.

Before you lay any sort of tile whether it is stone ceramic or peel and stick vinyl you must prepare your concrete floor to ensure that the tiles will go down properly and stay where they re. Installing tile directly on concrete. Once a tile is set try to avoid touching it again. Installing over wood.

As you move on to the subsequent rows use the spacers to keep your pattern square. Ceramic and porcelain tile are so frequently installed at or above grade level on a cement board underlayment or directly on plywood that it almost seems novel to install tile directly on concrete. 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. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile.

Install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions. Yet this application does make sense since concrete is heavy solid and is typically thought of as an unbending uncompromising material. Lay the tiles into the mortar and using the spacers make sure you are running even with the chalk line. Step 3 plan your layout.

Steps part 1 of 4. A concrete sealer prevents moisture from staying underneath the ceramic tiles. 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. This is an optional step but can really benefit your tile installation in the long run.