Can I put ceramic tile directly on 5/8 inch plywood on my kitchen floor?

Question

My house is 16 years old and kitchen floor seems to be solid. If I try to pull plywood, I have to cut plywood around cabinets. If I put tile backboard on top of it, it will raise the floor at least 1/2 inch. So I plan to put ceramic tile directly on top of plywood. Has anyone done this before?

Answer 1

Hi,

I have torn out many tile floors that were done over plywood. It works for a short while but will not last long. Please do anything except putting tile on plywood!

Can you remove the cabinets to redo the floor?

I have done many kitchens by putting 1/4 inch backer board over solid floors and the only real problem with it is at the built in dishwasher. If you tile around it in the front then removing the washer to replace or repair it is a problem. Check to see how your counter top is attached and if you can raise it enough to remove the dishwasher if needed.

Keep in mind that a tile floor is NOT water proof. Moisture can over time seep through the grout lines and wet what ever is under it. If it is wood, it will rot, mold and the tile will come loose.

If you do decide to go ahead and just put the tile on the plywood, check with Lowes or Home depot for the proper type of thinset.
I forget the name of the product but there is a real expensive type of thinset that is designed to have extra holding power and is supposed to be waterproof. There is also an additive to put in the thinset to help it hold tighter. Be very sure to put sealer on the grout lines and do it again after a few weeks. Keep it sealed good.

Good Luck,

Bob

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can I put ceramic tile directly on 5/8 inch plywood on my kitchen floor?
My house is 16 years old and kitchen floor seems to be solid. If I try to pull plywood, I have to cut plywood around cabinets. If I put tile backboard on top of it, it will raise the floor at least 1/2 inch. So I plan to put ceramic tile directly on top of plywood. Has anyone done this before?

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Laying Tile On Plywood

Answer 5

You need a very stiff underfloor for ceramic tile or you will get cracks in the tile or grout. My neighbor had something similar to what you are talking about. In about 6 months there was a crack running all the way across the room. It followed the seams in the plywood.

I would not do anything less than two ply with the seams staggered. The top layer probably should be cement backer board.

Answer 6

YES!
As long as the plywood is in good shape without any raised spots/delamination. If any, can be floated within reason.

Be certain that the plywood is anchored securely. Screws are best and sunk a bit.. Nails can pop.
5/8 plywood does not move/contract and expand as stripwood floors. For stripwood there is proper underlayment.
I hope you understand to begin at CENTER!
You may contact me.

Answer 7

Don't do it! Go to a home renovation center and get some flexible covering (it's bright orange). Thinset this down, then apply your tiles. Applying tiles directly to the wood without any sort of flexible barrier and you run the risk of tiles cracking, breaking or lifting. No matter how solid your floor feels to you, it will flex. Better to spend a little more $$$ that to have to redo your floor in a year or so.

Answer 8

You should really put a piece of 1/4" plywood underneath the tile. The actual subfloor needs to be able to move freely. When placing tile and grout on it, it will not be able to move and it may end up cracking your tile.

Answer 9

Any flexing will cause the floor to fail. If the plywood you install flexes even slightly, you should look for another option.

Answer 10

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