How do I prepare a concrete floor in poor condition for tile? I was hoping to put in 20 inch tile.?

Question

This was an addition done 20-30 years ago. The concrete was never given a proper 'finish' and it's dusty, chipped and not level in areas. The "levelers" sold at Home Depot are not all the same. Some are only good to 1/8 inch which doesn't work for me. I've been told I can have more concrete poured on top but it has to be 6 inches thick. Having it 'leveled' by professionals would cost a couple thousand dollars that I don't have. Is this a DIY project or should I go shopping for carpet? If I do end up with carpet, what do I do about the dust from the concrete? I'm afraid it will just work its way up into the carpet.

Answer 1

I had the same question so I called the Portland cement people. It does not have to be 6inch's thick, mine is on;y 1 1/4 inches, use type r or type s cement, clear the area really clear of dust, wet the old cement , the mix the cement with 1/3 sand, and pour, call the Portland cement co. they have a 800 number. We are diy 1200 sf of italian tile, don't settle for carpet. You can do it

Answer 2

I don;t know who told you 6" but they must have been thinking of something else. As an earlier poster stated, you can install it thinner that that. Two inches is usually the thinnest that most people would want to install it but they stated they went down to an inch and a half.

That is OK IF it is all an inch and a half. You sound like you will feather though. That means it will feather out to ZERO inches at places where it is level and get thicker where it is low. Portland cement grout is NOT A GOOD solution for this.

An acrylic solution like you saw at Lowes is better. You can 'build' most of those up to 1/2" by installing multiple layers.

As an alternative, if it is feasible. You could raise the entire elevation making sure the thinnest portion would be about 1-1/2" with a portland cement grout product.

Otherwise, your best bet will be to stay with a 'leveler' product. There are many companies that specialize in this type work. Check your yellow pages for companies specializing in "coatings".

Best of luck.

Answer 3

1) remove dust by brooming;
2) chip off old concrete using an old axe to somehow expose remove dusted portion of concrete;
3) wash with water and let dry;
4) apply thin layer of tile adhesive (combed) over the area you want to tile;
5) apply thin layer of concrete-sand misture (1:2 ratio) to correct the level. put 6mm rebars to areas where thickness exceeds 2" at 300mm on centers/bothways;
6) you may apply your tiles eight hours after you laid your concrete.

notes:
a) combed tile adhesive will ensure bonding of your old and new concrete;
b) rebars will correct thermal expansion of concrete should there be any;
c) chipping and washing ensures bonding of your tile adhesive to old concrete.

Answer 4

You can level it yourself. Lowe's and Home Depot both have how too classes. If you still don't feel like it's a job you want to tackle then consider painting it. Quickcrete has a product that looks good and is durable.

Answer 5

u need to go to a tile store or lowes type store and ask for a product called " red dragon" sealer.....it is a red sealer that will prevent the concrete from cracking any more.....my tile installers and suppliers will not install on concrete unless this is used....

u paint it in one direction with a roller, let dry and paint over that at 45 deg...let dry and install tile.........

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 6

please don't get suckered into "classes" offered by home depot or any place like that. this is not a diy project. period. controling the dust however, is easy. vacuum as much as you can and buy a gallon of latex additive,( in the tile dept. usually), and apply it with a paint roller

Answer 7

NO. you need to get rid of the tiles first. Laying ceramic tiles over the vinyl will in easy words bring about them cracking. once you're having a troublesome time (been there, carried out that) eliminating the vinyl (linoleum), attempt making use of a few warmth. be careful no longer to overheat the tiles, they can provide off smoke and gas you is probably not respiration. otherwise, proceed chipping away on the vinyl till you've all of it off. believe me, you don't need to position the ceramic in easy words to ought to tug it up THEN pull up the vinyl, THEN placed all of it decrease backtrack. various wasted time and money. desire this enables. 'av'a g'day mate. '')