Adhesive for tiling entryway w/porcelain tile?

Question

I,am about to start a tiling project using porcelain tile and was wondering if there is a special thinset I need to use in order to tile porcelain. I currently have a vinyl sheet flooring which has plywood underneath and was wondering if i could apply the thinset directly over the vinyl floor or if its better to apply it to the plywood itself in order to attach backerboard or do I even need to apply backboard and should I just tile over the vinyl flooring or plywood. I would like to use a premixed thinset if possible. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Answer 1

Ask the supplier. Different tiles require different adhevsives, as well as different underlayments.

You may have to not only rip up the vinyl, but install concrete board underneath for strength.

If so, I would also recommend that you both glue AND screw down the board for stability and to prevent squeaks.

Good luck, we've done it twice, and it can be quite a job, but the results sure are worth it.

Answer 2

This can be done but, the big but.....the floor, the existing floor has to be super clean. Go to Home Depot and get a gallon of "Armstrong: Latex primer. As I said, clean the floor real good, make sure there are no dips that are sharp or humps that are sharp. No grains of sand, these will look like mountains under the new tile, it's best to do this in stocking feet. Always checking for dirt and brushing all the time. Do not put the new tile over the same line but cross them. Before you start, put a good layer of primer down with a roller and wait for it to dry completely. If there's spaces between the old tile that are quite far apart, I have used a filler to fill these.

Answer 3

You need to install hardboard to the plywood flooring. The hardboard is necessary or the tile and grout will break.