Tile for bathroom floor?

Question

I took off all the old flooring in the bathroom and whats left is wood (plywood), can I tile directly onto the plywood or do I need to set something down first?

Answer 1

You need to make sure that the floor is a flat plane. The way we did this when we tiled the kitchen was to take a 4 ft level (Knew it was a straight edge) and then put it on several places along the floor (moving it along) to see if there were dips or uneven places. If there are only a couple small areas you can use a self leveler to "patch" the area... follow the directions, but we found that it would take a couple of applications to make it perfect. If it is really bad then you should replace the subfloor.

We also used this product to put tile on the floor and it worked out nicely.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mireille/495505469/in/set-72157600208692584/

Answer 2

That is a two part question. Can you? yes
Do you want to? No
The reason for this is is yes the tile adhesive will bond to plywood and the grout will set however walking on and prolonged moisture will cause the boards to expand and contract and will result in cracking.

Cement Board is the preferred underlayment to tile floor it will not flex or expand as much when applied. Thickness of cement board is really up to you. Home Improvement stores carry atleast two sizes 1/2" and I believe 3/4" (dont quote me on size).
Placing cement board is real easy. If you have square footage of the room. And cut witha saw to exact size. Use Tap screws and and cement board filler. One reminder is your floor height will be affected for flooring coming into the room.

Answer 3

Sure you can. Go to any reputable tile company. They should be able to supply and tell you to...
1st apply a flexible rapid set adhesive...
2nd then place on top a fiberglass mesh (this giving strength). pushing this onto the adhesive using the flat edge of the tool used to put the adhesive down.( doing a small area at a time and working your way to the door )
Once the adhesive is set, you again put another layer of adehsive down and your tiles. When set you can grout :-)
This system will give you flex and strength so that you tiles will not move and crack, and raise the floor not much thicker the your chosen tiles.
HAPPY TILING :-))

Answer 4

i could advise paying a contractor simply by fact there are a number of stuff that would bypass incorrect. ...sub floor has bounce, so tiles do no longer stay down, grout cracks, putting a rest room over tiles (you may desire to enhance the bathroom, and reset it after the tiles are laid. you will additionally might desire to diminish the tiles around the ABS and which would be somewhat complicated too.) then the bathroom can nonetheless leak inflicting injury. yet once you're a superb DIYer, then bypass to domicile Depot or Rona and take a seminar.

Answer 5

I agree with answer 1 in that a concrete backer board would be OK. Brand/Trade name is your choice.

To more directly answer your Q however..."YES"

After installing multiple thousands of sq. ft. of tile, some in my own home, Plywood; if stable; will hold mortar. The issue is in the fact that backer board is more textured, with minor holes/pits/ voids; allowing the mortar more GRIP area.

The cutting and installation of backer board are not extremely labor intensive, and even 1/4 inch; well secured will benefit you.

In my jobs experience I most often remove any cove base to replace after the fact. The backer board/mortar and tile, will lessen the floor to ceiling height by approx. 3/4 inch.

Steven Wolf

Above I mentioned "Stable" certainly the sub/substrate (PLY) should be stable before installing backer board.

Answer 6

Best bet would be to put a layer of 1/4" cement board down first, then apply the tile with thin set mortar. Hardy Backer seems easier to cut than Wonder Board.

Answer 7

you can put tile directly on top of plywood if you use flexibond mortar and a flexable grout. check your local home supply store for these materials . if not you will need a cement backerboard sold also at home supply stores.

Answer 8

Hi, here is a site on bathroom renovations that helped me, it may help you as well, good luck!

http://www.bathroomvanitiescurtains.com/bathroom-showers.html